Latest Ratios: P/E Ratio 36.1x · EV/EBITDA 15.9x · ROE 10.4%. (1998–2025 historical series)
Price-based multiples — how expensive the stock is relative to earnings, sales, book value, and cash flow
| Metric | TTM | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 | FY 2017 | FY 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | $9.2B | $8.7B | $12.2B | $11.7B | $5.6B | $9.0B | $4.8B | $2.5B | $1.5B | $1.8B | $1.1B |
| Enterprise Value | $9.6B | $9.1B | $12.5B | $11.6B | $5.6B | $9.1B | $5.0B | $2.7B | $1.6B | $2.0B | $1.2B |
| P/E Ratio → | 36.12 | 34.30 | 33.73 | 33.05 | 15.65 | 35.55 | 34.77 | 21.66 | 13.99 | 20.27 | 23.61 |
| P/S Ratio | 2.84 | 2.70 | 3.81 | 4.07 | 2.00 | 3.93 | 2.64 | 1.38 | 0.89 | 1.31 | 0.91 |
| P/B Ratio | 3.57 | 3.39 | 5.28 | 6.04 | 3.54 | 7.38 | 5.00 | 3.02 | 2.11 | 3.17 | 2.35 |
| P/FCF | 335.51 | 319.97 | — | 84.95 | 52.97 | 92.94 | 61.64 | — | 44.79 | — | 42.93 |
| P/OCF | 15.41 | 14.70 | 20.93 | 20.29 | 11.82 | 23.53 | 15.55 | 9.02 | 5.72 | 11.69 | 7.78 |
P/E links to full P/E history page with 30-year chart
Enterprise-value multiples — capital-structure-neutral measures of total business value
| Metric | TTM | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 | FY 2017 | FY 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV / Revenue | — | 2.83 | 3.90 | 4.02 | 1.99 | 3.96 | 2.73 | 1.51 | 0.96 | 1.41 | 0.96 |
| EV / EBITDA | 15.93 | 15.22 | 18.08 | 18.10 | 8.86 | 18.99 | 15.78 | 9.95 | 6.53 | 10.86 | 7.76 |
| EV / EBIT | 27.17 | 25.84 | 25.82 | 24.68 | 11.81 | 26.95 | 27.38 | 17.63 | 11.24 | 20.82 | 15.21 |
| EV / FCF | — | 334.55 | — | 83.80 | 52.65 | 93.50 | 63.70 | — | 48.47 | — | 45.66 |
Margins and return-on-capital ratios measuring operating efficiency
Full margin charts and quarterly trend are on the Earnings History page
| Metric | TTM | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 | FY 2017 | FY 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 16.0% | 16.0% | 20.1% | 20.8% | 21.2% | 19.7% | 15.6% | 14.0% | 13.9% | 12.5% | 12.8% |
| Operating Margin | 10.9% | 10.9% | 15.0% | 16.0% | 16.9% | 14.6% | 9.9% | 8.5% | 8.5% | 6.7% | 6.3% |
| Net Profit Margin | 7.9% | 7.9% | 11.3% | 12.3% | 12.8% | 11.1% | 7.6% | 6.4% | 6.3% | 6.5% | 3.8% |
| Metric | TTM | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 | FY 2017 | FY 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE | 10.4% | 10.4% | 17.0% | 20.2% | 25.5% | 23.2% | 15.6% | 15.1% | 16.4% | 17.1% | 10.5% |
| ROA | 7.7% | 7.7% | 12.6% | 14.9% | 17.8% | 14.9% | 9.3% | 8.9% | 10.0% | 10.3% | 6.3% |
| ROIC | 9.4% | 9.4% | 16.4% | 20.7% | 25.0% | 21.0% | 12.4% | 12.2% | 13.9% | 11.2% | 11.3% |
| ROCE | 11.5% | 11.5% | 18.7% | 22.1% | 27.5% | 24.0% | 14.7% | 14.5% | 16.4% | 13.0% | 12.7% |
Solvency and debt-coverage ratios — lower is generally safer
| Metric | TTM | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 | FY 2017 | FY 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debt / Equity | 0.16 | 0.16 | 0.14 | 0.07 | 0.10 | 0.13 | 0.19 | 0.30 | 0.18 | 0.23 | 0.15 |
| Debt / EBITDA | 0.70 | 0.70 | 0.47 | 0.22 | 0.25 | 0.34 | 0.59 | 0.89 | 0.50 | 0.73 | 0.48 |
| Net Debt / Equity | — | 0.15 | 0.13 | -0.08 | -0.02 | 0.04 | 0.17 | 0.30 | 0.17 | 0.22 | 0.15 |
| Net Debt / EBITDA | 0.66 | 0.66 | 0.44 | -0.25 | -0.05 | 0.11 | 0.51 | 0.89 | 0.50 | 0.71 | 0.47 |
