https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1296484/000091957419002...
20-F 1 d8214366_20-f.htm
(Mark One)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
[ ]
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
OR
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________________ to _________________
OR
[ ]
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report _________________
Commission file number 001-37889
TOP SHIPS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
Republic of the Marshall Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1 Vasilisis Sofias and Megalou Alexandrou Str, 15124 Maroussi, Greece
(Address of principal executive offices)
Alexandros Tsirikos, (Tel) +30 210 812 8180, atsirikos@topships.org, (Fax) +30 210 614 1273,
1 Vasilisis Sofias and Megalou Alexandrou Str, 15124 Maroussi, Greece
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Nasdaq Capital Market
Nasdaq Capital Market
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
NONE
(Title of class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
NONE
(Title of class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the
period covered by the annual report.
As of December 31, 2018, 23,017,467 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes
X
Yes
No
X
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
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
X
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Sec.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
X
No
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an
emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "emerging growth company"
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, 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. ☐
† The term "new or revised financial accounting standard" refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards
Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this
filing:
X U.S. GAAP
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
Other
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the
registrant has elected to follow:
________ Item 17
________ Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act).
Yes
No
X
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE
YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
Yes
No
X
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
KEY INFORMATION
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
THE OFFER AND LISTING.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
PART I
ITEM 1
ITEM 2.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4A.
ITEM 5.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 10.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 12.
PART II
ITEM 13.
ITEM 14.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF
PROCEEDS
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 15.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
ITEM 16A.
CODE OF ETHICS
ITEM 16B.
PRINCIPAL AUDITOR FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 16C.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
ITEM 16D.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
ITEM 16E.
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
ITEM 16F.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 16G.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
PART III
ITEM 17.
ITEM 18.
ITEM 19.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EXHIBITS
Page
3
3
3
3
34
57
57
83
87
89
90
90
109
110
110
110
110
111
112
113
113
113
113
113
113
114
114
114
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Matters discussed in this report may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995, or the PSLRA, provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies
to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans,
objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other
than statements of historical facts.
TOP Ships Inc. desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the PSLRA and is including this cautionary
statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. This annual report and any other written or oral statements made by
us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and
financial performance. When used in this annual report, the words "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate,"
"forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements in this annual report are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based,
in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data
contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were
reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are
difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these
expectations, beliefs or projections.
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
In addition to these assumptions and matters discussed elsewhere herein and in the documents incorporated by
reference herein, important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those
discussed in the forward-looking statements include the following:
our ability to maintain or develop new and existing customer relationships with major refined product importers
and exporters, major crude oil companies and major commodity traders, including our ability to enter into long-
term charters for our vessels;
our future operating and financial results;
oil and chemical tanker industry trends, including charter rates and vessel values and factors affecting vessel
supply and demand;
our ability to take delivery of, integrate into our fleet, and employ any newbuildings we may order in the future
and the ability of shipyards to deliver vessels on a timely basis;
the aging of our vessels and resultant increases in operation and dry-docking costs;
the ability of our vessels to pass classification inspections and vetting inspections by oil majors and big chemical
corporations;
significant changes in vessel performance, including increased vessel breakdowns;
the creditworthiness of our charterers and the ability of our contract counterparties to fulfill their obligations to
us;
our ability to repay outstanding indebtedness, to obtain additional financing and to obtain replacement charters
for our vessels, in each case, at commercially acceptable rates or at all;
changes to governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities and the expected costs
thereof;
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·
·
·
·
·
·
potential liability from litigation and our vessel operations, including discharge of pollutants;
changes in general economic and business conditions;
general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents,
political events or acts by terrorists;
changes in production of or demand for oil and petroleum products and chemicals, either globally or in particular
regions;
the strength of world economies and currencies, including fluctuations in charterhire rates and vessel values; and
and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by us with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission, or the SEC.
Any forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of this annual report, and we undertake
no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which
such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not
possible for us to predict all or any of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or
the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those
contained in any forward-looking statement.
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PART I
ITEM 1
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3.
KEY INFORMATION
Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this annual report, the terms "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer
to TOP Ships Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, and "TOP Ships Inc." refers only to TOP Ships Inc. and not to its subsidiaries. We
use the term deadweight ton, or dwt, in describing the size of vessels. Dwt, expressed in metric tons each of which is
equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, refers to the maximum weight of cargo and supplies that a vessel can carry. Throughout this
annual report, the conversion from Euros, or €, to U.S. dollars, or $, is based on the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate of 1.143 as
of December 31, 2018, unless otherwise specified.
A.
Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial information and other operating data as of
and for the periods indicated. Our selected historical consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and
for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included
in "Item 18. Financial Statements" herein. The selected historical consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2014,
2015 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 is derived from our audited consolidated financial
statements that are not included in this annual report. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP.
The information provided below should be read in conjunction with "Item 4. Information on the Company" and "Item
5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial
information included herein.
Following the one-for-ten reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on February 22,
2016, a one-for-twenty reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on May 11, 2017, a one-for-
fifteen reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on June 23, 2017, a one-for-thirty reverse
stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on August 3, 2017, a one-for-two reverse stock split of our
issued and outstanding common shares effective on October 6, 2017 and a one-for-ten reverse stock split of our issued and
outstanding common shares effective on March 26, 2018, all share and per share amounts disclosed throughout this annual
report, in the table below and in our consolidated financial statements have been retroactively updated to reflect this change in
capital structure, unless otherwise indicated. Please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—History and Development of
the Company".
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U.S. Dollars in thousands, except per share data
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE
(LOSS)/INCOME
Time charter revenues
Time charter revenues from related parties
Total time charter revenue
Voyage expenses
Bareboat charter hire expense
Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire
Vessel operating expenses
Management fees-related parties
General and administrative expenses
Other operating (income)/loss
Vessel depreciation
Impairment on vessels
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
3,602
-
3,602
113
-
-
1,143
703
2,335
(861)
757
-
13,075
-
13,075
370
5,274
1,431
4,789
1,621
2,983
274
668
3,081
28,433
-
28,433
736
6,299
1,577
9,913
1,824
2,906
(3,137)
3,467
-
39,363
-
39,363
999
6,282
1,657
13,444
4,730
5,805
(914)
5,744
-
39,442
1,606
41,048
1,020
6,282
1,657
14,826
7,765
6,997
-
6,390
-
Operating (loss)/income
(588)
(7,416)
4,848
1,616
(3,889)
Interest and finance costs
(Loss)/gain on derivative financial instruments
Interest income
Other (expense)/income, net
(450)
3,866
74
(6)
(719)
(392)
-
20
(3,093)
(698)
-
(5)
(15,793)
(301)
13
1,120
(9,662)
1,821
130
180
Net (loss)/income and comprehensive
(loss)/income
Deemed dividend for beneficial conversion feature
of Series B convertible preferred stock
Equity (losses)/gains on investments
Net (loss)/income attributable to common
shareholders
Attributable to:
Common stock holders
Non-controlling interests
Earnings/(Loss) per share, basic
Earnings/(Loss) per share, diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding,
basic
Weighted average common shares outstanding,
diluted
U.S. dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities, including current portion of
long-term debt
Non-current liabilities
Total debt
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock
Common stock
2,896
(8,507)
1,052
(13,345)
(11,420)
-
-
2,896
2,896
-
-
-
(1, 403)
-
-
(27)
-
291
(8,507)
(8,507)
-
(351)
(13,372)
(11,129)
(351)
-
(13,404)
32
(11,134)
5
$
$
413,714
362,000
$
$
(773,364) $
(773,364) $
(15,955) $
(15,955) $
(12.57) $
(12.57) $
(0.61)
(0.61)
7
8
11
11
22
22
1,063,381
18,181,456
1,063,381
18,181,456
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
5,269
74,006
17,577
22,276
24,226
34,153
-
-
4,541
143,317
20,033
76,022
84,539
45,521
-
-
29,055
220,448
25,581
87,593
103,949
107,274
1
89
5,288
258,488
36,819
117,388
140,655
104,281
1
230
1,227
75,575
9,334
23,712
19,419
42,529
-
-
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OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
FLEET DATA
Total number of vessels at end of period
(including leased vessels)
Average number of vessels(1)
Total calendar days for fleet(2)
Total available days for fleet(3)
Total operating days for fleet(4)
Total time charter days for fleet
Fleet utilization(5)
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
1.0
0.5
195
195
195
195
100.00%
3.0
2.2
810
805
796
796
98.91%
6.0
5.0
1,812
1,812
1,799
1,799
99.28%
7.0
6.8
2,496
2,495
2,491
2,491
99.81%
8.0
7.3
2,670
2,668
2,663
2,663
99.81%
AVERAGE DAILY RESULTS
Time charter equivalent(6)
Vessel operating expenses(7)
General and administrative expenses(8)
U.S. dollars in thousands
Adjusted EBITDA(9)
$
$
$
$
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
17,892
5,862
11,974
$
$
$
15,961
5,914
3,684
$
$
$
15,396
5,470
1,604
$
$
$
15,403
5,386
2,323
$
$
$
15,031
5,552
2,620
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
163
$
3,058
$
16,186
$
16,405
$
10,910
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Average number of vessels is the number of vessels that constituted our fleet (including chartered in vessels) for the
relevant period, as measured by the sum of the number of days each vessel was a part of our fleet during the period
divided by the number of calendar days in that period.
Calendar days are the total days the vessels were in our possession for the relevant period. Calendar days are an
indicator of the size of our fleet over the relevant period and affect both the amount of revenues and expenses that we
record during that period.
Available days are the number of calendar days less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to
scheduled repairs or scheduled guarantee inspections in the case of newbuildings, vessel upgrades or special or
intermediate surveys and the aggregate amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels. Companies in the shipping
industry generally use available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels should be capable
of generating revenues.
Operating days are the number of available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-
hire due to unforeseen technical circumstances. The shipping industry uses operating days to measure the aggregate
number of days in a period that our vessels actually generate revenue.
Fleet utilization is calculated by dividing the number of operating days during a period by the number of available days
during that period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company's efficiency in finding suitable
employment for its vessels and minimizing the number of days that its vessels are off-hire for reasons other than
scheduled repairs or scheduled guarantee inspections in the case of newbuildings, vessel upgrades, special or
intermediate surveys and vessel positioning.
Time charter equivalent rate, or TCE rate, is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel on a per
voyage basis. Our method of calculating TCE rate is determined by dividing TCE revenues by operating days for the
relevant time period. TCE revenues are revenues minus voyage expenses. Voyage expenses primarily consist of port,
canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise be paid by the charterer under a time
charter contract, as well as commissions. TCE revenues and TCE rate, which are non-U.S. GAAP measures, provide
additional supplemental information in conjunction with shipping revenues, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP
measure. We use TCE rates and TCE revenues to compare period-to-period changes in our performance and it assists
investors and our management in evaluating our financial performance. The following table below reflects the
reconciliation of TCE revenues to revenues as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and our calculation
of TCE rates for the periods presented.
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U.S. dollars in thousands, except average daily
time charter equivalent and total operating days
On a consolidated basis
Revenues*
Less:
Voyage expenses
Time charter equivalent revenues
Total operating days
$
$
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2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
3,602
$
13,075
$
28,433
$
39,363
$
41,048
(113))
3,489
195
$
(370)
12,705
796
$
(736)
27,697
1,799
$
(999)
38,364
2,491
$
(1,020)
40,028
2,663
15,031
Average Daily Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) $
*Represents the aggregate of Time charter revenues from third parties and Time charter revenues from Related Parties
15,396
17,892
15,961
15,403
$
$
$
$
(7)
(8)
(9)
Daily vessel operating expenses, which include crew costs, provisions, deck and engine stores, lubricating oil, insurance,
maintenance and repairs are calculated by dividing vessel operating expenses by fleet calendar days for the relevant time
period.
Daily general and administrative expenses are calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by fleet
calendar days for the relevant time period.
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization (Adjusted EBITDA), is not a measure prepared in
accordance with U.S. GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization, vessel bareboat charter hire expenses (including amortization of prepaid hire), vessel impairments, gains
on sale of vessels, gains on disposal of subsidiaries and gains/losses on derivative financial instruments. Adjusted
EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure that is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and
external users of financial statements, such as investors, to assess our financial and operating performance. We believe
that this non-GAAP financial measure assists our management and investors by increasing the comparability of our
performance from period to period. This is achieved by excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods of
interest, gain/loss on financial instruments, depreciation and amortization, vessel bareboat charter hire expenses
(including amortization of prepaid hire), vessel impairments and which items are affected by various and possibly
changing financing methods, capital structure and historical cost basis and which items may significantly affect results
of operations between periods. This non-U.S. GAAP measure should not be considered in isolation from, as a substitute
for, or superior to financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you
should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in
this presentation. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be the same as reported by other companies in the
shipping industry or other industries. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an
alternative to operating income or cash flow from operations, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
U.S. dollars in thousands
Net
income/(loss)
income/(loss) and comprehensive
Add: Bareboat charter hire expenses
Add: Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire
Add: Vessel depreciation
Add: Impairment on vessel
Add: Interest and finance costs
Add: Loss/(gain) on derivative financial
instruments
Less: Interest income
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2,896
(8,507)
-
-
757
-
450
(3,866)
(74)
5,274
1,431
668
3,081
719
392
-
1,052
6,299
1,577
3,467
-
3,093
698
-
(13,372)
(11,129)
6,282
1,657
5,744
-
15,793
301
-
6,282
1,657
6,389
-
9,662
(1,821)
(130)
Adjusted EBITDA
163
3,058
16,186
16,405
10,910
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B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not Applicable.
C.
D.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable.
Risk Factors
The following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate and our business in general. Any of these
risk factors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results and the trading price of
our common shares.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
The international tanker industry has historically been both cyclical and volatile and this may lead to reductions
and volatility in our charter rates, our vessel values, our revenues, earnings and cash flow results.
The international tanker industry in which we operate is cyclical, with attendant volatility in charter hire rates, vessel
values and industry profitability. For tanker vessels, the degree of charter rate volatility has varied widely. Please see "—The
international oil tanker industry has experienced volatile charter rates and vessel values and there can be no assurance that
these charter rates and vessel values will not decrease in the near future." Currently, all of our vessels are employed on time
charters. However, changes in spot rates and time charter rates can affect the revenues we will receive from operations in the
event our charterers default or seek to renegotiate the charter hire, and can affect the value of our vessels, even if they are
employed under long-term time charters. Our ability to re-charter our vessels on the expiration or termination of their time or
bareboat charters and the charter rates payable under any renewal or replacement charters will depend upon, among other
things, economic conditions in the tanker markets and several other factors outside of our control. If we enter into a charter
when charter rates are low, our revenues and earnings will be adversely affected. A decline in charter hire rates will also likely
cause the value of our vessels to decline.
Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from changes in the supply and demand for vessels and changes
in the supply and demand for oil, chemicals and other liquids our vessels carry. Factors affecting the supply and demand for our
vessels are outside of our control and are unpredictable. The nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in the tanker
industry conditions are also unpredictable.
Factors that influence demand for tanker vessel capacity include:
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supply and demand for petroleum products and chemicals carried;
changes in oil production and refining capacity resulting in shifts in trade flows for oil products;
the distance petroleum products and chemicals are to be moved by sea;
global and regional economic and political conditions, including developments in international trade, national oil
reserves policies, fluctuations in industrial and agricultural production, armed conflicts and work stoppages;
increases in the production of oil in areas linked by pipelines to consuming areas, the extension of existing, or the
development of new pipeline systems in markets we may serve, or the conversion of existing non-oil pipelines to
oil pipelines in those markets;
environmental and other legal and regulatory developments;
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currency exchange rates;
weather, natural disasters and other acts of God;
competition from alternative sources of energy, other shipping companies and other modes of transportation; and
international sanctions, embargoes, import and export restrictions, nationalizations, piracy and wars.
The factors that influence the supply of tanker capacity include:
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the number of newbuilding deliveries;
current and expected newbuilding orders for vessels;
the scrapping rate of older vessels;
vessel freight rates, which are affected by factors that may affect the rate of newbuilding, swapping and laying up
of vessels;
the price of steel and vessel equipment;
technological advances in the design and capacity of vessels;
potential conversion of vessels for alternative use;
changes in environmental and other regulations that may limit the useful lives of vessels;
port or canal congestion;
the number of vessels that are out of service at a given time; and
changes in global petroleum and chemical production.
The factors affecting the supply and demand for tankers have been volatile and are outside of our control, and the
nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable. Market conditions were volatile in 2018 and
continued volatility may reduce demand for transportation of oil, petroleum products and chemicals over longer distances and
increase the supply of tankers, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations, cash flows, ability to pay dividends and existing contractual obligations.
The international oil tanker industry has experienced volatile charter rates and vessel values and there can be no
assurance that these charter rates and vessel values will not decrease in the near future.
The Baltic Dirty Tanker Index, or the BDTI, a U.S. dollar daily average of charter rates issued by the Baltic Exchange
that takes into account input from brokers around the world regarding crude oil fixtures for various routes and oil tanker vessel
sizes, has been volatile. For example, in 2018, the BDTI reached a high of 1,266 and a low of 628. The Baltic Clean Tanker
Index, or BCTI, a comparable index to the BDTI, has similarly been volatile. In 2018, the BCTI reached a high of 919 and a
low of 476. Although the BDTI and BCTI were 700 and 650, respectively, as of March 21, 2019, there can be no assurance that
the crude oil and petroleum products charter market will increase, and the market could again decline. This volatility in charter
rates depends, among other factors, on (i) the demand for crude oil and petroleum products, (ii) the inventories of crude oil and
petroleum products in the United States and in other industrialized nations, (iii) oil refining volumes, (iv) oil prices, and (v) any
restrictions on crude oil production imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and non-
OPEC oil producing countries.
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If the charter rates in the oil tanker market decline from their current levels, our future earnings may be adversely
affected, we may have to record impairment adjustments to the carrying values of our fleet and we may not be able to comply
with the financial covenants in our loan agreements.
Volatile economic conditions throughout the world could have an adverse impact on our operations and financial
results.
Among other factors, we face risks attendant to changes in economic environments, changes in interest rates, and
instability in the banking and securities markets around the world.
The world economy continues to face a number of challenges. Concerns persist regarding the debt burden of certain
European countries and their ability to meet future financial obligations and the overall stability of the euro. A renewed period
of adverse development in the outlook for the financial stability of European countries, or market perceptions concerning these
and related issues, could reduce the overall demand for oil and chemicals, and thus for shipping and our services, and thereby
could affect our financial position, results of operations and cash available for distribution. In addition, turmoil and hostilities
in the Middle East and other geographic areas and countries may negatively impact the world economy.
A general deterioration in the global economy may also cause a decrease in worldwide demand for certain goods and,
thus, shipping. In the past, economic and governmental factors, together with concurrent declines in charter rates and vessel
values, have had a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, causing the price of
our common shares to decline.
Further, the economic slowdown in China has and may continue to exacerbate the effect on us of any slowdown in the
rest of the world. Specifically, China currently has one of the world's fastest growing economies in terms of gross domestic
product, or GDP, which had a significant impact on shipping demand. The growth rate of China's GDP for the year ended
December 31, 2018 was estimated to be around 6.5%. China and other countries in the Asia Pacific region may continue to
experience slow or even negative economic growth in the future. Our financial condition and results of operations, as well as
our future prospects, would likely be impeded by a continuing or worsening economic downturn in any of these countries.
European countries have likewise experienced relatively slow growth. Over the past several years, the credit markets
in Europe have experienced significant contraction, deleveraging and reduced liquidity, and European authorities continue to
implement a broad variety of governmental action and/or new regulation of the financial markets. Worldwide economic
conditions have in the past impacted, and could in the future impact, lenders' willingness to provide credit to us and our
customers. In addition, a portion of the credit under our credit facilities is provided by European banking institutions. If
economic conditions in Europe preclude or limit financing from these banking institutions, we may not be able to obtain
financing from other institutions on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, even if conditions outside Europe remain favorable
for lending.
The current state of the global financial markets and current economic conditions may adversely impact our ability
to obtain financing on acceptable terms and may otherwise negatively impact our business.
Global financial markets and economic conditions have been volatile. This volatility has negatively affected the
general willingness of banks and other financial institutions to extend credit, particularly to the shipping industry, due to the
historically volatile values of vessels. The shipping industry, which is highly dependent on the availability of credit to finance
and expand operations, has been negatively affected by this decline.
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As a result of concerns about the stability of financial markets generally and the solvency of counterparties
specifically, the cost of obtaining money from the credit markets has increased as many lenders have increased interest rates,
enacted tighter lending standards, refused to refinance existing debt on terms similar to current debt and reduced, and in some
cases ceased, to provide funding to borrowers. Due to these factors, we cannot be certain that financing will be available if
needed and to the extent required, on acceptable terms. If financing is not available when needed, or is available only on
unfavorable terms, we may be unable to meet our obligations as they come due or we may be unable to enhance our existing
business, complete additional vessel acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities as they arise.
Uncertainty regarding the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) may adversely impact our indebtedness under
our credit and loan facilities, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that it would phase out LIBOR as a benchmark by the end
of 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021.
Proposed alternative reference interest rates so far are based on overnight tenors only, while the most frequently used LIBOR
rates are for one, three and six month tenors. Most of our credit and loan facilities are linked to LIBOR. When LIBOR ceases
to exist, we may need to amend our credit and loan facilities based on a new standard that is established, if any. The basis of
calculation of such standard is not yet agreed upon amongst market participants and as a result the cost of our borrowings may
increase. In addition, any resulting differences in interest rate standards among our assets and our financing arrangements may
result in interest rate mismatches between our assets and the borrowings used to fund such assets. There is no guarantee that a
transition from LIBOR to an alternative reference interest rate will not result in financial market disruptions or significant
increases in benchmark rates, or borrowing costs to borrowers, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations that can adversely affect the
cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.
Our operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the form of international conventions and treaties,
national, state and local laws and national and international regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which our vessels will
operate or are registered, which can significantly affect the operation of our vessels. These regulations include, but are not
limited to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973, as from time to time amended and
generally referred to as MARPOL, including the designation of Emission Control Areas, or ECAs, thereunder, the International
Convention on Load Lines of 1966, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969,
generally referred to as CLC, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or Bunker
Convention, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, or SOLAS, the International Safety
Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or ISM Code, the International Convention for
the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention, the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of
1990, or OPA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the U.S. Clean
Water Act, the U.S. Clean Air Act, the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act
of 2002, or the MTSA, and European Union regulations. Compliance with such laws, regulations and standards, where
applicable, may require installation of costly equipment or operational changes and may affect the resale value or useful lives
of our vessels. We may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations,
including, but not limited to, costs relating to air emissions, the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection,
development and implementation of emergency procedures and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability
to address pollution incidents. These costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash
flows and financial condition. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil
penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of our operations.
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Environmental laws often impose strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous substances,
which could subject us to liability without regard to whether we were negligent or at fault. Under OPA, for example, owners,
operators and bareboat charterers are jointly and severally strictly liable for the discharge of oil within the 200-mile exclusive
economic zone around the United States. Events such as the 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon and the subsequent
release of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, or other events, may result in further regulation of the shipping industry, and
modifications to statutory liability schemes, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows. An oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties and criminal
liability and remediation costs for natural resource damages under other federal, state and local laws, as well as third-party
damages. We are required to satisfy insurance and financial responsibility requirements for potential oil (including marine fuel)
spills and other pollution incidents. Although insurance covers certain environmental risks, there can be no assurance that such
insurance will be sufficient to cover all such risks or that any claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends, if any, in the future.
We are subject to international safety regulations and requirements imposed by classification societies and the
failure to comply with these regulations may subject us to increased liability, may adversely affect our insurance coverage
and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
The operation of our vessels is affected by the requirements set forth in the United Nations' International Maritime
Organization's International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention, or ISM Code. The
ISM Code requires ship owners, ship managers and bareboat charterers to develop and maintain an extensive "Safety
Management System" that includes the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and
procedures for safe operation and describing procedures for dealing with emergencies. We expect that any vessels that we
acquire in the future will be ISM Code-certified when delivered to us. The failure of a shipowner or bareboat charterer to
comply with the ISM Code may subject it to increased liability, may invalidate existing insurance or decrease available
insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports, including
United States and European Union ports.
