Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
We are a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management solutions. We utilize a proprietary technology platform to compile and analyze data from our multi-modal network of transportation providers to satisfy the transportation and logistics needs of our clients. This model enables us to quickly adapt to and offer efficient and cost-effective solutions for our clients' shipping needs. We focus primarily on arranging transportation by truckload ("TL") and less than truckload ("LTL") carriers. We also offer intermodal (which involves moving a shipment by rail and truck), small parcel, domestic air, expedited and international transportation services. Our core logistics services include carrier selection, dispatch, load management and tracking.
We procure transportation and provide logistics services for clients across a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing, construction, food and beverage, consumer products and retail. Our clients fall into two categories, Transactional and Managed Transportation. We provide brokerage and transportation management services to our Transactional clients on a shipment-by-shipment basis, typically with individual, or spot market pricing. We typically enter into multi-year contracts with our Managed Transportation clients, which are often on an exclusive basis for a specific transportation mode or point of origin. As part of our value proposition, we also provide core logistics services to these clients.
COVID-19 spread throughout the United States, including in the regions and communities in which we operate. In response to the pandemic, government authorities have imposed mandatory closures, work-from-home orders and social distancing protocols. Our employees were able to move to remote working as necessary with minimal business interruption in response to these orders and protocols.
These responsive measures have severely disrupted economic and commercial activity tied to the production and sale of goods, which have impacted supply chains and routes, and, as a result, transportation and supply chain companies such as ours have experienced uncertainty and volatility. While these disruptions did not have a significant impact on our results as of December 31, 2020, we are closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 global outbreak, and there remains significant uncertainty related to the public health situation globally. Although we can not predict the magnitude, it is possible that there is a period of decreased volumes and revenue and possible adverse effects on our operating results.
This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2020 and 2019 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019. Discussions of 2018 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2019 and 2018 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020, and which is incorporated by reference herein.
Results of Operations
The following table represents certain results of operations data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
(in thousands, except per share data)
|
Consolidated statements of operations data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue
|
$
|
2,511,515
|
|
|
$
|
2,184,977
|
|
|
$
|
2,439,701
|
|
Transportation costs
(excludes internal use software depreciation)(1)
|
2,118,316
|
|
|
1,798,944
|
|
|
2,019,337
|
|
Adjusted gross profit(2)
|
393,199
|
|
|
386,033
|
|
|
420,363
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commissions
|
118,203
|
|
|
116,959
|
|
|
126,822
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
207,454
|
|
|
195,120
|
|
|
202,928
|
|
Contingent consideration (benefit) expense
|
(447)
|
|
|
1,050
|
|
|
410
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
38,492
|
|
|
38,387
|
|
|
36,638
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
363,701
|
|
|
351,516
|
|
|
366,798
|
|
Income from operations
|
29,497
|
|
|
34,517
|
|
|
53,566
|
|
Interest expense
|
(5,990)
|
|
|
(12,639)
|
|
|
(15,546)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before provision for income taxes
|
23,508
|
|
|
21,878
|
|
|
38,020
|
|
Income tax expense
|
(7,675)
|
|
|
(7,032)
|
|
|
(9,296)
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
15,832
|
|
|
$
|
14,846
|
|
|
$
|
28,723
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stated as a percentage of adjusted gross profit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted gross profit(2)
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commissions
|
30.1
|
%
|
|
30.3
|
%
|
|
30.2
|
%
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
52.8
|
%
|
|
50.5
|
%
|
|
48.3
|
%
|
Contingent consideration (benefit) expense
|
(0.1)
|
%
|
|
0.3
|
%
|
|
0.1
|
%
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
9.8
|
%
|
|
9.9
|
%
|
|
8.7
|
%
|
Total operating expenses
|
92.5
|
%
|
|
91.1
|
%
|
|
87.3
|
%
|
Income from operations
|
7.5
|
%
|
|
8.9
|
%
|
|
12.7
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
$
|
0.61
|
|
|
$
|
0.56
|
|
|
$
|
1.04
|
|
Diluted
|
$
|
0.60
|
|
|
$
|
0.55
|
|
|
$
|
1.03
|
|
Shares used in per share calculations (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
25,963
|
|
|
26,682
|
|
|
27,598
|
|
Diluted
|
26,353
|
|
|
26,823
|
|
|
27,922
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Transportation costs exclude internal use software depreciation of $19.1 million, $17.9 million, and $15.0 million for year ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Internal use software depreciation is included in depreciation expense on the consolidated statements of operations.
(2) Adjusted gross profit is a non-GAAP measure of profitability calculated as revenue less transportation costs. See Item 6, "Selected Financial Data" of this Form 10-K, for a reconciliation of adjusted gross profit to gross profit, the most comparable GAAP measure.
Revenue
We generate revenue through the sale of brokerage and transportation management services to our clients. For our brokerage and transportation management services, revenue is recognized as the client's shipment travels from origin to destination by a third-party carrier. Our revenue was $2.5 billion and $2.2 billion for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, reflecting a 14.9% increase in 2020.
Our revenue is generated from two different types of clients: Transactional and Managed Transportation. Most of our clients are categorized as Transactional. We provide services to our Transactional clients on a shipment-by-shipment basis. We categorize a client as a Managed Transportation client if we have a contract with the client for the provision of services on a recurring basis. Our contracts with Managed Transportation clients typically have a multi-year term and are often on an exclusive basis for a specific transportation mode or point of origin. In several cases, we provide substantially all of a client's transportation and logistics requirements. On a per client basis, our Managed Transportation relationships typically generate higher dollar amounts and volume than our Transactional relationships. In both 2020 and 2019, Transactional clients accounted for 77.1% of our revenue, and Managed Transportation clients accounted for 22.9% of our revenue. We expect to continue to expand both our Transactional and Managed Transportation client base in the future, although the rate of growth for each type of client will vary depending on opportunities in the marketplace.
Revenue recognized per shipment will vary depending on the transportation mode, fuel prices, shipment weight, density and mileage of the product shipped. The primary shipment modes that we transact in are TL and LTL. Other transportation modes include intermodal, small parcel, domestic air, expedited and international. Material shifts in the percentage of our revenue by transportation mode could have a significant impact on our revenue growth. In 2020, TL accounted for 70.0% of our revenue, LTL accounted for 26.3% of our revenue and other transportation modes accounted for 3.8% of our revenue. In 2019, TL accounted for 65.8% of our revenue, LTL accounted for 29.6% of our revenue and other transportation modes accounted for 4.6% of our revenue.
The transportation industry has historically been subject to seasonal sales fluctuations as shipments generally are lower during and after the winter holiday season because many companies ship goods and stock inventories prior to the winter holiday season. While we experience some seasonality, differences in our revenue between periods have been driven primarily by growth in our client base.
Transportation costs and adjusted gross profit
We act primarily as a service provider to add value and expertise in the procurement and execution of brokerage and transportation management services for our clients. Our pricing structure is primarily variable, although we have entered into a limited number of fixed-fee arrangements that represent an insignificant portion of our revenue. Adjusted gross profit is a non-GAAP measure of profitability equal to revenue minus transportation costs. Adjusted gross profit margin is calculated as adjusted gross profit (as previously defined) divided by revenue. Our transportation costs consist primarily of the direct cost of transportation paid to the carrier.
Adjusted gross profit is a non-GAAP measure of profitability and is a useful measure of the Company's ability to profitably source and sell transportation services for which the freight is transported by third-party carriers. As such, discussion of the Company's results and its profitability of operations often center on changes in its adjusted gross profit. Management considers this measure to be an important performance measurement of our success in the marketplace. Our transportation costs are typically lower for an LTL shipment than for a TL shipment, while our adjusted gross profit margin is typically higher for an LTL shipment than for a TL shipment. Material shifts in the percentage of our revenue by transportation mode could have a significant impact on our adjusted gross profit. The discussion of our results of operations below focuses on changes in our expenses as a percentage of adjusted gross profit. See the "Non-GAAP financial measures" in Item 6 "Selected Consolidated Financial Data". In 2020 and 2019, our adjusted gross profit was $393.2 million and $386.0 million, respectively, reflecting an 1.9% an increase in 2020.
Operating expenses
Our costs and expenses, excluding transportation costs, consist of commissions paid to our sales personnel, general and administrative expenses to run our business, changes in our contingent consideration and depreciation and amortization.
Commissions paid to our sales personnel, including employees and agents, are a significant component of our operating expenses. These commissions are based on the adjusted gross profit we collect from the clients for which the sales personnel have primary responsibility. In 2020 and 2019, commission expense was $118.2 million and $117.0 million, respectively. In 2020 and 2019, commission expense as a percentage of adjusted gross profit was 30.1% and 30.3%, respectively. The percentage of adjusted gross profit paid as commissions varies depending on the type of client, composition of the sales team and mode of transportation.TL shipments typically have higher commission percentages than other modes. Commission
expense, stated as a percentage of adjusted gross profit, could increase or decrease in the future depending on the composition and sources of our revenue growth and continued automation initiatives.
We accrue for commission expense when we recognize the related revenue. Some of our sales personnel receive a monthly advance to provide them with a more consistent income stream. Cash paid to our sales personnel in advance of commissions earned is recorded as a prepaid expense. As our sales personnel earn commissions, a portion of their commission payment is withheld and offset against their prepaid commission balance, if any.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding commission expense and changes to contingent consideration relating to acquired businesses, consist of compensation costs for our sales, operations, information systems, finance and administrative support employees as well as occupancy costs, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses. In 2020 and 2019, our selling, general and administrative expenses were $207.5 million and $195.1 million, respectively. In 2020 and 2019, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of adjusted gross profit were 52.8% and 50.5%, respectively.
Our contingent consideration expense or benefit relates to acquired businesses and is the change in the fair value of our contingent consideration assets and liabilities. The contingent consideration assets and liabilities presented on our consolidated balance sheets reflect the fair value of expected earn-out payments that may be paid to or received from the sellers of certain acquired businesses upon the achievement of certain performance measures. The fair value of the contingent consideration assets and liabilities are evaluated on a quarterly basis, and the change in fair value is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. In 2020, we recorded a benefit of $0.4 million, compared to an expense of $1.1 million in 2019, due to fair value adjustments to our contingent consideration assets and liabilities.
Our depreciation expense is primarily attributable to our depreciation of computer hardware and software, equipment, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, and internal use software. In 2020 and 2019, depreciation expense was $27.5 million and $26.6 million, respectively.
Our amortization expense is attributable to our amortization of intangible assets acquired from business combinations, including customer and carrier relationships, trade names and non-compete agreements. In 2020 and 2019, amortization expense was $11.0 million and $11.8 million, respectively.
