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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
____________________________________________
Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021
OR
Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ______ to _______

Commission file number 001-34470
ECHO GLOBAL LOGISTICS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware
20-5001120
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
600 West Chicago Avenue
Suite 725
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Phone: (800354-7993
(Address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code)
of registrant's principal executive offices)

Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per shareECHONASDAQ Global Select Market
____________________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes    No: 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes    No: 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer  
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes:      No: 

As of April 28, 2021, the registrant had 26,635,553 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding.




Page

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Table of Contents
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.    Consolidated Financial Statements


Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)20212020
Revenue$800,802 $551,049 
Costs and expenses:
Transportation costs (excludes internal use software depreciation of $3,863 and $4,729 for three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.)
680,773 461,142 
Selling, general and administrative expenses96,881 79,654 
Depreciation and amortization8,689 9,792 
Income from operations14,459 460 
Interest expense(717)(2,788)
Income (Loss) before provision for income taxes13,742 (2,328)
Income tax expense(3,546)(605)
Net income (loss)$10,196 $(2,933)
Earnings (Loss) per common share:
Basic$0.39 $(0.11)
Diluted$0.38 $(0.11)
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
See accompanying notes.

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Table of Contents
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
(In thousands, except share data)(Unaudited)
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$57,432 $41,297 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,265 and $6,287 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
500,264 439,391 
Prepaid expenses9,321 9,322 
Other current assets3,087 3,465 
Total current assets570,104 493,475 
Noncurrent assets:
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $162,371 and $156,309 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
54,254 53,599 
Goodwill309,589 309,589 
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $95,257 and $92,630 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
84,161 86,788 
Operating lease assets15,991 16,724 
Other noncurrent assets3,573 3,768 
Total noncurrent assets467,569 470,469 
Total assets$1,037,673 $963,944 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity 
Current liabilities: 
Accounts payable$380,589 $317,692 
Due to seller, current419 307 
Accrued expenses49,932 53,458 
Income taxes payable3,863 1,675 
Other current liabilities4,351 4,004 
Total current liabilities439,154 377,135 
Noncurrent liabilities:
Long-term debt, net134,058 133,945 
Deferred income taxes25,711 25,333 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities26,535 27,651 
Other noncurrent liabilities514 511 
Total noncurrent liabilities186,818 187,440 
Total liabilities625,972 564,575 
Stockholders' equity: 
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 31,945,939 shares issued and 26,178,839 shares outstanding at March 31, 2021; 31,731,798 shares issued and 25,964,698 shares outstanding at December 31, 2020
3 3 
Treasury stock, 5,767,100 shares at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020
(118,679)(118,679)
Additional paid-in capital368,400 366,265 
Retained earnings161,976 151,780 
Total stockholders' equity411,701 399,369 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$1,037,673 $963,944 
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
See accompanying notes.
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Table of Contents
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)20212020
Operating activities  
Net income (loss)$10,196 $(2,933)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes378 1,038 
Noncash stock compensation expense5,045 4,608 
Noncash interest expense  1,491 
Change in contingent consideration due to seller112 30 
Depreciation and amortization8,689 9,792 
Change in assets:
Accounts receivable(60,873)(48,384)
Prepaid expenses and other assets687 885 
Change in liabilities:
Accounts payable62,981 49,417 
Income taxes payable2,192 (425)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(2,173)(5,852)
Net cash provided by operating activities27,235 9,668 
Investing activities 
Purchases of property and equipment(8,190)(5,101)
Net cash used in investing activities(8,190)(5,101)
Financing activities  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options121 381 
Employee tax withholdings related to net share settlements of equity-based awards(3,031)(1,541)
Purchases of treasury stock (10,349)
Purchases of Convertible Notes (88,961)
Proceeds from borrowing on ABL facility 100,000 
Net cash used in financing activities(2,910)(470)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents16,135 4,097 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period41,297 34,626 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$57,432 $38,722 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest$601 $1,156 
Cash paid during the period for income taxes1,000  
Cash received during the period for income taxes refunded25  
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
See accompanying notes.
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Table of Contents
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(Unaudited)
 Common StockTreasury StockAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
(In thousands, except share data)SharesAmountSharesAmountRetained
Earnings
Total
Balance at December 31, 202031,731,798 $3 (5,767,100)$(118,679)$366,265 $151,780 $399,369 
Share compensation expense— — — — 5,045 — 5,045 
Exercise of stock options8,389 0 — — 121 — 121 
Common stock issued for vested restricted stock and restricted stock units271,084 0 — — (0)—  
Common stock issued for vested performance shares37,188 0 — — (0)—  
Common shares withheld and retired to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock(102,520)(0)— — (3,031)— (3,031)
Net income— — — — — 10,196 10,196 
Balance at March 31, 202131,945,939 3 (5,767,100)(118,679)368,400 161,976 411,701 
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.