In addition, the hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized
by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the
applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and the International Convention for Safety of Life at
Sea. If a vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey or special survey, the vessel will
be unable to trade between ports and will be unemployable, which will negatively impact our revenues and results from
operations.
Climate change and greenhouse gas restrictions may adversely impact our operations and markets.
Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries and the IMO have adopted regulatory
frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These regulatory measures may include, among others, adoption of cap and
trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards, and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. In addition,
although the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping currently are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or the Paris Agreement, a new treaty may be adopted in the future
that includes restrictions on shipping emissions. Compliance with changes in laws, regulations and obligations relating to
climate change could increase our costs related to operating and maintaining our vessels and require us to install new emission
controls, acquire allowances or pay taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions, or administer and manage a greenhouse gas
emissions program. Revenue generation and strategic growth opportunities may also be adversely affected.
Adverse effects upon the oil and gas industry relating to climate change, including growing public concern about the
environmental impact of climate change, may also adversely affect demand for our services. For example, increased regulation
of greenhouse gases or other concerns relating to climate change may reduce the demand for oil and gas in the future or create
greater incentives for use of alternative energy sources. Any long-term material adverse effect on the oil and gas industry could
have a significant adverse financial and operational impact on our business that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.
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Regulations relating to ballast water discharge coming into effect during September 2019 may adversely affect our
revenues and profitability.
The IMO has imposed updated guidelines for ballast water management systems specifying the maximum amount of
viable organisms allowed to be discharged from a vessel's ballast water. Depending on the date of the International Oil
Pollution Prevention (“IOPP”) renewal survey, existing vessels constructed before September 8, 2017 must comply with the
updated D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2019. For most vessels, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve
installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms. Ships constructed on or after September
8, 2017 are to comply with the D-2 standards. Currently all our vessels comply with the updated guideline.
Furthermore, United States regulations are currently changing. Although the 2013 Vessel General Permit ("VGP")
program and U.S. National Invasive Species Act ("NISA") are currently in effect to regulate ballast discharge, exchange and
installation, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act ("VIDA"), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018, requires that the
U.S. Coast Guard develop implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations regarding ballast water within two years.
The new regulations could require the installation of new equipment, which may cause us to incur substantial costs.
Our vessels may suffer damage due to the inherent operational risks of the tanker industry and we may experience
unexpected dry-docking costs, which may adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The operation of an ocean-going vessel carries inherent risks. Our vessels and their cargoes are at risk of being
damaged or lost because of events such as marine disasters, bad weather and other acts of God, business interruptions caused
by mechanical failures, grounding, fire, explosions and collisions, human error, war, terrorism, piracy and other circumstances
or events. These hazards may result in death or injury to persons, loss of revenues or property, the payment of ransoms,
environmental damage, higher insurance rates, damage to our customer relationships or delay or re-routing, which may also
subject us to litigation. In addition, the operation of tankers has unique operational risks associated with the transportation of
oil or chemicals. An oil or chemical spill may cause significant environmental damage, and the costs associated with a
catastrophic spill could exceed the insurance coverage available to us. Compared to other types of vessels, tankers are exposed
to a higher risk of damage and loss by fire, whether ignited by a terrorist attack, collision, or other cause, due to the high
flammability and high volume of the oil and chemicals transported in such tankers.
If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a dry-docking facility. The costs of dry-dock repairs are
unpredictable and may be substantial. We may have to pay dry-docking costs that our insurance does not cover in full. The loss
of earnings while these vessels are being repaired and repositioned, as well as the actual cost of these repairs, would decrease
our earnings. In addition, space at dry-docking facilities is sometimes limited and not all dry-docking facilities are conveniently
located. We may be unable to find space at a suitable dry-docking facility or our vessels may be forced to travel to a dry-
docking facility that is not conveniently located to our vessels' positions. The loss of earnings while these vessels are forced to
wait for space or to steam to more distant dry-docking facilities would decrease our earnings.
In the case of bareboat chartered-out vessels, dry-docking risks, expenses and loss of hire or freight revenue affect the
bareboat charterer and not the shipowner, for the duration of the bareboat charter. In the case of our bareboat chartered-in
vessels, dry-docking risks, expenses and loss of hire or freight revenue affect us. Currently we do not employ any of our
vessels on bareboat charters.
The market value of our vessels, and those we may acquire in the future, may fluctuate significantly, which could
cause us to incur losses if we decide to sell them following a decline in their market values or we may be required to write
down their carrying value, which will adversely affect our earnings.
The fair market value of our vessels may increase and decrease depending on the following factors:
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general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry;
prevailing level of charter rates;
competition from other shipping companies;
types, sizes and ages of vessels;
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the availability of other modes of transportation;
supply and demand for vessels;
shipyard capacity;
cost of newbuildings;
price of steel;
governmental or other regulations; and
technological advances.
If we sell any vessel at a time when vessel prices have fallen, the sale price may be less than the vessel's carrying
amount in our financial statements, in which case we will realize a loss. Vessel prices can fluctuate significantly, and in the case
where the market value falls below the carrying amount, we will evaluate the vessel for a potential impairment adjustment. If
the estimate of undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to be generated by the use of the vessel is less
than its carrying amount, we may be required to write down the carrying amount of the vessel to its fair value in our financial
statements and incur a loss and a reduction in earnings. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A.
Operating Results—Critical Accounting Policies—Impairment of Vessels."
An over-supply of tanker capacity may lead to reductions in charter hire rates and profitability.
The market supply of tankers is affected by a number of factors such as demand for energy resources, crude oil,
petroleum products and chemicals, as well as strong overall economic growth of the world economy. If the capacity of
new tankers delivered exceeds the capacity of such tankers being scrapped and lost, vessel capacity will increase, which could
lead to reductions in charter rates. As of March 26, 2019, newbuilding orders have been placed for an aggregate of
approximately 10.5% of the existing global tanker fleet with the bulk of deliveries expected during 2019.
An over-supply of oil tankers has already resulted in an increase in oil tanker charter hire rate volatility. If this
volatility persists, we may not be able to find profitable charters for our vessels, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
Our vessels may call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions imposed by the U.S. or other
governments, which could adversely affect our business, reputation and the market for our common stock.
While none of our vessels called on ports located in countries subject to U.S. sanctions during 2018, and we intend to
comply with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, our vessels may call on ports in these countries from
time to time on charterers' instructions in the future, and there can be no assurance that we will maintain such compliance,
particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. The U.S. sanctions and
embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the
same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or strengthened over time.
Current or future counterparties of ours may be affiliated with persons or entities that are or may be in the future the
subject of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, the European Union, and/or other international bodies as a result of
the annexation of Crimea by Russia in March 2014. If we determine that such sanctions require us to terminate existing or
future contracts to which we or our subsidiaries are party or if we are found to be in violation of such applicable sanctions, our
results of operations may be adversely affected or we may suffer reputational harm. Currently, we do not believe that any of
our existing counterparties are affiliated with persons or entities that are subject to such sanctions.
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Although we believe that we have been in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations,
and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future, particularly as
the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in
fines, penalties or other sanctions that could severely impact our ability to access U.S. capital markets and conduct our
business, and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. In
addition, certain institutional investors may have investment policies or restrictions that prevent them from holding securities
of companies that have contracts with countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. The
determination by these investors not to invest in, or to divest from, our common stock may adversely affect the price at which
our common stock trades. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a
result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation. In
addition, our reputation and the market for our securities may be adversely affected if we engage in certain other activities,
such as entering into charters with individuals or entities in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargo laws that are not
controlled by the governments of those countries, or engaging in operations associated with those countries pursuant to
contracts with third parties that are unrelated to those countries or entities controlled by their governments. Investor perception
of the value of our common stock may be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest
and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries.
Political instability, terrorist or other attacks, war or international hostilities can affect the tanker industry, which
may adversely affect our business.
We conduct most of our operations outside of the United States, and our business, results of operations, cash flows,
financial condition and available cash may be adversely affected by changing economic, political and government conditions in
the countries and regions where our vessels are employed or registered. Moreover, we operate in a sector of the economy that is
likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political conflicts, including the current political instability in the Middle East
and the South China Sea region and other geographic countries and areas, geopolitical events such as the withdrawal of the
U.K. from the European Union, or "Brexit," terrorist or other attacks, and war (or threatened war) or international hostilities,
such as those between the United States and North Korea.
Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our operating results, revenues and costs.
Additionally, Brexit, or similar events in other jurisdictions, could impact global markets, including foreign exchange and
securities markets; any resulting changes in currency exchange rates, tariffs, treaties and other regulatory matters could in turn
adversely impact our business and operations.
Further, governments may turn to trade barriers to protect their domestic industries against foreign imports, thereby
depressing shipping demand. In particular, leaders in the United States have indicated the United States may seek to implement
more protective trade measures. President Trump was elected on a platform promoting trade protectionism. The results of the
presidential election have thus created significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States, China
and other exporting countries, including with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations and tariffs. For
example, on January 23, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Trans-
Pacific Partnership, a global trade agreement intended to include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru and a number of
Asian countries. In March 2018, President Trump announced tariffs on imported steel and aluminum into the United States that
could have a negative impact on international trade generally. Most recently, in January 2019, the United States announced
expanded sanctions against Venezuela, which may have an effect on its oil output and in turn affect global oil supply.
Protectionist developments, or the perception they may occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic
conditions, and may significantly reduce global trade. Moreover, increasing trade protectionism may cause an increase in (a)
the cost of goods exported from regions globally, (b) the length of time required to transport goods and (c) the risks associated
with exporting goods. Such increases may significantly affect the quantity of goods to be shipped, shipping time schedules,
voyage costs and other associated costs, which could have an adverse impact on our charterers' business, operating results and
financial condition and could thereby affect their ability to make timely charter hire payments to us and to renew and increase
the number of their time charters with us. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations,
financial condition and our ability to pay any cash distributions to our stockholders.
Continuing conflicts and recent developments in North Korea, Russia and the Middle East, including Iran, Syria,
Egypt and North Africa, including Libya, and the presence of the United States and other armed forces in these regions may
lead to additional acts of terrorism and armed conflict around the world, which may contribute to further world economic
instability and uncertainty in global financial markets. As a result of the above, insurers have increased premiums and reduced
restricted coverage for losses caused by terrorist acts generally. Future terrorist attacks could result in increased volatility of the
financial markets and negatively impact the U.S. and global economy. These uncertainties could also adversely affect our
ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all.
In the past, political instability has also resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways and other efforts to disrupt
international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region. Acts of terrorism and piracy have also affected vessels trading
in regions such as the South China Sea, the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa, and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of
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financial condition and available cash.
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Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels could adversely affect our business.
Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China
Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea. Sea
piracy incidents continue to occur. Acts of piracy could result in harm or danger to the crews that man our vessels. If insurers
or the Joint War Committee characterize the regions in which our vessels are deployed as "war risk" zones or "war and strikes"
listed areas," respectively, premiums payable for insurance coverage could increase significantly and such coverage may be
more difficult to obtain if available at all. In addition, crew costs, including costs that may be incurred to the extent we employ
onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these
incidents, least of all for bearing the cost of the applicable deductible(s) or unforeseen charges/costs, which could have a
material adverse effect on us. In addition, hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or an increase in cost or
unavailability of insurance for our vessels, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash
flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends and may result in loss of revenues, increased costs and decreased cash
flows to our customers, which could impair their ability to make payments to us under our charters.
Changes in the economic and political environment in China and policies adopted by the Chinese government to
regulate its economy may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development, or OECD, in respects such as structure, government involvement, level of development, growth
rate, capital reinvestment, allocation of resources, rate of inflation and balance of payments position. Prior to 1978, the Chinese
economy was a planned economy. Since 1978, increasing emphasis has been placed on the utilization of market forces in the
development of the Chinese economy. Annual and five-year plans, or State Plans, are adopted by the Chinese government in
connection with the development of the economy. Although state-owned enterprises still account for a substantial portion of the
Chinese industrial output, in general, the Chinese government is reducing the level of direct control that it exercises over the
economy through State Plans and other measures. There is an increasing level of freedom and autonomy in areas such as
allocation of resources, production, pricing and management and a gradual shift in emphasis to a "market economy" and
enterprise reform. Limited price reforms were undertaken, with the result that prices for certain commodities are principally
determined by market forces. Many of the reforms are unprecedented or experimental and may be subject to revision, change
or abolition based upon the outcome of such experiments. If the Chinese government does not continue to pursue a policy of
economic reform, the level of imports to and exports from China could be adversely affected and could adversely affect our
business, operating results and financial condition.
Increased inspection procedures and tighter import and export controls could increase costs and disrupt our
business.
International shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of
origin and destination. Inspection procedures can result in the seizure of, delay in the loading, off-loading or delivery of, the
contents of our vessels or the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us. It is possible that changes to
inspection procedures could impose additional financial and legal obligations on us. Furthermore, changes to inspection
procedures could also impose additional costs and obligations on our customers and may, in certain cases, render the shipment
of certain types of cargo uneconomical or impractical. Any such changes or developments may have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We rely on our information systems to conduct our business, and failure to protect these systems against security
breaches could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, if these systems fail or become
unavailable for any significant period of time, our business could be harmed.
The efficient operation of our business is dependent on computer hardware and software systems. Information systems
are vulnerable to security breaches by computer hackers and cyber terrorists. We rely on industry-accepted security measures
and technology to securely maintain confidential and proprietary information kept on our information systems. However, these
measures and technology may not adequately prevent cybersecurity breaches, the access, capture or alteration of information
by criminals, the exposure or exploitation of potential security vulnerabilities, the installation of malware or ransomware, acts
of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced data or data loss. In addition, the unavailability of the information systems or the
failure of these systems to perform as anticipated for any reason could disrupt our business and could result in decreased
performance and increased operating costs, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. Any significant interruption
or failure of our information systems or any significant breach of security could adversely affect our business, results of
operations and financial condition, as well as our cash flows, including cash available for dividends to our stockholders.
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RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPANY
We may not be able to continue as a going concern.
Our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 have been prepared on the basis
that we will continue as a going concern. As at December 31, 2018, we had a working capital deficit of $31.5 million and cash
and cash equivalents of $0.06 million. As at December 31, 2018 we had remaining contractual commitments for the acquisition
of our fleet totaling $147.6 million. Of this amount, $66.3 million is payable in the first quarter of 2019 and $81.3 million in
the second quarter of 2019. Of the amount payable in 2019, an amount of $66.3 million has been settled as of the date of this
annual report.
As of December 31, 2018 we have undrawn facilities amounting to $152.2 million. Please see "Item 5. Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources." We are considering options to raise capital to avoid
there being substantial doubt about our ability to fund future operations and meet our obligations as they become due for at
least a year, and continue as a going concern. If we are unable to refinance or raise capital, we may cease to continue as a going
concern and we would be required to restate our assets and liabilities on a liquidation basis, which could differ significantly
from the going concern basis.
We are currently subject to litigation and we may be subject to similar or other litigation in the future.
We and certain of our current executive officers are defendants in purported class-action lawsuits pending in the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern Districts of New York, brought on behalf of our shareholders. The lawsuits allege violations of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. In connection with these lawsuits, certain co-
defendants requested that the Company indemnify and hold them harmless against all losses, including reasonable costs of
defense, arising from the litigation, pursuant to the provisions of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement between the
Company and Kalani.
While we believe these claims to be without merit and intend to continue to defend these lawsuits vigorously, we
cannot predict their outcome. Furthermore, we may, from time to time, be a party to other litigation in the normal course of
business. Monitoring and defending against legal actions, whether or not meritorious, is time-consuming for our management
and detracts from our ability to fully focus our internal resources on our business activities. In addition, our legal fees and costs
incurred in connection with such activities and any legal fees of co-defendants for which we are deemed responsible may be
significant and we could, in the future, be subject to judgments or enter into settlements of claims for significant monetary
damages. A decision adverse to our interests could result in the payment of substantial damages and could have a material
adverse effect on our cash flow, results of operations and financial position.
With respect to any litigation, our insurance may not reimburse us or may not be sufficient to reimburse us for the
expenses or losses we may suffer in contesting and concluding such lawsuit. Furthermore, our insurance does not cover legal
fees associated with co-defendants. Substantial litigation costs, including the substantial self-insured retention that we are
required to satisfy before any insurance applied to the claim, or an adverse result in any litigation may adversely impact our
business, operating results or financial condition.
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Our operating, joint venture and chartered-in fleet consists of twelve MR product tankers. Any limitation in the
availability or operation of these vessels could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
As of the date of this annual report, our operating fleet consists of two chartered-in 50,000 dwt product/chemical
tankers vessels, the M/T Stenaweco Energy and the M/T Stenaweco Evolution, two 39,000 dwt product/chemical tankers
vessels, the M/T Eco Fleet and the M/T Eco Revolution, and six 50,000 dwt product/chemical tankers, the M/T Stenaweco
Excellence, M/T Nord Valiant, M/T Stenaweco Elegance, M/T Eco Palm Desert, M/T Eco California and M/T Eco Marina Del
Ray. Furthermore we have a 50% interest in two 50,000 dwt product/chemical tanker vessels, the M/T Eco Holmby Hills and
the M/T Palm Springs. If these vessels are unable to generate revenue as a result of off hire time, early termination of the
applicable time charter or otherwise, our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends on our
common shares could be materially adversely affected.
We expect to be dependent on a limited number of customers for a large part of our revenues, and failure of such
counterparties to meet their obligations could cause us to suffer losses or negatively impact our results of operations and
cash flows.
Currently all of our revenues are currently derived from five charterers, Stena Weco A/S, BP Shipping Limited,
Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd, Central Tanker Chartering Inc and Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S (“DS Norden A/S”). Such
agreements subject us to counterparty risks. The ability of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract
with us will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic
conditions, the condition of the maritime industry, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, charter rates received for
specific types of vessels, and various expenses. The combination of a reduction of cash flow resulting from declines in world
trade, a reduction in borrowing bases under reserve-based credit facilities and the lack of availability of debt or equity
financing may result in a significant reduction in the ability of charterers to make charter payments to us. In addition, in
depressed market conditions, charterers and customers may no longer need a vessel that is then under charter or contract or
may be able to obtain a comparable vessel at lower rates. As a result, charterers and customers may seek to renegotiate the
terms of their existing charter agreements or avoid their obligations under those contracts. Should one of our counterparties fail
to honor its obligations under agreements with us, we could sustain significant losses that could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The bareboat charters in connection with our sale and leaseback agreements contain restrictive covenants that may
limit our liquidity and corporate activities, and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of
operations.
The bareboat charters in connection with the sale and leaseback agreements for the M/T Stenaweco Energy, M/T
Stenaweco Evolution, M/T Nord Valiant, M/T Eco California and M/T Eco Marina Del Ray contain, and any future sale and
leaseback agreements we may enter into are expected to contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including
cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements that may affect our operational and financial
flexibility. Such restrictions could affect, and in many respects limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability to incur
additional indebtedness, create liens, sell assets, or engage in mergers or acquisitions. These restrictions could also limit our
ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet extraordinary capital needs or otherwise restrict corporate activities.
There can be no assurance that such restrictions will not adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital
needs.
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Our bareboat charters in connection with the sale and leaseback agreements require us to maintain specified financial
ratios, satisfy financial covenants and contain cross-default clauses, including the following:
· maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 75%; and
· maintain minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per owned vessel and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in
vessel.
As of December 31, 2018, we are in compliance with the consolidated leverage ratio and the minimum free liquidity
covenants in our sale and leaseback agreements.
As a result of the restrictions in our bareboat charters in connection with our sale and leaseback agreements, or similar
restrictions in our future sale and leaseback agreements, we may need to seek permission from the owners of our leased vessels
in order to engage in certain corporate actions. Their interests may be different from ours and we may not be able to obtain
their permission when needed. This may prevent us from taking actions that we believe are in our best interest, which may
adversely impact our revenues, results of operations and financial condition.
A failure by us to meet our payment and other obligations, including our financial covenant requirements, could lead
to defaults under our bareboat charters in connection with our sale and leaseback agreement or any future sale and leaseback
agreements. If we are not in compliance with our covenants and we are not able to obtain covenant waivers or modifications,
the current or future owners of our leased vessels, as appropriate, could retake possession of our vessels or require us to pay
down our indebtedness to a level where we are in compliance with our covenants or sell vessels in our fleet. We could lose our
vessels if we default on our bareboat charters in connection with the sale and leaseback agreements, which would negatively
affect our revenues, results of operations and financial condition.
Newbuilding projects are subject to risks that could cause delays.
As of the date of this annual report, we own 100% interests in two corporations that are party to shipbuilding contracts
for two newbuilding vessels scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2019. Newbuilding construction projects are
subject to risks of delay inherent in any large construction project caused by numerous factors, including shortages of
equipment, materials or skilled labor, unscheduled delays in the delivery of ordered materials and equipment or shipyard
construction, failure of equipment to meet quality and/or performance standards, financial or operating difficulties experienced
by equipment vendors or the shipyard, unanticipated actual or purported change orders, inability to obtain required permits or
approvals, design or engineering changes and work stoppages and other labor disputes, adverse weather conditions, bankruptcy
or other financial crisis of the shipyard, a backlog of orders at the shipyard, or any other events of force majeure. A shipyard's
failure to complete the project on time may result in the delay of revenue from the vessel. Any such failure or delay could have
a material adverse effect on our operating results as we will continue to incur other costs to operate our business.
Furthermore, we may need to incur additional borrowings or raise capital through the sale of additional equity or debt
securities to complete our newbuilding program or acquire any additional vessels in the future. Our ability to obtain bank
financing or to access the capital markets for future offerings may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such
financing or offering as well as by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions
and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. If we are not able to borrow additional funds, raise other
capital or utilize available cash on hand, we may not be able to complete our newbuilding program or acquire other
newbuilding or secondhand vessels, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows.
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Our strategic relationships subject us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
We own 50% of City of Athens Inc., a Marshal Islands corporation that owns the M/T Eco Holmby Hills and another
50% of ECO Nine Inc., a Marshall Islands corporation that owns the M/T Eco Palm Springs, two 50,000 dwt product tankers.
Fly Free Company and Maxima International Co. own the other 50% of City of Athens Inc. and ECO Nine Inc., respectively.
Fly Free Company and Maxima International Co. are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Gunvor S.A., or Gunvor, a non-affiliated
company with which we have entered into a joint venture agreement on July 7, 2017.
These strategic relationships are subject to various risks that could adversely affect the value of our investments and
our results of operations and financial condition. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
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our interests could diverge from our partners' interests or we may not agree with our strategic partners on ongoing
activities or on the amount, timing or nature of further investments in the relationship;
we do not control the operations of City of Athens Inc. and ECO Nine Inc. as we have joint control;
due to financial constraints, our strategic partners may be unable to meet their commitments to us;
due to differing long-term business goals, our partners may decide not to join us in funding capital investment by
our business ventures, which may result in higher levels of cash expenditures by us;
we may experience difficulties or delays in collecting amounts due to us from our strategic partners;
the terms of our arrangements may turn out to be unfavorable; and
changes in tax, legal or regulatory requirements may necessitate changes in the agreements with our strategic
partners.
Further, in spite of performing customary due diligence prior to entering into the aforementioned strategic
relationships, we cannot guarantee full disclosure of prior acts or omissions of the sellers or those with whom we enter into
strategic arrangements. If our strategic relationships are unsuccessful or there are unanticipated changes in, or termination of,
our strategic relationships, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Our credit facilities contain restrictive covenants that limit our business and financing activities.
The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our ABN Senior Credit Facility, or the ABN Facility,
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale Bank of Germany Facility, or the NORD/LB Facility, Amsterdam Trade Bank Facility,
or the AT Bank Facility, Alpha Bank of Greece Facility, or the Alpha Bank Facility, and any new or amended credit facility we
enter into in the future could adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or
pursue our business activities.
