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Sep 30, 2024

Saia Q3 2024 Earnings Report

Saia's Q3 2024 performance reflected revenue growth, offset by decreased operating income and a higher operating ratio, amidst strategic expansion.

Key Takeaways

Saia, Inc. reported an 8.6% increase in revenue to $842.1 million for Q3 2024. However, operating income decreased by 2.5% to $125.2 million, and the operating ratio increased to 85.1%. The company continued its footprint expansion, opening 11 new terminals and relocating one, with a focus on enhancing customer experience and expanding service coverage.

Revenue increased by 8.6% to $842.1 million compared to Q3 2023.

Operating income decreased by 2.5% to $125.2 million.

Diluted earnings per share were $3.46, compared to $3.67 in Q3 2023.

Opened 11 new terminals and relocated one, expanding direct service to all contiguous 48 states.

Total Revenue
$842M
Previous year: $775M
+8.6%
EPS
$3.46
Previous year: $3.67
-5.7%
LTL Shipments
2.38M
Previous year: 2.16M
+10.2%
LTL Tonnage
1.61M
Previous year: 1.47M
+9.4%
LTL pounds/shipment
1.35K
Gross Profit
$165M
Previous year: $164M
+0.7%
Cash and Equivalents
$14.4M
Previous year: $249M
-94.2%
Free Cash Flow
-$11.7M
Previous year: $11.4M
-202.7%
Total Assets
$3.08B
Previous year: $2.49B
+24.0%

Saia

Saia

Forward Guidance

Saia anticipates opening up to 3 additional new terminals in the fourth quarter, resulting in 21 new openings for the year. This investment aims to provide comprehensive national coverage and position the company for long-term success, despite some uncertainty in the forward outlook.

Positive Outlook

  • Continued investment in customer experience.
  • Expansion of addressable market for new and existing customers.
  • Enhanced service for both new and existing customers.
  • New terminal openings provide new solutions to customers.
  • Comprehensive national coverage for customers.

Challenges Ahead

  • Muted freight backdrop in the third quarter.
  • Mix headwinds compared to prior year.
  • Uncertainty in the forward outlook.
  • Increased operating ratio.
  • Decreased operating income.