Echo Global keeps Moody’s B3 rating in tough market

Core Viewpoint - Echo Global Logistics is expected to maintain steady earnings and adequate liquidity despite challenging freight market conditions, with little chance for a significant turnaround in performance [1][5]. Credit Ratings - Moody's has maintained Echo Global's corporate family rating at B3, equivalent to a B- at S&P Global Ratings, indicating a non-investment grade status [1][3]. - The probability of default rating is affirmed at B3-PD, and the senior secured bank credit facilities rating is at B2, one notch higher than the corporate family rating [2]. Market Position - Echo Global has shown modest freight volume growth despite soft economic conditions, particularly in the manufacturing sector [5]. - The company's credit metrics, including financial leverage and interest coverage, remain weak, limiting financial flexibility until broader freight market conditions improve [5]. Financial Performance - Echo Global is characterized by low profit margins, high leverage, and expectations for modest free cash flow over the next 12 months [5]. - EBITDA margins typically range from 3% to 5%, with a comparison to RXO, which reported a second quarter EBITDA margin of 2.7% [6].