For example, our ABN Facility, NORD/LB Facility, AT Bank Facility and Alpha Bank Facility require the consent of
our lenders to, among other things:
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incur or guarantee indebtedness outside of our ordinary course of business;
provide guarantees other than for financing of new vessels;
pay any dividends or distribute any of our capital or redeem any class of our shares;
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charge, pledge or encumber our vessels;
change the flag, class, management or ownership of our vessels;
change the commercial and technical management of our vessels; and
sell or change the beneficial ownership or control of our vessels.
Furthermore some of our facilities also contain restrictions in the use of proceeds of future issuances of capital and
incurrence of unsecured debt. Finally, our credit facilities require us to satisfy certain financial and other covenants. Please see
"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources." In general, these financial
covenants require us to maintain, among other things, a minimum ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our
fleet, minimum free consolidated liquidity per collateralized vessel and to maintain a ratio of EBITDA (as defined in each
credit facility) to net interest expense. In addition, our credit facilities require that we maintain a minimum security coverage
ratio, usually defined as the ratio of the market value of the collateralized vessels or vessel and net realizable value of
additional acceptable security to our outstanding loans. A breach of any of these, or other, covenants in our credit facilities
would prevent us from borrowing additional money under our credit facilities and could constitute an event of default under
our credit facilities, which, unless cured within the grace period set forth under the credit facility, if applicable, or waived or
modified by our lenders, may provide our lenders with the right to, among other things, require us to post additional collateral,
enhance our equity and liquidity, increase our interest payments, pay down our indebtedness to a level where we are in
compliance with our loan covenants, sell vessels in our fleet and accelerate our indebtedness and foreclose their liens on our
vessels and the other assets securing the credit facilities, which would impair our ability to continue to conduct our business.
Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our current or future credit facilities may be
affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions, interest rate
developments, changes in the funding costs of our banks and changes in vessel earnings and asset valuations. If market or other
economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If we are in breach of any of the
restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our current or future credit facilities, or if we trigger a cross-default contained in our
current or future credit facilities, a significant portion of our obligations may become immediately due and payable. We may
not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. In addition, obligations under our current
and future credit facilities are and are expected to be secured by our vessels, and if we are unable to repay debt under our
current or future credit facilities, the lenders could seek to foreclose on those assets.
Furthermore, if the estimated asset values of the vessels in our fleet decrease, such decreases may limit the amounts
we can draw down under our future credit facilities to purchase additional vessels and our ability to expand our fleet. In
addition, we may be obligated to prepay part of our outstanding debt in order to remain in compliance with the relevant
covenants in our current or future credit facilities. If funds under our current or future credit facilities become unavailable as a
result of a breach of our covenants or otherwise, we may not be able to perform our business strategy which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends.
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Servicing current and future debt will limit funds available for other purposes and impair our ability to react to
changes in our business.
We must dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness.
These payments limit funds otherwise available for working capital, capital expenditures and other purposes. As of December
31, 2018, we had a total indebtedness of $152.3 million, excluding deferred finance fees and debt discounts. Our current or
future debt could have other significant consequences on our operations. For example, it could:
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increase our vulnerability to general economic downturns and adverse competitive and industry conditions;
require us to dedicate a substantial portion, if not all, of our cash flow from operations to payments on our
indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and
other general corporate purposes;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt or better access to capital;
limit our ability to raise additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all; and
adversely impact our ability to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants of our current or future
financing arrangements, which could result in an event of default under such agreements.
Furthermore, our current or future interest expense could increase if interest rates increase. If we do not have
sufficient earnings, we may be required to refinance all or part of our current or future debt, sell assets, borrow more money or
sell more securities, and we cannot guarantee that the resulting proceeds therefrom, if any, will be sufficient to meet our
ongoing capital and operating needs.
The adoption of a new accounting standard can pose a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, ("ASC 842") which requires lessees to recognize
leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use
model ("ROU") that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term
longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and
classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2019, with
early adoption permitted. We will adopt the standard for our first interim reporting period commencing of January 1, 2019 and
all of our operating lease commitments relating to bareboat chartered-in vessels recognized as operating lease liabilities and
right-of-use assets upon adoption, increasing our total assets and total liabilities that we report relative to such amounts prior to
adoption. The Company is in the final process of implementing a new lease accounting policy and updating its controls and
procedures for maintaining and accounting for its leases under the new guidance in order to be able to quantify the effect. The
Company expects the adoption of the new standard to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. Please
see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies." We do not expect a significant change in our
leasing activity between now and adoption.
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If we fail to manage our planned growth properly, we may not be able to successfully expand our market share.
We intend to continue to grow our fleet in the future. Our future growth will primarily depend on our ability to:
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generate excess cash flow for investment without jeopardizing our ability to cover current and foreseeable
working capital needs (including debt service);
raise equity and obtain required financing for our existing and new operations;
locate and acquire suitable vessels;
identify and consummate acquisitions or joint ventures;
integrate any acquired business successfully with our existing operations;
hire, train and retain qualified personnel and crew to manage and operate our growing business and fleet;
enhance our customer base; and
· manage expansion.
Growing any business by acquisition presents numerous risks such as undisclosed liabilities and obligations, difficulty
in obtaining additional qualified personnel, managing relationships with customers and suppliers and integrating newly
acquired operations into existing infrastructures. We may not be successful in executing our growth plans and we may incur
significant additional expenses and losses in connection therewith.
Our ability to obtain additional debt financing may be dependent on our ability to charter our vessels, the
performance of our charters and the creditworthiness of our charterers.
Our inability to re-charter our vessels and the actual or perceived credit quality of our charterers, and any defaults by
them, may materially affect our ability to obtain the additional capital resources that we will require to purchase additional
vessels or may significantly increase our costs of obtaining such capital. Our inability to obtain financing, or receiving
financing at a higher than anticipated cost, may materially affect our results of operation and our ability to implement our
business strategy.
The industry for the operation of tanker vessels and the transportation of oil, petroleum products and chemicals is
highly competitive and we may not be able to compete for charters with new entrants or established companies with greater
resources.
We will employ our tankers and any additional vessels we may acquire in a highly competitive market that is capital
intensive and highly fragmented. The operation of tanker vessels and the transportation of cargoes shipped in these vessels, as
well as the shipping industry in general, is extremely competitive. Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners,
including major oil companies as well as independent tanker shipping companies, some of whom have substantially greater
resources than we do. Competition for the transportation of oil, petroleum products and chemicals can be intense and depends
on price, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the vessel and its operators to the charterers. Due in part to the
highly fragmented market, competitors with greater resources could enter and operate larger fleets through consolidations or
acquisitions that may be able to offer better prices and fleets than us.
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A limited number of financial institutions hold our cash.
A limited number of financial institutions, including institutions located in Greece, hold all of our cash. Our cash
balances have been deposited from time to time with banks in Monaco, Germany, Holland, United Kingdom, Greece and
Switzerland amongst others. Our cash balances are not covered by insurance in the event of default by these financial
institutions. The occurrence of such a default could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows, and we may lose part or all of our cash that we deposit with such banks.
Uncertainty related to the Greek sovereign debt crisis may adversely affect our operating results.
Uncertainty related to the Greek sovereign debt crisis may adversely affect our operating results. Greece experienced a
macroeconomic downturn in recent years, including as a result of the sovereign debt crisis and the related austerity measures
implemented by the Greek government. As a result, our operations in Greece may be subjected to new regulations or regulatory
action that may require us to incur new or additional compliance or other administrative costs and may require that we or
Central Shipping Monaco SAM, which we refer to as our Fleet Manager or CSM, a related party affiliated with the family of
Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, pay to the Greek government new taxes or other
fees. We and our Fleet Manager also face the risk that strikes, work stoppages, civil unrest and violence within Greece may
disrupt our and our Fleet Manager's shore side operations located in Greece. The Greek government's taxation authorities have
increased their scrutinization of individuals and companies to secure tax law compliance. If economic and financial market
conditions remain uncertain or deteriorate further, the Greek government may impose further changes to tax and other laws to
which we and our Fleet Manager may be subject or change the ways they are enforced, which may adversely affect our
business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, who may be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
100% of our Series D Preferred Shares has control over us.
As of March 12, 2019, Lax Trust, which is an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members
of our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, may be deemed to beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, all of the 100,000 outstanding shares of our Series D Preferred Stock. Each Series D Preferred Share carries 1,000
votes. By its ownership of 100% of our Series D Preferred Shares, Lax Trust has control over our actions.
As of March 12, 2019, the Lax Trust may be deemed to own all of the outstanding shares of Family Trading Inc.,
Sovereign Holdings Inc., Epsilon Holdings Inc., Race Navigation Inc., and Tankers Family Inc., which in aggregate and on an
as-if converted basis own approximately 65.0% of our outstanding common shares, including 5,187,500 common shares
issuable upon the exercise of 1,250,000 of the 2014 Warrants held by Race Navigation and 41,240,000 Common Shares
issuable upon the conversion of $24.7 million of outstanding debt held by Family Trading Inc. under the Amended and
Restated Family Trading Credit Facility. See also under "Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A.
Major Shareholders." Due to the number of shares that the Lax Trust may be deemed to own, it has the power to exert
considerable influence over our actions and to effectively control the outcome of matters on which our shareholders are entitled
to vote, including the election of our directors and other significant corporate actions. The interests of the Lax Trust or the
family of Mr. Pistiolis may be different from your interests.
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We may be unable to attract and retain key management personnel and other employees in the international tanker
shipping industry, which may negatively impact the effectiveness of our management and our results of operations.
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and efforts of our management team. All of our
executive officers are employees of Central Mare Inc., or Central Mare, a related party affiliated with the family of Mr.
Evangelos J. Pistiolis, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, and we have entered into agreements with Central
Mare for the compensation of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis; Alexandros Tsirikos, our Chief Financial Officer and Director;
Vangelis G. Ikonomou our Chief Operating Officer and Konstantinos Patis, our Chief Technical Officer. The loss of any of
these individuals could adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition. Difficulty in hiring and retaining
personnel could adversely affect our results of operations. We do not maintain "key man" life insurance on any of our officers.
If labor interruptions are not resolved in a timely manner, they could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash.
Central Shipping Monaco SAM, which we refer to as our Fleet Manager, is responsible for recruiting, mainly through
a crewing agent, the senior officers and all other crew members for our vessels and all other vessels we may acquire. If not
resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner, industrial action or other labor unrest could prevent or hinder our operations
from being carried out as we expect and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows,
financial condition and available cash.
If we expand our business, we will need to improve our operations and financial systems and staff; if we cannot
improve these systems or recruit suitable employees, our performance may be adversely affected.
Our current operating and financial systems may not be adequate if we implement a plan to expand the size of our
fleet, and our attempts to improve those systems may be ineffective. If we are unable to operate our financial and operations
systems effectively or to recruit suitable employees as we expand our fleet, our performance may be adversely affected.
A drop in spot charter rates may provide an incentive for some charterers to default on their charters, which could
affect our cash flow and financial condition.
When we enter into a time charter or bareboat charter, rates under that charter are fixed throughout the term of the
charter. If the spot charter rates in the tanker shipping industry become significantly lower than the time charter equivalent rates
that some of our charterers are obligated to pay us under our then existing charters, the charterers may have incentive to default
under that charter or attempt to renegotiate the charter. If our charterers fail to pay their obligations, we would have to attempt
to re-charter our vessels at lower charter rates, and as a result we could sustain significant losses which could have a material
adverse effect on our cash flow and financial condition, which would affect our ability to meet our current or future loans or
current leaseback obligations. If our current or future lenders choose to accelerate our indebtedness and foreclose their liens, or
if the owners of our leased vessels choose to repossess vessels in our fleet as a result of a default under the sale and leaseback
agreements, our ability to continue to conduct our business would be impaired.
An increase in operating costs could decrease earnings and available cash.
Vessel operating costs include the costs of crew, fuel (for spot chartered vessels), provisions, deck and engine stores,
insurance and maintenance and repairs, which depend on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Some of
these costs, primarily relating to insurance and enhanced security measures, have been increasing. If any vessels we have or
will acquire suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a dry-docking facility. The costs of dry-docking repairs are
unpredictable and can be substantial. Increases in any of these expenses could decrease our earnings and available cash.
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The aging of our fleet may result in increased operating costs in the future, which could adversely affect our
earnings.
In general, the cost of maintaining a vessel in good operating condition increases with the age of the vessel. As our
fleet ages, operating and other costs will increase. In the case of bareboat charters, operating costs are borne by the bareboat
charterer. Cargo insurance rates also increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers.
Governmental regulations, including environmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of
vessels may require expenditures for alterations or the addition of new equipment to our vessels and may restrict the type of
activities in which our vessels may engage. As our fleet ages, market conditions might not justify those expenditures or enable
us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.
Unless we set aside reserves or are able to borrow funds for vessel replacement, our revenue will decline at the end
of a vessel's useful life, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Unless we maintain reserves or are able to borrow or raise funds for vessel replacement, we will be unable to replace
the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their remaining useful lives, which we estimate to be 25 years from the date of
initial delivery from the shipyard. Our cash flows and income are dependent on the revenues earned by the chartering of our
vessels to customers. If we are unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives, our business,
results of operations and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected.
Purchasing and operating secondhand vessels may result in increased operating costs and vessels off-hire, which
could adversely affect our earnings.
We may expand our fleet through the acquisition of secondhand vessels. While we rigorously inspect previously
owned or secondhand vessels prior to purchase, this does not normally provide us with the same knowledge about their
condition and cost of any required (or anticipated) repairs that we would have had if these vessels had been built for and
operated exclusively by us. Accordingly, we may not discover defects or other problems with such vessels prior to purchase.
Any such hidden defects or problems, when detected, may be expensive to repair, and if not detected, may result in accidents or
other incidents for which we may become liable to third parties. Also, when purchasing previously owned vessels, we do not
receive the benefit of warranties from the builders if the vessels we buy are older than one year. In general, the costs to
maintain a vessel in good operating condition increase with the age and type of the vessel. In the case of chartered-in vessels,
we run the same risks.
Governmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures
for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which the vessels may
engage. As our vessels age, market conditions may not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably
during the remainder of their useful lives.
We may not have adequate insurance to compensate us if we lose any vessels that we acquire.
We carry insurance for all vessels we acquire against those types of risks commonly insured against by vessel owners
and operators. These insurances include hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance (which includes
environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage), freight demurrage and defense and war risk insurance. Reasonable
insurance rates can best be obtained when the size and the age/trading profile of the fleet is attractive. As a result, rates become
less competitive as a fleet downsizes.
In the future, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates for the vessels we acquire.
The insurers may not pay particular claims. Our insurance policies also contain deductibles for which we will be responsible as
well as limitations and exclusions that may increase our costs or lower our revenue.
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We may be subject to increased premium payments, or calls, as we obtain some of our insurance through
protection and indemnity associations.
We may be subject to increased premium payments, or calls, in amounts based on our claim records and the claim
records of our Fleet Manager as well as the claim records of other members of the protection and indemnity associations
through which we receive insurance coverage for tort liability, including pollution-related liability. In addition, our protection
and indemnity associations may not have enough resources to cover claims made against them. Our payment of these calls
could result in significant expense to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
The smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels may lead to governmental claims against us.
Our vessels may call in ports where smugglers may attempt to hide drugs and other contraband on vessels, with or
without the knowledge of crew members. To the extent our vessels are found with contraband, whether inside or attached to the
hull of our vessel and whether with or without the knowledge of any of our crew, we may face governmental or other
regulatory claims that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and
ability to pay dividends.
Maritime claimants could arrest vessels we acquire, which could interrupt our cash flow.
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo and other parties may be entitled to a
maritime lien against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lienholder may
enforce its lien by "arresting" or "attaching" a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. The arrest or attachment of one or more
vessels we acquire could result in a significant loss of earnings for the related off-hired period. In addition, in jurisdictions
where the "sister ship" theory of liability applies, a claimant may arrest the vessel which is subject to the claimant's maritime
lien and any "associated" vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same owner. In countries with "sister ship"
liability laws, claims might be asserted against us or any of our vessels for liabilities of other vessels that we own.
Governments could requisition vessels we acquire during a period of war or emergency, resulting in loss of
earnings.
A government could requisition vessels for title or hire. Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control
of a vessel and becomes the owner. Requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively
becomes the charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during a period of war or emergency. Government
requisition of any vessels we acquire could negatively impact our revenues should we not receive adequate compensation.
U.S. federal tax authorities could treat us as a "passive foreign investment company," which could have adverse
U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a "passive foreign investment company," or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax
purposes if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of "passive income" or (2)
at least 50% of the average value of the corporation's assets produce or are held for the production of those types of "passive
income." For purposes of these tests, "passive income" includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of
investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties which are received from unrelated parties in
connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. Income derived from the performance of services does not constitute
"passive income" for this purpose. U.S. shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime
with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC and the gain, if any, they derive
from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC.
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In general, income derived from the bareboat charter of a vessel should be treated as "passive income" for purposes of
determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC, and such vessel should be treated as an asset which produces or is held
for the production of "passive income." On the other hand, income derived from the time charter of a vessel should not be
treated as "passive income" for such purpose, but rather should be treated as services income; likewise, a time chartered vessel
should generally not be treated as an asset which produces or is held for the production of "passive income."
We believe that we were not a PFIC for our 2014 through 2018 taxable years and do not expect to be treated as a PFIC
in subsequent taxable years. In this regard, we intend to treat the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time
chartering activities as services income, rather than rental income. Accordingly, we believe that our income from our time
chartering activities does not constitute ''passive income,'' and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the
production of that income do not constitute passive assets.
There is, however, no direct legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our proposed method of operation.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, or a court of law will accept
our position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC. Moreover, no assurance can
be given that we would not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if there were to be changes in the nature and extent of
our operations.
Our U.S. shareholders may face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and certain information reporting
obligations as a result of us being treated as a PFIC. Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders make an election
available under the Code (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such shareholders, as discussed below
under "Taxation– U.S. Federal Income Consequences—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders"), such shareholders
would be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax at the then prevailing income tax rates on ordinary income plus interest upon
excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of their common shares, as if the excess distribution or gain had
been recognized ratably over the shareholder's holding period of the common shares. See "Taxation —U.S. Federal Income
Consequences—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders" for a more comprehensive discussion of the U.S. federal
income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders as a result of our status as a PFIC.
We may have to pay tax on U.S. source income, which would reduce our earnings.
Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel owning or
chartering corporation, such as ourselves and our subsidiaries, that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that
does not begin and end, in the United States is characterized as U.S. source shipping income and such income is subject to a
4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under
Section 883 of the Code. Although we have qualified for this statutory exemption in previous taxable years and have taken this
position for U.S. federal income tax return reporting purposes in such taxable year, there are factual circumstances beyond our
control that could cause us to lose the benefit of the exemption and thereby become subject to U.S. federal income tax on our
U.S. source shipping income. For example, we would fail to qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code for a
particular tax year if shareholders, each of whom owned, actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules, a 5% or
greater interest in the vote and value of our common stock, owned in the aggregate 50% or more of the vote and value of such
stock, and "qualified shareholders" as defined by the Treasury regulation under Section 883 of the Code did not own, directly
or under applicable constructive ownership rules, sufficient shares in our closely-held block of common stock to preclude the
shares in that closely-held block that are not so owned from representing 50% or more of the value of our common stock for
more than half of the number of days during the taxable year. Establishing such ownership by qualified shareholders will
depend upon the status of certain of our direct or indirect shareholders as residents of qualifying jurisdictions and whether
those shareholders own their shares through bearer share arrangements. In addition, such shareholders will also be required to
comply with ownership certification procedures attesting that they are residents of qualifying jurisdictions, and each
intermediary or other person in the chain of ownership between us and such shareholders must undertake similar compliance
procedures. Due to the factual nature of the issues involved, we may not qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code
for any future taxable year. We intend to take the position for U.S. federal income tax reporting purposes that we are not subject
to U.S. federal income taxation for the 2018 taxable year because more than 50% of our stock was not owned by non-qualified
shareholders that each held 5% or more of our stock.
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We are a "foreign private issuer," which could make our common stock less attractive to some investors or
otherwise harm our stock price.
We are a "foreign private issuer," as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act. As a "foreign private
issuer" the rules governing the information that we disclose differ from those governing U.S. corporations pursuant to the
Exchange Act. We are not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or provide current reports on Form 8-K disclosing
significant events within four days of their occurrence. In addition, our officers and directors are exempt from the reporting and
"short-swing" profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and related rules with respect to their purchase and
sales of our securities. Our exemption from the rules of Section 16 of the Exchange Act regarding sales of common stock by
insiders means that you will have less data in this regard than shareholders of U.S. companies that are subject to the Exchange
Act. Moreover, we are exempt from the proxy rules, and proxy statements that we distribute will not be subject to review by
the Commission. Accordingly there may be less publicly available information concerning us than there is for other U.S. public
companies. These factors could make our common stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm our stock price.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON SHARES
Our share price may continue to be highly volatile, which could lead to a loss of all or part of a shareholder's
investment.
The market price of our common shares has fluctuated widely since our common shares began trading in July of 2004
on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or Nasdaq. Over the last few years, the stock market has experienced price and volume
fluctuations. This volatility has sometimes been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. During 2018,
the price of our common shares experienced a high of $3.00 in February and a low of $0.71 in May.
The market price of our common shares is affected by a variety of factors, including:
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fluctuations in interest rates;
fluctuations in the availability or the price of oil and chemicals;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
announcements by us or our competitors;
changes in our relationships with customers or suppliers;
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our semi-annual and annual results and those of other public companies in our
industry;
changes in United States or foreign tax laws;
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results from period to period;
shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts;
· market conditions in the shipping industry and the general state of the securities markets;
· mergers and strategic alliances in the shipping industry;
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changes in government regulation;
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a general or industry-specific decline in the demand for, and price of, shares of our common stock resulting from
capital market conditions independent of our operating performance;
the loss of any of our key management personnel;
our failure to successfully implement our business plan; and
issuance of shares.
There is no guarantee of a continuing public market for you to resell our common shares.
Our common shares currently trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market. We cannot assure you that an active and liquid
public market for our common stock will continue and you may not be able to sell your common shares in the future at the
price that you paid for them or at all. The price of our common stock may be volatile and may fluctuate due to factors such as:
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results and those of other public companies in our
industry;
· mergers and strategic alliances in the shipping industry;
· market conditions in the shipping industry and the general state of the securities markets;
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changes in government regulation;
shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts; and
announcements concerning us or our competitors.
Further, lack of trading volume in our stock may affect investors' ability to sell their shares. Our common shares have
been experiencing low daily trading volumes in the market. As a result, investors may be unable to sell all or any of their
shares in the desired time period, or may only be able to sell such shares at a significant discount to the previous closing price.
The market price of our common shares has recently declined significantly. If the average closing price of our
common shares declines to less than $1.00 over 30 consecutive trading days, our common shares could be delisted from
Nasdaq or trading could be suspended.
On July 27, 2016, we transferred our Nasdaq listing from the Nasdaq Global Select Market to the Nasdaq Capital
Market. Our common shares continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol "TOPS". The Nasdaq Capital Market is a
continuous trading market that operates in substantially the same manner as the Nasdaq Global Select Market. We then fulfilled
the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market and the approval of the transfer cured our deficiency under Nasdaq
Listing Rule 5450(b)(1)(C).
On June 27, 2017, we received written notification from Nasdaq, indicating that because the closing bid price of our
common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer met the minimum bid price
requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules,
the applicable grace period to regain compliance was 180 days, or until December 26, 2017. We regained compliance on
August 17, 2017.
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On October 10, 2017, we received written notification from Nasdaq indicating that because the closing bid price of
our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer meet the minimum bid
price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing
Rules, the applicable grace period to regain compliance is 180 days, or until April 9, 2018. After requesting a grace period
from Nasdaq, we regained compliance on April 11, 2018.
