Saia Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
Saia's CEO is Fritz Holzgrefe, appointed in Jan 2019, has a tenure of 7.33 years. total yearly compensation is $6.31M, comprised of 15.5% salary and 84.5% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.085% of the company’s shares, worth $10.23M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 4.2 years and 7.9 years respectively.
Key information
Fritz Holzgrefe
Chief executive officer
US$6.3m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 15.53% |
| CEO tenure | 7.3yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.09% |
| Management average tenure | 4.2yrs |
| Board average tenure | 7.9yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • May 04
Saia: I Won't Touch It Unless The Road To Fair Valuation Gets Cleared
Summary Saia, Inc. demonstrates resilience in the LTL market, posting Q1 2026 revenue growth and benefiting from market undercapacity. Despite robust liquidity and strong pricing power, SAIA faces margin pressure from inflation and elevated oil prices, with operating margin down to 8.3%. Valuation appears stretched: SAIA trades at 46.35x P/E and is considered fully priced, limiting upside potential and supporting a hold rating. Technical indicators show recent profit-taking and overbought conditions, reinforcing caution and justifying the reiterated hold stance. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • May 03
SAIA: Freight Recovery Optimism Will Eventually Clash With Premium Multiple Risk
Saia's updated fair value estimate has moved from $282.48 to $297.25 as analysts factor in slightly higher revenue growth assumptions, a higher future P/E of about 24.3x, and a series of recent price target increases across the Street that highlight growing focus on its physical transportation network assets. Analyst Commentary Street research around Saia has been active, with several firms adjusting price targets and ratings as they react to new operating data and sector views.Narrative Update • Apr 18
SAIA: Freight Recovery Optimism Will Expose Elevated Risk If LTL Volumes Stay Soft
Saia's analyst price target edges higher as the fair value estimate moves from $280.65 to $282.48, with analysts pointing to resilient profit margin assumptions, a slightly lower future P/E, and recent research that highlights the company as a preferred way to gain exposure to physical transportation networks. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Saia reflects a mix of optimism around the business model and more cautious views on execution, valuation, and freight cycle timing.
Narrative Update • Apr 04
SAIA: Freight Cycle Recovery And Tight Capacity Will Support Future Upside
Saia's analyst fair value estimate has moved higher from $354.95 to $395.40 as analysts incorporate stronger revenue growth assumptions, modestly different margin expectations, and higher target P/E multiples. These changes reflect a series of recent price target increases alongside a mix of upgrades and downgrades across the transport group.
Narrative Update • Mar 21
SAIA: Physical Freight Network And Tighter Capacity Will Support Future Margins
Saia's fair value estimate moves from $431 to $500 as analysts lift price targets across the sector, citing Q1 operating trends tracking ahead of expectations, firming freight indicators, and a view that the company's physical transportation network offers resilient, hard to replicate exposure in an AI focused market. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Saia centers on higher fair value assessments, with several bullish analysts lifting price targets after company updates that tracked in line with or ahead of their expectations.Narrative Update • Mar 06
SAIA: Freight Recovery Optimism Will Heighten Downside Risk If Trends Stay Sub Seasonal
The analyst fair value estimate for Saia has been trimmed by about $3.55 to $280.65, as analysts balance slightly higher revenue growth and profit margin assumptions with a lower future P/E and a modestly higher discount rate, even as many recent Street price targets have moved higher on improving freight cycle and transportation network themes. Analyst Commentary Street research on Saia has been active, with several firms lifting price targets into the US$400 to US$500 range.Narrative Update • Feb 20
SAIA: Elevated Freight Cycle Expectations Will Increase Execution Risk Over 2026
The updated Analyst Price Target for Saia reflects a higher fair value estimate of $284.20. Analysts point to adjusted assumptions for revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E, along with a mixed but generally higher set of Street price targets across the transport group.Narrative Update • Feb 06
SAIA: Elevated Mid Cycle P/E Multiples Will Pressure Long Term Upside Potential
Our analyst price target for Saia now sits at $354.95, a modest refinement that reflects a blend of higher Street targets from firms lifting views into the $326 to $431 range, along with more cautious voices flagging rich mid cycle P/E multiples and earnings risk if recent volume trends extend beyond the first half of 2026. Analyst Commentary Street research on Saia is split, with several price target increases clustered between roughly $326 and $431, while a group of more cautious voices stresses execution and valuation risks tied to 2026 and 2027 expectations.Narrative Update • Jan 23
SAIA: Cost Controls And Capacity Tightness Will Shape Margins And Volume Risk
