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Saia Inc. (SAIA) Fundamental Analysis & AI Grade 2026

SAIA Nasdaq Trucking (No Local) DE CIK: 0001177702
Updated This Month • Analysis: May 6, 2026 • SEC Data: 2026-03-31
Combined AI Grade
B
68% Confidence
N/A
B
68% Conf
Pending
Analysis scheduled

📊 SAIA Key Takeaways

Revenue: $806.2M
Net Margin: 6.2%
Free Cash Flow: $73.5M
Current Ratio: 1.52x
Debt/Equity: 0.04x
EPS: $1.86
AI Grade: B with 68% confidence
Saia Inc. (SAIA) receives a B fundamental grade with 68% confidence from our AI analysis based on SEC 10-K filings. With revenue of $806.2M, net profit margin of 6.2%, and return on equity (ROE) of 1.9%, Saia Inc. demonstrates mixed fundamentals in the Automotive sector. Below is our complete SAIA stock analysis for 2026.

Is Saia Inc. (SAIA) a Good Investment?

Claude

SAIA demonstrates strong financial stability with robust free cash flow generation ($73.5M) and a fortress balance sheet (Debt/Equity 0.04x, Interest Coverage 26.0x), but faces fundamental headwinds with flat revenue growth, weak capital returns (ROE 1.9%, ROA 1.4%), and declining EPS (-29.5% YoY) despite stable net income. The company generates quality cash but lacks growth momentum and struggles to deploy capital efficiently.

Saia Inc. Key Strengths (SAIA)

Claude
  • + Excellent balance sheet strength with minimal leverage and 26.0x interest coverage ratio
  • + Solid free cash flow generation of $73.5M with 9.1% FCF margin, enabling capital allocation flexibility
  • + Operating cash flow of $139.6M significantly exceeds net income, indicating quality earnings and low capital requirements
  • + Adequate liquidity with 1.52x current ratio and quick ratio, supporting operational stability

SAIA Stock Risks: Saia Inc. Investment Risks

Claude
  • ! Zero revenue growth (0.0% YoY) signals market stagnation or competitive pressures in trucking sector
  • ! Severely depressed returns on capital (ROE 1.9%, ROA 1.4%) indicate poor efficiency in deploying shareholders' capital
  • ! EPS declining 29.5% YoY despite flat net income suggests share dilution or prior period comparison issues
  • ! Low cash position ($39.2M = 4.9% of annual revenue) limits flexibility for downturns in capital-intensive trucking industry

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Revenue growth trajectory - need evidence of demand recovery to justify capital allocation
  • * Operating margin stability - monitor for pricing power and cost management amid flat volumes
  • * Return on equity improvement - track whether management can generate better returns on the $2.6B equity base
  • * Free cash flow sustainability - ensure cash generation continues given CapEx intensity
  • * Debt levels and leverage ratio - watch for any balance sheet deterioration in a cyclical industry

Saia Inc. (SAIA) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios

Revenue
$806.2M
Net Income
$49.9M
EPS (Diluted)
$1.86
Free Cash Flow
$73.5M
Total Assets
$3.6B
Cash Position
$39.2M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

Saia Inc. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.

SAIA Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis

Gross Margin N/A
Operating Margin 8.3%
Net Margin 6.2%
ROE 1.9%
ROA 1.4%
FCF Margin 9.1%

SAIA vs Automotive Sector: How Saia Inc. Compares

How Saia Inc. compares to Automotive sector averages

Net Margin
SAIA 6.2%
vs
Sector Avg 6.0%
SAIA Sector
ROE
SAIA 1.9%
vs
Sector Avg 12.0%
SAIA Sector
Current Ratio
SAIA 1.5x
vs
Sector Avg 1.2x
SAIA Sector
Debt/Equity
SAIA 0.0x
vs
Sector Avg 1.0x
SAIA Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is Saia Inc. Stock Overvalued? SAIA Valuation Analysis 2026

Based on fundamental analysis, Saia Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Automotive sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
1.9%
Sector avg: 12%
Net Profit Margin
6.2%
Sector avg: 6%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
0.04x
Sector avg: 1x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

Saia Inc. Balance Sheet: SAIA Debt, Cash & Liquidity

Current Ratio
1.52x
Quick Ratio
1.52x
Debt/Equity
0.04x
Debt/Assets
0.0%
Interest Coverage
25.95x
Long-term Debt
$112.0M

SAIA Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend

SAIA 5-year financial data: Year 2021: Revenue $2.3B, Net Income $113.7M, EPS $4.30. Year 2022: Revenue $2.8B, Net Income $138.3M, EPS $5.20. Year 2023: Revenue $2.9B, Net Income $253.2M, EPS $9.48. Year 2024: Revenue $3.2B, Net Income $357.4M, EPS $13.40. Year 2025: Revenue $3.2B, Net Income $354.9M, EPS $13.26.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Saia Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 41% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $13.26 reflects profitable operations.

SAIA Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
9.1%
Free cash flow / Revenue

SAIA Quarterly Earnings & Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for Saia Inc. including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q1 2026 $787.6M $49.8M $1.86
Q3 2025 $839.6M $49.8M $3.22
Q2 2025 $817.1M $49.8M $2.67
Q1 2025 $754.8M $49.8M $1.86
Q3 2024 $775.1M $76.1M $3.46
Q2 2024 $694.6M $76.1M $3.42
Q1 2024 $660.5M $76.1M $2.85
Q3 2023 $729.6M $76.1M $3.67

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

Saia Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$139.6M
Cash generated from operations
Capital Expenditures
$66.1M
Investment in assets
Dividends
None
No dividend program

SAIA SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Saia Inc. (CIK: 0001177702)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
May 21, 2026 4 xslF345X06/primarydocument.xml View →
May 15, 2026 4 xslF345X06/primarydocument.xml View →
May 13, 2026 4 xslF345X06/primarydocument.xml View →
May 6, 2026 8-K saia-20260430.htm View →
May 6, 2026 4 xslF345X06/primarydocument.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about SAIA

What is the AI rating for SAIA?

Saia Inc. (SAIA) has an AI grade of B with 68% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are SAIA's key strengths?

Claude: Excellent balance sheet strength with minimal leverage and 26.0x interest coverage ratio. Solid free cash flow generation of $73.5M with 9.1% FCF margin, enabling capital allocation flexibility.

What are the risks of investing in SAIA?

Claude: Zero revenue growth (0.0% YoY) signals market stagnation or competitive pressures in trucking sector. Severely depressed returns on capital (ROE 1.9%, ROA 1.4%) indicate poor efficiency in deploying shareholders' capital.

What is SAIA's revenue and growth?

Saia Inc. reported revenue of $806.2M.

Does SAIA pay dividends?

Saia Inc. does not currently pay dividends.

Where can I find SAIA SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Saia Inc. (CIK: 0001177702) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is SAIA's EPS?

Saia Inc. has a diluted EPS of $1.86.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

What is SAIA's fundamental grade?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, Saia Inc. has a B grade with 68% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.

Is SAIA stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for SAIA: ROE of 1.9% (sector avg: 12%), net margin of 6.2% (sector avg: 6%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.

What is SAIA's AI grade for 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Saia Inc. a combined B grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is SAIA's free cash flow?

Saia Inc.'s operating cash flow is $139.6M, with capital expenditures of $66.1M. FCF margin is 9.1%.

How does SAIA compare to other Automotive stocks?

Vs Automotive sector averages: Net margin 6.2% (avg: 6%), ROE 1.9% (avg: 12%), current ratio 1.52 (avg: 1.2).

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Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: May 6, 2026 | Data as of: 2026-03-31 | Powered by Claude AI