On March 11, 2019, we received written notification from Nasdaq, indicating that because the closing bid price of our
common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer met the minimum bid price
requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules,
the applicable grace period to regain compliance is 180 days, or until September 9, 2019. From the date of receipt of the
written notification from Nasdaq until the date of this annual report our stock is trading below $1.00.
A renewed or continued decline in the closing price of our common shares on Nasdaq could result in a breach of these
requirements. Although we would have an opportunity to take action to cure such a breach, if we do not succeed, Nasdaq could
commence suspension or delisting procedures in respect of our common shares. The commencement of suspension or delisting
procedures by an exchange remains, at all times, at the discretion of such exchange and would be publicly announced by the
exchange. If a suspension or delisting were to occur, there would be significantly less liquidity in the suspended or delisted
securities. In addition, our ability to raise additional necessary capital through equity or debt financing would be greatly
impaired. Furthermore, with respect to any suspended or delisted common shares, we would expect decreases in institutional
and other investor demand, analyst coverage, market making activity and information available concerning trading prices and
volume, and fewer broker-dealers would be willing to execute trades with respect to such common shares. A suspension or
delisting would likely decrease the attractiveness of our common shares to investors, may constitute a breach under certain of
our credit agreements and constitute an event of default under certain classes of our preferred stock and cause the trading
volume of our common shares to decline, which could result in a further decline in the market price of our common shares.
Finally, if the volatility in the market continues or worsens, it could have a further adverse effect on the market price
of our common shares, regardless of our operating performance.
We issued 14,093,853 common shares during 2018 through various transactions. Shareholders may experience
significant dilution as a result of our offerings.
We have already sold large quantities of our common stock pursuant to previous public and private offerings of our
equity and equity-linked securities. We currently have an effective registration statement on Form F-3 (333-215577) for the
sale of up $200,000,000, of which approximately $97.7 million has been sold. We also have outstanding 1,976,389 2014
Warrants, which are convertible into our common shares, both as defined below.
Purchasers of the shares of our common stock we sell, as well as our existing shareholders, will experience significant
dilution if we sell shares at prices significantly below the price at which they invested. In addition, we may issue additional
shares of common stock or other equity securities of equal or senior rank in the future in connection with, among other things,
any exercise of our outstanding warrants issued in June 2014, or our 2014 Warrants, future vessel acquisitions, repayment of
outstanding indebtedness (i.e. the Amended and Restated Family Trading Facility), or our equity incentive plan, without
shareholder approval, in a number of circumstances. Our existing shareholders may experience significant dilution if we issue
shares in the future at prices below the price at which previous shareholders invested.
Our issuance of additional shares of common stock or other equity securities of equal or senior rank would have the
following effects:
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our existing shareholders' proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;
the amount of cash available for dividends payable on the shares of our common stock may decrease;
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the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding common share may be diminished; and
the market price of the shares of our common stock may decline.
Future issuances or sales, or the potential for future issuances or sales, of our common shares may cause the
trading price of our securities to decline and could impair our ability to raise capital through subsequent equity offerings.
We have issued a significant number of our common shares and we may do so in the future. Shares to be issued in
relation to a future follow-on offering could cause the market price of our common shares to decline, and could have an
adverse effect on our earnings per share if and when we become profitable. In addition, future sales of our common shares or
other securities in the public markets, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the market price of our common
shares to decline, and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional securities.
The market price of our common stock could decline due to sales, or the announcements of proposed sales, of a large
number of common stock in the market, including sales of common stock by our large shareholders, or the perception that
these sales could occur. These sales or the perception that these sales could occur could also depress the market price of our
common stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities or make it more difficult or
impossible for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate. We cannot predict the
effect that future sales of common stock or other equity-related securities would have on the market price of our common
stock.
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, authorize our Board of Directors to, among
other things, issue additional shares of common or preferred stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into equity
securities, without shareholder approval. We may issue such additional equity or convertible securities to raise additional
capital. The issuance of any additional shares of common or preferred stock or convertible securities could be substantially
dilutive to our shareholders. Moreover, to the extent that we issue restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, options or
warrants to purchase our common stock in the future and those stock appreciation rights, options or warrants are exercised or
as the restricted stock units vest, our shareholders may experience further dilution. Holders of shares of our common stock
have no preemptive rights that entitle such holders to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or
series and, therefore, such sales or offerings could result in increased dilution to our shareholders.
Future issuance of common shares may trigger anti-dilution provisions in our outstanding warrants and affect the
interests of our common shareholders.
The 2014 Warrants contain anti-dilution provisions that could be triggered by the issuance of common shares in a
future offering, depending on their offering price. For instance, the issuance by us of common shares for less than $0.70 per
common share, which is the current fixed exercise price for the warrant shares of the 2014 Warrants, could result in an
adjustment downward of the exercise price of the warrant shares of the 2014 Warrants and an increase in the number of shares
each warrant is eligible to purchase above 3.56 per 2014 Warrant. These adjustments could affect the interests of our common
shareholders and the trading price for our common shares. Furthermore and following the issuance our Series C Convertible
Preferred Shares and the subsequent trigger of an anti-dilution provision of our 2014 Warrants, each warrant holder currently
has the option to replace the fixed exercise price with a variable exercise price, namely 75% of the lowest daily VWAP of our
common shares over the 21 consecutive trading days expiring on the trading day immediately prior to the date of delivery of an
exercise notice (but in no event can this variable exercise price be less than $0.25) and purchase such proportionate number of
shares based on the variable price in effect on the date of exercise. If using the variable exercise price of the Series C
Convertible Preferred Shares, as of March 22, 2019, each 2014 Warrant has an exercise price of $0.61 and entitles its holder to
purchase 4.09 common shares, as may be further adjusted. Moreover, future issuance of other equity or debt convertible into or
issuable or exchangeable for common shares at a price per share less than the then current exercise price of the warrant shares
of the 2014 Warrants would result in similar adjustments.
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Additionally, we value our 2014 Warrants liability at the closing of each fiscal quarter. If the market price of our
common stock at the end of the relevant quarter is higher than the previous quarter or if the exercise price of our warrant shares
decreases, there is a strong possibility that we will realize a non-cash loss attributable to the change in market value. Should the
market price of our common stock rise, there is a strong possibility that our 2014 Warrants liability will increase, which could
have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of
corporate law and as a result, shareholders may have fewer rights and protections under Marshall Islands law than under a
typical jurisdiction in the United States.
Our corporate affairs are governed by Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and
Restated By-laws, as further amended, and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or BCA. The provisions of the
BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, there have been few
judicial cases in the Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of
directors under the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary
responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain United States jurisdictions. Shareholder
rights may differ as well. While the BCA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of the State
of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, our public shareholders may have more difficulty
in protecting their interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling shareholders than would
shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a United States jurisdiction.
It may not be possible for investors to serve process on or enforce U.S. judgments against us.
We and all of our subsidiaries are incorporated in jurisdictions outside the U.S. and substantially all of our assets and
those of our subsidiaries are located outside the U.S. In addition, most of our directors and officers are non-residents of the
U.S., and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non-residents are located outside the U.S. As a result, it may be
difficult or impossible for U.S. investors to serve process within the U.S. upon us, our subsidiaries or our directors and officers
or to enforce a judgment against us for civil liabilities in U.S. courts. In addition, you should not assume that courts in the
countries in which we or our subsidiaries are incorporated or where our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries are located (1)
would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us or our subsidiaries based upon the civil liability
provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws or (2) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against us or
our subsidiaries based on those laws.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could have the effect of discouraging, delaying or
preventing a merger, amalgamation or acquisition, which could reduce the market price of our common shares.
Several provisions of our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws,
as further amended, could make it difficult for our shareholders to change the composition of our Board of Directors in any one
year, preventing them from changing the composition of management. In addition, the same provisions may discourage, delay
or prevent a merger or acquisition that shareholders may consider favorable.
These provisions include:
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authorizing our Board of Directors to issue "blank check" preferred stock without shareholder approval;
providing for a classified Board of Directors with staggered, three-year terms;
prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
authorizing the removal of directors only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
80% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for the directors;
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prohibiting shareholder action by written consent unless the written consent is signed by all shareholders entitled
to vote on the action;
limiting the persons who may call special meetings of shareholders; and
establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors or for proposing
matters that can be acted on by shareholders at shareholder meetings.
In addition, we have entered into a stockholders rights agreement, or the Stockholders Rights Agreement, that makes
it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us without the support of our Board of Directors. See "Item 10. Additional
Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Stockholders Rights Agreement." These anti-takeover provisions
could substantially impede the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, may reduce the
market price of our common stock and your ability to realize any potential change of control premium.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR FLEET MANAGER AND ITS AFFILIATES
We are dependent on our Fleet Manager to perform the day-to-day management of our fleet.
Our executive management team, provided by Central Mare, consists of Evangelos J. Pistiolis; Alexandros Tsirikos,
our Chief Financial Officer and Director; Vangelis G. Ikonomou our Chief Operating Officer and Konstantinos Patis, our Chief
Technical Officer. We subcontract the day-to-day vessel management of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance and repair to
our Fleet Manager. Furthermore, upon delivery of any vessels we may acquire, we expect to subcontract their day-to-day
management to our Fleet Manager. Our Fleet Manager is a related party affiliated with the family of Mr. Pistiolis. We are
dependent on our Fleet Manager for the technical and commercial operation of our fleet and the loss of our Fleet Manager's
services or its failure to perform obligations to us could materially and adversely affect the results of our operations. If our
Fleet Manager suffers material damage to its reputation or relationships it may harm our ability to:
·
·
·
·
·
continue to operate our vessels and service our customers;
renew existing charters upon their expiration;
obtain new charters;
obtain financing on commercially acceptable terms;
obtain insurance on commercially acceptable terms;
· maintain satisfactory relationships with our customers and suppliers; and
·
successfully execute our growth strategy.
Our Fleet Manager is a privately held company and there may be limited or no publicly available information
about it.
Our Fleet Manager is a privately held company. The ability of our Fleet Manager to provide services for our benefit
will depend in part on its own financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair our Fleet Manager's financial
strength, and there may be limited publicly available information about its financial condition. As a result, an investor in our
common shares might have little advance warning of problems affecting our Fleet Manager, even though these problems could
have a material adverse effect on us.
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Our Fleet Manager may have conflicts of interest between us and its other clients.
We subcontract the day-to-day vessel management of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance and repair to our Fleet
Manager. Our Fleet Manager may provide similar services for vessels owned by other shipping companies, and it also may
provide similar services to companies with which our Fleet Manager is affiliated. These responsibilities and relationships could
create conflicts of interest between our Fleet Manager's performance of its obligations to us, on the one hand, and our Fleet
Manager's performance of its obligations to its other clients, on the other hand. These conflicts may arise in connection with
the crewing, supply provisioning and operations of the vessels in our fleet versus vessels owned by other clients of our Fleet
Manager. In particular, our Fleet Manager may give preferential treatment to vessels owned by other clients whose
arrangements provide for greater economic benefit to our Fleet Manager. These conflicts of interest may have an adverse effect
on our results of operations.
ITEM 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A.
History and Development of the Company
Our predecessor, Ocean Holdings Inc., was formed as a corporation in January 2000 under the laws of the Republic of
the Marshall Islands and renamed Top Tankers Inc. in May 2004. In December 2007, Top Tankers Inc. was renamed TOP Ships
Inc. Our common stock is currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "TOPS." The current address of our principal executive
office is 1 Vasilisis Sofias and Megalou Alexandrou Str, 15124 Maroussi, Greece. The telephone number of our registered
office is +30 210 812 8000. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and
other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC's Internet site is
http://www.sec.gov. The address of the Company's Internet site is https://www.topships.org.
On September 14, 2016, we declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding common
share and adopted a shareholder rights plan, as set forth in a stockholders rights agreement dated as of September 22, 2016, by
and between us and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (now taken over by our new transfer agent, American Stock Transfer
& Trust Company, or "AST"), as rights agent.
On November 22, 2016, we completed a private placement of up to 3,160 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares for
an aggregate principal amount of up to $3.0 million, or the Series B Transaction. Yorkville purchased 1,579 Series B
Convertible Preferred Shares at the initial closing of the Series B Transaction and 527 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares on
November 28, 2016 for a total consideration of $2.0 million and has waived the right to purchase any additional Series B
Convertible Preferred Shares. In connection with the Series B Transaction, we also entered into a registration rights agreement
with Yorkville to provide it with certain registration rights. As of August 15, 2017, we have issued 18,026 common shares in
connection with the conversions of all of our Series B Convertible Preferred Shares.
On February 1, 2017, the Commission declared effective our registration statement on Form F-1, which covers the
registration of (i) $200,000,000 common shares (including preferred stock purchase rights), preferred shares, debt securities,
warrants, purchase contracts, rights and units and (ii) 1,000,000 common shares offered for resale by Yorkville underlying the
Series B Convertible Preferred Shares issued in the Private Placement.
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On February 2, 2017, we launched a registered equity line for the sale of up to $3,099,367 of our common shares from
time to time to Kalani Investments Limited, or Kalani, over the next 24 months pursuant to the Purchase Agreement between
us and Kalani dated February 2, 2017. On March 17, 2017, we expanded the registered equity line to allow for the sale of up to
$6,940,867 of our common shares from time to time to Kalani pursuant to an amendment to the Purchase Agreement dated
February 2, 2017, or the First Amendment. On March 27, 2017, we further expanded the registered equity line to allow for the
sale of up to $12,540,867 of our common shares to Kalani, or the Second Amendment. On April 4, 2017, we further expanded
the registered equity line to allow for the sale of up to $20,340,867 of our common shares, or the Third Amendment. On April
27, 2017, we further expanded the registered equity line to allow for the sale of up to $40,340,867 of our common shares to
Kalani, or the Fourth Amendment. On October 12, 2017 we announced that we have issued and sold the total dollar amount of
common shares under the registered equity line.
On February 17, 2017, we closed a private placement with a non-U.S. institutional investor non-affiliated with us but
affiliated with Kalani Investments Limited ("Kalani") for the sale of 7,500 newly issued Series C Convertible Preferred Shares,
which were convertible into our common shares, for $7.5 million pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, or the Series C
Transaction. As of November 8, 2017, we have issued 904,646 common shares in connection with the conversions of all our
Series C Convertible Preferred Shares.
On February 20, 2017, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Style Maritime Ltd., acquired a 40% ownership
interest in Eco Seven Inc., a Marshall Islands corporation, or Eco Seven, from Malibu Shipmanagement Co., a Marshall Islands
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust for an aggregate purchase price of $6.5 million, pursuant to a share
purchase agreement, or the Eco Seven Transaction. Eco Seven owns M/T Stenaweco Elegance, a 50,118 dwt product/chemical
tanker that was delivered from Hyundai on February 28, 2017. Eco Seven was also a party to a time charter agreement that
commenced upon the vessel's delivery at a rate of $16,500 per day for the first three years, and at the charterer's option,
$17,500 for the first optional year and $18,500 for the second optional year. The Eco Seven Transaction was approved by a
special committee of our board of directors, or the Transaction Committee, of which the majority of the directors were
independent. In the course of its deliberations, the Transaction Committee hired and obtained a fairness opinion from an
independent financial advisor.
Throughout 2017, we issued multiple promissory notes to Kalani and Xanthe Holdings Ltd, or Xanthe, a non-
affiliated, non-US company, affiliated with Kalani. On February 6, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and
issued a $3.5 million 6% Original Issue Discount Promissory Note to Kalani for cash consideration of $3.3 million, with a
mandatory redemption no later than May 15, 2017. On March 22, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued
a $5.0 million 4% Original Issue Discount Promissory Note to Kalani for cash consideration of $4.8 million, with a mandatory
redemption no later than October 7, 2017. On March 28, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued an
unsecured promissory note to Kalani in the principal amount of $10 million for cash consideration of $10 million, with a
mandatory redemption no later than August 25, 2017. On April 5, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued
an unsecured promissory note to Kalani in the principal amount of $7.7 million for cash consideration of $7.7 million, with a
mandatory redemption no later than September 4, 2017. On May 15, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and
issued an unsecured promissory note to Xanthe in the principal amount of $5.0 million for cash consideration of $5.0 million,
with a mandatory redemption no later than August 23, 2017. On June 26, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and
issued an unsecured promissory note to Kalani in the principal amount of $3.0 million for cash consideration of $3.0 million,
with a mandatory redemption no later than October 24, 2017. On July 12, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and
issued an unsecured promissory note to Xanthe in the principal amount of $3.1 million for cash consideration of $3.0 million,
with a mandatory redemption no later than November 7, 2017. On September 15, 2017, we issued an unsecured promissory
note in the amount of $2.0 million with an original issue discount of 1% to Xanthe. As of December 31, 2018 all of the
promissory notes issued to Kalani and Xanthe have been settled.
On March 27, 2017, pursuant to the management agreement between us and CSM, a related party affiliated with the
family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis, our board of directors granted to CSM a $1.25 million cash performance fee for its
dedication and provision to us of high quality ship management and newbuilding supervision services during 2016.
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On March 27, 2017, our board of directors granted to our executive officers an aggregate cash bonus of $1.5 million
in consideration of the successful completion of our newbuilding program in 2016.
On March 30, 2017, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Style Maritime Ltd., acquired another 9% ownership
interest in Eco Seven from Malibu Shipmanagement Co., a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million, or the Eco Seven Extended Transaction. Pursuant to the Eco Seven
Extended Transaction, our ownership interest in Eco Seven increased to 49%. On May 30, 2017, we announced that we
entered into an agreement with Eco Seven to purchase for $6.5 million, an additional 41% interest, increasing our interest to
90% ownership in Eco Seven.
On March 30, 2017, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Lyndon International Co., acquired a 49% ownership
interest in City of Athens from Fly Free Company, a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax
Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $4.2 million, or the City of Athens Transaction. City of Athens is currently a party to
a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Holmby Hills, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical scheduled
for delivery from Hyundai in January 2018.
On March 30, 2017, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Gramos Shipping Company Co., acquired a 49%
ownership interest in Eco Nine from Maxima International Co., a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $3.5 million, or the Eco Nine Transaction. Eco Nine is currently a party to a
newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Palm Springs, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical scheduled for
delivery from Hyundai in April 2018.
The Eco Seven Extended Transaction, the City of Athens Transaction the Astarte Transaction and the Eco Nine
Transaction were approved by a special committee of our board of directors, or the Transaction Committee, of which the
majority of the directors were independent. In the course of its deliberations, the Transaction Committee hired and obtained a
fairness opinion from an independent financial advisor.
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On June 27, 2017, we received written notification from Nasdaq, indicating that because the closing bid price of our
common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer met the minimum bid price
requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules,
the applicable grace period to regain compliance was 180 days, or until December 26, 2017. We regained compliance on
August 17, 2017.
On October 10, 2017, we received written notification from Nasdaq indicating that because the closing bid price of
our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer meet the minimum bid
price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing
Rules, the applicable grace period to regain compliance is 180 days, or until April 9, 2018.
On November 3, 2017 we held our Special Meeting of Shareholders where our shareholders approved and adopted
one or more amendments to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect one or more reverse stock splits of
our issued common shares at a ratio of not less than one-for-two and not more than one-for-10,000 and in the aggregate at a
ratio of not more than one-for-10,000, inclusive, with the exact ratio to be set at a whole number within this range to be
determined by our board of directors and authorized our board of directors to implement any such reverse stock split by filing
any such amendment with the Registrar of Corporations of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
On November 7, 2017, we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement, or the First Purchase Agreement, with
Crede CG III, Ltd., or Crede CG, pursuant to which we agreed to sell up to $25 million of shares of our common stock, par
value $0.01 to Crede CG over a period of 24 months, subject to certain limitations. On December 14, 2017 the First Purchase
Agreement was completed.
On November 13, 2017, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with Crede Capital Group LLC, or Crede,
pursuant to which we issued an unsecured promissory note in the original principal amount of $12.5 million with a single
revolving option for additional $5.0 million that we exercised on November 20, 2017. As of the date hereof, the promissory
note has been settled.
On November 24, 2017, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of PCH77 Shipping Company Limited, a Marshall
Islands company that owns a new building contract for M/T Eco California, a high specification 50,000 dwt Medium Range
("MR") product/chemical tanker under construction at Hyundai in Korea from an entity affiliated with Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis.
We paid $3.6 million for the outstanding shares and the vessel is scheduled for delivery during January 2019. The
abovementioned transaction was approved by a special committee of our board of directors, or the Transaction Committee, of
which all of the directors were independent. In the course of its deliberations, the Transaction Committee hired and obtained a
fairness opinion from an independent financial advisor. Upon its delivery, the vessel will be employed under a time charter
with an oil major for a firm duration of two years with a charterer's option to extend for one additional year. The rate of the
charter consists of a fixed amount per day plus a 50% profit share for earned rates over the fixed amount.
On December 11, 2017, we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement, or the Second Purchase Agreement,
with Crede CG pursuant to which we agreed to sell up to $25 million of shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 to Crede
CG over a period of 24 months, subject to certain limitations. As of the date of this report up to $6.1 million worth of shares is
remaining that we may sell pursuant to the Second Purchase Agreement. On March 22, 2017 we announced that we would not
make any sales under the Second Purchase Agreement for a period of 12 months.
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On December 14, 2017, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with Crede, pursuant to which we issued an
unsecured promissory note in the original principal amount of $12,500,000 with revolving options for two additional $5.0
million notes to Crede.
On January 2, 2018, the Compensation Committee recommended to our board of directors and the board of directors
approved an award of $2.25 million, in cash as incentive compensation to Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, or his nominee, to be
distributed at his own discretion amongst executives.
On January 2, 2018, the Compensation Committee recommended to our board of directors and the board of directors
approved an award of $1.25 million in cash as incentive compensation to CSM.
On January 5, 2018, we entered into an Amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement with Crede, pursuant to which
we issued an unsecured promissory note in the original principal amount of $5.369 million with a single revolving option for
an additional $4.631 million. On February 9, 2018 the Note Purchase Agreement was further amended to increase the last
revolving option to $6.4 million and on the same date we exercised the said option in full.
On January 31, 2018, we acquired:
·
·
·
·
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of PCH Dreaming Inc., a Marshall Islands company that has entered
into a new building contract for a high specification 50,000 dwt Medium Range ("MR") product/chemical tanker
under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for delivery during March
2019. We acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate
purchase price of $3.95 million.
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of South California Inc., a Marshall Islands company that has entered
into a new building contract for a high specification, scrubber-equipped, 157,000 dwt Suezmax Crude Oil Carrier
under construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for delivery
during April 2019. We acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer for an
aggregate purchase price of $8.95 million.
100% of the issued outstanding shares of Malibu Warrior Inc., a Marshall Islands company that has entered into a
new building contract for a high specification, scrubber-equipped, 157,000 dwt Suezmax Crude Oil Carrier under
construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for delivery during May
2019. We acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate
purchase price of $8.95 million.
10% of the issued and outstanding shares of Eco Seven Inc., a Marshall Islands company that owns M/T Stena
Elegance, a high specification 50,000 dwt MR product/chemical tanker delivered in February 2017 at Hyundai
Vinashin. We acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate
purchase price of $1.6 million. As a result of the transaction we own 100% of the issued and outstanding shares
of Eco Seven Inc.
Each of the acquisitions was approved by a special committee of our board of directors, (the "Transaction
Committee"), of which all of the directors were independent. In the course of its deliberations, the Transaction Committee
hired and obtained an opinion on the fairness of the consideration of this transaction from two independent financial advisors.
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On February 20, 2018 we appointed AST as our new transfer agent and registrar and warrant agent for the 2014
Warrants. All of our directly held common shares and 2014 Warrants have been transferred from Computershare to AST's
platform, with no action required by any shareholder regarding the change in our transfer agent. (AST can be reached as
follows: American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 55 Challenger Road Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660, Office: 201-806-4181).
On March 12, 2018 our 50% owned subsidiaries, City of Athens and Eco Nine entered into a loan agreement with
ABN Amro Bank for a senior debt facility of up to $35.9 million to fund, the delivery of M/T Eco Holmby Hills and M/T Eco
Palm Springs ($17.9 million for each vessel). The loan will be payable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.3 million
per vessel, commencing three months from draw down, and a balloon payment of $11.9 million per vessel payable together
with the last installment. The credit facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.90%.