 Common StockTreasury StockAdditional
Paid-In
Capital
(In thousands, except share data)SharesAmountSharesAmountRetained
Earnings
Total
Balance at December 31, 201931,507,247 $3 (5,277,438)$(109,239)$356,600 $135,948 $383,312 
Share compensation expense— — — — 4,608 — 4,608 
Exercise of stock options32,000 0 — — 381 — 381 
Common stock issued for vested restricted stock and restricted stock units247,224 0 — — (0)—  
Common shares withheld and retired to satisfy employee tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock(82,802)(0)— — (1,541)— (1,541)
Repurchase of convertible notes, net of deferred taxes— — — — (190)— (190)
Purchases of treasury stock— — (489,662)(9,440)— — (9,440)
Net loss— — — — — (2,933)(2,933)
Balance at March 31, 202031,703,669 3 (5,767,100)(118,679)359,857 133,015 374,197 
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.

See accompanying notes.
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Table of Contents
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
1. 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" or "Echo"). 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.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements is in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules or regulations. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the period and those adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year 2021. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Preparation of Financial Statements and Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent 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.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In October 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-10, Codification Improvements. These amendments improve consistency by amending the codification to include all disclosure guidance in the appropriate disclosure sections and clarifies application of various provisions in the codification by amending and adding new heading, cross referencing to other guidance and refining or correcting terminology. The effective date of this ASU was for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2021 and did not have a material impact on the Financial Statements.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This ASU clarifies and simplifies accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions for intraperiod tax allocation principles, the methodology for calculating income tax rates in an interim period, and accounting for franchise taxes, among other updates. The effective date of this ASU was for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2021 and did not have a material impact on the Financial Statements.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
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
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Table of Contents
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
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.
3. Revenue
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 are typically the performance obligation for the Company's Managed Transportation clients. For this performance obligation, revenue is recognized on a gross basis 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):
Three Months Ended March 31,
Client Type20212020
Transactional$616,957 $428,374 
Managed Transportation183,846 122,675 
Revenue$800,802 $551,049 
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.
The following table presents the Company's revenue disaggregated by mode (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
Mode20212020
Truckload$575,936 $367,781 
Less than truckload190,434 157,945 
Other revenue34,432 25,323 
Revenue$800,802 $551,049 
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
Commissions
The Company recognizes commission expense when incurred because the amortization period is less than one year. Commission expense is recognized on a relative transit time basis, which aligns with the Company's revenue recognition policy.
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Table of Contents
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
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.
4. Credit Loss on Trade Receivables
The Company applies ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ("ASC Topic 326"), for financial instruments that are subject to credit losses. 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 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Balance as of January 1st
$6,287 $4,255 
Provision, charged to expense368 484 
Write-offs(626)(608)
Recoveries235 398 
Balance as of March 31st
$6,265 $4,529 

5. Fair Value Measurement
The Company applies ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC Topic 820"), 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 due to seller liabilities at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The potential earn-out payments and performance periods are defined in the individual purchase agreements for each acquisition. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") is the performance target defined and measured to determine the 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.
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Table of Contents
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
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 from 2% to 3%. Historical results of the respective acquisitions serve as the basis for the financial forecasts used in the valuation.
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 March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2021
 TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Liabilities: 
Contingent consideration due to seller$(419)  $(419)

Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020
 TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Liabilities: 
Contingent consideration due to seller$(307)  $(307)

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 December 31, 2020$(307)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration due to seller(112)
Payment of contingent consideration due to seller 
Balance at March 31, 2021$(419)
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company incurred expense of $112 thousand and $30 thousand, respectively, which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These changes in fair value resulted from using revised forecasts that took into account the most recent performance of each acquired business.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not make any contingent earn-out payments.
6. Intangibles and Goodwill
The balance of goodwill was $309.6 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, as no changes occurred during the period. The Company has no accumulated impairment losses as of March 31, 2021.