Interest expense
The interest expense included in our consolidated statement of operations consists of interest expense related to our ABL Facility and our convertible senior notes issued in May 2015 (the "Notes"). In October 2018, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the ABL Facility (the "Amended ABL Facility") which provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $350 million. We amortize the debt discount and issuance costs related to the Notes over the 5 year life of the Notes using the effective interest method. We amortize the issuance costs related to our ABL Facility and the Amended ABL Facility over the remaining 5 year life of the Amended ABL facility using straight-line amortization, as the amount drawn on the line (and thus the interest rate and commitment fee paid by Echo) will fluctuate from period to period. On May 1, 2020, the Company paid the Notes remaining outstanding principal balance and accrued interest. Refer to Note 10, Long-Term Debt, of the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. Interest expense included in our consolidated statements of operations also consists of the recognized loss on extinguishment of debt upon our repurchase of the Notes. Interest expense was $6.0 million and $12.6 million for 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Critical Accounting Policies
Leases
We adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 842 Leases ("ASC Topic 842") on January 1, 2019. Results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 are presented under ASC 842, of which prior amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the account standards in effect for those periods. Under ASC Topic 842, a lessee is required to record, on the balance sheet, the assets and liabilities for the right-of-use assets and lease obligations created by leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. We lease office space for purposes of conducting our business. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. All Company leases, consisting primarily of facility leases, are considered operating leases. For leases with a lease term of greater than 12 months, we use an incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate when measuring operating lease liabilities. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease within a particular currency environment. Refer to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, and Note 20, Leases, of the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.
Revenue Recognition
We adopted ASC Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC Topic 606") on January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, of which prior amounts are not adjusted and continue to be in accordance with the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Under ASC Topic 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for services. We generate revenue from two different client types: Transactional and Managed Transportation. Most clients are categorized as Transactional clients. For our Transactional business, we provide brokerage and transportation management services on a shipment-by-shipment basis. Carrier selection, dispatch, load management and tracking are integrated services that occur within the brokerage and transportation management performance obligation. We categorize a client as a Managed Transportation client if there is an agreement with the client for the provision of services, typically for a multi-year term. Brokerage and transportation management services is typically the performance obligation for our Managed Transportation clients. For the brokerage and transportation management services performance obligation, revenue is recognized as the client's shipment travels from origin to destination by a third-party carrier. We are the principal in these transactions and recognize revenue on a gross and relative transit time basis.
Other performance obligations for Managed Transportation clients may include transportation management services, which includes the integrated services of dispatch, tracking and carrier payment. For these types of transactions, revenue is recorded on a net basis as we do not have latitude in carrier selection or establish rates with the carrier. We also perform project-based services, such as compliance management, customized re-billing services and freight studies for certain Managed Transportation clients. Refer to Note 5 "Revenue" of the Note to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms. We extend credit to certain clients in the ordinary course of business based on the clients' credit history. Invoices require payment within 30 to 90 days from the invoice date. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount billed to the client. Client account balances with invoices past due 90 days are considered delinquent. We generally do not charge interest on past due amounts.
The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts that reflects management's best estimate of amounts that will not be collected. The allowance is based on historical loss experience and any specific risks identified in client collection matters. Accounts receivable are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is determined that the receivable is uncollectible.
We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses Topic 326, using the prospective approach on January 1, 2020. Results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 are presented under Topic 326. Prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the accounting standards in effect for those periods.
The Company is exposed to potential credit losses related to its trade receivables, which the Company categorizes as either Transactional or Managed Transportation. For its Transactional trade receivables, the Company utilizes historical loss information to develop an estimate for future expected credit losses. For its Managed Transportation trade receivables, the Company estimates its potential future expected credit losses on a customer specific basis. The Company considers current economic conditions and forecasts when determining its credit loss estimate based on the aging schedule. The Company transacts with customers in a variety of industries and adjusts its estimate accordingly if it becomes aware of financial difficulties for a specific customer.
The Company extends credit to certain clients as part of its business model. These clients are subject to an approval process prior to any extension of credit or increase in their current credit limit. The Company reviews each credit request and considers, among other factors, payment history, current billing status, recommendations by various rating agencies and capitalization. Clients that satisfy the credit review may receive a line of credit or an increase in their existing credit amount. The Company believes this review and approval process helps mitigate the risk of client defaults on extensions of credit and any potential credit losses. Additionally, the Company maintains a credit insurance policy for certain accounts. Refer to Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Note to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8.
Internal Use Software
Certain costs incurred in the planning and evaluation stage of internal use computer software projects are expensed as incurred. Cost incurred during the application development stage for the development of internal use software, including upgrades and enhancements that provide additional functionality to our existing software, are capitalized and included in
property and equipment. Capitalized internal use software costs are amortized over the expected economic life of three years using the straight-line method, with total expense included in depreciation expense.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill represents the excess of consideration transferred over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. In accordance with ASC Topic 350 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment ("ASC 350"), goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Absent any special circumstances that could require an interim test, we have elected to test for goodwill impairment during the fourth quarter of each year.
We manage the business as one operating segment and one reporting unit pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 280 Segment Reporting, which established accounting standards for segment reporting. Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment" permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After assessing qualitative factors, if an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. In October 2020, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment of the reporting unit in accordance with ASC 350 due to the uncertain economic environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We utilized a combination of two valuation methodologies commonly referred to as the income approach and the market approach. For the income approach, we used the discounted cash flow model and for the market approach, we used the guideline public company method. The discounted cash flow method under the income approach uses the reporting unit's projection of estimated operating results and cash flows that is discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions appropriate to the reporting unit. The guideline public company method under the market approach uses pricing multiples of a peer group of publicly traded companies and applies these multiples to the operating results of each reporting unit to provide indications of value. A concluded enterprise value based on equal weighting of the two methods was reconciled to current market capitalization. Both methods use management's best estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period, including growth rates in sales, costs, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and cash expenditures. As a result of our quantitative assessment of the reporting unit, we concluded that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount.
ASC Topic 350 also requires that intangible assets with finite lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever impairment indicators exist in accordance with ASC Topic 360 Property, Plant and Equipment. Our intangible assets consist of customer relationships, carrier relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names, which are being amortized over their estimated weighted average useful lives of 14.8 years, 17.0 years, 6.7 years and 4.0 years, respectively. Customer relationships are being amortized using an accelerated method, while carrier relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names are being amortized using the straight-line method. Refer to Note 8 "Intangibles and Goodwill" of the Note to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718 Compensation - Stock Compensation which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based upon their fair values. Share-based compensation for restricted stock and restricted stock unit is reduced by estimated forfeitures for each period and adjusted accordingly upon vesting or actual forfeiture. Share-based employee compensation costs are recognized as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. For more information about our stock-based compensation programs, see Note 15 "Stock-based Compensation Plans" of the Note to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes, under which deferred assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is established to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Any change in the valuation allowance would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Refer to Note 12 "Income Taxes" of the Note to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8.
Comparison of years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Revenue
Revenue was $2.5 billion in 2020, an increase of 14.9% from $2.2 billion in 2019. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to a 9.3% increase in revenue per shipment, along with an increase of 5.2% in volume.
Revenue from Transactional clients was $1.9 billion in 2020, an increase of 14.9% from $1.7 billion in 2019. The increase in Transactional revenue was driven by an increase in TL revenue per shipment and an increase in both TL and LTL volume. Revenue from Transactional clients was 77.1% of our revenue in 2020 and 2019.
Revenue from Managed Transportation clients was $574.8 million in 2020, an increase of 14.9% from $500.1 million in 2019. The increase in Managed Transportation revenue was driven by an increase in TL revenue per shipment and an increase in both TL and LTL volume, partially offset by a decrease in revenue per shipment in the LTL mode. Revenue from Managed Transportation clients was 22.9% of our revenue for 2020 and 2019.
Transportation costs
Transportation costs were $2.1 billion in 2020, an increase of 17.8% from $1.8 billion in 2019. Our transportation costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 84.3% in 2020 from 82.3% in 2019. The 12.0% increase in carrier rates per shipment and the 5.2% increase in total number of shipments drove the increase in our transportation costs year over year.
Adjusted gross profit
Adjusted gross profit was $393.2 million in 2020, an increase of 1.9% from $386.0 million in 2019. The increase in adjusted gross profit was primarily driven by an increase of 5.2% in the total number of shipments, partially offset by a decrease of 3.2% in adjusted gross profit per shipment. Adjusted gross profit margins decreased to 15.7% in 2020 from 17.7% in 2019 due to lower TL and LTL margins attributable to higher transportation costs.
Operating expenses
Commission expense was $118.2 million in 2020, an increase of 1.1% from $117.0 million in 2019 due to higher adjusted gross profit. For 2020, commission expense was 30.1% of adjusted gross profit, compared to 30.3% in 2019.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $207.5 million in 2020, an increase of 6.3% from $195.1 million in 2019. The increase was primarily driven by higher incentive compensation and stock compensation expense. The increase in stock compensation expense was primarily attributable to accelerated expense recognition from certain retirement provisions in equity awards granted in 2020. As a percentage of adjusted gross profit, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 52.8% in 2020 from 50.5% in 2019.
The contingent consideration fair value adjustment resulted in income of $0.4 million in 2020, compared to an expense of $1.1 million in 2019. The change for both periods was a result of adjustments made to the fair value of the contingent liabilities due to financial performance of previous acquisition owners and the time value of money. The fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities reflected the updated probabilities and assumptions as of December 31, 2020.
Depreciation expense was $27.5 million in 2020, an increase of 3.5% from $26.6 million in 2019. The increase in depreciation expense was primarily due to the depreciation of the increased investments in internally developed software and computer equipment.
Amortization expense was $11.0 million in 2020, a decrease of 7.0% from $11.8 million in 2019. The decrease in amortization expense was primarily attributable to the complete amortization of certain previously acquired intangible assets, along with the accelerated method of amortization of our acquired customer relationships.
Income from operations
Income from operations was $29.5 million in 2020, a decrease of 14.5% from $34.5 million in 2019. The decrease in income from operations was due to lower adjusted gross profit margin and higher selling, general and administrative expense.
Interest expense
Interest expense was $6.0 million in 2020, a decrease from $12.6 million in 2019. The decrease in interest expense is primarily due to settlement of the Notes on May 1, 2020 and lower interest rates on the ABL Facility compared to the Notes during year ended December 31, 2020.
Income tax expense
We recognized income tax expense of $7.7 million and $7.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 32.7%, compared to an effective tax rate of 32.1% in 2019. The difference in our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2020 from our statutory federal tax rate of 21% was primarily due to state taxes; and non-deductible expense, primarily executive stock-based compensation, offset in part by the impact of certain tax credits.
Net Income
Net income was $15.8 million in 2020, compared to $14.8 million in 2019, due to items previously discussed.
Quarterly Results of Operations
The following table represents our unaudited results of operations data for our most recent eight fiscal quarters. The following table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Form 10-K. The results of operations of any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
|
Dec. 31, 2020
|
|
Sept. 30, 2020
|
|
June 30, 2020
|
|
Mar. 31, 2020
|
|
Dec. 31, 2019
|
|
Sept. 30, 2019
|
|
June 30, 2019
|
|
Mar. 31, 2019
|
|
(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)
|
Revenue
|
$
|
754,252
|
|
|
$
|
691,495
|
|
|
$
|
514,719
|
|
|
$
|
551,049
|
|
|
$
|
531,677
|
|
|
$
|
561,441
|
|
|
$
|
553,775
|
|
|
$
|
538,083
|
|
Adjusted gross profit(1)
|
114,800
|
|
|
100,446
|
|
|
88,046
|
|
|
89,907
|
|
|
89,682
|
|
|
96,982
|
|
|
100,603
|
|
|
98,766
|
|
Operating income
|
16,017
|
|
|
10,259
|
|
|
2,761
|
|
|
460
|
|
|
5,076
|
|
|
9,665
|
|
|
10,672
|
|
|
9,103
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
10,996
|
|
|
6,818
|
|
|
951
|
|
|
(2,933)
|
|
|
1,439
|
|
|
4,843
|
|
|
5,067
|
|
|
3,497
|
|
Earnings (loss) per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
$
|
0.42
|
|
|
$
|
0.26
|
|
|
$
|
0.04
|
|
|
$
|
(0.11)
|
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.13
|
|
Diluted
|
$
|
0.41
|
|
|
$
|
0.26
|
|
|
$
|
0.04
|
|
|
$
|
(0.11)
|
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.13
|
|
(1)Adjusted gross profit is a non-GAAP measure of profitability calculated as revenue less transportation costs. See Item 6, "Selected Financial Data" of this Form 10-K, for a reconciliation of adjusted gross profit to gross profit, the most comparable GAAP measure.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2020, we had $41.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, $116.3 million in working capital and $194.9 million available under our ABL Facility.
Cash provided by operating activities
For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $63.8 million. We generated $68.5 million in cash from net income (adjusted for noncash operating items), which was offset by $4.7 million cash outflow primarily related to changes in working capital.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $84.5 million. We generated $76.6 million in cash from net income (adjusted for noncash operating items) and the remaining $7.9 million from changes in working capital, partially offset by the impact of the contingent earn-out payments from acquisitions.
Cash used in investing activities
Cash used in investing activities was $21.6 million and $24.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In 2020 and 2019, the primary investing activities were capital expenditures, primarily internal use software.
Our capital expenditures were $21.6 million and $23.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our capital expenditures decreased in 2020 as compared to 2019 due to a slight decrease in internal development of computer software and purchases of property and equipment.
Cash used in financing activities
Cash used in financing activities was $35.5 million and $66.2 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
In 2020, the primary financing activities were purchases and settlement of $89.0 million and $69.2 million, respectively, of Notes (described in Note 10, Long-Term Debt, in Item 8 of this Form 10-K), and the purchases of $10.3 million of our common stock as part of the repurchase program (described in Note 13, Stockholders' Equity, in Item 8 of this Form 10-K). We also drew $180.0 million on our ABL Facility, primarily to settle our Notes, and repaid $45.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2020.
In 2019, the primary financing activities were the purchases of $33.9 million of Notes and $29.0 million of our common stock as part of the repurchase program, the $1.2 million payments of contingent consideration, and the $2.1 million use of cash to satisfy employee tax withholdings upon the vesting of restricted stock. We also drew $35.0 million on our ABL Facility (all of which was repaid as of December 31, 2019).
ABL Facility
On October 23, 2018, we entered into an Amended Credit Agreement that provides a senior secured revolving credit facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $350 million (the "Amended ABL Facility"), and a maturity date of October 23, 2023. The initial aggregate principal amount under the Amended ABL Facility may be increased from time to time by an additional $150 million to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $500 million; provided that certain requirements are satisfied. Our obligations under the Amended ABL Facility are secured, on a first lien priority basis, by certain of our working capital assets.
At December 31, 2020, the outstanding balance on the Amended ABL Facility was $135.0 million. The issuance of letters of credit under the ABL Facility also reduces available borrowings. At December 31, 2020, there were $0.7 million of letters of credit outstanding. The total draw allowed under the Amended ABL Facility at December 31, 2020, as determined by the working capital assets pledged as collateral, was $330.7 million. After adjusting for the letters of credit, our remaining availability for borrowing under the Amended ABL Facility at December 31, 2020 was $194.9 million.
Anticipated uses of cash
Our priority is to continue to grow our revenue and adjusted gross profit. We anticipate that our operating expenses and planned expenditures will constitute material uses of cash, and we expect to use available cash to expand our sales force, to enhance our technology, to acquire or make strategic investments in complementary businesses, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
In 2021, we expect to use available cash of approximately $25 million to $27 million for capital expenditures.
We may also opt to use cash to repurchase up to $60.2 million of our common stock (described in Note 13, Stockholders' Equity, in Item 8 of this Form 10-K) under the remaining authority under our repurchase program. The timing and amount of any common stock repurchases will be determined based on market conditions and other factors. In addition, we may elect to use cash to reduce the amount outstanding on our Amended ABL Facility. We expect our use of cash for working capital purposes and other purposes to be offset by the cash flow generated from operating activities during the same period.
Historically, our average accounts receivable life-cycle has been longer than our average accounts payable life-cycle, meaning that we have used cash to pay carriers in advance of collecting from our clients. We elect to provide this benefit to foster strong relationships with our clients and carriers. As our business grows, we expect this use of cash to continue. The amount of cash we use for these purposes will depend on the growth of our business.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Contractual Obligations
Our corporate headquarters is located in Chicago, Illinois. As of December 31, 2020, we leased approximately 225,000 square feet at our corporate headquarters and we continue to also lease approximately 30 branch sales offices, with a range of lease terms between 3-11 years.
As of December 31, 2020, we had the following contractual obligations (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Within 1 year
|
|
2-3 years
|
|
4-5 years
|
|
More than
5 years
|
Operating leases
|
$
|
40,160
|
|
|
$
|
6,244
|
|
|
$
|
12,613
|
|
|
$
|
11,377
|
|
|
$
|
9,925
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contingent consideration obligations(1)
|
953
|
|
|
$
|
953
|
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
$
|
41,114
|
|
|
$
|
7,197
|
|
|
$
|
12,613
|
|
|
$
|
11,377
|
|
|
$
|
9,925
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) This represents the maximum undiscounted contingent consideration obligations that may become payable in each period. The actual payouts will be determined at the end of the applicable performance periods based on the acquired entities' achievement of the targets specified in the purchase agreements. See Note 6 "Fair value Measurement" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 for a discussion of the fair values of these contingent consideration obligations as of December 31, 2020.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which replaces the incurred loss methodology previously employed to measure credit losses for most financial assets and requires the use of a forward-looking expected loss model. This update requires financial assets to be measured at amortized costs less a reserve and equal to the net amount expected to be collected.
The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 using the prospective approach. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. At December 31, 2020, the Company reported $439.4 million of accounts receivable, net of allowance of $6.3 million. Changes in the allowance were not material for year ended December 31, 2020. The Company fully describes the adoption and impact of this standard in Note 2. As part of the adoption of this standard, the Company implemented changes to its accounting policies, practices and internal controls over financial reporting.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. This new accounting standard was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this new standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, Codification Improvements – Disclosures, which provides consistency by amending the codification to include all disclosure sections and clarifies application of various provisions in the Codification by amending and adding new headings, cross referencing to other guidance, and refining or correcting terminology. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied using retrospective method. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, which is intended to simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective method. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform, which provides companies with optional guidance, including expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts and other transactions affected by reference rate reform, such as the LIBOR. This new standard was effective upon issuance and generally can be applied to applicable contract modifications through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the effects that the adoption of this guidance will have on its disclosures.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ECHO GLOBAL LOGISTICS, INC. and Subsidiaries:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management’s Assessment of
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company's management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity of the financial statements and other financial information presented in this Annual Report. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and reflect the effects of certain estimates and judgments made by management.
The Company's management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework).
Based on the Company's evaluation under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020. The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report, which is included herein.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc.
February 26, 2021
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements“). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalization of Internal Use Software Development Costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description of the Matter
|
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company capitalizes costs for internal use computer software projects that relate to the application development stage. The Company capitalized $17.9 million of internal use computer software costs during the year ended December 31, 2020 and the net book value of internal use software costs was $30.2 million as of December 31, 2020.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auditing the Company’s capitalization of internal use computer software costs was complex because management’s determination of which projects and activities that qualify for capitalization requires significant judgment, as only those costs incurred in certain stages of software development can be capitalized in accordance with the applicable accounting standards. In addition, measuring the appropriate amounts to capitalize requires the Company to maintain detailed records of time spent by information technology personnel on software development activities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
|
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s processes for accounting for costs associated with internal use software projects. Our procedures included testing controls over management’s determination of which projects and costs qualify for capitalization in accordance with the applicable accounting standards and the Company’s controls over monitoring time and costs associated with the software development activities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To test the Company’s capitalization of internal use computer software costs, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, inspecting Company documentation describing the nature of the software projects. We also inquired of the Company’s information technology project managers for significant projects to understand the objective and status of the software projects, and to assess the nature of the costs incurred and the time devoted to capitalizable activities. We also inspected documentation related to the Company’s identification of time and costs supporting amounts recorded as software development.
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.
Chicago, Illinois
February 26, 2021
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2020 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 26, 2021
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
(In thousands, except share data)
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
41,297
|
|
|
$
|
34,626
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,287 and $4,255 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively
|
439,391
|
|
|
286,989
|
|
Income taxes receivable
|
—
|
|
|
2,473
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
9,322
|
|
|
8,999
|
|
Other current assets
|
3,465
|
|
|
3,106
|
|
Total current assets
|
493,475
|
|
|
336,193
|
|
Noncurrent assets:
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $156,309 and $130,320 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively
|
53,599
|
|
|
58,620
|
|
Goodwill
|
309,589
|
|
|
309,589
|
|
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $92,630 and $81,656 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively
|
86,788
|
|
|
97,762
|
|
Operating lease assets
|
16,724
|
|
|
19,638
|
|
Other assets
|
3,768
|
|
|
4,863
|
|
Total noncurrent assets
|
470,469
|
|
|
490,473
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
963,944
|
|
|
$
|
826,666
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
$
|
317,692
|
|
|
$
|
187,524
|
|
Due to seller, current
|
307
|
|
|
937
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
53,458
|
|
|
35,229
|
|
Income tax payable
|
1,675
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
4,004
|
|
|
6,719
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
377,135
|
|
|
230,409
|
|
Noncurrent liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, net
|
133,945
|
|
|
—
|
|
Convertible notes, net
|
—
|
|
|
156,298
|
|
Due to seller, noncurrent
|
—
|
|
|
770
|
|
Other noncurrent liabilities
|
511
|
|
|
641
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
25,333
|
|
|
23,761
|
|
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
|
27,651
|
|
|
31,475
|
|
Total noncurrent liabilities
|
187,440
|
|
|
212,945
|
|
Total liabilities
|
564,575
|
|
|
443,353
|
|
Stockholders' equity:
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 31,731,798 shares issued and 25,964,698 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020; 31,507,247 shares issued and 26,229,809 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
|
Treasury stock, 5,767,100 and 5,277,438 shares at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively
|
(118,679)
|
|
|
(109,239)
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
366,265
|
|
|
356,600
|
|
Retained earnings
|
151,780
|
|
|
135,948
|
|
Total stockholders' equity
|
399,369
|
|
|
383,312
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
|
$
|
963,944
|
|
|
$
|
826,666
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
(In thousands, except per share data)
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Revenue
|
$
|
2,511,515
|
|
|
$
|
2,184,977
|
|
|
$
|
2,439,701
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation costs (excludes internal use software depreciation of $19,083, $17,886, and $14,973 for years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.)
|
2,118,316
|
|
|
1,798,944
|
|
|
2,019,337
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
325,209
|
|
|
313,129
|
|
|
330,160
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
38,492
|
|
|
38,387
|
|
|
36,638
|
|
Income from operations
|
29,497
|
|
|
34,517
|
|
|
53,566
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
(5,990)
|
|
|
(12,639)
|
|
|
(15,546)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before provision for income taxes
|
23,508
|
|
|
21,878
|
|
|
38,020
|
|
Income tax expense
|
(7,675)
|
|
|
(7,032)
|
|
|
(9,296)
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
15,832
|
|
|
$
|
14,846
|
|
|
$
|
28,723
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
$
|
0.61
|
|
|
$
|
0.56
|
|
|
$
|
1.04
|
|
Diluted
|
$
|
0.60
|
|
|
$
|
0.55
|
|
|
$
|
1.03
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
Treasury Stock
|
|
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
|
|
Retained
Earnings
|
|
|
(In thousands, except share data)
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
Shares
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Total
|
Balance at January 1, 2018
|
30,768,050
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
(3,526,870)
|
|
|
$
|
(69,818)
|
|
|
$
|
337,445
|
|
|
$
|
91,242
|
|
|
$
|
358,872
|
|
Share compensation expense
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9,289
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9,289
|
|
Exercise of stock options
|
384,092
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,230
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,230
|
|
Common stock issued for vesting of restricted stock
|
221,291
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Common stock issued for vesting of performance shares
|
40,868
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Common shares withheld and retired to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock
|
(94,304)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,623)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,623)
|
|
Common shares issued for acquisition
|
25,223
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
693
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
693
|
|
Repurchase of convertible notes, net of deferred taxes
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(637)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(637)
|
|
Purchases of treasury stock
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(420,590)
|
|
|
(9,752)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(9,752)
|
|
Cumulative effect of accounting change
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,136
|
|
|
1,136
|
|
Net income
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
28,723
|
|
|
28,723
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2018
|
31,345,220
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
(3,947,460)
|
|
|
(79,571)
|
|
|
348,397
|
|
|
121,102
|
|
|
389,932
|
|
Share compensation expense
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10,194
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10,194
|
|
Exercise of stock options
|
3,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
37
|
|
Common stock issued for vesting of restricted stock
|
234,706
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Common stock issued for vesting of performance shares
|
13,267
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Common shares withheld and retired to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock
|
(88,946)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,131)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(2,131)
|
|
Repurchase of convertible notes, net of deferred taxes
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
103
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
103
|
|
Purchases of treasury stock
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,329,978)
|
|
|
(29,668)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(29,668)
|
|
Net income
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
14,846
|
|
|
14,846
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
31,507,247
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
(5,277,438)
|
|
|
(109,239)
|
|
|
356,600
|
|
|
135,948
|
|
|
383,312
|
|
Share compensation expense
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
11,367
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
11,367
|
|
Exercise of stock options
|
35,200
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
421
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
421
|
|
Common stock issued for vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units
|
287,379
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Common shares withheld and retired to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock
|
(98,028)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,933)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,933)
|
|
Repurchase of convertible notes, net of deferred taxes
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(190)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(190)
|
|
Purchases of treasury stock
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(489,662)
|
|
|
(9,440)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(9,440)
|
|
Net income
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
15,832
|
|
|
15,832
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2020
|
31,731,798
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
(5,767,100)
|
|
|
$
|
(118,679)
|
|
|
$
|
366,265
|
|
|
$
|
151,780
|
|
|
$
|
399,369
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
(In thousands)
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
15,832
|
|
|
$
|
14,846
|
|
|
$
|
28,723
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
1,560
|
|
|
4,783
|
|
|
7,124
|
|
Noncash stock compensation expense
|
11,367
|
|
|
10,194
|
|
|
9,289
|
|
Noncash interest expense
|
1,711
|
|
|
7,345
|
|
|
9,077
|
|
Change in contingent consideration due to seller
|
(447)
|
|
|
1,050
|
|
|
410
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
38,492
|
|
|
38,387
|
|
|
36,638
|
|
Change in assets, net of acquisitions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
(152,402)
|
|
|
50,469
|
|
|
(12,700)
|
|
Income taxes receivable
|
4,036
|
|
|
469
|
|
|
2,542
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
(754)
|
|
|
(700)
|
|
|
(4,492)
|
|
Change in liabilities, net of acquisitions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
129,910
|
|
|
(28,586)
|
|
|
11,225
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
14,972
|
|
|
(12,628)
|
|
|
6,783
|
|
Payment of contingent consideration in excess of amounts established in purchase accounting
|
(507)
|
|
|
(1,097)
|
|
|
(375)
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
63,770
|
|
|
84,532
|
|
|
94,245
|
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment
|
(21,588)
|
|
|
(23,926)
|
|
|
(24,101)
|
|
Investments in business entities
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1,000)
|
|
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
|
—
|
|
|
(33)
|
|
|
(6,720)
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
(21,588)
|
|
|
(23,959)
|
|
|
(31,821)
|
|
Financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments of contingent consideration due to seller
|
(447)
|
|
|
(1,206)
|
|
|
(550)
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
|
421
|
|
|
37
|
|
|
4,230
|
|
Employee tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based awards
|
(1,933)
|
|
|
(2,131)
|
|
|
(2,623)
|
|
Purchases of treasury stock
|
(10,349)
|
|
|
(29,014)
|
|
|
(9,497)
|
|
Purchases of Convertible Notes
|
(88,961)
|
|
|
(33,915)
|
|
|
(37,217)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlement of Convertible Notes
|
(69,242)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Proceeds from borrowing on ABL facility
|
180,000
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
Repayments of amounts borrowed on ABL facility
|
(45,000)
|
|
|
(35,000)
|
|
|
(12,000)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
(35,510)
|
|
|
(66,229)
|
|
|
(45,657)
|
|
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
6,672
|
|
|
(5,656)
|
|
|
16,766
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
34,626
|
|
|
40,281
|
|
|
23,515
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
|
$
|
41,297
|
|
|
$
|
34,626
|
|
|
$
|
40,281
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the year for interest
|
$
|
4,631
|
|
|
$
|
5,430
|
|
|
$
|
6,594
|
|
Cash paid during the year for income taxes
|
1,976
|
|
|
5,173
|
|
|
174
|
|
Cash received during the year for income taxes refunded
|
—
|
|
|
3,363
|
|
|
189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncash financing activity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability for purchases of treasury stock not yet settled
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
909
|
|
|
$
|
255
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
1. Description of Business
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services. These services are delivered on a proprietary technology platform that serves the transportation and logistics needs of the Company's clients. The Company provides services across all major transportation modes, including truckload ("TL"), less than truckload ("LTL"), small parcel, intermodal, domestic air, expedited and international. The Company's core logistics services, primarily brokerage and transportation management services, include carrier selection, dispatch, load management and tracking.
The Company's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol ECHO.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation. The consolidated statements of operations include the results of entities or assets acquired from the effective date of the acquisition for accounting purposes.
Preparation of Financial Statements and Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results can differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments, which consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature. The fair value of the due to seller liabilities are determined based on the likelihood of the Company making contingent earn-out payments. See Note 6 "Fair value Measurement" for additional information.
Leases
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 842 Leases ("ASC Topic 842") on January 1, 2019, of which prior amounts are not adjusted and continue to be in accordance with the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. Operating leases are recorded as right-of-use assets ("ROU assets"), which are included in operating lease assets, and lease liabilities, which are included in other current liabilities and noncurrent operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2020, all Company leases were operating leases.
ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent an obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term. The Company also has some leases that include termination options. The exercise of lease renewal or termination options is at the Company's sole discretion, and it does not recognize these options as part of its ROU assets or lease liabilities. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The Company's leases generally do not provide an implicit rate, and therefore, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate when measuring operating lease liabilities. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate the Company would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease within a particular currency environment. The incremental borrowing rate is influenced by the Company's credit rating and lease term and may differ for individual leases.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
The Company adopted the package of practical expedients that allows it to (i) not reassess whether an arrangement contains a lease, (ii) carry forward its lease classification as operating or capital leases and (iii) not reassess its previously recorded initial direct costs. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components, and therefore both components are accounted for and recognized as lease components.
The Company's 2018 leases were recognized in accordance with ASC Topic 840 Leases.
Revenue Recognition
The Company adopted ASC Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC Topic 606") on January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, of which prior amounts are not adjusted and continue to be in accordance with the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Under ASC Topic 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company's customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for services. The Company generates revenue from two different client types: Transactional and Managed Transportation. Most clients are categorized as Transactional clients. For its Transactional business, the Company provides brokerage and transportation management services on a shipment-by-shipment basis. Carrier selection, dispatch, load management and tracking are integrated services that occur within the brokerage and transportation management performance obligation. The Company categorizes a client as a Managed Transportation client if there is an agreement with the client for the provision of services, typically for a multi-year term. Brokerage and transportation management services is typically the performance obligation for the Company's Managed Transportation clients. For the brokerage and transportation management services performance obligation, revenue is recognized as the client's shipment travels from origin to destination by a third-party carrier. The Company is the principal in these transactions and recognizes revenue on a gross and relative transit time basis.
Other performance obligations for Managed Transportation clients may include transportation management services, which includes the integrated services of dispatch, tracking and carrier payment. For these types of transactions, revenue is recorded on a net basis as the Company does not have latitude in carrier selection or establish rates with the carrier. The Company also performs project-based services, such as compliance management, customized re-billing services and freight studies for certain Managed Transportation clients. Further discussion of the changes to the revenue recognition policy under the new standard is discussed in Note 5 "Revenue".
Rebates
The Company has entered into agreements with certain clients to rebate to them a portion of the costs that they pay to the Company for transportation services, based on certain conditions and/or pricing schedules that are specific to each individual agreement, but that are typically constructed as a percentage of the costs that the client incurs. Refer to Note 5 "Revenue" for further discussion.
Rebates are recognized at the same time that the related transportation revenue is recognized and are recorded as a reduction of transportation revenue.
Segment Reporting
For operating purposes, the Company is organized as one operating segment pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 280 Segment Reporting, which establishes accounting standards for segment reporting. The Company's chief operating decision-maker assesses performance and makes resource allocation decisions for the business as a single operating segment. There has been no change from prior periods in the Company's determination that it has one reportable segment for reporting purposes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms. Invoices require payment within 30 to 90 days from the invoice date. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount billed to the customer. Customer account balances with invoices 90 days past due are considered delinquent. The Company generally does not charge interest on past due amounts. Additionally, the Company maintains a credit insurance policy for certain accounts.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts that reflects management's best estimate of amounts that will not be collected. The allowance is based on historical loss experience and any specific risks identified in client collection matters. Accounts receivable are charged off against the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is determined that the receivable is uncollectible. The Company recorded $2.9 million, $2.3 million and $2.7 million of bad debt expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses Topic 326, using the prospective approach. Results for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2020 are presented under ("Topic 326"). Prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the accounting standards in effect for those periods.
The Company is exposed to potential credit losses related to its trade receivables, which the Company categorizes as either Transactional or Managed Transportation. For its Transactional trade receivables, the Company utilizes historical loss information to develop an estimate for future expected credit losses. For its Managed Transportation trade receivables, the Company estimates its potential future expected credit losses on a customer specific basis. The Company considers current economic conditions and forecasts when determining its credit loss estimate based on the aging schedule. The Company transacts with customers in a variety of industries and adjusts its estimate accordingly if it becomes aware of financial difficulties for a specific customer.
The Company extends credit to certain clients as part of its business model. These clients are subject to an approval process prior to any extension of credit or increase in their current credit limit. The Company reviews each credit request and considers, among other factors, payment history, current billing status, recommendations by various rating agencies and capitalization. Clients that satisfy the credit review may receive a line of credit or an increase in their existing credit amount. The Company believes this review and approval process helps mitigate the risk of client defaults on extensions of credit and any potential credit losses. Additionally, the Company maintains a credit insurance policy for certain accounts.
The following table summarizes the components of the allowance as of December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
|
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
$
|
4,255
|
|
Provision, charged to expense
|
2,881
|
|
Write-offs
|
(3,357)
|
|
Recoveries
|
2,507
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2020
|
$
|
6,287
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements under operating leases are depreciated over the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining term of the lease, whichever is shorter. The estimated useful lives, by asset class, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computer equipment and software
|
3 years
|
Office equipment
|
5 years
|
Furniture and fixtures
|
5 - 7 years
|
Internal Use Software
Certain costs incurred in the planning and evaluation stage of internal use computer software projects are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage for the development of internal use software, including upgrades and enhancements that provide additional functionality to existing software, are capitalized and included in property and equipment. The Company capitalized $17.9 million and $16.9 million of internal use software costs during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Capitalized internal use software costs are amortized over the expected economic life of three years using the straight-line method. The total expense, included in depreciation expense, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $19.1 million, $17.9 million and $15.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the net book value of internal use software costs was $30.2 million and $31.5 million, respectively.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill represents the excess of consideration transferred over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. In accordance with ASC Topic 350 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment ("ASC 350"), goodwill is not amortized, but instead is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Absent any special circumstances that could require an interim test, the Company has elected to test for goodwill impairment during the fourth quarter of each year.
The Company manages the business as one operating segment and one reporting unit pursuant to the provisions of ASC Topic 280 Segment Reporting, which established accounting standards for segment reporting. Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Testing Goodwill for Impairment" permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. After assessing qualitative factors, if an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, no further testing is necessary. In October 2020, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment of the reporting unit in accordance with ASC 350 due to the uncertain economic environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We utilized a combination of two valuation methodologies commonly referred to as the income approach and the market approach. For the income approach, we used the discounted cash flow model and for the market approach, we used the guideline public company method. The discounted cash flow method under the income approach uses the reporting unit's projection of estimated operating results and cash flows that is discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions appropriate to the reporting unit. The guideline public company method under the market approach uses pricing multiples of a peer group of publicly traded companies and applies these multiples to the operating results of each reporting unit to provide indications of value. A concluded enterprise value based on equal weighting of the two methods was reconciled to current market capitalization. Both methods use management's best estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period, including growth rates in sales, costs, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and cash expenditures. As a result of our quantitative assessment of the reporting unit, we concluded that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount.
ASC Topic 350 also requires that intangible assets with finite lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment whenever impairment indicators exist in accordance with ASC Topic 360 Property, Plant and Equipment. The Company's intangible assets consist of customer relationships, carrier relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names, which are being amortized over their estimated weighted-average useful lives of 14.8 years,17.0 years, 6.7 years and 4.0 years, respectively. The weighted-average useful life of total intangible assets is 14.4 years. The customer relationships are being amortized using an accelerated method, while carrier relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names are being amortized using the straight-line method.
Self-Insurance Liability
The Company is self-insured for its employee health plans and records a liability that represents its estimated cost of claims incurred and unpaid as of the balance sheet date. The Company's estimated liability is not discounted and is based on a number of assumptions and factors, including historical trends, actuarial assumptions and economic conditions. The total estimated self-insurance liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $1.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718 Compensation - Stock Compensation which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based upon their fair values. Share-based compensation for restricted stock and restricted stock unit is reduced by estimated forfeitures for each period and adjusted accordingly upon vesting or actual forfeiture. Share-based employee compensation costs are recognized as a component of selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 15 "Stock-based Compensation Plans" for a description of the Company's accounting for stock-based compensation plans.
Income Taxes
Under ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes, deferred assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is established to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Any change in the valuation allowance would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement.
3. New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which replaces the incurred loss methodology previously employed to measure credit losses for most financial assets and requires the use of a forward-looking expected loss model. This update requires financial assets to be measured at amortized costs less a reserve and equal to the net amount expected to be collected.
The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2020 using the prospective approach. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. At December 31, 2020, the Company reported $439.4 million of accounts receivable, net of allowance of $6.3 million. The Company fully describes the adoption and impact of this standard in Note 2 "Summary of Significant of Accounting Policies". As part of the adoption of this standard, the Company implemented changes to its accounting policies, practices and internal controls over financial reporting.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. This new accounting standard was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this new standard did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, Codification Improvements – Disclosures, which provides consistency by amending the codification to include all disclosure sections and clarifies application of various provisions in the Codification by amending and adding new headings, cross referencing to other guidance, and refining or correcting terminology. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied using retrospective method. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, which is intended to simplify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective method. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform, which provides companies with optional guidance, including expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts and other transactions affected by reference rate reform, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). This new standard was effective upon issuance and generally can be applied to applicable contract modifications through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the effects that the adoption of this guidance will have on its disclosures.
4. Acquisitions
On July 6, 2018, the Company acquired Freight Management Plus, Inc. ("Freight Management", or "FMP"), a non-asset based truckload and less than truckload transportation brokerage based in Allison Park, Pennsylvania, and the results of FMP have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The Company purchased the assets and assumed certain liabilities of FMP for $6.7 million in cash payable at closing, $0.7 million of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and an additional $2.9 million in contingent consideration that may become payable upon the achievement of certain performance measures on or prior to June 30, 2021. The acquisition date fair value of the total consideration transferred was $10.5 million. The Company recorded $2.3 million of goodwill, $1.4 million as the estimated opening balance sheet fair value of the contingent consideration obligation and $5.1 million of customer relationship intangible assets. The fair values of the contingent consideration obligation and the customer relationship intangible assets are considered
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
Level 3 fair value estimates. The fair value of the contingent consideration obligation was based on the probability of reaching the financial forecasts of future operating results, an appropriate discount rate and the Company's historical experience with similar arrangements as further described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. The fair value of the customer relationship intangible assets was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current customers of FMP at the time of the acquisition. The amount of goodwill deductible for U.S. income tax purposes is $0.9 million, which excludes the opening balance sheet fair value of the contingent consideration obligation.
The opening balance sheet fair value of the contingent consideration was $1.4 million. The Company made a payment of $1.0 million in 2020 and 2019 to the seller of FMP based on the achievement of certain financial measures as defined within the acquisition purchase agreement. As of December, 31, 2020 the fair value of the remaining contingent consideration was $0.3 million. The Company will continue to reassess the fair value of the contingent consideration obligation each quarter.
5. Revenue
Adoption of ASC Topic 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC Topic 606"), using the modified retrospective method. The Company recorded an increase to the opening balance of retained earnings of $1.1 million, net of tax, as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adoption of ASC Topic 606.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for its services. The Company generates revenue from two different client types: Transactional and Managed Transportation. Most clients are categorized as Transactional clients. For its Transactional business, the Company provides brokerage and transportation management services on a shipment-by-shipment basis. Carrier selection, dispatch, load management and tracking are integrated services that occur within the brokerage and transportation management performance obligation. For the brokerage and transportation management services performance obligation, revenue is recognized as the client's shipment travels from origin to destination by a third-party carrier. The Company is the principal in these transactions and recognizes revenue on a gross and relative transit time basis.
The Company categorizes a client as a Managed Transportation client if there is an agreement with the client for the provision of services, typically for a multi-year term. Brokerage and transportation management services is typically the performance obligation for the Company's Managed Transportation clients. For this performance obligation, revenue is recognized gross as the Company is the principal in these transactions and is recognized as the Managed Transportation client's shipment travels from origin to destination on a relative transit time basis. Other performance obligations for Managed Transportation clients may include transportation management services, which includes the integrated services of dispatch, tracking and carrier payment. For these types of transactions, revenue is recorded on a net basis as the Company does not have latitude in carrier selection or establish rates with the carrier. The Company also performs project-based services, such as compliance management, customized re-billing services and freight studies for certain Managed Transportation clients.
The following table presents the Company's revenue disaggregated by client type (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
Client Type
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Transactional
|
$
|
1,936,688
|
|
|
$
|
1,684,872
|
|
|
$
|
1,915,589
|
|
Managed Transportation
|
574,827
|
|
|
500,105
|
|
|
524,112
|
|
Revenue
|
$
|
2,511,515
|
|
|
$
|
2,184,977
|
|
|
$
|
2,439,701
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue recognized per shipment varies depending on the transportation mode. The primary modes of shipment in which the Company transacts are truckload and less than truckload. Other transportation modes include intermodal, small parcel, domestic air, expedited and international.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
The following table presents the Company's revenue disaggregated by mode (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
Mode
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Truckload
|
$
|
1,757,494
|
|
|
$
|
1,437,566
|
|
|
$
|
1,686,358
|
|
Less than truckload
|
659,358
|
|
|
646,594
|
|
|
638,404
|
|
Other revenue
|
94,663
|
|
|
100,817
|
|
|
114,939
|
|
Revenue
|
$
|
2,511,515
|
|
|
$
|
2,184,977
|
|
|
$
|
2,439,701
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable Consideration
Certain customers may receive rebates based on the terms of their agreement with the Company, which are accounted for as variable consideration. Rebates are estimated based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and reduce revenue recognized. The Company also estimates for possible additional fees based on a portfolio approach.
Practical Expedients
The Company adopted the practical expedient to recognize commission expense when incurred because the amortization period is less than one year. Commission expense recognition aligns with the Company's revenue recognition policy under ASC Topic 606, as commission expense is recognized on a relative transit time basis.
The Company applied the disclosure exemption in ASC Topic 606 that permits the omission of remaining performance obligations that have an original expected duration of one year or less.
6. Fair Value Measurement
The Company applies ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for its financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance requires disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The Company's financial liabilities primarily relate to contingent earn-out payments due to sellers in connection with various acquisitions. The fair value of the due to seller liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $0.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively. The potential contingent earn-out payments and performance are defined in the individual purchase agreement for each acquisition. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") is the performance target defined and measured to determine the contingent earn-out payment due, if any, after each defined measurement period.
ASC Topic 820 includes a fair value hierarchy that is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The fair value hierarchy is based on observable or unobservable inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon its own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
•Level 1: Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2: Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs, which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
•Level 3: Inputs that are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable.
The significant inputs used to derive the fair value of the amounts due to seller include financial forecasts of future operating results, the probability of reaching the forecast and an appropriate discount rate for each contingent liability. Probabilities are estimated by reviewing financial forecasts and assessing the likelihood of reaching the required performance measures based on factors specific to each acquisition as well as the Company’s historical experience with similar arrangements. If an acquisition reaches the required performance measure, the estimated probability would be increased to 100% and would still be classified as a contingent liability on the balance sheet. If the measure is not reached, the probability would be reduced to reflect the amount earned, if any, depending on the terms of the agreement. Discount rates used in determining the fair value of the contingent consideration due to seller ranged between 2% and 3%. Historical results of the respective acquisitions serve as the basis for preparing the financial forecasts used in the valuation.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
Quantitative factors are also considered in these forecasts, including acquisition synergies, growth and sales potential and potential operational efficiencies gained. Changes to the significant inputs used in determining the fair value of the contingent consideration due to seller could result in a change in the fair value of the contingent consideration. However, the correlation and inverse relationship between higher projected financial results to the discount rate applied and probability of meeting the financial targets mitigates the effect of any changes to the unobservable inputs.
The following tables set forth the Company's financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the basis of measurement at December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020
|
|
Total
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contingent consideration due to seller
|
$
|
(307)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(307)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2019
|
|
Total
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contingent consideration due to seller
|
$
|
(1,707)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(1,707)
|
|
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to Seller Liability
|
Balance at January 1, 2019
|
$
|
(2,960)
|
|
|
|
Change in contingent consideration due to seller
|
(1,050)
|
|
Payments of contingent consideration due to seller
|
2,303
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
(1,707)
|
|
Change in contingent consideration due to seller
|
447
|
|
Payments of contingent consideration due to seller
|
953
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2020
|
$
|
(307)
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized a benefit of $0.4 million in selling, general and administrative expense due to the change in fair value determined by a level three valuation technique. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized net expense of $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in selling, general and administrative expense due to the change in fair value determined by a level three valuation technique. These changes in fair value resulted from using revised forecasts that took into account the most recent performance at each acquired business and the effect of the time value of money.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company made contingent earn-out payments of $1.0 million, $2.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively, to sellers of businesses acquired by the Company.
7. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment at December 31, 2020 and 2019, consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
Computer equipment
|
$
|
28,286
|
|
|
$
|
24,950
|
|
Software, including internal use software
|
142,624
|
|
|
124,692
|
|
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
|
9,607
|
|
|
9,678
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
29,391
|
|
|
29,621
|
|
|
209,908
|
|
|
188,940
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
(156,309)
|
|
|
(130,320)
|
|
Net property and equipment
|
$
|
53,599
|
|
|
$
|
58,620
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
Depreciation expense, including amortization of capitalized internal use software, was $27.5 million, $26.6 million and $23.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
8. Intangibles and Goodwill
The balance of goodwill was $309.6 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, as no changes occurred during the period. The Company performs an annual impairment test and no such impairment was recognized. The Company has no accumulated impairment losses as of December 31, 2020. See Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", for additional information on our annual impairment testing.
The following is a summary of intangible assets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated Amortization
|
|
Net
|
|
Cost
|
|
Accumulated Amortization
|
|
Net
|
Customer relationships
|
$
|
150,239
|
|
|
$
|
(76,677)
|
|
|
$
|
73,562
|
|
|
$
|
150,239
|
|
|
$
|
(67,317)
|
|
|
$
|
82,922
|
|
Carrier relationships
|
18,300
|
|
|
(6,010)
|
|
|
12,290
|
|
|
18,300
|
|
|
(4,934)
|
|
|
13,366
|
|
Non-compete agreements
|
5,239
|
|
|
(4,303)
|
|
|
936
|
|
|
5,239
|
|
|
(3,765)
|
|
|
1,474
|
|
Trade names
|
5,640
|
|
|
(5,640)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5,640
|
|
|
(5,640)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total intangible assets
|
$
|
179,418
|
|
|
$
|
(92,630)
|
|
|
$
|
86,788
|
|
|
$
|
179,418
|
|
|
$
|
(81,656)
|
|
|
$
|
97,762
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The customer relationships are being amortized using an accelerated method, as an accelerated method best approximates the distribution of cash flows generated by the acquired customer relationships. The carrier relationships, trade names and non-compete agreements are being amortized using the straight-line method. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $11.0 million, $11.8 million and $13.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The estimated amortization expense for the next five years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021
|
10,362
|
|
2022
|
10,005
|
|
2023
|
9,501
|
|
2024
|
8,897
|
|
2025
|
8,201
|
|
Thereafter
|
39,822
|
|
Total
|
$
|
86,788
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
9. Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
The components of accrued expenses at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
Accrued compensation
|
$
|
39,757
|
|
|
$
|
21,192
|
|
Accrued rebates
|
3,196
|
|
|
3,119
|
|
Accrued employee benefits
|
3,077
|
|
|
4,235
|
|
Accrued professional service fees
|
1,512
|
|
|
1,395
|
|
Accrued interest
|
155
|
|
|
881
|
|
Other
|
5,760
|
|
|
4,407
|
|
Total accrued expenses
|
$
|
53,458
|
|
|
$
|
35,229
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
The other current liabilities of $4.0 million and $6.7 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, consists primarily of the current portion of the Company's operating lease liabilities. The other noncurrent liabilities of $0.5
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, consist of the long-term portion of the Company's uncertain tax liability.
10. Long-Term Debt
ABL Facility
On October 23, 2018, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to its Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (the "Second Amendment"), which amended the terms of its existing Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2015, by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (as amended, restated or otherwise modified prior to the Second Amendment, the "Existing Credit Agreement" and, as amended by the Second Amendment, the "Amended Credit Agreement"). The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $350 million (the "Amended ABL Facility"), with an extended maturity date of October 23, 2023. The initial aggregate principal amount under the Amended ABL Facility may be increased from time to time by an additional $150 million to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $500 million; provided that certain requirements are satisfied. The Company's obligations under the Amended ABL Facility are secured, on a first lien priority basis, by certain working capital assets.
Interest is payable at a rate per annum equal to, at the option of the Company, any of the following, plus, in each case, an applicable margin: (a) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the federal funds effective rate, plus 0.50%, (2) the base commercial lending rate of PNC Bank, National Association and (3) a daily LIBOR rate, plus 1.00%; or (b) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits in the relevant currency for the interest period relevant to such borrowing adjusted for certain additional costs. The applicable margin is 0.25% to 0.50% for borrowings at the base rate and 1.25% to 1.50% for borrowings at the LIBOR rate, in each case, based on the excess availability under the Amended ABL Facility.
The terms of the Amended ABL Facility include various covenants, including a covenant that requires the Company to maintain a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio at any time (a) a specified default occurs or (b) if excess availability falls below certain specified levels. We remained in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2020.
The Company incurred issuance costs of $0.8 million in 2018 related to the Amended ABL Facility. If the Company has an amount outstanding on the ABL Facility, these issuance costs are presented on the consolidated balance sheet as a reduction to the carrying amount of the debt and amortized to interest expense using straight-line amortization over the 5 year life of the Amended ABL Facility. If the Company has no outstanding draw on the ABL Facility, the unamortized issuance costs are presented as a deferred asset on the consolidated balance sheet. For each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded $0.1 million, $0.5 million and $0.7 million of interest expense related to the ABL Facility issuance costs, respectively.
Under the Amended ABL Facility, the Company is required to pay a commitment fee in respect to the unutilized commitments under the Amended ABL Facility, calculated at a rate of 0.25%. The Company recognized interest expense related to the commitment fee and borrowings on the ABL Facility of $2.9 million, $1.1 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The Company drew a total of $180.0 million on the ABL Facility, primarily to repay in full the existing 2.50% convertible senior notes due 2020 (the "Notes"), for the year ended December 31, 2020, of which $135.0 million is outstanding as of December 31, 2020. As there is an outstanding amount drawn on the ABL as of December 31, 2020, the unamortized issuance costs are presented as a reduction to the carrying amount of the debt on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company drew a total of $35.0 million and $12.0 million on the ABL Facility for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, all of which was repaid as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. No amounts were outstanding on the ABL Facility as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. As there is no outstanding draw on the ABL Facility at December 31, 2019 and 2018, the unamortized issuance costs are presented as a deferred asset on the consolidated balance sheets. Since June 1, 2015, the Company has been in compliance with all covenants related to the ABL Facility.
The issuance of letters of credit under the ABL Facility reduces available borrowings. At December 31, 2020, there were $0.7 million of letters of credit outstanding. The total draw allowed on the Amended ABL Facility at December 31, 2020, as determined by the working capital assets pledged as collateral, was $330.7 million. After adjusting for the letters of credit, the Company's remaining availability to borrow under the Amended ABL Facility at December 31, 2020 was $194.9 million.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
Convertible Senior Notes
On May 5, 2015, the Company issued $230 million aggregate principal amount of 2.50% convertible senior notes due 2020 in a registered public offering (the "Notes"). The Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.50% per year payable semiannually in arrears in cash on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on November 1, 2015.
On May 1, 2020, the Company paid the Notes remaining outstanding principal balance of $69.2 million and related accrued interest of $0.9 million using the Amended ABL Facility. The Company accounted for these transactions in accordance with ASC 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options. At the maturity date, the fair value of the Notes was equal to the par value, resulting in no gain or loss on the extinguishment of debt.