Narrative Update on Saia Analysts have lifted their blended fair value estimate for Saia to $354.95 from $326.81. This change reflects higher Street price targets that balance concerns about sub seasonal freight trends and elevated P/E multiples with expectations for tighter trucking capacity, regulation driven attrition, and ongoing network optimization into 2026.Narrative Update • Jan 09
SAIA: Tighter LTL Capacity Into 2026 Will Support Margin Expansion
Narrative Update The analyst price target for Saia has moved from US$405 to US$431, as analysts cite a tighter capacity setup into 2026, improved margin expectations, and recent rating upgrades that offset more cautious views from some peers. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Saia shows a split tape, with some bullish analysts lifting price targets and ratings, while others turn more cautious on near term freight trends and sector valuations.Analysis Article • Jan 02
The Returns At Saia (NASDAQ:SAIA) Aren't Growing
There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Firstly, we'll want to see a...Narrative Update • Dec 14
SAIA: Cost Controls And Network Optimization Will Support Margins Amid Mixed Volume Trends
Our analyst price target for Saia has edged higher to $326.81 from $320.45 as analysts balance lingering macro and volume headwinds, including softer near term tonnage and mix related margin pressure, against the company's solid cost control, network optimization efforts, and potential for margin expansion beyond pure volume recovery. Analyst Commentary Street research on Saia reflects a mixed but generally constructive backdrop, with recent target changes clustering around a still supportive valuation range despite near term earnings and volume uncertainty.Narrative Update • Nov 29
SAIA: Cost Controls And Margin Execution Will Offset Near-Term Volume Weakness
Analysts have modestly reduced their fair value estimate for Saia by approximately $3. They cite ongoing margin pressures and mixed shipment trends that continue to weigh on forecasts, despite recent cost efficiency improvements.Narrative Update • Nov 15
SAIA: Operational Efficiency Will Drive Margin Expansion Despite Volume Pressures
Saia's analyst price target has decreased moderately, falling from $331.10 to $323.37 per share. Analysts point to industry-wide margin pressure and soft volume trends, which are overshadowing recent quarterly outperformance.Narrative Update • Oct 31
SAIA: Margin Gains From Cost Controls Will Offset Slower Freight Volumes Ahead
Saia's analyst price target has been lowered modestly to $331.10 from $337.25. Analysts cite strong recent results, but also point to concerns over slower volume trends and margin pressures heading into the fourth quarter.Analysis Article • Aug 10
Saia, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:SAIA) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 36% Above Its Share Price
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Saia fair value estimate is US$385 Current share price of...Analysis Article • Jul 22
Saia (NASDAQ:SAIA) Has A Somewhat Strained Balance Sheet
Howard Marks put it nicely when he said that, rather than worrying about share price volatility, 'The possibility of...Analysis Article • Jul 07
At US$295, Is It Time To Put Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ:SAIA) On Your Watch List?
Saia, Inc. ( NASDAQ:SAIA ), is not the largest company out there, but it saw a significant share price rise of 25% in...Seeking Alpha • Apr 23
Saia: Transporting Growth, Fueling Upside, Improving Technical Indicators
Summary Saia, Inc. shows resilience and recovery in Q1 2025, driven by improved demand, prudent pricing, and enhanced service capabilities. Lower oil prices and tempered inflation can positively impact SAIA's cost management, while e-commerce growth and strategic capex may bolster its performance. Despite tariff concerns, SAIA's liquidity remains strong, with a Net Debt/EBITDA of 0.30x and a solid balance sheet supporting future growth. SAIA is underpriced with a potential 16% upside, supported by improving technical indicators and a buy rating. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 23
Saia: Positioned For Growth Amid Deregulation And Industry Tailwinds
Summary Deregulation under the new administration is expected to reduce costs for trucking companies like Saia, enhancing profitability and operational flexibility. Saia could benefit from lower vehicle acquisition costs and reduced compliance burdens due to the potential rollback of emissions regulations. Increased tariffs on imports may drive higher domestic freight volumes, further boosting Saia’s demand and market share. Saia’s strong execution, disciplined pricing, and favorable industry conditions justify its elevated valuation and position it for long-term growth. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 04
Saia's Expansion Is Impressive--But Here's Why I'm Not Buying Yet
Summary Saia, Inc. specializes in less-than-truckload shipping and has seen a 400% stock increase over five years, but recently slowed down. Record-breaking revenue of $789 million in Q4 2024, driven by network expansion and acquisition of Yellow's terminals, but at high operational expenses. Rising labor, insurance, and operational costs challenge profitability, despite Saia's pricing power and strategic focus on heavier shipments. Maintaining a neutral “Hold” stance due to high valuation multiples and near-term profitability concerns, awaiting clearer signs of operational ratio stabilization. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 19
Saia: Good Growth Prospects Should Drive Upside
