Saia (SAIA) Stock Forecast & Price Target

Saia has demonstrated strong operational improvements, with volumes and margins increasing by over 100 basis points sequentially in the third quarter of 2025, leading to a collective operating ratio below 95 for the first time in its ramping facilities. The company's strategic freight mix adjustments have supported year-over-year volume growth despite a slowdown, while contract renewals have yielded an average growth rate exceeding 4%, indicating robust shipment demand. Additionally, Saia's consolidated operating ratio improved by 20 basis points compared to the previous quarter, underscoring effective cost management even amid rising expenses, alongside a notable capture of market share in the competitive LTL sector.

Saia has experienced a decline in headline revenue per hundredweight (CWT), decreasing 0.1% year-over-year, amidst challenges such as limited yield growth and an elevated operating ratio (OR) that has worsened by 250 basis points compared to the previous year. Additionally, the company has noted a downturn in tonnage and shipments, declining 1.5% and 1.9% year-over-year, respectively, which may hinder overall performance relative to industry peers. The expected decrease in the company's 4Q25 operating ratio from 91% to 90.7% and a lowered earnings per share estimate indicate ongoing financial pressures, suggesting a constrained outlook for profitability in the near term.