On March 15, 2018, our 50% owned subsidiary City of Athens took delivery of M/T Eco Holmby Hills, a 50,000 dwt
newbuilding product/chemical tanker constructed at the Hyundai Mipo Vinashin shipyard. On March 20, 2018 the vessel
commenced its time charter agreement with Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd.
On March 22, 2018, we announced that for 12 months we: (i) do not intend to conduct any offerings that include
variable priced securities; (ii) do not intend to issue any further shares under the Second Purchase Agreement; (iii) Race
Navigation Inc., a company controlled by Lax Trust, an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members
of Evangelos Pistiolis, will not convert any of its 1,250,000 warrants pursuant to a standstill agreement with us.
On March 26, 2018, we effected a 1-for-10 reverse stock split and announced that we do not intend to conduct another
reverse stock split of our common shares for the 12 calendar months from March 26, 2018.
On April 11, 2018, we regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market,
set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).
In April of 2018, we extended the firm period of the time charter of M/T Eco Fleet with BP Shipping Limited for six
months.
On May 25, 2018, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement, or the Equity Distribution Agreement, with
Maxim Group LLC, or Maxim, as sales agent, under which we were permitted to offer and sell, from time to time through
Maxim, up to $14.25 million of our common shares, par value $0.01 per share. On July 23, 2018, we terminated the Equity
Distribution Agreement.
On May 23, 2018, we took delivery of our 50% owned 49,703 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker M/T Eco
Palm Springs, constructed at the Hyundai Mipo Vinashin shipyard and on May 26, 2018 the vessel commenced its three year
time charter employment with Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd.
In June of 2018, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement, or IRS, in order to hedge our exposure to changes in
the interest rate of our Alpha Bank facility. Furthermore in June of 2018, our unconsolidated 50% subsidiaries City of Athens
Inc. and Eco Nine Inc. entered into two separate IRSs in order to hedge their exposure to changes in the interest rates of their
ABN Amro Bank facilities. As a result of these new IRSs both we and our unconsolidated 50% subsidiaries had, as of the date
of the IRS, fully hedged our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates in relation to all post-delivery debt facilities then
outstanding.
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On June 29, 2018, we entered into a sale and leaseback agreement and a 5 year time charter with Cargill International
SA (“Cargill”), a leading vessel operator and freight-trading business in the bulk shipping sector, for our vessel M/T Eco
Marina Del Ray.
On September 7, 2018 we took delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker
constructed at the Hyundai Mipo Vinashin shipyard and on September 12, 2018 the vessel commenced its three year time
charter employment with Central Tanker Chartering Inc.
On October 24, 2018, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with one institutional investor, pursuant to
which we sold 2,000,000 shares of our common stock in a registered direct offering. We also issued warrants to purchase up to
3,500,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. Maxim Group LLC acted as the exclusive placement agent for the
offering.
In October 2018, we agreed to enter into time charter employment with Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd for our
product/chemical tanker M/T Eco Fleet. The vessel will be employed for a firm period of 36 months plus two additional 12
month periods, at the charterer's option. The revenue backlog expected to be generated by this fixture, assuming all options are
exercised, is about $25 million.
In November 2018, we agreed a new time charter employment contract for 2 years with BP Shipping Ltd for our
product/chemical tanker M/T Eco Revolution. The new time charter will commence in January 2019 immediately after the
expiry of the present time charter employment contract. The revenue backlog expected to be generated by this fixture is about
$10 million.
On December 21, 2018 we entered into a sale and leaseback agreement (“SLB”) with BoComm Leasing, a non-
affiliated party, for M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California (Hull No 8218). Consummation of the SLB took place on
January 17, 2019 for M/T Nord Valiant and on January 30, 2019 for M/T Eco California. Following the sale, we bareboat
chartered back M/T Nord Valiant for five years and for the M/T Eco California for seven years at a bareboat hire of $5,875 per
day and $6,550 per day respectively. As part of this transaction, we have continuous options, after the third year, to buy back
the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross
proceeds from the sale were $21.7 million for M/T Nord Valiant and $24.1 million for M/T Eco California. We used $18.5
million of the sale and leaseback proceeds to prepay in full the outstanding loan on the vessel (Tranche C of the ABN Facility).
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On December 3, 2018 we entered into an SLB with China Merchants Bank Financial Leasing (“CMBFL”), a non-
affiliated party, for M/T Eco Bel Air (Hull No 874) and M/T Eco Beverly Hills (Hull No 875). Consummation of the SLB is
expected to take place on the vessels delivery date currently planned for April and May 2019 respectively. Following the sale,
we will bareboat charter back the vessels for a period of seven years at a bareboat hire of $16,361 per day per vessel. As part of
this transaction, we have continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the
bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the sale will be $91.4 million for both
vessels.
Recent Developments
On January 11, 2019, we entered into a warrant exchange agreement with the sole holder of the 2018 Warrants for the
reduction of the exercise price of said warrants from $1.50 to $1.02. On the same date 300,000 2018 Warrants were exercised.
On February 5, 2019, we entered into an amendment of the 2018 Warrants for the reduction of the exercise price of said
warrants from $1.02 to $0.70. On the same date 714,285 2018 Warrants were exercised. Between February 21 and February 25,
2019 the remaining 932,715 2018 Warrants were exercised.
On January 30, 2019, we took delivery of M/T Eco California. On February 4, 2019 the vessel commenced its' time
charter agreement with Shell.
On March 11, 2019, we received written notification from Nasdaq, indicating that because the closing bid price of our
common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer met the minimum bid price
requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules,
the applicable grace period to regain compliance is 180 days, or until September 9, 2019.
On March 13, 2019, we took delivery of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. On March 18, 2019 the vessel commenced its time
charter agreement with Cargill and concurrently agreements were consummated for the vessel’s sale and leaseback to Cargill.
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B.
Business Overview
We are an international owner and operator of modern, fuel efficient eco medium range, or MR, tanker vessels
focusing on the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products (clean and dirty) and bulk liquid chemicals. As of the date of
this report, our fleet consists of two bareboat chartered-in 50,000 dwt product/chemical tankers vessels, the M/T Stenaweco
Energy and the M/T Stenaweco Evolution, two 39,000 dwt product/chemical tankers vessels, the M/T Eco Fleet and the M/T
Eco Revolution, six 50,000 dwt product/chemical tankers, the M/T Stenaweco Excellence, the M/T Nord Valiant, the M/T
Stenaweco Elegance, the M/T Eco Palm Desert, the M/T Eco California and the M/T. Eco Marina Del Ray. We also own 50%
interests in two 50,000 dwt product/chemical tankers, M/T Eco Holmby Hills and the M/T Palm Springs.
Additionally we own two newbuilding vessels as per the below table:
Name
M/T Eco Bel Air (Hull No 874)
M/T Eco Beverly Hills (Hull No 875)
Deadweight
159,000
159,000
Delivery date
April 2019
May 2019
Shipyard
Hyundai Samho S. Korea
Hyundai Samho S. Korea
For more information, please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the
Company—Recent Developments."
We intend to continue to review the market in order to identify potential acquisition targets on accretive terms.
We believe we have established a reputation in the international ocean transport industry for operating and
maintaining vessels with high standards of performance, reliability and safety. We have assembled a management team
comprised of executives who have extensive experience operating large and diversified fleets of tankers and who have strong
ties to a number of national, regional and international oil companies, charterers and traders.
Our Fleet
The following tables present our fleet list as of the date of this annual report:
Chartered-in fleet:
Name
Deadweight
Vessel Type
Charterer
End of firm
period
Charterer's
Optional Periods
M/T Stenaweco
Energy
M/T Stenaweco
Evolution
50,000
50,000
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
Stena Weco A/S
February 2021
1+1 years
Stena Weco A/S
October 2021
1+1 years
Gross Rate fixed
period/ options
$15,616 / $17,350
/ $18,100
$15,516 / $17,200
/ $18,000
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Operating fleet:
Name
Deadweight
Vessel Type
Charterer
End of firm
period
Charterer's
Optional Periods
M/T Eco Fleet
39,000
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
Clearlake
Shipping Pte Ltd
April 2022
1+1 years
M/T Eco
Revolution
39,000
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
BP Shipping
Limited
January 2021
1+1 years
M/T Stenaweco
Excellence
50,000
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
Stena Weco A/S November 2020
1+1 years
M/T Nord Valiant
50,000
M/T Stenaweco
Elegance
M/T Eco Palm
Desert
M/T Eco
California
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
50,000
50,000
50,000
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
DS Norden A/S
August 2021
1+1 years
Stena Weco A/S
March 2021
1+1 years
Central Tankers
Chartering Inc
Shell Tankers
Singapore Private
Limited
September 2021
1+1 years
January 2021
1 year
M/T Eco Marina
Del Ray
50,000
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
Cargill
March 2020
1+1 years
Joint Venture fleet (50% owned):
Gross Rate fixed
period/ options
$12,600 1st year,
$13,100 2nd year
and $13,600 3rd
year / $14,350 /
$15,600
$13,500 / $16,000
/ $16,750
$15,000 until June
2019 and $16,200
after / $17,200 /
$18,000
$16,800 / $17,600
/ $18,400
$16,500 / $17,500
/ $18,500
$14,750 / $15,250
/ $15,750
$13,750 plus 50%
profit share/
$13,950 plus 50%
profit share
$16,000 / $17,000
/ $18,000
Name
Deadweight
Vessel Type
Charterer
End of firm
period
Charterer's
Optional Periods
M/T Eco
Holmby Hills
M/T Eco
Palm Springs
50,000
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
Clearlake
Shipping Pte Ltd
March 2021
1+1 years
50,000
Medium Range
(“MR”) Tanker
Clearlake
Shipping Pte Ltd
May 2021
1+1 years
Gross Rate fixed period/
options
$14,100 1st year, $14,600 2nd
year and $15,025 3rd year /
$15,400 / $16,400
$14,250 1st year, $14,750 2nd
year and $15,175 3rd year /
$15,550 / $16,550
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Fleet under construction:
Name
Deadweight
Vessel
Type
Charterer
End of firm
period
Charterer's
Optional
Periods
M/T Eco Bel
Air
159,000
Suezmax
Tanker
BP Shipping
Limited
April 2022
1+1 years
M/T Eco
Beverly
Hills
159,000
Suezmax
Tanker
BP Shipping
Limited
May 2022
1+1 years
Gross Rate
fixed period/
options
$24,500 /
$27,500 /
$29,000
$24,500 /
$27,500 /
$29,000
Delivery date Shipyard
April 2019
May 2019
Hyundai
Samho S.
Korea
Hyundai
Samho S.
Korea
Management of our Fleet
Our Fleet Manager provides all operational, technical and commercial management services for our fleet. Please see
"Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Shipping Monaco Letter
Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements."
Officers, Crewing and Employees
As of the date of this annual report we employ directly only one shore-based employee. Our executive officers and a
number of administrative employees are provided according to an agreement with Central Mare. Please see "Item 7. Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Shipping Monaco Letter Agreement,
Management Agreements, and Other Agreements." In addition, our Fleet Manager is responsible for recruiting, mainly through
a crewing agent, the senior officers and all other crew members for our vessels. We believe the streamlining of crewing
arrangements will ensure that all our vessels will be crewed with experienced seamen that have the qualifications and licenses
required by international regulations and shipping conventions.
The International Shipping Industry
The seaborne transportation industry is a vital link in international trade, with ocean going vessels representing the
most efficient and often the only method of transporting large volumes of basic commodities and finished products. Demand
for tankers is dictated by world oil demand and trade, which is influenced by many factors, including international economic
activity; geographic changes in oil production, processing, and consumption; oil price levels; inventory policies of the major oil
and oil trading companies; and strategic inventory policies of countries such as the United States, China and India.
Shipping demand, measured in tonne-miles, is a product of (a) the amount of cargo transported in ocean going vessels,
multiplied by (b) the distance over which this cargo is transported. The distance is the more variable element of the tonne-mile
demand equation and is determined by seaborne trading patterns, which are principally influenced by the locations of
production and consumption. Seaborne trading patterns are also periodically influenced by geo-political events that divert
vessels from normal trading patterns, as well as by inter-regional trading activity created by commodity supply and demand
imbalances. Tonnage of oil shipped is primarily a function of global oil consumption, which is driven by economic activity as
well as the long-term impact of oil prices on the location and related volume of oil production. Tonnage of oil shipped is also
influenced by transportation alternatives (such as pipelines) and the output of refineries.
Demand for tankers and tonnage of oil shipped is primarily a function of global oil consumption, which is driven by
economic activity, as well as the long-term impact of oil prices on the location and related volume of oil production. Global oil
demand returned to limited growth in 2010 and has since been expanding at a modest pace, as a steady rise in Asia has
outweighed decreasing demand in Europe and in the United States. According to the International Energy Agency, global oil
demand for 2018 has risen to 99.2 million barrels/day compared to 97.9 million barrels/day during 2017.
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We strategically monitor developments in the tanker industry on a regular basis and, subject to market demand, will
seek to enter into shorter or longer time or bareboat charters according to prevailing market conditions.
We will compete for charters on the basis of price, vessel location, size, age and condition of the vessel, as well as on
our reputation as an operator. We will arrange our time charters and bareboat charters through the use of brokers, who negotiate
the terms of the charters based on market conditions. We will compete primarily with owners of tankers in the handymax and
Suezmax class sizes. Ownership of tankers is highly fragmented and is divided among major oil companies and independent
vessel owners.
Seasonality
We operate our tankers in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, therefore,
charter rates. This seasonality may affect operating results. However, to the extent that our vessels are chartered at fixed rates
on a long-term basis, seasonal factors will not have a significant direct effect on our business.
Risk of Loss and Liability Insurance
General
The operation of any cargo vessel includes risks such as mechanical failure, physical damage, collision, property loss,
cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, piracy incidents, hostilities
and labor strikes. In addition, there is always an inherent possibility of marine disaster, including oil spills and other
environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating vessels in international trade. OPA, which
imposes virtually unlimited liability upon shipowners, operators and bareboat charterers of any vessel trading in the exclusive
economic zone of the United States for certain oil pollution accidents in the United States, has made liability insurance more
expensive for shipowners and operators trading in the United States market. While we maintain hull and machinery insurance,
war risks insurance, protection and indemnity cover and freight, demurrage and defense cover for our operating fleet in
amounts that we believe to be prudent to cover normal risks in our operations, we may not be able to achieve or maintain this
level of coverage throughout a vessel's useful life. We carry insurance coverage as customary in the shipping industry.
However, not all risks can be insured, specific claims may be rejected, and we might not be always able to obtain adequate
insurance coverage at reasonable rates.
Insurance
We procure hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes environmental damage
and pollution insurance and war risk insurance and freight, demurrage and defense insurance for our fleet. Our vessels are
covered up to at least their fair market value, with deductibles of $100,000 per vessel per incident. For any vessels that are
under bareboat charters, the charterer is responsible for arranging and paying for all insurances that may be required.
Protection and indemnity insurance is provided by mutual protection and indemnity associations, or P&I Associations,
covers our third-party liabilities in connection with our shipping activities. This includes third-party liability and other related
expenses of injury or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions
with other vessels, damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances, and salvage, towing and
other related costs, including wreck removal. Protection and indemnity insurance is a form of mutual indemnity insurance,
extended by protection and indemnity mutual associations, or "clubs." Cover is subject to the current statutory limits of
liability and the applicable deductibles per category of claim.
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Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage for pollution is $1 billion per vessel per incident. The 13
P&I Associations that comprise the International Group insure approximately 90% of the world's commercial tonnage and have
entered into a pooling agreement to reinsure each association's liabilities. The International Group's website states that the Pool
provides a mechanism for sharing all claims in excess of US$ 10 million up to, currently, approximately US$ 8.2 billion. As a
member of a P&I Association, which is a member of the International Group, we are subject to calls payable to the associations
based on our claim records as well as the claim records of all other members of the individual associations and members of the
shipping pool of P&I Associations comprising the International Group.
Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry
Government regulation and laws significantly affect the ownership and operation of our fleet. We are subject to
international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the countries in which our
vessels may operate or are registered relating to safety and health and environmental protection including the storage, handling,
emission, transportation and discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and the remediation of contamination and
liability for damage to natural resources. Compliance with such laws, regulations and other requirements entails significant
expense, including vessel modifications and implementation of certain operating procedures.
A variety of government and private entities subject our vessels to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. These
entities include the local port authorities (applicable national authorities such as the United States Coast Guard ("USCG"),
harbor master or equivalent), classification societies, flag state administrations (countries of registry) and charterers,
particularly terminal operators. Certain of these entities require us to obtain permits, licenses, certificates and other
authorizations for the operation of our vessels. Failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur
substantial costs or result in the temporary suspension of the operation of one or more of our vessels.
Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for vessels that conform to stricter environmental
standards. We are required to maintain operating standards for all of our vessels that emphasize operational safety, quality
maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with United States and international regulations.
We believe that the operation of our vessels is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations
and that our vessels have all material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations necessary for the conduct of our
operations. However, because such laws and regulations frequently change and may impose increasingly stricter requirements,
we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale
value or useful lives of our vessels. In addition, a future serious marine incident that causes significant adverse environmental
impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our profitability.
International Maritime Organization
The IMO, the United Nations agency for maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by vessels, has adopted
MARPOL," the SOLAS Convention, and the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966 (the "LL Convention").
MARPOL establishes environmental standards relating to oil leakage or spilling, garbage management, sewage, air emissions,
handling and disposal of noxious liquids and the handling of harmful substances in packaged forms. MARPOL is applicable to
drybulk, tanker and LNG carriers, among other vessels, and is broken into six Annexes, each of which regulates a different
source of pollution. Annex I relates to oil leakage or spilling; Annexes II and III relate to harmful substances carried in bulk in
liquid or in packaged form, respectively; Annexes IV and V relate to sewage and garbage management, respectively; and
Annex VI, lastly, relates to air emissions. Annex VI was separately adopted by the IMO in September of 1997.
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In 2012, the IMO's Marine Environmental Protection Committee, or the "MEPC," adopted a resolution amending the
International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, or the "IBC Code."
The provisions of the IBC Code are mandatory under MARPOL and the SOLAS Convention. These amendments, which
entered into force in June 2014, pertain to revised international certificates of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in
bulk and identifying new products that fall under the IBC Code. All of our vessels comply with IBC Code regulations.
In 2013, the IMO's Marine Environmental Protection Committee, or the "MEPC," adopted a resolution amending
MARPOL Annex I Condition Assessment Scheme, or "CAS." These amendments became effective on October 1, 2014, and
require compliance with the 2011 International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk
Carriers and Oil Tankers, or "ESP Code," which provides for enhanced inspection programs. All of our vessels comply with
Environmental, Safety and Health Code requirements.
Air Emissions
In September of 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to MARPOL to address air pollution from vessels. Effective May
2005, Annex VI sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from all commercial vessel exhausts and prohibits
"deliberate emissions" of ozone depleting substances (such as halons and chlorofluorocarbons), emissions of volatile
compounds from cargo tanks, and the shipboard incineration of specific substances. Annex VI also includes a global cap on the
sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions, as
explained below. Emissions of "volatile organic compounds" from certain vessels, and the shipboard incineration (from
incinerators installed after January 1, 2000) of certain substances (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs) are also
prohibited. We believe that all our vessels are currently compliant in all material respects with these regulations.
The MEPC, adopted amendments to Annex VI regarding emissions of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter
and ozone depleting substances, which entered into force on July 1, 2010. The amended Annex VI seeks to further reduce air
pollution by, among other things, implementing a progressive reduction of the amount of sulfur contained in any fuel oil used
on board ships. On October 27, 2016, at its 70th session, the MEPC agreed to implement a global 0.5% m/m sulfur oxide
emissions limit (reduced from 3.50%) starting from January 1, 2020. This limitation can be met by using low-sulfur compliant
fuel oil, alternative fuels, or certain exhaust gas cleaning systems. Once the cap becomes effective, ships will be required to
obtain bunker delivery notes and International Air Pollution Prevention ("IAPP") Certificates from their flag states that specify
sulfur content. Additionally, at MEPC 73, amendments to Annex VI to prohibit the carriage of bunkers above 0.5% sulphur on
ships were adopted and will take effect March 1, 2020. These regulations subject ocean-going vessels to stringent emissions
controls, and may cause us to incur substantial costs.
Sulfur content standards are even stricter within certain "Emission Control Areas" ("ECAs"). As of January 1, 2015,
ships operating within an ECA were not permitted to use fuel with sulfur content in excess of 0.1%. Amended Annex VI
establishes procedures for designating new ECAs. Currently, the IMO has designated four ECAs, including specified portions
of the Baltic Sea area, North Sea area, North American area and United States Caribbean area. Ocean-going vessels in these
areas will be subject to stringent emission controls and may cause us to incur additional costs. Other areas in China are subject
to local regulations that impose stricter emission controls. If other ECAs are approved by the IMO, or other new or more
stringent requirements relating to emissions from marine diesel engines or port operations by vessels are adopted by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or the states where we operate, compliance with these regulations could entail
significant capital expenditures or otherwise increase the costs of our operations.
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Amended Annex VI also establishes new tiers of stringent nitrogen oxide emissions standards for marine diesel
engines, depending on their date of installation. At the MEPC meeting held from March to April 2014, amendments to Annex
VI were adopted which address the date on which Tier III Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) standards in ECAs will go into effect. Under
the amendments, Tier III NOx standards apply to ships that operate in the North American and U.S. Caribbean Sea ECAs
designed for the control of NOx produced by vessels with a marine diesel engine installed and constructed on or after January
1, 2016. Tier III requirements could apply to areas that will be designated for Tier III NOx in the future. At MEPC 70 and
MEPC 71, the MEPC approved the North Sea and Baltic Sea as ECAs for nitrogen oxide for ships built after January 1, 2021.
The EPA promulgated equivalent (and in some senses stricter) emissions standards in late 2009. As a result of these
designations or similar future designations, we may be required to incur additional operating or other costs in the long term,
taking into consideration that all our current fleet vessels are constructed prior January 1, 2016.
As determined at the MEPC 70, the new Regulation 22A of MARPOL Annex VI became effective as of March 1,
2018 and requires ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to collect and report annual data on fuel oil consumption to an IMO
database, with the first year of data collection commencing on January 1, 2019. The IMO intends to use such data as the first
step in its roadmap (through 2023) for developing its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, as discussed
further below.
As of January 1, 2013, MARPOL made mandatory certain measures relating to energy efficiency for ships. All ships
are now required to develop and implement Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans ("SEEMPS"), and new ships must be
designed in compliance with minimum energy efficiency levels per capacity mile as defined by the Energy Efficiency Design
Index ("EEDI"). Under these measures, by 2025, all new ships built will be 30% more energy efficient than those built in
2014. All of our vessels comply with standards.
All of our vessels currently in service have been designed to operate effectively with heavy fuel oil ("HFO") and Ultra
Low Sulphur Heavy Fuel Oil ("ULHFO"). The last two vessels delivered to our company (September 2018 & January 2019)
have been built as “scrubber ready” and applicable notation has been assigned by the Classification Society. All the present
ongoing new building projects will be fitted with open loop hybrid ready Sox scrubber systems.
We may incur costs to comply with these revised standards. Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may
be adopted that could require the installation of expensive emission control systems and could adversely affect our business,
results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Safety Management System Requirements
The SOLAS Convention was amended to address the safe manning of vessels and emergency training drills. The
Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (the "LLMC") sets limitations of liability for a loss of life or
personal injury claim or a property claim against ship owners. We believe that our vessels are in substantial compliance with
SOLAS and LLMC standards.
Under Chapter IX of the SOLAS Convention, or the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of
Ships and for Pollution Prevention (the "ISM Code"), our operations are also subject to environmental standards and
requirements. The ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop an extensive safety management
system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions
and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies. We rely upon the
safety management system that we and our technical management team have developed for compliance with the ISM Code.
The failure of a vessel owner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject such party to increased liability,
may decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in,
certain ports.
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The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This
certificate evidences compliance by a vessel's management with the ISM Code requirements for a safety management system.
No vessel can obtain a safety management certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued
by each flag state, under the ISM Code. We have obtained applicable documents of compliance for our offices and safety
management certificates for all of our vessels for which the certificates are required by the IMO. The document of compliance
and safety management certificate are renewed as required.
Regulation II-1/3-10 of the SOLAS Convention governs ship construction and stipulates that ships over 150 meters in
length must have adequate strength, integrity and stability to minimize risk of loss or pollution. Goal-based standards
amendments in SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 entered into force in 2012, with July 1, 2016 set for application to new oil tankers
and bulk carriers. The SOLAS Convention regulation II-1/3-10 on goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and
oil tankers, which entered into force on January 1, 2012, requires that all oil tankers and bulk carriers of 150 meters in length
and above, for which the building contract is placed on or after July 1, 2016, satisfy applicable structural requirements
conforming to the functional requirements of the International Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and
Oil Tankers (GBS Standards). All of our current fleet vessels’ comply with respective SOLAS structural requirements.
The IMO has also adopted the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for
Seafarers ("STCW"). As of February 2017, all seafarers are required to meet the STCW standards and be in possession of a
valid STCW certificate. Flag states that have ratified SOLAS and STCW generally employ the classification societies, which
have incorporated SOLAS and STCW requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance.
The IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and MEPC, respectively, each adopted relevant parts of the International Code
for Ships Operating in Polar Water (the "Polar Code"). The Polar Code, which entered into force on January 1, 2017, covers
design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue as well as environmental protection matters relevant to
ships operating in the waters surrounding the two poles. It also includes mandatory measures regarding safety and pollution
prevention as well as recommendatory provisions. The Polar Code applies to new ships constructed after January 1, 2017, and
after January 1, 2018, ships constructed before January 1, 2017 are required to meet the relevant requirements by the earlier of
their first intermediate or renewal survey.
Furthermore, recent action by the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and United States agencies indicate that
cybersecurity regulations for the maritime industry are likely to be further developed in the near future in an attempt to combat
cybersecurity threats. For example, cyber-risk management systems must be incorporated by ship-owners and managers by
2021. This might cause companies to create additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional
expenses and/or capital expenditures. The impact of such regulations is hard to predict at this time.
Pollution Control and Liability Requirements
The IMO has negotiated international conventions that impose liability for pollution in international waters and the
territorial waters of the signatories to such conventions. For example, the IMO adopted an International Convention for the
Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (the "BWM Convention") in 2004. The BWM Convention
entered into force on September 9, 2017. The BWM Convention requires ships to manage their ballast water to remove, render
harmless, or avoid the uptake or discharge of new or invasive aquatic organisms and pathogens within ballast water and
sediments. The BWM Convention's implementing regulations call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water
exchange requirements, to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits, and require all ships to carry a ballast
water record book and an international ballast Water management certificate. All of our vessels comply with BWM
Convention.
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On December 4, 2013, the IMO Assembly passed a resolution revising the application dates of BWM Convention so
that the dates are triggered by the entry into force date and not the dates originally in the BWM Convention. This, in effect,
makes all vessels delivered before the entry into force date "existing vessels" and allows for the installation of ballast water
management systems on such vessels at the first IOPP renewal survey following entry into force of the convention. The MEPC
adopted updated guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) at MEPC 70. At MEPC 71, the schedule
regarding the BWM Convention's implementation dates was also discussed and amendments were introduced to extend the
date existing vessels are subject to certain ballast water standards. Ships over 400 gross tons generally must comply with a
"D-1 standard," requiring the exchange of ballast water only in open seas and away from coastal waters. The "D-2 standard"
specifies the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged, and compliance dates vary depending on the
IOPP renewal dates. Depending on the date of the IOPP renewal survey, existing vessels must comply with the D-2 standard on
or after September 8, 2019. For most ships, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve installing on-board systems to treat
ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms. Ballast Water Management systems, which include systems that make use of
chemical, biocides, organisms or biological mechanisms, or which alter the chemical or physical characteristics of the Ballast
Water, must be approved in accordance with IMO Guidelines (Regulation D-3). All of our vessels are equipped with BWMS
and comply with D-1/D-2 standards.
Once mid-ocean ballast water treatment requirements become mandatory under the BWM Convention, the cost of
compliance could increase for ocean carriers and may have a material effect on our operations. However, many countries
already regulate the discharge of ballast water carried by vessels from country to country to prevent the introduction of
invasive and harmful species via such discharges. The U.S., for example, requires vessels entering its waters from another
country to conduct mid-ocean ballast exchange, or undertake some alternate measure, and to comply with certain reporting
requirements. All of our vessels comply with the BWM Convention.
The IMO adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as amended by
different Protocols in 1976, 1984, and 1992, and amended in 2000 ("the CLC"). Under the CLC and depending on whether the
country in which the damage results is a party to the 1992 Protocol to the CLC, a vessel's registered owner may be strictly
liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain
exceptions. The 1992 Protocol changed certain limits on liability expressed using the International Monetary Fund currency
unit, the Special Drawing Rights. The limits on liability have since been amended so that the compensation limits on liability
were raised. The right to limit liability is forfeited under the CLC where the spill is caused by the shipowner's actual fault and
under the 1992 Protocol where the spill is caused by the shipowner's intentional or reckless act or omission where the
shipowner knew pollution damage would probably result. The CLC requires ships over 2,000 tons covered by it to maintain
insurance covering the liability of the owner in a sum equivalent to an owner's liability for a single incident. We have
protection and indemnity insurance for environmental incidents. P&I Clubs in the International Group issue the required
Bunkers Convention "Blue Cards" to enable signatory states to issue certificates. All of our vessels are in possession of a CLC
State issued certificate attesting that the required insurance coverage is in force.
The IMO also adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (the "Bunker
Convention") to impose strict liability on ship owners (including the registered owner, bareboat charterer, manager or operator)
for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel. The Bunker Convention
requires registered owners of ships over 1,000 gross tons to maintain insurance for pollution damage in an amount equal to the
limits of liability under the applicable national or international limitation regime (but not exceeding the amount calculated in
accordance with the LLMC). With respect to non-ratifying states, liability for spills or releases of oil carried as fuel in ship's
bunkers typically is determined by the national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where the events or damages occur.
Ships are required to maintain a certificate attesting that they maintain adequate insurance to cover an incident. In
jurisdictions, such as the United States where the CLC or the Bunker Convention has not been adopted, various legislative
schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or on a strict-liability basis. All of our
vessels are in possession of CLC for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage issued Certificate attesting that the required insurance
coverage is in force.
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Anti‑Fouling Requirements
In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti‑fouling Systems on Ships, or
the "Anti‑fouling Convention." The Anti‑fouling Convention, which entered into force on September 17, 2008, prohibits the
use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels. Vessels of
over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages will also be required to undergo an initial survey before the vessel is put
into service or before an International Anti‑fouling System Certificate is issued for the first time; and subsequent surveys when
the anti‑fouling systems are altered or replaced. We have obtained Anti‑fouling System Certificates for all of our vessels that
are subject to the Anti‑fouling Convention.
Compliance Enforcement
Noncompliance with the ISM Code or other IMO regulations may subject the ship owner or bareboat
charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the
denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The USCG and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in
compliance with the ISM Code by applicable deadlines will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports,
respectively. As of the date of this report, each of our vessels is ISM Code certified. However, there can be no assurance that
such certificates will be maintained in the future. The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible
to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulations might have on
our operations.
United States Regulations
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA") established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection
and cleanup of the environment from oil spills. OPA affects all "owners and operators" whose vessels trade or operate within
the U.S., its territories and possessions or whose vessels operate in U.S. waters, which includes the U.S.'s territorial sea and its
200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone around the U.S. The U.S. has also enacted the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), which applies to the discharge of hazardous substances other than
oil, except in limited circumstances, whether on land or at sea. OPA and CERCLA both define "owner and operator" in the
case of a vessel as any person owning, operating or chartering by demise, the vessel. Both OPA and CERCLA impact our
operations.
Under OPA, vessel owners and operators are "responsible parties" and are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless
the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war) for all containment and clean-up
costs and other damages arising from discharges or threatened discharges of oil from their vessels, including bunkers (fuel).
OPA defines these other damages broadly to include:
(i)
(ii)
(iv)
(iii)
injury to, destruction or loss of, or loss of use of, natural resources and related assessment costs;
injury to, or economic losses resulting from, the destruction of real and personal property;
loss of subsistence use of natural resources that are injured, destroyed or lost;
net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees or net profit revenues resulting from injury, destruction or
loss of real or personal property, or natural resources;
property or natural resources; and
(v)
lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to injury, destruction or loss of real or personal
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discharge of oil, such as protection from fire, safety or health hazards, and loss of subsistence use of natural resources.
(vi)
net cost of increased or additional public services necessitated by removal activities following a
OPA contains statutory caps on liability and damages; such caps do not apply to direct cleanup costs. Effective
December 21, 2015, the USCG adjusted the limits of OPA liability for a tank vessel, other than a single-hull tank vessel, over
3,000 gross tons liability to the greater of $2,200 per gross ton or $18,796,800 (subject to periodic adjustment for inflation).
These limits of liability do not apply if an incident was proximately caused by the violation of an applicable U.S. federal safety,
construction or operating regulation by a responsible party (or its agent, employee or a person acting pursuant to a contractual
relationship), or a responsible party's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The limitation on liability similarly does not
apply if the responsible party fails or refuses to (i) report the incident where the responsible party knows or has reason to know
of the incident; (ii) reasonably cooperate and assist as requested in connection with oil removal activities; or (iii) without
sufficient cause, comply with an order issued under the Federal Water Pollution Act (Section 311 (c), (e)) or the Intervention on
the High Seas Act.
CERCLA contains a similar liability regime whereby owners and operators of vessels are liable for cleanup, removal
and remedial costs, as well as damages for injury to, or destruction or loss of, natural resources, including the reasonable costs
associated with assessing the same, and health assessments or health effects studies. There is no liability if the discharge of a
hazardous substance results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war. Liability under
CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5.0 million for vessels carrying a hazardous substance as cargo and
the greater of $300 per gross ton or $500,000 for any other vessel. These limits do not apply (rendering the responsible person
liable for the total cost of response and damages) if the release or threat of release of a hazardous substance resulted from
willful misconduct or negligence, or the primary cause of the release was a violation of applicable safety, construction or
operating standards or regulations. The limitation on liability also does not apply if the responsible person fails or refused to
provide all reasonable cooperation and assistance as requested in connection with response activities where the vessel is subject
to OPA.
OPA and CERCLA each preserve the right to recover damages under existing law, including maritime tort law. OPA
and CERCLA both require owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the USCG evidence of financial
responsibility sufficient to meet the maximum amount of liability to which the particular responsible person may be subject.
Vessel owners and operators may satisfy their financial responsibility obligations by providing a proof of insurance, a surety
bond, qualification as a self-insurer or a guarantee. All of our vessels comply and plan to comply with the USCG's financial
responsibility regulations by providing applicable certificates of financial responsibility.
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in additional regulatory initiatives or statutes,
including higher liability caps under OPA, new regulations regarding offshore oil and gas drilling, and a pilot inspection
program for offshore facilities. However, several of these initiatives and regulations have been or may be revised. For
example, the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement's ("BSEE") revised Production Safety Systems Rule
("PSSR"), effective December 27, 2018, modified and relaxed certain environmental and safety protections under the 2016
PSSR. Additionally, the BSEE released proposed changes to the Well Control Rule, which could roll back certain reforms
regarding the safety of drilling operations, and the U.S. President proposed leasing new sections of U.S. waters to oil and gas
companies for offshore drilling, expanding the U.S. waters that are available for such activity over the next five years. The
effects of these proposals are currently unknown. Compliance with any new requirements of OPA and future legislation or
regulations applicable to the operation of our vessels could impact the cost of our operations and adversely affect our business.
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OPA specifically permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents
occurring within their boundaries, provided they accept, at a minimum, the levels of liability established under OPA and some
states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills. Many U.S. states that border a navigable
waterway have enacted environmental pollution laws that impose strict liability on a person for removal costs and damages
resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance. These laws may be more stringent than U.S. federal
law. Moreover, some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within their
waters, although in some cases, states which have enacted this type of legislation have not yet issued implementing regulations
defining vessel owners' responsibilities under these laws. We currently comply with all applicable state regulations in the ports
where our vessels call.
We currently maintain pollution liability coverage insurance in the amount of $1 billion per incident for each of our
vessels. If the damages from a catastrophic spill were to exceed our insurance coverage, it could have an adverse effect on our
business and results of operation.
Other United States Environmental Initiatives
The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970 (including its amendments of 1977 and 1990) ("CAA") requires the EPA to
promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. Our vessels are
subject to vapor control and recovery requirements for certain cargoes when loading, unloading, ballasting, cleaning and
conducting other operations in regulated port areas. The CAA also requires states to draft State Implementation Plans, or SIPs,
designed to attain national health-based air quality standards in each state. Although state-specific, SIPs may include
regulations concerning emissions resulting from vessel loading and unloading operations by requiring the installation of vapor
control equipment. Our vessels operating in such regulated port areas with restricted cargoes are equipped with vapor recovery
systems that satisfy these existing requirements.
The U.S. Clean Water Act ("CWA") prohibits the discharge of oil, hazardous substances and ballast water in U.S.
navigable waters unless authorized by a duly-issued permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties
for any unauthorized discharges. The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and
damages and complements the remedies available under OPA and CERCLA. In 2015, the EPA expanded the definition of
"waters of the United States" ("WOTUS"), thereby expanding federal authority under the CWA. Following litigation on the
revised WOTUS rule, in December 2018, the EPA and Department of the Army proposed a revised, limited definition of
"waters of the United States." The effect of this proposal on U.S. environmental regulations is still unknown.
The EPA and the USCG have also enacted rules relating to ballast water discharge, compliance with which requires
the installation of equipment on our vessels to treat ballast water before it is discharged or the implementation of other port
facility disposal arrangements or procedures at potentially substantial costs, and/or otherwise restrict our vessels from entering
U.S. Waters. The EPA will regulate these ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of
certain vessels within United States waters pursuant to the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act ("VIDA"), which was signed into
law on December 4, 2018 and will replace the 2013 Vessel General Permit ("VGP") program (which authorizes discharges
incidental to operations of commercial vessels and contains numeric ballast water discharge limits for most vessels to reduce
the risk of invasive species in U.S. waters, stringent requirements for exhaust gas scrubbers, and requirements for the use of
environmentally acceptable lubricants) and current Coast Guard ballast water management regulations adopted under the U.S.
National Invasive Species Act ("NISA"), such as mid-ocean ballast exchange programs and installation of approved USCG
technology for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks bound for U.S. ports or entering U.S. waters. VIDA establishes a
new framework for the regulation of vessel incidental discharges under Clean Water Act (CWA), requires the EPA to develop
performance standards for those discharges within two years of enactment, and requires the U.S. Coast Guard to develop
implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations within two years of EPA's promulgation of standards. Under VIDA,
all provisions of the 2013 VPG and USCG regulations regarding ballast water treatment remain in force and effect until the
EPA and U.S. Coast Guard regulations are finalized. Non-military, non-recreational vessels greater than 79 feet in length must
continue to comply with the requirements of the VGP, including submission of a Notice of Intent ("NOI") or retention of a
PARI form and submission of annual reports. We have submitted NOIs for all our vessels where required.
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European Union Regulations
In October 2009, the European Union amended a directive to impose criminal sanctions for illicit ship-source
discharges of polluting substances, including minor discharges, if committed with intent, recklessly or with serious negligence
and the discharges individually or in the aggregate result in deterioration of the quality of water. Aiding and abetting the
discharge of a polluting substance may also lead to criminal penalties. The directive applies to all types of vessels, irrespective
of their flag, but certain exceptions apply to warships or where human safety or that of the ship is in danger. Criminal liability
for pollution may result in substantial penalties or fines and increased civil liability claims. Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 (amending EU Directive 2009/16/EC) governs the monitoring,
reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport, and, subject to some exclusions, requires
companies with ships over 5,000 gross tonnage to monitor and report carbon dioxide emissions annually starting on January 1,
2018, which may cause us to incur additional expenses.
The European Union has adopted several regulations and directives requiring, among other things, more frequent
inspections of high-risk ships, as determined by type, age, and flag as well as the number of times the ship has been detained.
The European Union also adopted and extended a ban on substandard ships and enacted a minimum ban period and a definitive
ban for repeated offenses. The regulation also provided the European Union with greater authority and control over
classification societies, by imposing more requirements on classification societies and providing for fines or penalty payments
for organizations that failed to comply. Furthermore, the EU has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced
sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines. The EU Directive 2005/33/EC (amending Directive 1999/32/EC)
introduced requirements parallel to those in Annex VI relating to the sulfur content of marine fuels. In addition, the EU
imposed a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in EU ports.
Greenhouse Gas Regulation
Currently, the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which entered into force in 2005 and pursuant to which adopting
countries have been required to implement national programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with targets extended
through 2020. International negotiations are continuing with respect to a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, and restrictions on
shipping emissions may be included in any new treaty. In December 2009, more than 27 nations, including the U.S. and China,
signed the Copenhagen Accord, which includes a non-binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 2015
United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris resulted in the Paris Agreement, which entered into force on November 4,
2016 and does not directly limit greenhouse gas emissions from ships. On June 1, 2017, the U.S. President announced that the
United States intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The timing and effect of such action has yet to be determined,
but the Paris Agreement provides for a four-year exit process.
At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, a draft outline of the structure of the initial strategy for developing a comprehensive IMO
strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships was approved. In accordance with this roadmap, in April 2018,
nations at the MEPC 72 adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The initial strategy
identifies "levels of ambition" to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including (1) decreasing the carbon intensity from ships
through implementation of further phases of the EEDI for new ships; (2) reducing carbon dioxide emissions per transport work,
as an average across international shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008
emission levels; and (3) reducing the total annual greenhouse emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 while
pursuing efforts towards phasing them out entirely. The initial strategy notes that technological innovation, alternative fuels
and/or energy sources for international shipping will be integral to achieve the overall ambition. These regulations could cause
us to incur additional substantial expenses.
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The EU made a unilateral commitment to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions from its member states from 20%
of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU also committed to reduce its emissions by 20% under the Kyoto Protocol's second period from
2013 to 2020. Starting in January 2018, large ships calling at EU ports are required to collect and publish data on carbon
dioxide emissions and other information.
In the United States, the EPA issued a finding that greenhouse gases endanger the public health and safety, adopted
regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain mobile sources, and proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas
emissions from large stationary sources. However, in March 2017, the U.S. President signed an executive order to review and
possibly eliminate the EPA's plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA or individual U.S. states could enact
environmental regulations that would affect our operations.
Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the EU, the U.S. or other
countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level to succeed the Kyoto Protocol or Paris Agreement,
that restricts emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures which we cannot
predict with certainty at this time. Even in the absence of climate control legislation, our business may be indirectly affected to
the extent that climate change may result in sea level changes or certain weather events.
International Labour Organization
The International Labor Organization (the "ILO") is a specialized agency of the UN that has adopted the Maritime
Labor Convention 2006 ("MLC 2006"). A Maritime Labor Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance is
required to ensure compliance with the MLC 2006 for all ships above 500 gross tons in international trade. All our vessels are
in substantial compliance with and are certified to meet MLC 2006.
Vessel Security Regulations
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, there have been a variety of initiatives intended
to enhance vessel security such as the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 ("MTSA"). To implement certain
portions of the MTSA, the USCG issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard
vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and at certain ports and facilities, some of which are
regulated by the EPA.
Similarly, Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention imposes detailed security obligations on vessels and port
authorities and mandates compliance with the International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code ("the ISPS Code"). The ISPS
Code is designed to enhance the security of ports and ships against terrorism. To trade internationally, a vessel must attain an
International Ship Security Certificate ("ISSC") from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel's flag state.
Ships operating without a valid certificate may be detained, expelled from, or refused entry at port until they obtain an ISSC.
The various requirements, some of which are found in the SOLAS Convention, include, for example, on-board installation of
automatic identification systems to provide a means for the automatic transmission of safety-related information from among
similarly equipped ships and shore stations, including information on a ship's identity, position, course, speed and navigational
status; on-board installation of ship security alert systems, which do not sound on the vessel but only alert the authorities and
the vessel’s manager on shore; the development of vessel security plans; ship identification number to be permanently marked
on a vessel's hull; a continuous synopsis record kept onboard showing a vessel's history including the name of the ship, the
state whose flag the ship is entitled to fly, the date on which the ship was registered with that state, the ship's identification
number, the port at which the ship is registered and the name of the registered owner(s) and their registered address; and
compliance with flag state security certification requirements.
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The USCG regulations, intended to align with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels
from MTSA vessel security measures, provided such vessels have on board a valid ISSC that attests to the vessel's compliance
with the SOLAS Convention security requirements and the ISPS Code. Future security measures could have a significant
financial impact on us. All of our vessels comply with the various security measures addressed by MTSA, the SOLAS
Convention and the ISPS Code.
The cost of vessel security measures has also been affected by the escalation in the frequency of acts of piracy against
ships, notably off the coast of Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea area. Substantial loss of revenue and other
costs may be incurred as a result of detention of a vessel or additional security measures, and the risk of uninsured losses could
significantly affect our business. Costs are incurred in taking additional security measures in accordance with Best
Management Practices to Deter Piracy, notably those contained in the BMP4 industry standard.
Inspection by Classification Societies
The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its
country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable
rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and SOLAS. Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for
insurance coverage and lending that a vessel be certified "in class" by a classification society which is a member of the
International Association of Classification Societies, the IACS. The IACS has adopted harmonized Common Structural Rules,
or the Rules, which apply to oil tankers and bulk carriers constructed on or after July 1, 2015. The Rules attempt to create a
level of consistency between IACS Societies. All of our vessels are certified as being "in class" by all the applicable
Classification Societies (e.g., DNV-GL, American Bureau of Shipping, Lloyd's Register of Shipping).
A vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys, drydockings and special surveys. In lieu of a special
survey, a vessel's machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically
over a five-year period. Every vessel is also required to be drydocked every 30 to 36 months for inspection of the underwater
parts of the vessel. If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, drydocking or
special survey, the vessel will be unable to carry cargo between ports and will be unemployable and uninsurable which could
cause us to be in violation of certain covenants in our loan agreements. Any such inability to carry cargo or be employed, or
any such violation of covenants, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Customers
Our customers include national, regional and international companies. We have historically derived a significant part
of our revenue from a small number of charterers. In 2018, 100% of our revenue was derived from four charterers, 55% from
Stena Weco A/S, 26% from BP Shipping Limited, 15% from DS Norden A/S and 4% from Central Tanker Chartering Inc. In
2017, 100% of our revenue was derived from three charterers, 56% from Stena Weco A/S, 28% from BP Shipping Limited and
16% from DS Norden A/S. We strategically monitor developments in the tanker industry on a regular basis and, subject to
market demand, seek to adjust the charter hire periods for our vessels according to prevailing market conditions.
C.
Organizational Structure
We are a Marshall Islands corporation with principal executive offices located at 1 Vasilisis Sofias and Megalou
Alexandrou Str, 15124 Maroussi, Greece. We own and charter-in our vessels through wholly-owned subsidiaries that are
incorporated in the Marshall Islands or other jurisdictions generally acceptable to lenders in the shipping industry. Our
significant wholly-owned subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 are listed in Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report on Form 20-F.
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D.
Property, Plants and Equipment
For a list of the vessels of our fleet, please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Our
Fleet" above and for a description of our major encumbrances on our fleet please see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities".
We do not own any real estate property.
ITEM 4A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following presentation of management's discussion and analysis is intended to discuss our financial condition,
changes in financial condition and results of operations, and should be read in conjunction with our historical consolidated
financial statements and their notes included in this annual report.
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and
financial performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a
result of certain factors, such as those set forth in "Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this report.
A.
Operating Results
Factors Affecting our Results of Operations
We believe that the important measures for analyzing trends in the results of our operations consist of the following:
·
·
·
·
Calendar days. We define calendar days as the total number of days the vessels were in our possession for
the relevant period. Calendar days are an indicator of the size of our fleet during the relevant period and
affect both the amount of revenues and expenses that we record during that period.
Available days. We define available days as the number of calendar days less the aggregate number of days
that our vessels are off-hire due to scheduled repairs, or scheduled guarantee inspections in the case of
newbuildings, vessel upgrades or special or intermediate surveys and the aggregate amount of time that we
spend positioning our vessels. Companies in the shipping industry generally use available days to measure
the number of days in a period during which vessels should be capable of generating revenues.
Operating days. We define operating days as the number of available days in a period less the aggregate
number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to unforeseen technical circumstances. The shipping industry
uses operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our vessels actually generate
revenues.
Fleet utilization. We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of operating days during a period by
the number of available days during that period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a
company's efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the number of days that
its vessels are off-hire for reasons other than scheduled repairs or scheduled guarantee inspections in the case
of newbuildings, vessel upgrades, special or intermediate surveys and vessel positioning.
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·
·
Bareboat Charter Rates. Under a bareboat charter party, all operating costs, voyage costs and cargo-related
costs are covered by the charterer, who takes both the operational and the shipping market risk.
TCE Revenues / TCE Rates. We define TCE revenues as revenues minus voyage expenses. Voyage expenses
primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise
be paid by a charterer under a time charter, as well as commissions. We believe that presenting revenues net
of voyage expenses neutralizes the variability created by unique costs associated with particular voyages or
the deployment of vessels on the spot market and facilitates comparisons between periods on a consistent
basis. We calculate daily TCE rates by dividing TCE revenues by operating days for the relevant time period.
TCE revenues include demurrage revenue, which represents fees charged to charterers associated with our
spot market voyages when the charterer exceeds the agreed upon time required to load or discharge a cargo.
In the shipping industry, economic decisions are based on vessels' deployment upon anticipated TCE rates, and
industry analysts typically measure shipping freight rates in terms of TCE rates. This is because under time-charter and
bareboat contracts the customer usually pays the voyage expenses, while under voyage charters the ship-owner usually pays the
voyage expenses, which typically are added to the hire rate at an approximate cost. Consistent with industry practice, we use
TCE rates because it provides a means of comparison between different types of vessel employment and, therefore, assists our
decision-making process.
In evaluating our financial condition, we focus on the below measures to assess our historical operating performance
and we use future estimates of the same measures to assess our future financial performance. In assessing the future
performance of our fleet, the greatest uncertainty relates to future charter rates at the expiration of a vessel's present period
employment, whether under a time charter or a bareboat charter. Decisions about future purchases and sales of vessels are
based on the availability of excess internal funds, the availability of financing and the financial and operational evaluation of
such actions and depend on the overall state of the shipping market and the availability of relevant purchase candidates.
Time Charter Revenues
Our Time charter revenues are driven primarily by the number of vessels in our fleet, the number of operating days
during which our vessels generate revenues and the amount of daily charterhire that our vessels earn under charters, which, in
turn, are affected by a number of factors, including our decisions relating to vessel acquisitions and disposals, the amount of
time that we spend positioning our vessels, the amount of time that our vessels spend in dry-dock undergoing repairs,
maintenance and upgrade work, the duration of the charter, the age, condition and specifications of our vessels, levels of supply
and demand in the global transportation market for oil and oil products and other factors affecting spot market charter rates
such as vessel supply and demand imbalances.
Vessels operating on period charters, time charters or bareboat charters provide more predictable cash flows, but can
yield lower profit margins than vessels operating in the short-term, or spot, charter market during periods characterized by
favorable market conditions. Vessels operating in the spot charter market, either directly or through a pool arrangement, could
generate revenues that are less predictable, but could enable us to capture increased profit margins during periods of
improvements in charter rates, although we could be exposed to the risk of declining charter rates, which could have a
materially adverse impact on our financial performance. If we employ vessels on period charters, future spot market rates may
be higher or lower than the rates at which we have employed our vessels on period time charters.
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Under a time charter, the charterer typically pays us a fixed daily charter hire rate and bears all voyage expenses,
including the cost of bunkers (fuel oil) and port and canal charges. We remain responsible for paying the chartered vessel's
operating expenses, including the cost of crewing, insuring, repairing and maintaining the vessel, the costs of spares and
consumable stores, tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses, and we also pay commissions to CSM, one or more
unaffiliated ship brokers and to in-house brokers associated with the charterer for the arrangement of the relevant charter.
Under a bareboat charter, the vessel is chartered for a stipulated period of time, which gives the charterer possession
and control of the vessel, including the right to appoint the master and the crew. Under bareboat charters, all voyage and
operating costs are paid by the charterer.
As of the date of this annual report, we have bareboat chartered-in two product/chemical tankers, own another ten
product/chemical tankers vessels, out of which four are under construction, and we have a 50% interest in two subsidiaries that
own another two product/chemical tankers. We may in the future operate vessels in the spot market until the vessels have been
chartered under appropriate medium to long-term charters.
Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses primarily consist of port charges, including canal dues, bunkers (fuel costs) and commissions. All
these expenses, except commissions, are paid by the charterer under a time charter or bareboat charter contract. The amount of
voyage expenses are primarily driven by the routes that the vessels travel, the amount of ports called on, the canals crossed and
the price of bunker fuels paid.
Charter Hire Expenses
Charter hire expenses represent lease payments for vessels we bareboat charter-in.
On January 29, 2015 and March 31, 2015, we entered into sale and leaseback agreements for the M/T Stenaweco
Energy and M/T Stenaweco Evolution, respectively, with a duration of seven years. These sale and leaseback agreements are
accounted for as operating leases.
Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and
maintenance, the costs of spares and consumable stores, tonnage taxes and value added tax, or VAT, and other miscellaneous
expenses for vessels that we own or lease under our operating leases. We analyze vessel operating expenses on a U.S. dollar
per day basis. Additionally, vessel operating expenses can fluctuate due to factors beyond our control, such as unplanned
repairs and maintenance attributable to damages or regulatory compliance and factors which may affect the shipping industry
in general, such as developments relating to insurance premiums, or developments relating to the availability of crew.
Dry-docking Costs
Dry-docking costs relate to regularly scheduled intermediate survey or special survey dry-docking necessary to
preserve the quality of our vessels as well as to comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and
regulations. Dry-docking costs can vary according to the age of the vessel, the location where the dry-dock takes place,
shipyard availability, local availability of manpower and material, and the billing currency of the yard. Please see "Item 18.
Financial Statements—Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies." In the case of tankers, dry-docking costs may also be
affected by new rules and regulations. For further information please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business
Overview—Environmental Regulations."
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Management Fees—Related Parties
As from March 31, 2014, we have outsourced to CSM all operational, technical and commercial functions relating to
the chartering and operation of our vessels. We outsourced the above functions pursuant to a letter agreement between CSM
and TOP Ships Inc. and management agreements between CSM and our then vessel-owning subsidiaries on March 10, 2014,
and each new vessel that entered our fleet after that date entered into a management agreement with CSM. See "Item 7. Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Shipping Monaco Letter Agreement,
Management Agreements, and Other Agreements" and "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B.
Related Party Transactions—Central Mare Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements."
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses include executive compensation paid to Central Mare for the compensation
of our executive officers and a number of administrative staff, office rent, legal and auditing costs, regulatory compliance costs,
other miscellaneous office expenses, non-cash stock compensation, and corporate overhead. Central Mare provides the services
of the individuals who serve in the position of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and
Chief Technical Officer as well as a number of administrative employees. For further information please see "Item 7. Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Mare Letter Agreement, Management
Agreements, and Other Agreements" and "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 5—Transactions with Related Parties."
A portion of our general and administrative expenses are denominated in Euros and are therefore affected by the
conversion rate of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro.
Interest and Finance Costs
We incur interest expense on outstanding indebtedness under our loans and credit facilities, which we include in
interest and finance costs. We also incur finance costs in establishing those debt facilities which are deferred and amortized
over the period of the respective facility. The amortization of the finance costs is presented in interest and finance costs.
Inflation
Inflation has not had a material effect on our expenses. In the event that significant global inflationary pressures
appear, these pressures would increase our operating, voyage, administrative and financing costs.
Lack of Historical Operating Data for Vessels before Their Acquisition
Although vessels are generally acquired free of charter, we have acquired (and may in the future acquire) some vessels
with time charters. Where a vessel has been under a voyage charter, the vessel is usually delivered to the buyer free of charter.
It is rare in the shipping industry for the last charterer of the vessel in the hands of the seller to continue as the first charterer of
the vessel in the hands of the buyer. In most cases, when a vessel is under time charter and the buyer wishes to assume that
charter, the vessel cannot be acquired without the charterer's consent and the buyer entering into a separate direct agreement, or
a novation agreement, with the charterer to assume the charter. The purchase of a vessel itself does not transfer the charter
because it is a separate agreement between the vessel owner and the charterer.
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Where we identify any intangible assets or liabilities associated with the acquisition of a vessel, we allocate the
purchase price to identified tangible and intangible assets or liabilities based on their relative fair values. Fair value is
determined by reference to market data and the discounted amount of expected future cash flows. Where we have assumed an
existing charter obligation or entered into a time charter with the existing charterer in connection with the purchase of a vessel
at charter rates that are less than market charter rates, we record a liability, based on the difference between the assumed charter
rate and the market charter rate for an equivalent vessel. Conversely, where we assume an existing charter obligation or enter
into a time charter with the existing charterer in connection with the purchase of a vessel at charter rates that are above market
charter rates, we record an asset, based on the difference between the market charter rate for an equivalent vessel and the
contracted charter rate. This determination is made at the time the vessel is delivered to us, and such assets and liabilities are
amortized as a reduction or increase to revenue over the remaining period of the charter.
None of the vessels acquired from 2016 up to 2018 gave rise to a recognition of any intangible asset or liability
associated with those acquisitions.
When we purchase a vessel and assume or renegotiate a related time charter, we must take the following steps before
the vessel will be ready to commence operations:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
obtain the charterer's consent to us as the new owner;
obtain the charterer's consent to a new technical manager;
in some cases, obtain the charterer's consent to a new flag for the vessel;
arrange for a new crew for the vessel, and where the vessel is on charter, in some cases, the crew must be
approved by the charterer;
replace all hired equipment on board, such as gas cylinders and communication equipment;
negotiate and enter into new insurance contracts for the vessel through our own insurance brokers; and
register the vessel under a flag state and perform the related inspections in order to obtain new trading
certificates from the flag state.
The following discussion is intended to help you understand how acquisitions of vessels affect our business and
results of operations. Our business is comprised of the following main elements:
·
·
employment and operation of tankers; and
management of the financial, general and administrative elements involved in the conduct of our business
and ownership of tankers.
The employment and operation of our vessels require the following main components:
·
·
·
·
vessel maintenance and repair;
crew selection and training;
vessel spares and stores supply;
contingency response planning;
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·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
onboard safety procedures auditing;
accounting;
vessel insurance arrangement;
vessel chartering;
vessel security training and security response plans (ISPS);
obtain ISM certification and audit for each vessel within the six months of taking over a vessel;
vessel hire management;
vessel surveying; and
vessel performance monitoring.
The management of financial, general and administrative elements involved in the conduct of our business and
ownership of our vessels requires the following main components:
·
·
·
·
management of our financial resources, including banking relationships, i.e., administration of bank loans
and bank accounts;
management of our accounting system and records and financial reporting;
administration of the legal and regulatory requirements affecting our business and assets; and
management of the relationships with our service providers and customers.
The principal factors that affect our profitability, cash flows and shareholders' return on investment include:
·
·
·
·
·
·
charter rates and periods of charter hire for our tankers;
utilization of our tankers (earnings efficiency);
levels of our tanker's operating expenses and dry-docking costs;
depreciation and amortization expenses;
financing costs; and
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
The following table depicts changes in the results of operations for 2018 compared to 2017 and 2017 compared to
2016.
Time charter
revenues
Time charter
revenue from
related parties
Total time charter
revenues
Voyage expenses
Bareboat charter
hire expenses
Amortization of
prepaid bareboat
charter hire
Vessel operating
expenses
Vessel depreciation
Management fees-
related parties
Other operating
(income) / loss
General and
administrative
expenses
Expenses
Operating income
/ (loss)
Interest and finance
costs
(Loss)/Gain on
derivative financial
instruments
Interest income
Other, net
Total other
(expenses) /
income, net
Net income/(loss)
Year Ended December 31,
Change
2016
2017
($ in thousands)
YE17 v YE16
YE18 v YE17
2018
$
%
$
%
28,433
39,363
39,442
10,930
38.4%
79
0.2%
-
-
1,606
-
28,433
736
39,363
999
41,048
1,020
10,930
263
6,299
6,282
6,282
(17)
1,577
9,913
3,467
1,824
1,657
1,657
13,444
5,744
14,826
6,390
4,730
7,765
(3,137)
(914)
-
80
3,531
2,277
2,906
2,223
2,906
23,585
5,805
37,747
6,997
44,937
2,899
14,162
-%
38.4%
35.7%
-0.3%
5.1%
35.6%
65.7%
159.3%
-70.9%
99.8%
60.0%
1,606
1,685
21
-
-
1,382
646
3,035
914
1,192
7,190
100%
4.3%
2.1%
0.0%
0.0%
10.3%
11.2%
64.2%
-100%
20.5%
19.0%
4,848
1,616
(3,889)
(3,232)
-66.7%
(5,505)
-340.7%
(3,093)
(15,793)
(9,662)
(12,700)
410.6%
6,131
-38.8%
(698)
-
(5)
(301)
13
1,120
1,821
130
180
397
13
1,125
-56.9%
-
-22,500.0%
(3,796)
1,052
(14,961)
(13,345)
(7,531)
(11,420)
(11,165)
(14,397)
294.1%
-1368.5%
2,122
117
(940)
7,430
1,925
-705%
900%
-83.9%
-49.7%
-14.4%
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The table below presents the key measures for each of the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. Please see "Item 3. Key Information—
A. Selected Financial Data" for a reconciliation of Average Daily TCE to revenues.
Year on Year Comparison of Operating Results
Revenues
1.
Time Charter Revenues
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, time charter revenues increased by $10.9 million, or 38%, compared to the
year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was due to the acquisition of M/T Stenaweco Elegance in February 2017 that led
to its employment for ten months resulting in an increase in time charter revenue of $5.0 million, the employment of M/T Nord
Valiant for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to four and a half months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in time charter
revenue of $3.8 million (the vessel started its employment on August 15, 2016), the employment of M/T Stenaweco Excellence
for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to seven months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in time charter revenue of $2.3
million (the vessel started its employment on May 23, 2016) and the employment of M/T Eco Revolution for 12 months in
2017 as opposed to eleven months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in time charter revenue of $0.4 million (the vessel started
its employment on January 26, 2016).
These increases were offset by the lower daily charter rates that we negotiated for M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T
Stenaweco Evolution in order to increase their charter duration by twelve and eighteen months respectively that resulted in a
decrease of time charter revenue by $0.2 million and $0.4 million respectively.
2.
Time charter revenues from related parties
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, time charter revenues from related parties increased by $1.6 million, or
100%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was due to the delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert in
September 2018 that led to its employment with Central Tankers Chartering Inc, a company affiliated with the family of Mr.
Pistiolis, for about three and a half months resulting in time charter revenues of $1.6 million.
Expenses
3.
Vessel operating expenses
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, vessel operating expenses increased by $1.4 million, or 10%, compared to
the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was mainly due to the delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert in September 2018
that led to its operation for about three and a half months that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of $0.9 million, the
operation of M/T Stenaweco Elegance for twelve months in 2018 as opposed to ten months in 2017 that resulted in an increase
in operating expenses of $0.1 million.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, vessel operating expenses increased by $3.5 million, or 36%, compared to
the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was mainly due to the acquisition of M/T Stenaweco Elegance in February
2017 that led to its operation for ten months that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of $1.8 million, the operation of
M/T Nord Valiant for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to four and a half months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in
operating expenses of $0.9 million (the vessel started operating on August 10, 2016) and the operation of M/T Stenaweco
Excellence for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to seven months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of
$0.6 million (the vessel started operating on May 20, 2016). Finally operating expenses of M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T
Eco Fleet increased by $0.1 million each.
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4.
Vessel depreciation
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, vessel depreciation increased by $0.6 million, or 11%, compared to the
year ended December 31, 2017 due to the changes in our fleet that resulted in calendar (ownership) days increasing from 2,496
in 2017 to 2,670 in 2018.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, vessel depreciation increased by $2.3 million, or 66%, compared to the
year ended December 31, 2016 due to the changes in our fleet that resulted in calendar (ownership) days increasing from 1,812
in 2016 to 2,496 in 2017.
5.
Management fees—related parties
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, management fees to related parties increased by $3.0 million, or 64%,
compared to the year ended December 31, 2017.
This increase was due to a $2.8 million increase in sale and purchase commissions pursuant to our letter agreement
with CSM, relating to the purchase of our vessels in 2018. Furthermore this increase was due to the delivery of M/T Eco Palm
Desert in September 2018 that led to its operation for about three and a half months that resulted in an increase in operating
expenses of $0.1 million and due to the operation of M/T Stenaweco Elegance for twelve months in 2018 as opposed to ten
months in 2017 that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of another $0.1 million.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, management fees to related parties increased by $2.9 million, or 159%,
compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
This increase was due to a $1.2 million increase in overhead management fees relating mainly to a performance
incentive fee to Central Mare in 2017 and due to sale and purchase commissions of $1.1 million pursuant to our letter
agreement with CSM, relating to the purchase of our vessels in 2017. Furthermore this increase was due to the acquisition of
M/T Stenaweco Elegance in February 2017 that led to its operation for ten months resulting in an increase in management fees
of $0.3 million, the operation of M/T Nord Valiant for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to four and a half months in 2016 that
resulted in an increase in management fees of $0.2 million (the vessel started operating on August 10, 2016) and the operation
of M/T Stenaweco Excellence for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to seven months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in
management fees of $0.1 million (the vessel started operating on May 20, 2016).
6.
Other operating income
During the year ended December 31, 2017 we wrote-off $0.9 million of accrued liabilities relating to old charter
parties of vessels sold in 2009, mainly relating to unearned revenue, as the time frame for our counterparties to claim these
amounts has been time barred.
During the year ended December 31, 2016 we wrote-off $3.1 million of accrued liabilities relating to old charter
parties of vessels sold from 2006 to 2008, mainly relating to $2.0 million of unearned revenue and $1.1 million of related
brokerage commissions, as the time frame for our counterparties to claim these amounts has been time barred.
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7.
General and administrative expenses
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, our general and administrative expenses increased by $1.2 million, or
21%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, mainly attributed to an increase in bonuses of $0.8 million granted to
our CEO to be distributed at his own discretion amongst executives, an increase of $0.3 million in in legal and consulting fees
and expenses and an increase of $0.3 million in fixed assets depreciation mainly resulting from the acceleration of the
leasehold improvements depreciation due to the relocation of our offices to another floor in the building. These increases were
offset by a decrease of $0.1 million in other general and administrative expenses and another decrease of $0.1 million in
travelling expenses.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, our general and administrative expenses increased by $2.9 million, or
100%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, mainly attributed to a bonus of $1.5 million granted to our CEO to be
distributed at his own discretion amongst executives, an increase of $0.9 million in manager and employee related expenses, an
increase of $0.3 million in other general and administrative expenses and an increase of $0.2 million in legal and consulting
fees and expenses.
8.
Interest and Finance Costs
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, interest and finance costs decreased by $6.1 million, or 39%, compared to
the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase is mainly attributed to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
A decrease of $5.8 million in amortization of debt discount, mainly due to the absence in 2018 of the $7.5
million debt discount amortization relating to the convertibility features of the Series C convertible preferred
shares that we incurred in 2017. This was offset by an increase of $1.7 million in the debt discount
amortization relating to the convertibility features of the Family Trading facility (please see "Item 18.
Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.").
A decrease of $0.4 million in amortization of finance fees that is mainly due to the decrease by $0.9 million
of the amortization of finance fees of the Family Trading facility, offset by increases of $0.5 million relating
to the amortization of finance fees of the first and Second AT Bank and Alpha Bank predelivery facilities
(please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.").
A decrease of $0.2 million in commitment fees of the Family Trading facility, since in 2018 we drew down
most of the remaining balance of the facility, hence the undrawn part on which the commitment fee was
calculated upon in 2018 was less than the undrawn part of 2017.
These decreases were offset by an increase of $0.3 million in loan interest expense, mainly relating to the
increase in the Three-Month Libor rate in 2018 that resulted in an aggregate increase of about $0.4 million in
our ABN Amro Bank, NORD/LB Bank and Alpha Bank senior loan facilities, an increase of $0.3 million in
the Alpha Bank Facility due to the fact that we incurred interest expense in 2017 only for 10 months as
opposed to 2018, were we incurred for twelve months and an increase of $0.5 million in the AT Bank senior
facility present in 2018, but absent in 2017. These increases were offset by a decrease in capitalized interest
of $0.9 million.
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2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, interest and finance costs increased by $12.7 million, or 411%, compared
to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase is mainly attributed to:
a)
b)
c)
d)
9.
An increase of $8.3 million in amortization of debt discount, $7.5 million relating to the convertibility
features of the Series C convertible preferred shares and $0.8 million relating to the convertibility features of
the Family Trading facility, both absent in the same period of 2016 (please see "Item 18. Financial
Statements—Note 9—Debt.").
An increase of $2.7 million in loan interest expense, since in 2017 we had senior loan facilities with ABN
Amro Bank, NORD/LB Bank, Alpha Bank and At Bank for the financing of the vessels M/T Eco Revolution,
M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Nord Valiant, M/T Stenaweco Excellence, M/T Stenaweco Elegance and M/T Eco Palm
desert as well as the Family Trading Facility, while in the same period of 2016 we only incurred interest
expense for M/T Eco Fleet for twelve months, M/T Eco Revolution for eleven months, M/T Nord Valiant for
four months(ABN Facility), and M/T Stenaweco Excellence (NORD/LB facility) for approximately seven
months.
An increase of $1.5 million in amortization of finance fees mainly due to the fact that in 2017 we accelerated
the amortization of arrangement fees of four of our short term notes due to their prepayment ($0.6 million),
we incurred additional amortization expenses relating to the Amended Family Trading Facility ($0.3 million)
and the Series C convertible preferred shares we treated as debt ($0.3 million) and incurred increased
amortization expenses due to the fact that we had more senior debt facilities in place compared to the same
period in 2016 ($0.3 million).
An increase of $0.2 million in other financial costs.
(Loss)/Gain on derivative financial instruments
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, gain on derivative financial instruments increased by $2.1 million, or
100%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was due to a $1.7 million increase in the gains from the
valuation of our outstanding warrants issued in connection with our follow-on offering that closed on June 11, 2014 and a $0.4
million decrease in the realized losses on our interest rate swaps, due to the increase in 2018 of the Three-Month Libor rates
over the swap rates that we pay in most of our facilities.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, loss on derivative financial instruments decreased by $0.4 million, or 57%,
compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease was due to a $0.5 million increase in the unrealized gains from
the valuation of our interest rate swaps and a another $0.4 million increase in the gains from the valuation of our outstanding
warrants issued in connection with our follow-on offering that closed on June 11, 2014. These were offset by an increase of
$0.5 million in realized losses on our interest rate swaps (please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 17 - Financial
Instruments").
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Our Fleet—Illustrative Comparison of Possible Excess of Carrying Value Over Estimated Charter-Free Market Value of
Certain Vessels
In "—Critical Accounting Policies—Impairment of Vessels," we discuss our policy for impairing the carrying values
of our vessels. During the past few years, the market values of vessels have experienced particular volatility, with substantial
declines in many vessel classes. As a result, the charter-free market value, or basic market value, of certain of our vessels may
have declined below those vessels' carrying value. However, we would not impair those vessels' carrying value under our
accounting impairment policy due to our belief that future undiscounted cash flows expected to be earned by such vessels over
their operating lives would exceed such vessels' carrying amounts.