Summary SAIA is poised for growth due to increased geographic penetration, solid pricing, and favorable macro conditions, warranting a buy rating. Recent revenue growth is driven by disciplined pricing, market share gains, and new terminal openings, with a positive outlook for future growth. Margins are expected to improve with the new terminals ramp-up, pricing increases, and good execution. SAIA trades at a discount to Old Dominion Freight Lines despite better growth prospects, making it an attractive investment. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Aug 23
Terminal Expansions And Tactical Relocations Set To Boost Growth And Profitability
Expanding and strategically relocating terminals like in Laredo, Texas, aims at long-term growth by enhancing operational efficiency and service quality.Seeking Alpha • Aug 19
Saia, Inc.: Not A Star, But A Fairly Strong Company At A Fair Price
Summary Saia is among the top 7 companies in the domestic LTL industry. There are no expectations of a quick and multiple increase in share price from SAIA due to the high level of competition. Saia is a quite profitable and solvent business. The current P/E ratio is 26, which means the company's stock is priced fairly according to historical multiplier analysis. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jul 20
Saia: Embedded Expectations Clamp Investment Return At Starting Multiples
Summary Saia, Inc. is a leading transportation company specializing in LTL services with strong financial performance and growth in sales and earnings. The company has aggressively reinvested in its business, leading to impressive returns on new capital investments and high operating margins. The market has already reflected the company's growth potential in its valuation, presenting a balanced risk/reward scenario for investors. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$255m |
| Dec 31 2025 | US$6m | US$980k | US$255m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$284m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$290m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$321m |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$5m | US$946k | US$362m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$375m |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$381m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$369m |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$6m | US$910k | US$355m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$336m |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$336m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$354m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$5m | US$875k | US$357m |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$360m |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$342m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$295m |
| Dec 31 2021 | US$5m | US$825k | US$253m |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$220m |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$182m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$148m |
| Dec 31 2020 | US$2m | US$664k | US$138m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$120m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$111m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$120m |
| Dec 31 2019 | US$2m | US$556k | US$114m |
Compensation vs Market: Fritz's total compensation ($USD6.31M) is below average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.79M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Fritz's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Fritz Holzgrefe (57 yo)
7.3yrs
Tenure
US$6,312,241
Compensation
Mr. Frederick J. Holzgrefe, III, also known as Fritz, has been the President and Director of Saia, Inc. since January 4, 2019 and has been its Chief Executive Officer since April 28, 2020. He served as Chi...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 7.3yrs | US$6.31m | 0.085% $ 10.2m | |
| Executive VP | 2yrs | US$1.50m | 0.017% $ 2.0m | |
| Executive Vice President of Operations | 5.2yrs | US$2.09m | 0.034% $ 4.0m | |
| Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer | 4.2yrs | US$1.14m | 0.019% $ 2.3m | |
| Executive VP & Chief Customer Officer | 11yrs | US$2.37m | 0.014% $ 1.6m | |
| VP & Chief Accounting Officer | no data | no data | 0.012% $ 1.4m | |
| Executive VP & Chief Information Officer | less than a year | no data | 0.0069% $ 823.2k | |
| Advisor | 2yrs | US$2.69m | 0% $ 0 |
4.2yrs
Average Tenure
56yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: SAIA's management team is considered experienced (4.2 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 7.3yrs | US$6.31m | 0.085% $ 10.2m | |
| Independent Director | 8.5yrs | US$183.96k | 0.022% $ 2.6m | |
| Independent Director | 4.7yrs | US$168.83k | no data | |
| Non-Executive Chairman | 19.8yrs | US$276.37k | 0.012% $ 1.5m | |
| Independent Director | 10.3yrs | US$166.43k | 0.0048% $ 576.7k | |
| Independent Director | 20.2yrs | US$176.28k | 0.027% $ 3.2m | |
| Lead Independent Director | 10.7yrs | US$196.37k | no data | |
| Independent Director | 6.6yrs | US$168.87k | 0.0070% $ 832.8k | |
| Independent Director | 6.5yrs | US$176.37k | 0.0052% $ 627.0k | |
| Independent Director | 4.7yrs | US$168.87k | 0.0078% $ 936.9k |
7.9yrs
Average Tenure
62yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: SAIA's board of directors are considered experienced (7.9 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/11 12:13 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/08 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Saia, Inc. is covered by 31 analysts. 17 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Brandon Oglenski | Barclays |
| Eric Morgan | Barclays |
| Brandon Oglenski | Barclays |