•
Mar 31, 2024

Saia Q1 2024 Earnings Report

Saia's first quarter 2024 results showed revenue growth and improved operational efficiency.

Key Takeaways

Saia, Inc. reported a 14.3% increase in revenue to $754.8 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.38 for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $2.85 in the first quarter of 2023. The company's operating ratio improved to 84.4% from 85.0% in the prior year, driven by growth in LTL shipments and tonnage.

Revenue increased by 14.3% to $754.8 million.

Operating income increased by 18.9% to $117.9 million.

Diluted earnings per share increased to $3.38 from $2.85.

LTL shipments per workday increased by 15.7%.

Total Revenue
$755M
Previous year: $661M
+14.3%
EPS
$3.38
Previous year: $2.85
+18.6%
LTL revenue/shipment
$350
Previous year: $354
-1.2%
LTL Shipments
2.11M
Previous year: 1.82M
+15.7%
LTL Tonnage
1.39M
Previous year: 1.31M
+6.2%
Gross Profit
$118M
Previous year: $130M
-9.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$12.3M
Previous year: $166M
-92.6%
Free Cash Flow
-$351M
Previous year: -$9.15M
+3734.8%
Total Assets
$2.77B
Previous year: $2.24B
+23.3%

Saia

Saia

Forward Guidance

Saia anticipates net capital expenditures of approximately $1 billion in 2024, subject to ongoing evaluation of market conditions. The company plans to open 15-20 new terminals and has already taken delivery of over 2,000 trailers, 400 tractors, and 400 forklifts.

Positive Outlook

  • Continued focus on customer service metrics.
  • Planned investment in fleet growth and modernization.
  • Significant investments in real estate and equipment.
  • Customers see value in our product and support our growth initiatives.
  • Financial position allows flexibility.

Challenges Ahead

  • Winter weather impacted operations in the first months of the quarter.
  • March trends improved a bit from February, but we did not experience the expected seasonal step-up.
  • Volume being below our expectations late in the quarter.
  • Net capital expenditures will be approximately $1 billion, subject to ongoing evaluation of market conditions.
  • Subject to a number of important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements.