This summary of significant accounting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries is presented to assist in understanding the Company’s consolidated financial statements. These accounting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and have been applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

The purpose of consolidated financial statements is to present the financial position and results of operations of a company and its subsidiaries as if the group were a single company. The first step in the Company’s consolidation policy is to determine whether an entity is to be evaluated for potential consolidation based on its outstanding voting interests or its variable interests. Accordingly, the Company first determines whether the entity is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) pursuant to the provisions of ASC 810-10. If the entity is a VIE, consolidation is based on the entity’s variable interests and not its outstanding voting shares. If the entity is not determined to be a VIE, the Company evaluates the entity based on its outstanding voting interests.

Amounts pertaining to the non-controlling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests held by third parties in the financial position and operating results of the Company’s subsidiaries and/or consolidated VIEs are reported as non-controlling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the percentage completion of spot voyages, the establishment of the allowance for doubtful accounts and the estimate of salvage value used in determining vessel depreciation expense.

Voyage revenues represent revenues earned by the Company, principally from providing transportation services under voyage charters. A voyage charter involves the carriage of a specific amount and type of cargo on a load port to discharge port basis, subject to various cargo handling terms. Under a voyage charter, the service revenues are earned and recognized ratably over the duration of the voyage. Estimated losses under a voyage charter are provided for in full at the time such losses become probable. Demurrage, which is included in voyage revenues, represents payments by the charterer to the vessel owner when loading and discharging time exceed the stipulated time in the voyage charter. Demurrage is measured in accordance with the provisions of the respective charter agreements and the circumstances under which demurrage revenues arise. Demurrage revenue is included in the calculation of voyage revenue and recognized ratably over the duration of the voyage to which it pertains. Voyage revenue recognized is presented net of address commissions.

Charter revenues relate to a time charter arrangement under which the Company is paid to provide transportation services on a per day basis for a specified period of time. Revenues from time charters are earned and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter, as the vessel operates under the charter and do not fall under the scope of ASC 606, as defined below, revenue is not earned when vessels are offhire.

Costs incurred in fulfillment of a contract that meet certain criteria are deferred and recognized when or as the related performance obligations are satisfied. The contract fulfillment costs consist primarily of the fuel consumption that is incurred by the Company from the latter of the end of the previous vessel employment and the contract date until the arrival at the loading port in addition to any port expenses incurred prior to arrival at the load port, as well as any charter hire expenses for third party vessels that are chartered-in. The fuel consumption and any port expenses incurred prior to arrival at the load port during this period are capitalized and recorded in Bunker inventory and Advance hire, prepaid expenses and other current assets, respectively in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized ratably over the total transit time of the voyage from arrival at the loading port until the vessel departs from the discharge port and expensed as part of Voyage expense. Similarly, for any third party vessels that are chartered-in, the charter hire expenses during this period are capitalized and recorded in Advance hire, prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized and expensed as part of Charter hire expense.

The performance obligations under our contracts are transportation services, which are received and consumed by our customers over time, as we perform the services. Revenues are recognized using the input method, proportionate to the days elapsed since the service commencement compared to the total days anticipated to complete the service. Under the ASC 606 revenue recognition standard, voyage revenue is recognized over the period between load port and discharge port. Costs to fulfill contracts for voyages for which loading has not commenced are recognized as assets and amortized pro rata over the period between load and discharge. Costs to obtain a contract are expensed as incurred, as provided by a practical expedient, since all such costs are expected to be amortized over less than one year.

Assets and liabilities related to our voyage contracts with customers are reported on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Contract assets also include accounts receivable for amounts billed and currently due from customers, which are reported at their net estimated realizable value. The Company maintains reserves against its accounts receivable for potential credit losses, which were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Other contract assets include accrued receivables which arise when revenue is recognized in advance of billing for certain voyage contracts and hire paid to ship-owners in advance. Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue which arises when amounts are billed to

The Company charters in vessels to supplement its owned fleet to support its voyage charter operations. The Company hires vessels under time charters with third party vessel owners, and recognizes the charter hire payments as an expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter. Charter hire payments are typically made in advance, and the unrecognized portion is reflected as advance hire in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Under time charters, the vessel owner is responsible for the vessel operating costs such as crews, maintenance and repairs, insurance, and stores.

Vessel operating expenses (“VOE”) represent the cost to operate the Company’s owned vessels. VOE include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance, the cost of spares and consumables, other miscellaneous expenses, and technical management fees. Technical management services include day-to-day vessel operations, performing general vessel maintenance, ensuring regulatory and classification society compliance, arranging the hire of crew and purchasing stores, supplies and spare parts. These expenses are recognized as incurred.

The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, trade receivables and derivative instruments. The Company maintains its cash accounts with various high-quality financial institutions in the United States, Germany, and Bermuda. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions. The Company does not believe that significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to these cash equivalents. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, and do not bear interest. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition, but does not require collateral. Historically, credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable has been considered minimal due to the long-standing relationships with significant customers, and their relative financial stability. However, current economic conditions could impact the collectibility of certain customers' trade receivables, which could have a material effect on the Company's results of operations. Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.

At December 31, 2020, seventeen customers in the United States, seven customers in Brazil and seven customers in the United Arab Emirates accounted for 59% of accounts receivable. At December 31, 2019, seventeen customers in the United States, fifteen customers in Switzerland and five customers in Canada accounted for 53% of accounts receivable.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, revenue from customers in each of the following countries accounted for at least 10% of total revenue; the United States (twenty-seven representing 28%), Switzerland (twenty-one representing 14%) and Canada (seven representing 12%). For the year ended December 31, 2019, revenue from customers in each of the following countries accounted for at least 10% of total revenue; the United States (twenty-eight representing 24%) Canada (six representing 13%) and Switzerland (eighteen representing 10%).

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term deposits with an original maturity of less than three months. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows:

The Company provides a specific reserve for significant outstanding accounts that are considered potentially uncollectible in whole or in part. In addition, the Company’s policy based on experience is to establish a reserve equal to approximately 25% of accounts receivable balances that are 30-180 days past due and approximately 50% of accounts receivable balances that are 180 or more days past due, and which are not otherwise reserved. The reserve estimates are adjusted as additional information becomes available, or as payments are made. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company has provided an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,896,038 and $1,908,841 respectively, for amounts that are not expected to be fully collected. The provision for doubtful accounts was $152,416 in 2020 and $898,357 in 2019. The Company wrote off $165,219 and $1,346,647 during 2020 and 2019, respectively, which amounts were previously included in the allowance, because these amounts were determined to be uncollectible.

Advance hire represents payment to ship owners under time-charters for days subsequent to the balance sheet date. Hire is typically paid in advance for the following fifteen days, but intervals vary by time-charter contract. Prepaid expenses include advance funding to the technical manager for vessel operating expenses, lubricating oils and stores kept on board owned vessels, certain voyage expenses paid in advance and direct costs incurred to fulfill a COA ("Contract of Affreightment"). These specifically identified costs are used to satisfy the contract and are expected to be recovered over the term of the COA. Such costs are amortized on a straight-line basis and charged equally to each of the voyages under the contract. Other assets include deposits held by counterparties to various derivative instruments and the fair value of derivative instruments when it exceeds the settlement price of the instrument.

Vessels are stated at cost, which includes contract price and acquisition costs. Significant improvements to vessels are capitalized; maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the vessels are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives of the vessels (excluding the time a vessel is in dry dock), based on cost less salvage value. Each vessel’s salvage value is equal to the product of its lightweight tonnage and an estimated scrap rate of $300 per ton, which was determined by reference to quoted rates and is reviewed annually. The Company estimates the useful life of its vessels to be 25 years to 30 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. The remaining estimated useful lives of the current fleet are 8 - 22 years. The Company does not incur depreciation expense when vessels are taken out of service for dry docking.

Significant upgrades made to the vessels during dry docking are capitalized when incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the five year period until the next dry docking. Costs capitalized as part of the dry docking include direct costs incurred to meet regulatory requirements that add economic life to the vessel, that increase the vessel’s earnings capacity or which improve the vessel’s efficiency. Direct costs include the shipyard costs, parts, inspection fees, steel, blasting and painting. Expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs, whether incurred as part of the dry docking or not, are expensed as incurred. Unamortized dry-docking costs of vessels that are sold are written off and included in the calculation of the resulting gain or loss on sale.