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Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
The following is a summary of amortizable intangible assets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
 March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
CostAccumulated AmortizationNetCostAccumulated AmortizationNet
Customer relationships$150,239 $(78,938)$71,301 $150,239 $(76,677)$73,562 
Carrier relationships18,300 (6,279)12,021 18,300 (6,010)12,290 
Non-compete agreements5,239 (4,399)840 5,239 (4,303)936 
Trade names5,640 (5,640) 5,640 (5,640) 
$179,418 $(95,257)$84,161 $179,418 $(92,630)$86,788 
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
The customer relationships are being amortized using an accelerated method over their estimated weighted-average useful life of 14.8 years, as an accelerated method best approximates the distribution of cash flows generated by the acquired customer relationships. The carrier relationships, non-compete agreements and trade names are being amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated weighted-average useful lives of 17.0 years, 6.7 years and 4.0 years, respectively. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.6 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The estimated amortization expense for the next five years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
Remainder of 2021$7,735 
202210,005 
20239,501 
20248,897 
20258,201 
Thereafter39,822 
Total$84,161 

7. Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
The components of accrued expenses at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands):
 March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Accrued compensation$35,772 $39,757 
Accrued rebates3,435 3,196 
Accrued employee benefits3,504 3,077 
Accrued professional service fees1,379 1,512 
Accrued interest158 155 
Other5,683 5,760 
Total accrued expenses$49,932 $53,458 
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
The other current liabilities of $4.4 million and $4.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, consist primarily of the current portion of the Company's operating lease liabilities. The other noncurrent liabilities of $0.5 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 consist of the long-term portion of the Company's uncertain tax liability.

