Saia (SAIA)
NASDAQIndustrialsTruckingSnapshot 2026-11-04
$361.72+2.42%
Close 2026-11-04 · 1-day change
NASDAQIndustrialsTruckingSnapshot 2026-11-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · SAIA
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within industrials on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-11-04.
The screen ranks SAIA against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 2 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Industrials names rated strong grew net income 68% of the time over the next year (vs 52% for the rest of the cohort, n=6978).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
These results reflect continued execution of our long-term strategy to build a leading national LTL carrier by expanding network reach and density, scaling the fleet and increasing our addressable ma…
Stated in 4 of 4 supplied quarters. Management reported: “These results reflect continued execution of our long-term strategy to build a leading national LTL carrier by expanding network reach and density, scaling the fleet and increasing our addressable market, leveraging technology and optimizing efficiency, all while delivering superior service and converting scale and customer value into profitable growth and higher returns.” “In June, we introduced our REV initiative, which marked another step toward improving customer experience through faster transit times, expanded capabilities and greater shipment visibility.” Revenue was $982.454 million in 2026-Q3.
“These results reflect continued execution of our long-term strategy to build a leading national LTL carrier by expanding network reach and density, scaling the fleet and increasing our addressable ma…”
“At Saia, we have positioned the company to support customers through the next phase of market recovery by expanding our terminal footprint, modernizing our growing fleet, and maintaining a discipline…”
“As we moved into 2026, we remain focused on serving our customers, enhancing operational efficiency and integrating our newer terminals into our national network.”
“Our record capital investments of more than $2.0 billion over the last three years have allowed us to rapidly expand our footprint in a short period of time, and I believe we're still in the early st…”
As the network matures, we remain focused on pricing and mix optimization, productivity, utilization and cost discipline.
Stated in 4 of 4 supplied quarters. Management reported: “Notably, we maintained a sequential operating ratio within 70 basis points of the second quarter, despite the historical pattern of approximately 150 to 200 basis points of deterioration from the second quarter to the third quarter, reflecting our continued focus on pricing, productivity, cost management and operational execution.” “As the network matures, we remain focused on pricing and mix optimization, productivity, utilization and cost discipline.” Operating income was $122.291 million in 2026-Q3.
As part of our ongoing capital allocation strategy, we are pleased to announce that our Board has authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of Saia common stock.
Stated in 1 of 4 supplied quarters. Management reported: “As part of our ongoing capital allocation strategy, we are pleased to announce that our Board has authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of Saia common stock.” “This new authorization provides an additional means of returning capital to stockholders when repurchases represent an attractive use of capital, subject to market conditions and our other investment priorities.”
We also remain committed to executing our disciplined capital allocation approach.
Stated in 4 of 4 supplied quarters. Management reported: “We also remain committed to executing our disciplined capital allocation approach.” “There are significant opportunities ahead, and reinvesting in the business and maintaining a strong balance sheet remain our top priorities, while a newly authorized share repurchase program provides additional flexibility to return excess capital to stockholders.” Operating income was $122.291 million in 2026-Q3.
Continue expanding terminal footprint and optimizing the national network to increase market share and improve operational efficiency.
Over the trailing year it converted 1.85x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Industrials names rated robust grew net income 59% of the time over the next year (vs 55% for the rest of the cohort, n=5006).
Most sensitive to the broad stock market and long-term interest rates.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
10 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by M&A activity. Historically, Industrials names rated stable grew net income 60% of the time over the next year (vs 56% for the rest of the cohort, n=6637).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-11-04.
“As the network matures, we remain focused on pricing and mix optimization, productivity, utilization and cost discipline.”
“Excluding linehaul drivers, headcount decreased 1.7% compared to the second quarter of 2025, reflecting our continued focus on cost management and maximizing workforce efficiency.”
“Our disciplined approach to cost management is reflected in our cost structure, and we remain vigilant about managing cost.”
“We accelerated our network optimization efforts that began in the first quarter of 2025 and are already seeing cost savings as a result.”
“As part of our ongoing capital allocation strategy, we are pleased to announce that our Board has authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million of Saia common stock.”
“We also remain committed to executing our disciplined capital allocation approach.”
“As we have highlighted over the last several years, we've been very intentional about making investments that support our value proposition.”
“This investment is a clear signal of our commitment to customers, and we believe we're still in the early stages of fully realizing the benefits of these investments, which we expect will generate su…”
“Our emphasis through 2026 will be an intense focus on ensuring that we see a return on these investments.”