The Company evaluates the recoverability of its fixed assets and other assets in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amounts. If indicators of impairment are present, we perform an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows to be derived from the related long-lived assets. Our assessment is made at the asset group level, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of other groups of assets. The asset groups established by the Company are defined by vessel size and major characteristic or trade.

The significant factors and assumptions used in the undiscounted projected net operating cash flow analysis include the Company’s estimate of future time charter equivalent "TCE" rates based on current rates under existing charters and contracts. When existing contracts expire, the Company uses an estimated TCE based on actual results and extends these rates out to the end of the vessel’s useful life. TCE rates can be highly volatile, may affect the fair value of the Company’s vessels and may have a significant impact on the Company’s ability to recover the carrying amount of its fleet. Accordingly, the volatility is contemplated in the undiscounted projected net operating cash flow by using a sensitivity analysis based on percent changes in the TCE rates. The Company prepares a series of scenarios in an attempt to capture the range of possible trends and outcomes. Projected net operating cash flows are net of brokerage and address commissions and assume no revenue on scheduled offhire days. The Company uses the current vessel operating expense budget, estimated costs of drydocking and historical general and administrative expenses as the basis for its expected outflows, and applies an inflation factor it considers appropriate. The net of these inflows and outflows, plus an estimated salvage value, constitutes the projected undiscounted future cash flows. If these projected cash flows do not exceed the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment charge would be calculated. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset as provided by third parties.

The Company concluded that no triggering event had occurred during the first, third and fourth quarter of 2020 which would require impairment testing. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company determined that a triggering event occurred related to a sale of a vessel, as the carrying value exceeded its fair value. A loss on impairment of $1.8 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2020 when the Memorandum of Agreement was signed. The Company performed an impairment analysis on each asset group and concluded the estimated undiscounted future cash flows were higher than their carrying amount and as such, no additional loss on impairment was recognized.

At December 31, 2019, the Company had accepted an offer to sell the m/v Bulk Patriot below the carrying amount of the vessel, to be delivered in the first quarter of 2020. As a result, a loss on impairment of the vessel for an amount totaling $4.8 million, which was equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the agreed upon sale value less estimated costs to sell, was included in the consolidated statements of operations. The vessel has been classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019. The Company identified additional potential triggering events that resulted from the loss recognized on the sale of other vessels in the fourth quarter of 2019 of $4.6 million.

As a result, the Company evaluated each asset group for impairment by estimating the total undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset group and its eventual disposal. The estimated undiscounted future cash flows were higher than the carrying amount of each asset group in the Company's fleet and as such, no other loss on impairment was recognized. No impairment indicator existed during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Qualifying expenses associated with commercial financing and fees paid to financial institutions to obtain financing are carried as a reduction of the outstanding debt and amortized over the term of the arrangement using the effective interest method. The unamortized portion is included as a reduction of secured long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets.

Shipping income derived from sources outside the United States is not subject to any Unites States federal income tax. U.S. sourced income from the international operation of ships that is considered qualified income and earned by a qualified foreign corporation can also be considered exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. The exemption requires a number of tests be met including qualifying income earned subject to an equivalent exemption in a qualified country and a qualified foreign corporation meeting the qualified foreign country, qualified income, stock ownership tests and substantiation requirements. The Company believes it meets all of the tests to qualify for an exemption from income under Internal Revenue Code section 883. To the extent the Company is unable to qualify for the exemption, the Company would be subject to U.S. federal income taxation of 4% of its U.S. shipping income on a gross basis without deductions. If certain other conditions are present, as defined in the Code, U.S. source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, may be subject to federal income tax of up to 21% and a 30% branch profits tax. The company believes that none of its U.S. source shipping income is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

Compensation cost of restricted share awards is measured using the grant date fair value of the Company's common shares, as quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market, multiplied by the total number of shares granted with no forfeiture rate applied. Compensation cost is amortized according to the vesting period indicated in the grant agreement. Total compensation cost recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is approximately $2,315,000 and $1,737,315, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.