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Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
8. Income Taxes     
The following table shows the Company's effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
 20212020
Income (Loss) before provision for income taxes$13,742 $(2,328)
Income tax expense$(3,546)$(605)
Effective tax rate25.8 %(26.0)%
The difference in the Company's effective tax rate for each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 from the Company's statutory federal tax rate of 21% was primarily due to state taxes; non-deductible expenses, primarily executive stock-based compensation; offset in part by the impact of certain tax credits.
9. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average shares outstanding plus share equivalents that would arise from the exercise of share options, and the vesting of restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. The computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Numerator:
Net income (loss)$10,196 $(2,933)
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted-average shares26,040,590 26,006,644 
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock awards599,458  
Denominator for dilutive earnings per common share26,640,048 26,006,644 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share$0.39 $(0.11)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$0.38 $(0.11)
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company excluded in the aggregate 84,927 unvested 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 and no unvested restricted stock excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share.
For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company excluded 181,830 incremental shares related to stock-based awards from the calculation of diluted loss per common share because of the net loss during the period.
As of March 31, 2020, none of the conditions allowing holders of the Notes to convert were met and no conversion spread existed. As such, the Notes did not have a dilutive impact on diluted earnings per common share.
10. Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The Company recorded $5.0 million and $4.6 million in total stock-based compensation expense with corresponding income tax benefits of $1.2 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
During each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not grant any stock options.
The Company did not grant any shares of restricted stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021. There were 3,096 shares of restricted stock granted to an employee during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
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Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
The Company granted 295,258 and 377,534 restricted stock units to various employees during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company has a performance and market-based stock incentive plan for certain executives with vesting requirements based on specific financial and market-based performance measurements. The Company granted 94,955 and 139,191 shares of performance and market-based stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
11. 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 March 31, 2021.
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. In March 2021, a class action lawsuit was formally filed against the Company in this matter. The Company disputes the claims and intends to vigorously defend the matter. Given 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 March 31, 2021.
12. Long-Term Debt
Asset Based Lending ("ABL") Facility
On October 23, 2018, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to its Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (the "Second Amendment"), which amends 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 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) excess availability falls below certain specified levels.
The Company incurred issuance costs of $0.8 million in 2018 related to the Amended ABL Facility. In 2015, the Company incurred issuance costs of $3.1 million related to the 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
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Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
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 Amended ABL Facility, the unamortized issuance costs are presented as a deferred asset on the consolidated balance sheet. For each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded $0.1 million of interest expense related to Amended ABL Facility issuance costs.
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 Amended ABL Facility of $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
During 2020, the Company drew a total of $180.0 million on the Amended ABL Facility, primarily to repay in full the existing 2.50% convertible senior notes due in 2020 (the "Notes"), of which $135.0 million is outstanding as of March 31, 2021, excluding the debt issuance cost of $0.9 million. The Company did not draw or make any payments on the Amended ABL Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company drew $100.0 million on the Amended ABL Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2020, all of which was outstanding as of March 31, 2020. As there is an outstanding amount drawn on the Amended ABL Facility at March 31, 2021 and 2020, the unamortized issuance costs are presented as a reduction to the carrying amount of the debt on the consolidated balance sheet. Since June 1, 2015, the Company has been in compliance with all covenants related to the Amended ABL Facility.
The issuance of letters of credit under the Amended ABL Facility reduces available borrowings. As of March 31, 2021, there were $0.8 million of letters of credit outstanding. The total draw allowed on the Amended ABL Facility at March 31, 2021, as determined by the working capital assets pledged as collateral, was $350.0 million. After adjusting for the letters of credit and the amount outstanding on the Amended ABL Facility, the Company's remaining availability under the Amended ABL Facility at March 31, 2021 was $214.2 million.
Convertible Senior Notes
On May 1, 2020, the Company paid the remaining outstanding principal balance of the Notes $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, resulting in the recognition of a loss of $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020. The loss is primarily for the write-off of the unamortized debt discount related to the Notes, which was included in interest expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense related to the Notes consisted of the following (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31,
20212020
Contractual coupon interest$ $919 
Debt discount amortization 1,012 
Loss on extinguishment of debt 166 
Debt issuance cost amortization 200 
Interest expense, Notes$ $2,297 
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
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Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors could have on the Company's business and financial results, that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors which could materially affect such forward-looking statements can be found in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Investors are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating any forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
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 agreements 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.
During 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we introduced a number of special initiatives to safeguard the health and safety of our employees, including a remote work plan. Most of our employees have been working remotely since March 2020. We continue to evaluate our return to office plans, with the health and safety of our employees being our top priority.
Management continues to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these disruptions did not have a significant impact on our results as of March 31, 2021, we are closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 global outbreak, and there remains significant uncertainty related to the public health situation globally.
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Results of Operations