Prior to paying the final outstanding balance of the Notes at maturity, the Company repurchased $89.1 million par value of the Notes for $89.0 million in cash, resulting in the recognition of a loss of $0.2 million during 2020. The loss is primarily for the write-off of the unamortized debt discount related to the Notes, which was included in interest expense in the Company's respective consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased $34.3 million par value of the convertible senior notes for $33.9 million in cash, resulting in a $0.7 million loss. The losses were primarily for the write-off of the unamortized debt discount related to the Notes, which were included in interest expense in the Company’s respective consolidated statements of operations.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying amount of the Notes on the consolidated balance sheets is calculated as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
Convertible senior notes, principal amount
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
158,295
|
|
Unamortized debt discount
|
—
|
|
|
(1,667)
|
|
Unamortized debt issuance costs
|
—
|
|
|
(330)
|
|
Convertible senior notes, net
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
156,298
|
|
For 2020, 2019 and 2018, interest expense related to the Notes consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
|
December 31, 2019
|
|
December 31, 2018
|
Contractual coupon interest
|
$
|
1,063
|
|
|
$
|
4,243
|
|
|
$
|
5,647
|
|
Debt discount amortization
|
1,196
|
|
|
5,161
|
|
|
6,403
|
|
Loss on extinguishment of debt
|
166
|
|
|
711
|
|
|
751
|
|
Debt issuance cost amortization
|
236
|
|
|
1,021
|
|
|
1,266
|
|
Interest expense, Notes
|
$
|
2,662
|
|
|
$
|
11,137
|
|
|
$
|
14,067
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to potential claims and disputes related to its business, including claims for freight lost or damaged in transit. Some of these matters may be covered by its insurance and risk management programs or may result in claims or adjustments with the Company's carriers. The Company cannot predict the outcome of any litigation or the potential for future litigation and does not guarantee that these events will not adversely impact our financial results. Management does not believe that the outcome of any pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.
In July 2016, the Company received an unfavorable appeals assessment regarding a state activity-based tax matter of $1.3 million, including penalties and interest, for the state tax audit period from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2014. The Company appealed the assessment further, and on July 23, 2020, received an unfavorable decision from the state tax board. The Company continues to believe the assessment is without merit and will continue to defend its position through the judicial court system. The Company estimates that the additional potential liability related to this matter for the remaining open tax periods is between $3.5 million and $4.5 million, including potential penalties and interest. The Company has not recorded any potential loss related to this matter as of December 31, 2020.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
The Company has received a letter alleging the Company violated both federal and state labor laws in classifying certain employees as exempt and threatening to bring a class action lawsuit against the Company regarding this allegation. The Company disputes the allegations and intends to defend the matter. Given the uncertainty of potential litigation and the preliminary stage of the matter, the Company cannot estimate the reasonable possibility or range of loss, if any, that may result from this matter and therefore no accrual has been made as of December 31, 2020.
12. Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes and related uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC Topic 740. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized net increases of $194 thousand, $115 thousand and $44 thousand, respectively, in unrecognized tax benefits that impact the tax rate. The Company's policy is to recognize interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Company has recorded interest on its unrecognized tax benefits in 2020 and 2019. The following is a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Balance at January 1
|
$
|
609
|
|
|
$
|
498
|
|
Increases related to prior year tax positions
|
92
|
|
|
21
|
|
Increases related to current year tax positions
|
123
|
|
|
90
|
|
Decreases based on settlements with taxing authorities
|
(9)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Balance at December 31
|
$
|
815
|
|
|
$
|
609
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, of the unrecognized tax benefits disclosed above, $510 thousand and $640 thousand, respectively, are classified as other noncurrent liabilities including interest and penalties. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits are included in deferred income taxes and income taxes payable for December 31, 2020, and the remaining unrecognized tax benefits are included in deferred income taxes for December 31, 2019. The Company does not believe it will have any significant changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months. The total amount of the unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, would affect the effective tax rate. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by tax authorities before 2017, and state and local income tax examinations, by tax authorities for years before 2016.
The provision for income taxes consists of the following components for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
$
|
4,424
|
|
|
$
|
1,628
|
|
|
$
|
1,879
|
|
State
|
1,691
|
|
|
621
|
|
|
293
|
|
Total current
|
6,116
|
|
|
2,248
|
|
|
2,172
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
1,393
|
|
|
3,214
|
|
|
5,572
|
|
State
|
167
|
|
|
1,570
|
|
|
1,552
|
|
Total deferred
|
1,560
|
|
|
4,783
|
|
|
7,124
|
|
Income tax expense
|
$
|
7,675
|
|
|
$
|
7,032
|
|
|
$
|
9,296
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% for 2020 and 2019 and 2018 to pretax income because of the effect of the following items (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Tax expense at U.S. federal income tax rate
|
$
|
4,936
|
|
|
$
|
4,594
|
|
|
$
|
7,984
|
|
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect
|
1,295
|
|
|
1,179
|
|
|
1,553
|
|
Nondeductible expenses and other
|
883
|
|
|
820
|
|
|
941
|
|
Effect of state rate change on deferred items
|
21
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
—
|
|
Research and development credit
|
(617)
|
|
|
(573)
|
|
|
(420)
|
|
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits
|
194
|
|
|
115
|
|
|
44
|
|
Provision to return adjustments
|
(152)
|
|
|
(185)
|
|
|
(55)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based payment awards
|
1,131
|
|
|
644
|
|
|
(771)
|
|
State tax credits
|
(2,124)
|
|
|
(2,179)
|
|
|
(1,647)
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
2,137
|
|
|
2,552
|
|
|
1,613
|
|
Audit settlements
|
—
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Work opportunity tax credit
|
(30)
|
|
|
(30)
|
|
|
(18)
|
|
Income tax expense
|
$
|
7,675
|
|
|
$
|
7,032
|
|
|
$
|
9,296
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company's noncurrent deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
Reserves and allowances
|
$
|
6,771
|
|
|
$
|
3,922
|
|
Stock options
|
2,613
|
|
|
2,540
|
|
Net operating loss carryforward
|
—
|
|
|
16
|
|
Credit carryforwards
|
10,994
|
|
|
8,953
|
|
Lease liability
|
7,487
|
|
|
8,824
|
|
Subtotal
|
27,866
|
|
|
24,255
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
(10,346)
|
|
|
(8,336)
|
|
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets
|
17,519
|
|
|
15,919
|
|
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
Prepaid and other expenses
|
1,103
|
|
|
1,046
|
|
Intangible assets
|
25,514
|
|
|
19,636
|
|
Property and equipment
|
11,242
|
|
|
12,268
|
|
Convertible debt
|
—
|
|
|
398
|
|
Section 481(a) adjustment - revenue recognition
|
742
|
|
|
1,482
|
|
Right of use asset
|
4,123
|
|
|
4,849
|
|
Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
|
42,724
|
|
|
39,680
|
|
Net deferred tax liability
|
$
|
(25,205)
|
|
|
$
|
(23,761)
|
|
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded deferred tax assets of $11.0 million and $9.0 million, respectively, for certain state tax credits with a 5 year credit carryforward period. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that a portion of the benefit from these state tax credit carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, the Company recorded valuation allowances of $10.3 million and $8.3 million on the deferred tax asset relating to these state tax credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded deferred tax assets for federal and state income tax net operating loss carryforwards of zero and $16 thousand, respectively, which will expire at various dates from tax years 2026 through 2036.
13. Stockholders' Equity
Preferred Stock
The Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 2,500,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to establish the preferred stock's voting powers, preferences and other rights and qualifications without any further vote or action by the stockholders. As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, there was no preferred stock outstanding.
Treasury Stock
On May 1, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program for up to an aggregate of $50 million of the Company's outstanding common stock and Notes prior to its expiration on April 30, 2019.
On November 1, 2018, the Board of Directors amended the repurchase program to add an additional $50 million of capacity and extend the expiration date to October 31, 2020, which was later amended on April 30, 2019 to add additional $50 million of capacity through October 31, 2020.
On July 31, 2020, the Board of Directors amended the ongoing repurchase program to add an additional $50 million of capacity and extend the expiration date to July 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2020, $60.2 million remained available under the repurchase plan, as amended. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined based on market conditions and other factors, and the program may be discontinued or suspended at any time.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company repurchased 489,662, 1,329,978 and 420,590 shares of common stock at a cost of $9.4 million, $29.7 million and $9.8 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has repurchased 5,767,100 shares of common stock, in aggregate, at a cost of $118.7 million.
Convertible Notes
In accordance with the ongoing repurchase program mentioned above, the Company repurchased $89.1 million par value of the 2.50% convertible senior notes for $89.0 million in cash for the year ended December 31, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased $34.3 million, par value of the 2.50% convertible senior notes for $33.9 million in cash.
14. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding plus share equivalents that would arise from the exercise of share options and the vesting of restricted stock and performance shares. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Numerator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
$
|
15,832
|
|
|
$
|
14,846
|
|
|
$
|
28,723
|
|
Denominator:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted-average shares
|
25,962,586
|
|
|
26,682,323
|
|
|
27,597,950
|
|
Effect of dilutive securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee stock awards
|
390,410
|
|
|
140,665
|
|
|
323,936
|
|
Denominator for dilutive earnings per common share
|
26,352,996
|
|
|
26,822,988
|
|
|
27,921,886
|
|
Basic earnings per common share
|
$
|
0.61
|
|
|
$
|
0.56
|
|
|
$
|
1.04
|
|
Diluted earnings per common share
|
$
|
0.60
|
|
|
$
|
0.55
|
|
|
$
|
1.03
|
|
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company excluded in the aggregate 44,796 unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance and market-based shares from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because the effect was anti-dilutive. There were no employee stock options excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per common share.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company excluded 5,377 unvested restricted stock from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share because the effect was anti-dilutive. There were no employee stock options and no unvested performance and market-based shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, no unvested restricted stock, no employee stock options and no unvested performance and market-based shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per comment share.
15. Stock-Based Compensation Plans
During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company adopted the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2008 Plan"). The 2008 Plan was further amended and restated as of June 16, 2017 as the Amended and Restated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Amended 2008 Plan"). A total of 3,400,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Amended 2008 Plan. The Amended 2008 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors who determine the type of award, exercise price of options, the number of options to be issued, and the vesting period. As specified in the Amended 2008 Plan, the exercise price per share shall not be less than the fair market value on the effective date of grant. Upon exercise of a stock option under the Amended 2008 Plan, new stock is issued. The term of an option does not exceed 10 years, and the options generally vest ratably over one to five years from the date of grant. Under the 2008 Plan, four types of stock incentives have been issued: stock option awards, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, and performance and market-based stock awards.