| Debt / FCF | — | 14.57 | — | -1.14 | -0.31 | 0.56 | 2.07 | — | 3.68 | — | 2.74 |
| Interest Coverage | 21.52 | 21.52 | 54.30 | 184.92 | 180.26 | 104.60 | 35.05 | 22.93 | 26.07 | 18.77 | 18.05 |
Short-term solvency ratios and asset-utilisation metrics
| Metric | TTM | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 | FY 2017 | FY 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 1.64 | 1.64 | 1.57 | 2.01 | 1.94 | 1.30 | 0.99 | 0.96 | 1.02 | 1.22 | 1.15 |
| Quick Ratio | 1.64 | 1.64 | 1.57 | 2.01 | 1.94 | 1.30 | 0.99 | 0.96 | 1.02 | 1.22 | 1.15 |
| Cash Ratio | 0.07 | 0.07 | 0.07 | 0.92 | 0.68 | 0.33 | 0.09 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.03 | 0.01 |
| Asset Turnover | — | 0.93 | 1.01 | 1.12 | 1.28 | 1.24 | 1.18 | 1.26 | 1.46 | 1.45 | 1.56 |
| Inventory Turnover | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Days Sales Outstanding | — | 41.16 | 41.75 | 39.62 | 41.02 | 44.14 | 43.46 | 41.76 | 40.48 | 45.20 | 41.47 |
Earnings, FCF, buyback, and dividend yields — total returns to shareholders
Full dividend history and growth charts are on the Dividend History page
| Metric | TTM | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 | FY 2017 | FY 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Payout Ratio | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Metric | TTM | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | FY 2021 | FY 2020 | FY 2019 | FY 2018 | FY 2017 | FY 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Yield | 2.8% | 2.9% | 3.0% | 3.0% | 6.4% | 2.8% | 2.9% | 4.6% | 7.1% | 4.9% | 4.2% |
| FCF Yield | 0.3% | 0.3% | — | 1.2% | 1.9% | 1.1% | 1.6% | — | 2.2% | — | 2.3% |
| Buyback Yield | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Total Shareholder Yield | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Shares Outstanding | — | $27M | $27M | $27M | $27M | $27M | $27M | $26M | $26M | $26M | $26M |
Includes 30+ ratios · 28 years · Updated daily
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Quick answers to the most common questions about buying SAIA stock.
Saia, Inc.'s current P/E ratio is 36.1x. The historical average is 26.9x. This places it at the 95th percentile of its historical range.
Saia, Inc.'s current EV/EBITDA is 15.9x. This enterprise value multiple compares the company's total value (equity + debt - cash) to its EBITDA. The historical average is 10.3x.
Saia, Inc.'s return on equity (ROE) is 10.4%. The historical average is 8.6%.
Based on historical data, Saia, Inc. is trading at a P/E of 36.1x. This is at the 95th percentile of its historical P/E range. Compare with industry peers and growth rates for a complete picture.
Saia, Inc. has 16.0% gross margin and 10.9% operating margin. Operating margin between 10-20% is typical for established companies.
Saia, Inc.'s Debt/EBITDA ratio is 0.7x, indicating low leverage. A ratio below 2x is generally considered financially healthy.
Key Metrics
Top Statement Risk
Margin compression from expansion costs
Metrics are mathematically derived from official filings.
Premium Pricing for Network Density Catch-Up
Saia's forward P/E of 31.04 and EV/EBITDA of 13.26 represent a significant discount to Old Dominion's 23.95x multiple, yet still imply a substantial premium to the broader trucking sector, suggesting the market is pricing in a multi-year convergence of operating ratios.