Noncontrolling interests represent ownership interests attributable to third parties in certain consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs. The portion of equity not owned by us in such entities is reflected as Noncontrolling interests within the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and, in the case of Redeemable noncontrolling interests, within the long-term liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method. Under this method, the amount of unrecognized compensation cost related to future services by employees who were awarded restricted shares is assumed to be used to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. The incremental shares (nonvested less repurchased) are considered to be outstanding for diluted EPS.

The Company conducts all of its business in U.S. dollars; the functional currency of the Company is the US dollar. Accordingly, transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are measured and recorded in the functional currency at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the transactions. There are no foreign exchange transaction gains or losses reflected in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company accounts for derivatives in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The Company uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risks associated with its operations, principally changes in variable interest rates on its bank debt. Additionally, the Company uses forward freight agreements to protect against changes in charter rates and bunker (fuel) swaps to protect against changes in fuel prices. The Company’s interest rate swaps, forward freight agreements (FFAs) and bunker swaps have not qualified for hedge accounting treatment. As such, unrealized and realized gains or losses are recognized as a component of Other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Derivative instruments are measured at fair value and are recorded as assets or liabilities.

Operating segments are components of a business that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") for the purpose of assessing performance and allocating resources. Based on the information that the CODM uses, including consideration of whether discrete financial information is available for the business activities, the Company has identified multiple operating segments which have been aggregated based on considerations such as the nature of its services, customers, operations and economic characteristics. The Company has determined that it operates under one reportable segment.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying amount of the Company’s floating rate long-term debt approximates its fair value due to the variable interest rates associated with these related credit facilities.

At December 31, 2020, the Company has seven fully fixed rate debt facilities and one facility which is fixed in part. At December 31, 2019, the Company has five fully fixed rate debt facilities and four facilities of which are fixed in part. The aggregate carrying amounts and fair values of the long-term debt associated with the fixed rate borrowing arrangements are as follows:

At the beginning of the first quarter of 2019, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), and additional ASUs issued to clarify and update the guidance in ASU 2016-02 (collectively, the “new leases standard”), which modifies lease accounting for lessees to increase transparency and comparability by recording lease assets and liabilities for operating leases and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The Company adopted the new leases standard utilizing the modified retrospective transition method, under which amounts in prior periods presented were not restated. At transition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the standard, which eliminates the reassessment of past leases, classification and initial direct costs. The Company did not elect to use hindsight to reassess lease terms or impairment at the adoption date because the practical expedient pertaining to land easements did not apply to the Company.

During time charter agreements, the charterers have substantive decision-making rights to direct how and for what purpose the vessel is used. As such, the Company had identified that time charter agreements contain a lease. Accordingly, the Company accounts for amounts earned under these agreements in accordance with Topic 842. During time charter agreements, the Company is responsible for operating and maintaining the vessels. These costs are recorded as vessel operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

At December 31, 2020, the Company had twelve vessels chartered to customers under time charters that contain leases. These twelve leases varied in original length from 20 days to 83 days. At December 31, 2020, lease payments due under these arrangements totaled approximately $2,404,000 and each of the time charters were due to be completed in thirty days or less. The Company does not have any sales-type or direct financing leases.

Adoption of the lessee provisions of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements because the Company does not have any vessels chartered in (operating leases) for longer than one year and the practical expedient relating to leases with terms of 12 months or less was elected. Furthermore, the Company's finance lease right of use assets and finance lease liabilities were referred to as "assets under finance lease" and "obligations under finance leases" in prior period financial statements, but no other changes resulted from adoption of the standard. In addition, the Company has two non-cancelable office leases and non-cancelable office equipment leases and the lease assets and liabilities are not material.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. Companies can apply the ASU immediately, however the guidance will only be available until December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. For most financial assets, such as trade and other receivables, loans and other instruments, this standard changes the current incurred loss model to a forward-looking expected credit loss model, which generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The new standard is effective for the Company at the beginning of 2023. Entities are required to apply the provisions of the standard through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. The Company is currently assessing the new guidance and its impact on its consolidated financial statements, and it intends to adopt the guidance when it becomes effective in the first quarter of 2023.