Total stock compensation for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $11.4 million, $10.2 million and $9.3 million, respectively, which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
There was $12.7 million, $12.7 million and $11.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the stock-based compensation granted under the plans as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.23 years.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
Stock Option Awards
There were no stock options granted during 2020, 2019 or 2018. Since all options were fully vested as of December 31, 2016, the Company recorded no compensation expense with no corresponding tax benefits for stock option awards for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
A summary of stock option activity is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
|
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
|
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
|
431,331
|
|
|
$
|
11.16
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
$
|
7,262
|
|
Granted
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
(384,092)
|
|
|
11.01
|
|
|
|
|
7,025
|
|
Forfeited or canceled
|
(650)
|
|
|
11.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
|
46,589
|
|
|
12.42
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
368
|
|
Granted
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
(3,000)
|
|
|
12.38
|
|
|
|
|
36
|
|
Forfeited or canceled
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
|
43,589
|
|
|
12.43
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
361
|
|
Granted
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
(35,200)
|
|
|
11.95
|
|
|
|
|
228
|
|
Forfeited or canceled
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2020
|
8,389
|
|
|
$
|
14.42
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
$
|
104
|
|
Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2020
|
8,389
|
|
|
$
|
14.42
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
$
|
104
|
|
The following table provides information about stock options granted and vested in the years ended December 31 2020, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
Options vested/exercisable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant date fair value
|
$
|
50
|
|
|
$
|
243
|
|
|
$
|
259
|
|
Aggregate intrinsic value
|
$
|
104
|
|
|
$
|
361
|
|
|
$
|
368
|
|
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between the fair value of the Company's stock on the last day of each fiscal year and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options where the exercise price exceeds the fair value) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These amounts change based on the fair market value of the Company's stock, which was $26.82, $20.70 and $20.33 on the last business day of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
Restricted Stock Awards
The Company awarded restricted shares to certain key employees that vest based on their continued employment. The value of these awards was established by the market price on the grant date and is being expensed ratably over the vesting period of the awards. The following table summarizes these non-vested restricted share grants as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Restricted Shares
|
|
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
|
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
|
521,340
|
|
|
$
|
23.82
|
|
Granted
|
228,014
|
|
|
27.79
|
|
Vested
|
(204,845)
|
|
|
23.56
|
|
Forfeitures
|
(46,198)
|
|
|
25.36
|
|
Non-vested at December 31, 2018
|
498,311
|
|
|
25.60
|
|
Granted
|
360,266
|
|
|
24.14
|
|
Vested
|
(206,943)
|
|
|
25.74
|
|
Forfeitures
|
(29,357)
|
|
|
24.69
|
|
Non-vested at December 31, 2019
|
622,277
|
|
|
24.75
|
|
Granted
|
3,069
|
|
|
19.55
|
|
Vested
|
(261,710)
|
|
|
24.84
|
|
Forfeitures
|
(33,786)
|
|
|
25.01
|
|
Non-vested at December 31, 2020
|
329,850
|
|
|
$
|
24.60
|
|
In 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded $4.6 million, $6.2 million and $5.3 million in compensation expense with corresponding tax benefits of $1.1 million, $1.5 million and $1.3 million for restricted stock awards, respectively.
In 2020, the Company awarded 3,069 shares of restricted stock to an employee, which will ratably vest over four years based on the employee continued employment. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock granted was $19.55.
In 2019, the Company awarded 360,266 shares of restricted stock to certain employees and directors, of which 33,042 will vest ratably over one year, 1,793 will vest ratably over three years and 325,431 will vest ratably over four years based on the employees' continued employment. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock granted ranged from $19.25 to $29.50.
In 2018, the Company awarded 228,014 shares of restricted stock to certain employees and directors, of which 21,197 will vest ratably over one year, 887 will vest ratably over three years and 205,930 will vest ratably over four years based on the employees' continued employment. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock granted ranged from $27.55 to $36.65.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
The Company awarded restricted stock units to certain key employees that vest based on their continued employment. The value of these awards was established by the market price on the grant date and is being expensed ratably over the vesting period of the awards. The following table summarizes these non-vested restricted share grants as of December 31, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Restricted Stock Units
|
|
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
|
Non-vested at January 1, 2020
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Granted
|
462,532
|
|
|
20.85
|
Vested
|
(8,165)
|
|
|
20.78
|
Forfeitures
|
(29,054)
|
|
|
19.94
|
Non-vested at December 31, 2020
|
425,313
|
|
|
$
|
20.91
|
|
In 2020, the Company recorded $3.7 million in compensation expense with corresponding tax benefits of $0.9 million for restricted stock unit awards, respectively. The expense includes accelerated expense recognition from certain retirement provisions in equity awards granted.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
In 2020, the Company awarded 462,532 shares of restricted stock units to certain employees and directors, of which 32,525 will vest ratably over one year, 153,774 will vest ratably over three years and 276,233 will vest ratably over four years based on the employees' continued employment. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock granted ranged from $16.88 to $29.16.
Performance-Based Shares
In 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company granted 19,545, 20,722 and 19,598 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units at grant date fair values of $20.33, $28.05 and $25.35, respectively, to certain branch executives, which were issued based on financial targets achieved during the respective performance period.
In 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.2 million in stock compensation expense with corresponding tax benefits of $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for performance-based shares.
Performance and Market-Based Stock
In 2014, the Company initiated a performance and market-based stock incentive plan for certain executives that provides vesting based on specific financial and market-based performance measurements. Stock compensation expense related to these awards is recognized ratably over the vesting period for 2020 grant and using the accelerated attribution method for 2019 and 2018 grants. The Company granted 139,191, 105,543 and 97,966 shares of performance and market-based stock at grant date fair values of $29.84, $34.54 and $35.41 during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of the awards was estimated using a Monte Carlo valuation model, which uses multiple simulations to evaluate probability of achieving various stock price levels to determine our expected performance ranking relative to our peer group.
The Company recorded $2.7 million, $3.5 million and $3.0 million in compensation expense with corresponding tax benefits of $0.7 million, $0.9 million and $0.7 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
16. Benefit Plans
The Company maintains a 401(k) savings plan, covering all of the Company's employees upon hiring. Employees may contribute a percentage of eligible compensation on both a before-tax basis and an after-tax basis. The Company has the right to make discretionary contributions to the plan. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company contributed $2.0 million annually, which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations.
17. Significant Customer Concentration
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, all revenue consisted of sales generated from customers that individually represented less than 10% of the Company's revenue.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2020
|
In thousands, except per share data
|
First
Quarter
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
Revenue
|
$
|
551,049
|
|
|
$
|
514,719
|
|
|
$
|
691,495
|
|
|
$
|
754,252
|
|
Operating income
|
460
|
|
|
2,761
|
|
|
10,259
|
|
|
16,017
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
(2,933)
|
|
|
951
|
|
|
6,818
|
|
|
10,996
|
|
(Loss) earnings per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
$
|
(0.11)
|
|
|
$
|
0.04
|
|
|
$
|
0.26
|
|
|
$
|
0.42
|
|
Diluted
|
$
|
(0.11)
|
|
|
$
|
0.04
|
|
|
$
|
0.26
|
|
|
$
|
0.41
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2019
|
In thousands, except per share data
|
First
Quarter
|
|
Second
Quarter
|
|
Third
Quarter
|
|
Fourth
Quarter
|
Revenue
|
$
|
538,083
|
|
|
$
|
553,775
|
|
|
$
|
561,441
|
|
|
$
|
531,677
|
|
Operating income
|
9,103
|
|
|
10,672
|
|
|
9,665
|
|
|
5,076
|
|
Net income
|
3,497
|
|
|
5,067
|
|
|
4,843
|
|
|
1,439
|
|
Earnings per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
$
|
0.13
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
|
Diluted
|
$
|
0.13
|
|
|
$
|
0.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.18
|
|
|
$
|
0.05
|
|
19. Related Parties
There were no related party transactions during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018.
20. Leases
The Company adopted ASC Topic 842 on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under ASC 840, Leases ("ASC Topic 840"), which was the accounting standard in effect for those periods.
The Company leases office space for purposes of conducting its business. As of December 31, 2020, the Company leases approximately 225,000 square feet at its corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, with a lease term expiring in September 2027. In addition, the Company continues to lease approximately 30 branch sales offices, with a range of lease terms between 2-11 years. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet; lease expense for these leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. All Company leases, consisting primarily of facility leases, were evaluated upon the adoption of ASC Topic 842, and it was determined that these were all operating leases.
Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term. The Company also has some leases that include termination options. The exercise of lease renewal or termination options is at the Company's sole discretion, and it does not recognize these options as part of its ROU assets or lease liabilities. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The Company determines if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. The Company has performed an evaluation of other contracts with customers and suppliers in accordance with ASC Topic 842 and has determined that, except for the facility leases described above, none of its contracts contain a lease.
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
The balance sheet classification of lease assets and liabilities is as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
December 31, 2019
|
ROU assets:
|
|
|
Operating lease assets
|
$
|
16,724
|
|
$
|
19,638
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease liabilities:
|
|
|
Current portion in other current liabilities
|
$
|
4,004
|
|
$
|
5,810
|
|
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
|
27,651
|
|
31,475
|
|
Total operating lease liabilities
|
$
|
31,655
|
|
$
|
37,285
|
|
The components of lease expense is as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
December 31, 2019
|
Operating lease expense
|
$
|
5,651
|
|
$
|
5,930
|
|
Short-term lease expense
|
143
|
|
261
|
|
Total lease expense
|
$
|
5,794
|
|
$
|
6,191
|
|
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized operating lease rental expense of $6.0 million on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease in accordance with ASC Topic 840.
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $8.4 million and $8.6 million, respectively, and was included in net cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. During the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, a total of $0.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of right-of-use assets were obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities.
The average lease term and discount rate were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2020
|
December 31, 2019
|
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
|
6.16
|
6.85
|
Weighted average operating discount rate
|
7.6
|
%
|
7.5
|
%
|
The Company's leases generally do not provide an implicit rate, and therefore the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate when measuring operating lease liabilities. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate the Company would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of a lease within a particular currency environment. The incremental borrowing rate is influenced by the Company's credit rating and lease term and may differ for individual leases. The Company used incremental borrowing rates as of January 1, 2019 for operating leases that commenced prior to that date.
As of December 31, 2020, maturities of operating lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Leases
|
2021
|
6,244
|
|
2022
|
6,476
|
|
2023
|
6,137
|
|
2024
|
5,673
|
|
2025
|
5,705
|
|
Thereafter
|
9,925
|
|
Total lease payments
|
$
|
40,160
|
|
Less: imputed interest
|
8,505
|
|
Total operating lease liabilities
|
$
|
31,655
|
|
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018
Practical Expedients
The Company adopted the package of practical expedients that allows it to (i) not reassess whether an arrangement contains a lease, (ii) carry forward its lease classification as operating or capital leases and (iii) not reassess its previously recorded initial direct costs. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components, and therefore both components are accounted for and recognized as lease components.