The valuation premium appears to be a bet on Saia's ability to replicate Old Dominion's density-driven margin structure, as evidenced by the 2.88 PEG ratio which implies the market expects earnings growth to justify the multiple. However, the current P/E of 37.00 is elevated relative to the company's recent profitability trajectory, where net margin has contracted from 12.5% in 2024Q2 to 9.9% in 2026Q2. This disconnect suggests investors are looking past near-term margin pressure from the expansion phase and are valuing the long-term optionality of the national terminal network.
Operating Ratio Volatility Reflects Density Challenge
Gross margin has exhibited significant volatility, ranging from 13.9% in 2025Q4 to 21.4% in 2024Q2, which appears to reflect the operational friction and high fixed costs associated with ramping up new terminals in the Northeast and West.
The operating margin's decline from a peak of 16.7% in 2024Q2 to 13.1% in 2026Q2 indicates that the costs of scaling the network are outpacing the revenue benefits in the near term, a classic challenge in asset-heavy network expansions. This margin compression is particularly notable given that revenue growth has decelerated to just 0.8% year-over-year, suggesting the company is absorbing volume without proportional pricing power. The true earning power is best reflected in the operating margin, as it captures the core LTL business dynamics, but its current trajectory warrants close monitoring for signs of stabilization.
Decaying Returns Amid Capital-Intensive Build-Out
Return on Invested Capital has declined from a peak of 4.4% in 2024Q2 to 3.3% in 2026Q2, indicating that the massive capital deployed into the terminal network is not yet generating commensurate returns, a trend that must reverse for the expansion to be value-accretive.
The ROIC trend is a critical indicator of the expansion's success, and the current trajectory suggests the company is in a value-creation trough. This decline is driven by both margin compression and a significant increase in the asset base, as evidenced by the 35% growth in net property, plant, and equipment since 2024Q1. For the investment to be justified, ROIC must eventually surpass the company's cost of capital, which appears likely only if the new terminals achieve density levels comparable to the mature Southern network.
Fortress Balance Sheet Provides Expansion Flexibility
Saia's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10 in 2026Q2 is exceptionally low for a capital-intensive industrial, with total debt of $269.2M representing just 7.3% of total assets, providing significant financial flexibility to fund the national network build-out.
The minimal leverage is a strategic asset, as it allows the company to self-fund its expansion without the refinancing risk that has historically crippled other carriers. This conservative approach is reflected in the interest coverage ratio, which remains robust at 62.27x in 2026Q2, indicating that debt service is not a material concern. However, the low cash balance of $84.0M, representing only 2.3% of total assets, suggests the company is operating with a tight liquidity buffer, which may be a deliberate choice to maximize capital deployment into growth assets.
Working Capital Management Amid Network Complexity
Days Sales Outstanding has trended upward from 40 days in 2024Q1 to 39 days in 2026Q2, while Days Payable Outstanding has decreased from 22 to 18 days, suggesting a slight tightening in the cash conversion cycle that may reflect operational complexity from the expansion.
The efficiency metrics reveal the operational challenges of scaling a national LTL network. The increase in DSO, while modest, could indicate that the company is extending more favorable terms to capture volume from the Yellow bankruptcy, or it may reflect the inherent complexity of managing a larger, more geographically dispersed customer base. The decrease in DPO suggests the company is paying suppliers more quickly, which could be a strategic choice to maintain relationships during a period of rapid growth, but it also reduces the cash conversion benefit from trade credit.
The Operating Ratio's Limited Predictive Power
The Operating Ratio, while a standard industry metric, may be misapplied to Saia's current expansion phase because it fails to adequately distinguish between the temporary costs of network build-out and the permanent cost structure of a mature LTL carrier.
Investors often use the Operating Ratio as the primary gauge of LTL profitability, but for Saia, it obscures the underlying investment thesis. The ratio is currently depressed by the high fixed costs of new terminals that are not yet at optimal density, making it a poor indicator of long-term earning power. A more appropriate metric would be the 'Operating Ratio ex-Expansion Costs,' which would adjust for the depreciation and labor costs associated with the new terminals, providing a clearer view of the core business's profitability trajectory. Without this adjustment, the market may be mispricing the stock by focusing on a metric that is temporarily distorted by a strategic, value-creating investment.