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Dec 31, 2022

Saia Q4 2022 Earnings Report

Saia's Q4 2022 financial performance was impacted by slowing volumes, but revenue still grew due to solid pricing and increased fuel surcharge revenue.

Key Takeaways

Saia Inc. reported a 6.3% increase in revenue for Q4 2022, reaching $655.7 million, a new fourth quarter record. However, diluted earnings per share decreased to $2.65 compared to $2.76 in Q4 2021, and operating income also saw a decrease. The company's expansion efforts continue with a focus on enhancing customer service and extending its service offering.

Revenue increased by 6.3% to $655.7 million, a fourth quarter record.

Diluted earnings per share were $2.65, compared to $2.76 in Q4 2021.

Operating income decreased by 4.8% to $92.7 million.

LTL revenue per shipment rose 15.0% to $364.44.

Total Revenue
$656M
Previous year: $617M
+6.3%
EPS
$2.65
Previous year: $2.76
-4.0%
LTL revenue/shipment
$364
Previous year: $317
+15.0%
LTL Shipments
1.73M
Previous year: 1.89M
-8.2%
LTL Tonnage
1.24M
Previous year: 1.35M
-7.7%
Gross Profit
$123M
Previous year: $130M
-5.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$187M
Previous year: $107M
+75.8%
Free Cash Flow
$40.6M
Previous year: -$16M
-354.3%
Total Assets
$2.17B
Previous year: $1.85B
+17.9%

Saia

Saia

Forward Guidance

Saia plans a measured approach to expansion in 2023, with five terminal openings scheduled for the first half of the year and will be opportunistic with openings beyond those. Net capital expenditures are anticipated to be in excess of $400 million, subject to ongoing evaluation of market conditions.

Positive Outlook

  • Expansion efforts to enhance customer service.
  • Expansion efforts to extend high quality service offering into more communities.
  • Robust pipeline of more than 30 properties to support additional openings.
  • Strong balance sheet positions company well for cyclicality.
  • Ability to continue to invest in fleet, technology, properties and people.

Challenges Ahead

  • Slowing volumes throughout the quarter.
  • December tonnage per day was down 13.2%.
  • Inherent cyclicality in the industrial economy.
  • Ongoing evaluation of market conditions impacting capital expenditures.
  • Potential impact of market conditions on expansion plans.