| Metric | Value ($ M) | Q1 FY25 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 806.23 | 2.4% |
| Total Income | 806.23 | 2.4% |
| Expenditure | 739.42 | 3.1% |
| PBT | 65.04 | 0.8% |
| Net Profit | 49.87 | 0.1% |
| OPM | 8.29% | 0.62pp |
| NPM | 6.18% | 0.14pp |
| EPS | 1.86 | 0.0% |
Saia Reports Q1 2026 Revenue of $806.2 Million, Up 2.4% YoY
30 Apr 2026 · 30 Apr, 5:21 pm
Summary
Saia, Inc. achieved record first quarter 2026 revenue of $806.2 million, representing a 2.4% increase year-over-year, despite diluted earnings per share remaining flat at $1.86. Operating income saw a 4.8% decrease to $66.8 million, leading to a higher operating ratio of 91.7%. Management noted that volumes grew in March following a challenging start to the quarter, and expressed satisfaction with year-over-year improvements in core efficiency metrics and the team's commitment to customer service, as evidenced by a low claims ratio of 0.5%. The company also significantly improved its financial position by reducing total debt to $112.8 million from $295.5 million in the prior year.
Key Highlights
- 1
Saia, Inc. reported record first quarter 2026 revenue of $806.2 million, marking a 2.4% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025.
- 2
Diluted earnings per share remained flat at $1.86 for both the first quarter of 2026 and 2025.
- 3
Operating income for Q1 2026 decreased by 4.8% to $66.8 million, resulting in an operating ratio of 91.7% compared to 91.1% in the prior year.
- 4
LTL shipments per workday increased by 1.0%, while LTL tonnage per workday decreased by 2.1% in the first quarter of 2026.
- 5
The company ended Q1 2026 with $39.2 million of cash on hand and significantly reduced total debt to $112.8 million from $295.5 million at March 31, 2025.
- 6
Net capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2026 were $63.7 million, a substantial decrease from $202.1 million in Q1 2025, with full-year 2026 capital expenditures anticipated to be between $350 million and $400 million.
Management Comments
Fritz Holzgrefe
Our results reflected record first quarter revenue levels as customers increasingly continued to rely on our national network as volumes grew in March following a challenging January and February. As our national network continues to mature, I was pleased to see year-over-year improvements in our core efficiency metrics. We will continue to execute our long-term strategy of getting closer to the customer, providing a high level of service and driving price to compensate for the quality of service provided.
Matt Batteh
I was pleased with our team's ability to execute throughout the first quarter, especially in what was a highly dynamic operating environment. Our team's commitment to the customer remained paramount, evidenced by a first quarter claims ratio of 0.5%. Reinforced by our commitment to our customers, shipments grew in both legacy and ramping facilities compared to the prior year, and we remain excited about the further opportunities that a national network will provide.
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