The following table represents certain results of operations data:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
(Unaudited, in thousands except per share data)20212020
Consolidated statements of operations data:
Revenue$800,802 $551,049 
Transportation costs
(excludes internal use software depreciation) (1)
680,773 461,142 
Operating expenses:
Commissions36,275 27,237 
Selling, general and administrative expenses60,494 52,387 
Contingent consideration expense112 30 
Depreciation and amortization8,689 9,792 
Total operating expenses105,570 89,446 
Income from operations14,459 460 
Interest expense(717)(2,788)
Income (Loss) before provision for income taxes13,742 (2,328)
Income tax expense(3,546)(605)
Net income (loss)$10,196 $(2,933)
Earnings (Loss) per common share:
      Basic$0.39 $(0.11)
      Diluted$0.38 $(0.11)
Shares used in per share calculations (in thousands):
      Basic26,041 26,007 
      Diluted26,640 26,007 
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
(1) Transportation costs excludes internal use software depreciation of $3.9 million and $4.7 million for three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Internal use software depreciation is included in depreciation expense.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted gross profit is a non-GAAP measure of profitability used by management in its financial and operational decision-making and evaluation of overall operating performance. Adjusted gross profit is calculated as revenue minus transportation costs. 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. Management considers this measure to be an important performance measurement of our success in the marketplace. Adjusted gross profit may be different from similar measures used by other companies. Adjusted gross profit should not be considered in isolation from, or as substitutes for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Below is the reconciliation of adjusted gross profit to gross profit, directly the most comparable GAAP measure:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
(Unaudited, in thousands)20212020
Revenue$800,802 $551,049 
Transportation costs680,773 461,142 
Internal use software depreciation3,8634,729
Gross profit$116,166 $85,178 
Add: Internal use software depreciation
3,8634,729
Adjusted gross profit
$120,029 $89,907 
Note: Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
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
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destination by a third-party carrier. Our revenue for three months ended March 31, 2021 was $800.8 million, an increase of 45.3%, from $551.0 million in the comparable period of 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 and may apply to one or more modes used by the client. In several cases, we provide substantially all of a Managed Transportation 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. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, Transactional clients accounted for 77.0% and 77.7% of our revenue, respectively, and Managed Transportation clients accounted for 23.0% and 22.3% of our revenue, respectively. We expect to continue to grow 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 modes of shipment that we transact in are TL and LTL. Other transportation modes also include intermodal, small parcel, domestic air, expedited and international. Material shifts in the percentages of our revenue by transportation mode could have a significant impact on our revenue growth. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, TL accounted for 71.9% of our revenue, LTL accounted for 23.8% of our revenue and other transportation modes accounted for 4.3% of our revenue. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, TL accounted for 66.7% of our revenue, LTL accounted for 28.7% 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 this season. While we experience some seasonality, differences in our revenue between periods have been driven primarily by growth in our client base and changes in the market environment.
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 equals revenue minus transportation costs. 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 adjusted gross profit and expenses as a percentage of adjusted gross profit. Adjusted gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $120.0 million, an increase of 33.5% from $89.9 million in the comparable period of 2020.
Operating expenses
Our costs and expenses, excluding transportation costs, consist of commissions paid to our sales personnel; selling, 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 such sales personnel have primary responsibility. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, our commission expense was $36.3 million and $27.2 million, respectively. Commission expense as a percentage of adjusted gross profit decreased to 30.2% as of March 31, 2021, as compared to 30.3% in the prior year. The percentage of adjusted gross profit paid as commissions will vary 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 on a relative transit time basis. Some of our sales personnel receive a monthly advance to provide them with a more consistent income stream. Cash paid to our sales
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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, consist of compensation costs for our sales, operations, information systems, finance and administrative support employees as well as occupancy costs, professional fees, stock compensation and other general and administrative expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, our selling, general and administrative expenses were $60.5 million and $52.4 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of adjusted gross profit were 50.4% and 58.3%, respectively.
Our contingent consideration expense is the change in the fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities. The contingent consideration liabilities presented on our consolidated balance sheets reflect the fair value of expected earn-out payments that may be paid to the sellers of certain acquired businesses upon the achievement of certain performance measures. The fair values of the contingent consideration 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. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded an expense of $112.4 thousand and $30.0 thousand, respectively, due to fair value adjustments to our contingent consideration liabilities.
Our depreciation expense is primarily attributable to depreciation of computer hardware and software, equipment, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures and internal use software. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, depreciation expense was $6.1 million and $7.0 million, respectively.
Our amortization expense is attributable to amortization of intangible assets acquired from business combinations, including customer and carrier relationships, trade names and non-compete agreements. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, amortization expense was $2.6 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
Interest expense
For three months ended March 31, 2021, the interest expense included in our consolidated statements of operations consists of the interest expense related to our ABL Facility. For three months ended March 31, 2020, the interest expense included in our consolidated statements of operations consists of the interest expense related to our 2.50% convertible senior notes due 2020 issued in May 2015 (the "Notes"), the interest expense related to our ABL Facility and the recognized loss on extinguishment of debt upon our repurchase of the Notes. On May 1, 2020, the Company paid the remaining outstanding principal balance of the Notes and accrued interest. 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 amortized 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. Interest expense was $0.7 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Revenue
Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $800.8 million, an increase of 45.3% from $551.0 million in the comparable period of 2020. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to an increase of 31.9% in revenue per shipment, along with an increase of 10.2% in volume.
Revenue from Transactional clients for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $617.0 million, an increase of 44.0% from $428.4 million in the comparable period of 2020. The increase in Transactional revenue was primarily driven by an increase in both TL and LTL revenue per shipment and TL volume. Revenue from Transactional clients was 77.0% of our revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease from 77.7% of our revenue in the comparable period of 2020.
Revenue from Managed Transportation clients for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $183.8 million, an increase of 49.9% from $122.7 million in the comparable period of 2020. The increase in Managed Transportation revenue was driven by an increase in both revenue per shipment and volume for both TL and LTL mode. Revenue from Managed Transportation clients was 23.0% of our revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021, an increase from 22.3% of our revenue for the comparable period of 2020.

