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Dec 31, 2020

Saia Q4 2020 Earnings Report

Saia achieved record results in Q4 2020, driven by strong shipment growth and pricing actions.

Key Takeaways

Saia, Inc. reported record fourth-quarter results with a 7.5% increase in revenue to $476.5 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.51, compared to $0.81 in Q4 2019. The company's operating ratio improved to 89.4, and LTL shipments and tonnage per workday increased by 3.6% and 6.0%, respectively.

Revenue increased by 7.5% to $476.5 million.

Diluted earnings per share were $1.51, compared to $0.81 in Q4 2019.

Operating income increased by 84.6% to $50.6 million.

LTL revenue per shipment rose 3.5% to $246.88.

Total Revenue
$476M
Previous year: $443M
+7.5%
EPS
$1.51
Previous year: $0.74
+104.1%
LTL revenue/shipment
$247
Previous year: $238
+3.5%
LTL Shipments
1.86M
Previous year: 1.79M
+3.6%
LTL Tonnage
1.23M
Previous year: 1.16M
+5.9%
Gross Profit
$72.9M
Previous year: $53M
+37.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$25.3M
Previous year: $248K
+10104.8%
Free Cash Flow
$44.3M
Previous year: $23.1M
+91.8%
Total Assets
$1.55B
Previous year: $1.42B
+9.4%

Saia

Saia

Forward Guidance

Saia plans to continue focusing on network expansion and profitability initiatives in 2021. The company anticipates net capital expenditures of approximately $275 million and has one planned terminal opening for the first quarter.

Positive Outlook

  • Focus on network expansion to support future growth.
  • Commitment to continuing profitability initiatives.
  • Planned terminal opening in the first quarter.
  • Reviewing several other terminal opportunities.
  • Investing in the business to support employees and provide essential services.

Challenges Ahead

  • Inflationary cost pressures in the business, including wage increases.
  • Need to manage mix and pricing to cover cost pressures and improve margins.
  • Still operating in challenging conditions due to the "Covid" operating protocol.
  • Potential for increased severity of auto liability claims.
  • Uncertainty related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.