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Transportation costs
Transportation costs for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $680.8 million, an increase of 47.6% from $461.1 million in the comparable period of 2020. Our transportation costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 85.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from 83.7% in the comparable period of 2020. The increase in transportation costs was driven by a 34.0% increase in carrier rates per shipment and a 10.2% increase in total number of shipments.
Adjusted gross profit
Adjusted gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $120.0 million, an increase of 33.5% from $89.9 million in the comparable period of 2020. The increase in adjusted gross profit was primarily driven by an increase of 21.2% in adjusted gross profit per shipment, along with an increase of 10.2% in the total number of shipments. Adjusted gross profit margins decreased to 15.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, from 16.3% in the comparable period of 2020, due to lower TL and LTL margins attributable to higher transportation costs.
Operating expenses
Commission expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $36.3 million, an increase of 33.2% from $27.2 million in the comparable period of 2020, due to higher adjusted gross profit. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, commission expense was 30.2% of adjusted gross profit, compared to 30.3% in the comparable period of 2020.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for three months ended March 31, 2021 was $60.5 million, an increase of 15.5% from $52.4 million in the comparable period in 2020. The increase was the result of higher incentive compensation and stock compensation expense. As a percentage of adjusted gross profit, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 50.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2021, from 58.3% in the comparable period of 2020 due to an increase in adjusted gross profit.
The contingent consideration fair value adjustment resulted in an expense of $112.4 thousand and $30.0 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The activity for both periods was the result of adjustments made to the fair value of the contingent liabilities due to financial performance of acquired businesses and the time value of money. The fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities reflects the updated probabilities and assumptions as of March 31, 2021.
Depreciation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $6.1 million, a decrease of 13.1% from $7.0 million in the comparable period of 2020. The decrease in depreciation expense is primarily attributable to the timing of assets placed into service.
Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $2.6 million, a decrease of 6.8% from $2.8 million in the comparable period of 2020. The decrease in amortization expense was primarily attributable to the complete amortization of a few of our previously acquired intangible assets, along with the accelerated method of amortization of our acquired customer relationships.
Income from operations
Income from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $14.5 million, compared to $0.5 million in the comparable period of 2020. The increase in income from operations was primarily due to higher adjusted gross profit and lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of adjusted gross profit.
Interest expense
Interest expense was $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, a decrease of 74.3% from $2.8 million in the comparable period of 2020. The decrease in interest expense is primarily due to the settlement of the Notes on May 1, 2020 and lower interest rates on the ABL Facility compared to the Notes during three months ended March 31, 2021.
Income tax expense
We recognized income tax expense of $3.5 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was 25.8%, compared to an effective tax rate of (26.0)% in the comparable period of 2020. The difference in our effective tax rate for each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 from the statutory federal tax rate of 21% was primarily due to state taxes; non-deductible expenses, primarily executive stock-based compensation; offset in part by the impact of certain tax credits.

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Net income (loss)
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $10.2 million, compared to a net loss of $2.9 million in the comparable period of 2020, due to the items previously discussed.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2021, we had $57.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, $130.9 million in working capital and $214.2 million available under our ABL Facility.
Cash provided by operating activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, net cash provided by operating activities was $27.2 million and $9.7 million, respectively. We generated $24.4 million and $14.0 million in cash from net income (adjusted for noncash operating items) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the cash flow generation from net income was also increased by $2.8 million primarily due to changes in working capital and increase in income tax payable. The 2020 decrease of $4.4 million was primarily due to the timing of payments made and received during the year resulting from changes in working capital.
Cash used in investing activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, net cash used in investing activities was $8.2 million and $5.1 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the primary investing activities were the internal development of computer software and the purchases of property and equipment.
Cash used in financing activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, net cash used in financing activities was $2.9 million, of which the primary financing activities were the employee tax withholding related to net share settlements of equity-based awards. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, net cash used in financing activities was $0.5 million, of which the primary financing activities were the purchases of treasury stock and our Notes, offset by borrowings on the ABL Facility. We drew $100.0 million on our ABL Facility during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
ABL Facility
On October 23, 2018, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, which amended the terms of the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2015, as amended, by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (as amended, restated or otherwise modified 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, 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 March 31, 2021, the outstanding balance on the Amended ABL Facility was $135.0 million. The issuance of letters of credit under the Amended ABL Facility also reduces available borrowings. At March 31, 2021, there were $0.8 million of letters of credit outstanding. The total draw allowed under the Amended ABL Facility at March 31, 2021, as determined by the working capital assets pledged as collateral, was $350.0 million. After adjusting for the letters of credit and the amount outstanding on the Amended ABL Facility, our remaining availability under the Amended ABL Facility at March 31, 2021 was $214.2 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 also expect to use available cash of approximately $17 million to $19 million for capital expenditures for the remainder of 2021.
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We may also opt to use cash to repurchase up to $60.2 million of our common stock 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 will depend on the growth of our business.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The discussion of recent accounting pronouncements in Note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Critical Accounting Policies
None.

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Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Commodity Risk
We pass through fluctuations in fuel prices to our clients. As a result, we believe that there is no material risk exposure to fluctuations in fuel prices.
Interest Rate Risk
We have exposure to changes in interest rates under our Amended ABL Facility. Borrowings bear interest at one of the following, plus an applicable margin: (1) the federal funds rate, (2) the base commercial lending rate of PNC Bank, or (3) the LIBOR rate, based on the Company's election for each tranche of borrowing. The interest rate on our line of credit fluctuates based on the rates described above. Assuming the $350 million ABL Facility was fully drawn, a 1.0% increase in the interest rate selected would increase our annual interest expense by $3.5 million.
Our interest income is sensitive to changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates, in particular because all of our investments are in cash equivalents. Due to the short-term nature of our investments, we believe that there is no material risk exposure.
We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
Impact of Inflation
We believe that our results of operations are not materially impacted by moderate changes in the inflation rate. Inflation and changing prices did not have a material impact on our operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2021. The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2021, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Based on its evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2021.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
Management does not believe that the outcome of any of the legal proceedings to which the Company is a party will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.
Item 1A.    Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we did not issue any unregistered securities.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The table below gives information on a monthly basis regarding purchases made by us of our common stock and the number of shares delivered to us by employees to satisfy the mandatory tax withholding requirement upon vesting of restricted stock during the first quarter of 2021 (in thousands, except share and per share data).
DateTotal Number of Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program (1)
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under Program (1)
1/1/21-1/31/2124,448 $26.81 — $60,189 
2/1/21-2/28/2133,155 $28.10 — $60,189 
3/1/21-3/31/2144,917 $32.05 — $60,189 
Total102,520 $29.52 — 
(1) 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. Most recently, 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 March 31, 2021, $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.
Item 6.    Exhibits
A list of exhibits included as part of this Form 10-Q is set forth in an Exhibit Index.

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EXHIBIT INDEX
NumberDescription
31.1 
31.2 
32.1 
32.2 
101.INS**XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
** Submitted electronically with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 ECHO GLOBAL LOGISTICS, INC.
Date:April 29, 2021/s/ DOUGLAS R. WAGGONER
 By:
Douglas R. Waggoner
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date:April 29, 2021/s/ PETER M. ROGERS
By:
Peter M. Rogers
Chief Financial Officer

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