As of December 31, 2018, we believe that the basic charter-free market values of our owned vessels are higher than
the vessels carrying value.
Our estimates of basic charter-free market value assume that our vessels are all in good and seaworthy condition
without need for repair and if inspected would be certified in class without notations of any kind. Our estimates are based on
information available from various industry sources, including:
·
·
·
·
·
·
reports by industry analysts and data providers that focus on our industry and related dynamics affecting
vessel values;
news and industry reports of similar vessel sales;
news and industry reports of sales of vessels that are not similar to our vessels where we have made certain
adjustments in an attempt to derive information that can be used as part of our estimates;
approximate market values for our vessels or similar vessels that we have received from shipbrokers, whether
solicited or unsolicited, or that shipbrokers have generally disseminated;
offers that we may have received from potential purchasers of our vessels; and
vessel sale prices and values of which we are aware through both formal and informal communications with
shipowners, shipbrokers, industry analysts and various other shipping industry participants and observers.
As we obtain information from various industry and other sources, our estimates of basic charter-free market values
are inherently uncertain. In addition, vessel values are highly volatile; as such, actual results could differ from those estimates.
All of our vessels are currently employed under long-term, above-market time charters. For more information, see
"Business Overview—Our Fleet." We believe that in a sale of these vessels with their charters attached, we would receive a
premium over the vessels' charter-free market value.
We refer you to the risk factor entitled "The international oil tanker industry has experienced volatile charter rates and
vessel values and there can be no assurance that these charter rates and vessel values will not decrease in the near future" and
the discussion herein under the heading "Risks Related to Our Industry."
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Critical Accounting Policies:
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated
financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of those financial statements
requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and
related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Critical accounting policies are those that reflect significant judgments or uncertainties, and potentially result in
materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We have described below what we believe are our most
critical accounting policies that involve a higher degree of judgment and the methods of their application. For a description of
all of our significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included herein.
Vessel depreciation. We record the value of our vessels at their cost (which includes the contract price, pre-delivery
costs incurred during the construction of newbuildings, capitalized interest and any material expenses incurred upon acquisition
such as initial repairs, improvements and delivery expenses to prepare the vessel for its initial voyage) less accumulated
depreciation. We depreciate our vessels on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, estimated to be 25 years from
the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. Depreciation is based on cost of the vessel less its residual value which is
estimated to be $300 per light-weight ton. A decrease in the useful life of the vessel or in the residual value would have the
effect of increasing the annual depreciation charge.
A decrease in the useful life of the vessel may occur as a result of poor vessel maintenance performed, harsh ocean-
going and weather conditions that the vessel is subject to, or poor quality of the shipbuilding yard. When regulations place
limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, the vessel's useful life is adjusted at the date such
regulations become effective. Weak freight markets may result in owners scrapping more vessels and scrapping them earlier
due to unattractive returns. An increase in the useful life of the vessel may result from superior vessel maintenance performed,
favorable ocean-going and weather conditions the vessel is subjected to, superior quality of the shipbuilding yard, or high
freight rates which result in owners scrapping the vessels later due to attractive cash flows.
Impairment of vessels: We evaluate the existence of impairment indicators whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying values of our long-lived assets are not recoverable. Such indicators of potential
impairment include, vessel sales and purchases, business plans and overall market conditions. If there are indications for
impairment present, we determine undiscounted projected net operating cash flows for each vessel and compare it to the
vessel's carrying value. If the carrying value of the related vessel exceeds its undiscounted future net cash flows, the carrying
value is reduced to its fair value.
The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time since the market
prices of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of newbuildings. During the past
years, the market values of vessels have experienced particular volatility, with substantial declines in many vessel classes. As a
result, the charter-free market value, or basic market value, of certain of our vessels may have declined below those vessels'
carrying value, even though we would not impair those vessels' carrying value under our accounting impairment policy, due to
our belief that future undiscounted cash flows expected to be earned by such vessels over their operating lives would exceed
such vessels' carrying amounts.
Although we believe that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate, such
assumptions are highly subjective. There can be no assurance as to how long charter rates and vessel values will remain at their
current levels or whether they will improve or decrease by any significant degree. Charter rates may be at depressed levels for
some time, which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability, and future assessments of vessel impairment.
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In order to perform the undiscounted cash flow test, we make assumptions about future charter rates, commissions,
vessel operating expenses, dry-dock costs, fleet utilization, scrap rates used to calculate estimated proceeds at the end of
vessels' useful lives and the estimated remaining useful lives of the vessels. These assumptions are based on historical trends as
well as future expectations. The projected net operating cash flows are determined by considering the charter revenues from
existing time charters for the fixed fleet days and an estimated daily time charter equivalent for the unfixed days (based on the
ten year historical averages of the one-year, three-year and five-year time charter rates) over the remaining useful life of each
vessel, which we estimate to be 25 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. Expected outflows for scheduled
vessels' maintenance and vessel operating expenses are based on historical data, and adjusted annually assuming an average
annual inflation derived from the most recent twenty-year average consumer price index. Effective fleet utilization, average
commissions, dry-dock costs and scrap values are also based on historical data.
In 2017 and 2018 tanker values were increasing and the charter-free market value of each vessel of our fleet was
higher than its carrying amount. As such we had no indicators of potential impairment and did not perform the undiscounted
cash flow test.
New accounting pronouncements: See "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies
–Recent Accounting Pronouncements."
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our formation, our principal source of funds has been equity provided by our shareholders through equity
offerings, at the market sales, operating cash flow, long-term borrowing, short-term borrowings, related party short-term
borrowings and sale of vessels. Our principal use of funds has been capital expenditures to establish and grow our fleet,
maintain the quality of our vessels, comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations and
fund working capital requirements.
Our business is capital intensive and its future success will depend on our ability to maintain a high-quality fleet
through the acquisition of newer vessels and the selective sale of older vessels. Our practice has been to acquire vessels using a
combination of funds received from equity investors and bank debt secured by mortgages on our vessels. Future acquisitions
are subject to management's expectation of future market conditions, our ability to acquire vessels on favorable terms and our
liquidity and capital resources.
As of December 31, 2018, we had a total indebtedness of $140.7 million, which after excluding unamortized
financing fees and debt discounts amounts to $152.3 million.
As of December 31, 2018, our cash and cash equivalent and restricted cash balances amounted to $7.7 million, mainly
held in U.S. Dollar accounts, $7.6 million of which are classified as restricted cash.
Working Capital Requirements and Sources of Capital
As of December 31, 2018, we had a working capital deficit (current assets less current liabilities) of $31.5 million. We
expect to finance our working capital deficit with operational cash flow, debt or equity issuances, or a combination thereof and
other sources such as funds from the Company's controlling shareholder and CEO, Mr. Pistiolis, if required. If the Company is
unable to arrange debt or equity financing, it is probable that the Company may also consider selling a vessel.
As of December 31, 2018, we had available committed undrawn balances of $152.2 million that we believe are
adequate together with operational cashflow to meet our capital commitment needs.
Our operating cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2019 is expected to increase compared to the same period in
2018, as we expect to generate more revenue from employing eight of our vessels for a full financial year as well as employing
M/T Eco California, M/T Eco Marina Del Ray, M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills for approximately eleven months,
nine months, nine months and eight months respectively, as opposed to the year ended December 31, 2018, when only seven
vessels were employed for a full year, since M/T Eco Palm Desert was employed for approximately four months and we had
four vessels under construction. The above is estimated for 2019 on the basis of the vessels' commitments to non-cancellable
time charter contracts.
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Cash Flow Information
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash were $30.6 million and $7.7 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2018
respectively.
Net Cash from Operating Activities.
Net cash used in operating activities remained the same at $0.7 million. Net cash used in operating activities decreased
by $6.0 million, or 90%, for 2017 to $0.7 million, compared to $6.7 million for 2016.
Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December
31, 2018 totaled $9.9 million. This consisted mainly of $6.4 million of depreciation expenses; $2.5 million of amortization of
debt discounts; $1.7 million of amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire; $1.3 million of amortization and write offs of
deferred financing costs and $0.3 million of depreciation of other fixed assets, offset by $1.8 million unrealized gains from the
valuation of derivative financial instruments; $0.3 million in gains in unconsolidated joint ventures and a $0.2 million write-off
of short term notes. The cash inflow from operations was supplemented by a $2.5 million increase in current liabilities, offset
by a $0.6 million decrease in current assets.
Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December
31, 2017 totaled $15.3 million. This consisted mainly of $8.3 million of amortization of debt discounts; of $5.7 million of
depreciation expenses; $1.7 million of amortization and write offs of deferred financing costs; $1.7 million of amortization of
prepaid bareboat charter hire and $0.1 million of depreciation of other fixed assets, offset by a $1.1 million write-off of short
term notes, a non-cash gain of $0.9 million and a $0.2 million unrealized gains from the valuation of derivative financial
instruments. The cash inflow from operations was offset by a $1.0 million decrease in current liabilities, offset by a $0.2
million increase in current assets.
Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December
31, 2016 totaled $3.1 million. This consisted mainly of $3.6 million of depreciation expenses; $1.6 million of amortization of
prepaid bareboat charter hire; $0.7 million unrealized loss from the valuation of derivative financial instruments; $0.2 million
of amortization and write offs of deferred financing costs and $0.2 million relating to share-based compensation, offset by a
non-cash gain of $3.2 million. The cash inflow from operations resulted mainly from a $3.0 million increase in current
liabilities, offset by a $0.5 million increase in current assets.
Net Cash from Investing Activities.
Net cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2018 was $68.4 million, consisting mainly of
$63.5 million cash paid for vessels under construction, $3.7 million cash paid for investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
and $1.2 million cash paid for vessel acquisitions.
Net cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2017 was $59.1 million, consisting mainly of
$34.7 million cash paid for vessel acquisitions, $17.6 million cash paid for investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and
$6.8 million cash paid for vessels under construction.
Net cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2016 was $77.1 million, consisting mainly of
$73.4 million cash paid for vessels under construction and a $3.7 million increase in restricted cash.
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Net Cash from Financing Activities.
Net cash provided from financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2018 was $44.8 million, consisting of
$32.8 million of proceeds from short term debt, $28.5 million proceeds from long term debt, $26.2 million of proceeds from
related party debt (Family Trading Facility), $5.8 million of proceeds from issuance of common stock and $2.3 million of
proceeds from warrants exercised. These inflows were partially offset by $22.3 million in excess of purchase price over book
value of vessels, $10.2 million of scheduled debt repayments, $9.0 million of short term debt prepayments, $5.7 million
prepayments of short term notes, $1.7 million payments of financing costs, $1.4 million prepayments of related party debt
(Family Trading Facility) and $0.5 million of equity offering related costs.
Net cash provided from financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2017 was $83.4 million, consisting of
$68.8 million of proceeds from short term notes, $24.8 million from long term debt, $9.7 million of proceeds our common
stock purchase agreement, $7.5 million of proceeds from the sale of our Series C convertible preferred shares, $3.1 million of
proceeds from related party debt (Family Trading Facility) and $1.6 million of proceeds from warrants exercised. These
inflows were partially offset by $12.9 million in excess of purchase price over book value of vessels, $9.5 million of scheduled
debt repayments, $7.2 million prepayments of related party debt (Family Trading Facility), $1.3 million of equity offering
related costs and $1.2 million payments of financing costs.
Net cash provided by financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2016 was $ 67.8 million, consisting of $65.4
million of proceeds from long term debt ($42.2 million from the ABN Facility and $23.2 million from the NORD/LB Facility),
$5.8 million of proceeds from warrants exercised, $2.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of Series B convertible preferred
stock and $0.2 million of net proceeds from related party debt (Family Trading Facility). These inflows were partially offset by
$5.1 million of scheduled debt repayments, $0.4 payments of financing costs and $0.1 payments of Series B convertible
preferred stock issuance costs.
Debt Facilities
Please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt." for more detailed information.
a)
ABN Facility
On July 9, 2015, we entered into the ABN Facility with ABN Amro Bank N.V. of Holland (“ABN Amro”), for up to
$42.0 million to partly finance the vessels M/T Eco Fleet and M/T Eco Revolution. The facility was subsequently amended on
September 28, 2015 to increase the borrowing limit to $44.4 million ($22.2 million per vessel). The ABN Facility is repayable
in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.5 million each and 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.4 million each,
commencing on October 13, 2015 for the M/T Eco Fleet and on April 15, 2016 for the M/T Eco Revolution plus a balloon
installment of $11.4 million payable together with the last installment in July 2021 and in January 2022, respectively, for each
vessel. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.9%.
On August 1, 2016, we amended the ABN Facility to increase the borrowing limit to $64.4 million and added another
$20 million tranche to the loan, "Tranche C", which is secured by vessel M/T Nord Valiant. Tranche C is repayable in 12
consecutive quarterly installments of $0.6 million each and 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.4 million each,
commencing on November 2016, plus a balloon installment of $9.1 million payable together with the last installment in August
2022. Apart from the inclusion of M/T Nord Valiant as a collateralized vessel and the reduction of the margin to 3.75%
(applicable only to Tranche C), no other material changes were made to the ABN Facility.
We drew down $21.0 million under the ABN Facility on July 13, 2015 to finance the last shipyard installment of M/T
Eco Fleet and another $1.2 million on September 30, 2015. Furthermore, we drew down $22.2 million under the ABN Facility
on January 15, 2016 to finance the last shipyard installment of M/T Eco Revolution. Finally, on August 5, 2016 we drew down
$20.0 million under the Tranche C of the ABN facility to partly finance the last shipyard installments of M/T Nord Valiant (see
"Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Long term debt.").
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On April 21, 2017, the we were informed by ABN Amro that we were in breach of a loan covenant that required that
any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest (either directly and/or indirectly through
companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the
Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 30% of our outstanding common shares. ABN Amro requested that either the family of
Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest of at least 30% of the outstanding common shares or maintain a
voting rights interest of above 50%. In order to regain compliance with the loan covenant, we issued the Series D preferred
shares. On July 28, 2017 ABN Amro by way of a supplemental agreement removed the loan covenant that required that any
member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintains an ownership interest of 30% of our issued and outstanding
common shares and replaced it with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of Mr.
Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis
family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting interest of
more than 50% of our share capital, without ABN Amro’s prior written approval.
On November 16, 2018 we amended the ABN Facility to increase the borrowing limit by $5.0 million. This additional
principal capital was subsequently drawn-down and is allocated to the mortgaged vessels as follows: $0.75 million to M/T Eco
Fleet, $0.75 million to M/T Eco Revolution and $3.5 million to M/T Nord Valiant. Apart from the introduction of a new
repayment schedule reflecting the increased facility principal, all other material terms remained the same. As per the new
repayment schedule the quarterly installments are increased by $0.03 million, $0.03 million and $0.1 million for M/T Eco
Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant respectively and their respective balloon installments are increased by $0.48
million, $0.43 million and $2.0 million.
The ABN Facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 130%, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to
the aggregate market value of our fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $0.75
million per collateralized vessel. Additionally, the ABN Facility contains restrictions on our ability and our shipowning
subsidiaries ability to incur further indebtedness or guarantees. It also restricts us and our shipowning companies from paying
dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of covenants under the loan agreement.
The ABN Facility is secured as follows:
·
·
·
·
·
·
First priority mortgage over M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant;
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessels;
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
Corporate guarantee of TOP Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiaries; and
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessels.
The outstanding balance of the ABN Facility was $52.3 million as of December 31, 2018 (excluding deferred finance
fees).
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b)
NORD/LB Facility
On May 11, 2016, we entered into the NORD/LB Facility with Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale of Germany
(“NORD/LB”) for $23.2 million for the financing of the vessel M/T Stenaweco Excellence. The credit facility is repayable in
28 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.5 million, commencing in August 2016, plus a balloon installment of $9.5 million
payable together with the last installment in May 2023. We drew down $23.2 million under the NORD/LB Facility on May 13,
2016 to finance the last shipyard installment of the M/T Stenaweco Excellence. The NORD/LB Facility bears interest at
LIBOR plus a margin of 3.43% (see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Long term debt.").
On May 16, 2017 NORD/LB by way of a supplemental agreement provided a waiver until December 31, 2017 for the
breach of the loan covenant that requires that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis to maintain an ownership
interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or
trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 20% of our issued and outstanding
common shares. In addition NORD/LB agreed to reduce the abovementioned minimum percentage to 10%. In January 8, 2018
NORD/LB agreed to replace said covenant with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of
Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the
Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting
interest of more than 50% of our share capital, without NORD/LB’s prior written approval.
The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 125% for the first three years and 143%
thereafter, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii)
minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per collateralized vessel and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in vessel.
Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on us and our shipowning company incurring further indebtedness or guarantees.
It also restricts us and our shipowning company from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or
in a breach of covenants under the loan agreement.
The facility is secured as follows:
·
·
·
·
·
·
First priority mortgage over M/T Stenaweco Excellence;
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
The outstanding balance of the NORD/LB Facility was $18.1 million as of December 31, 2018 (excluding deferred
finance fees).
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c)
Alpha Bank Facility
On July 20, 2016, Eco Seven that was later acquired by us entered into a credit facility with Alpha Bank S.A. of
Greece (“Alpha Bank”) for $23.4 million ("the Alpha Bank facility") for the financing of the vessel M/T Stenaweco Elegance.
The credit facility is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.4 million and 20 consecutive quarterly
installments of $0.3 million, commencing in May 2017, plus a balloon installment of $12.5 million payable together with the
last installment in February 2025. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50%.
We drew down $23.4 million under the Alpha Bank facility on February 24, 2017 to finance the last shipyard
installment of the M/T Stenaweco Elegance.
On August 1, 2017, Alpha Bank by way of a supplemental agreement removed the loan covenant that required that
any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintains an ownership interest of 40% of our issued and outstanding
common shares and replaced it with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of Mr.
Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis
family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting interest of
more than 50% of our share capital, without Alpha Bank’s prior written approval.
The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 125%, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the
aggregate market value of our fleet, current or future, of no more than 75%, (iii) minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per
collateralized vessel, (iv) EBITDA is required to be greater than 120% of fixed charges and (v) market value adjusted net
worth is required to be greater than or equal to $20.0 million. It also restricts the shipowning company from incurring further
indebtedness or guarantees and from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of
covenants under the loan agreement.
The facility is secured as follows:
·
·
·
·
·
·
First priority mortgage over M/T Stenaweco Elegance;
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
The outstanding balance of the Alpha Bank Facility was $20.6 million as of December 31, 2018 (excluding deferred
finance fees).
d)
AT Bank Senior Facility
On September 5, 2017, we entered into a credit facility with Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V. of Holland (“AT Bank”) for
$23.5 million to fund the delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert (the "AT Bank Senior Facility"), delivered on September 7, 2018.
This facility is repayable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.3 million, commencing three months from draw down,
and a balloon payment of $17.0 million payable together with the last installment. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a
margin of 4.00% and a commitment fee of 2% per annum was payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn
portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. On June 1, 2018 we signed a supplemental
agreement with AT Bank that resulted in the decrease of the commitment fee from 2% to 1.3%, effective from March 6, 2018.
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The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 115% for the first year, 120% for the
second year, 125% for the third year and 140% thereafter, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our fleet,
current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per collateralized vessel and $0.5
million per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the shipowning company incurring
further indebtedness or guarantees and paying dividends.
The facility is secured as follows:
·
·
·
·
·
·
First priority mortgage over M/T Eco Palm Desert;
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
As of December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance of the AT Bank Senior Facility is $23.2 million.
e)
AT Bank Predelivery Facility
On September 5, 2017, we entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $9.0 million for the pre-delivery financing
of M/T Eco Palm Desert (the “AT Bank Predelivery Facility”). This facility was drawn down in five tranches and financed in
full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco Palm Desert due for payment between August 2017 and May 2018. The
facility was repaid from the proceeds of the AT Bank Senior Facility on September 4, 2018.
The facility bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 8.50% and a commitment fee of 4.25% per annum was payable
quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment
letter. On June 1, 2018 we signed a supplemental agreement with AT Bank that resulted in the decrease of the loan margin to
6.3% from 8.5% and in the decrease of the commitment fee from 4.25% to 0%, effective from March 6, 2018.
The facility contained various covenants, including a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the our
fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per collateralized vessel and $0.5
million per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contained restrictions on the subsidiary that owned the
newbuilding contract from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends.
The facility was secured as follows:
·
·
·
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco Palm
Desert;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;
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f)
AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility
On June 1, 2018, we entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $10.1 million for the pre-delivery financing of
M/T Eco California (the "AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility"). This facility could be drawn down in five tranches to finance
in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco California due for payment between June and December 2018. The
facility was repaid on January 28, 2019, from the proceeds of the AT Bank Bridge Facility.
The facility contains various covenants, including a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our fleet,
current or future, of no more than 75% and minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per bareboated
chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the subsidiary that owns the newbuilding contract from
incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends.
The facility is secured as follows:
·
·
·
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco
California;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;
The AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 6.3% (reduced to 6% from
September 2018 onwards). The facility bears no commitment fee. We have drawn down the full amount of the facility to
finance in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco California due for payment between June and December 2018
and as of December 31, 2018 the outstanding balance of the facility is $10.1 million.
g)
Alpha Bank Predelivery Facility
On July 11, 2018, we entered into a credit facility with Alpha Bank for $10.1 million for the pre-delivery financing of
M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. This facility can be drawn down in five tranches to finance in full the last five pre-delivery
instalments of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray due between July 2018 and February 2019. The facility is repayable on delivery of the
vessel in March 2019.
The facility contains restrictions on the subsidiary that owns the newbuilding contract from incurring further
indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends if the latter would result in an event of default.
The facility is secured as follows:
·
·
·
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco
Marina Del Ray;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;
The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4.25% and a commitment fee of 1% per annum is payable
quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment
letter. We drew down $1.7 million and another $1.7 million under the facility in July and October 2018 respectively, to finance
two shipyard installments of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. As of December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance of the Alpha Bank
Predelivery Facility is $3.4 million.
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h)
Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility
On December 23, 2015, we entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility with Family Trading Inc. (“Family
Trading” and "the Family Trading facility"), a related party owned by the Lax Trust, for up to $15.0 million to be used to fund
our newbuilding program and working capital relating to our operating vessels. This facility was repayable in cash no later than
December 31, 2016, but we had the option to extend the facility's repayment up to December 31, 2017. On December 28, 2016
the maturity of the Family Trading facility was extended to January 31, 2017 and on January 27, 2017 the maturity of the
Family Trading loan was extended to February 28, 2017 with all terms remaining the same.
On February 21, 2017, we amended and restated the Family Trading Credit Facility (the "Amended Family Trading
Credit Facility") in order to, among other things, remove any limitation in the use of funds drawn down under the facility,
reduce the mandatory cash payment due under the facility when we raise capital through the issuance of certain securities,
remove the revolving feature of the facility, extend the facility for up to three years and give Family Trading the option to get
repaid for any amounts outstanding under the facility in cash or in our common shares. Additionally, the interest rate of the
facility increased to 10% (from 9%) and the commitment fee decreased to 2.5% (from 5%). Subject to certain adjustments
pursuant to the terms of the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility, the number of common shares to be issued as repayment
of the amounts outstanding under the facility will be calculated by dividing the amount redeemed by 80% of the lowest daily
Volume-Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of our common shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market during the twenty
consecutive trading days ending on the trading day prior to the payment date (the "Applicable Price"), provided, however, that
at no time shall the Applicable Price be lower than $0.60 per common share (the "Floor Price").
Further, in the case where we raise capital (whether publicly or privately) and the Applicable Price is higher than the
lowest of (henceforth the "Issuance Price"):
a. the price per share issued upon an equity offering;
b. the exercise price of warrants or options for common shares;
c. the conversion price of any convertible security into common shares; or
d. the implied exchange price of the common shares pursuant to an asset to equity or liability to equity swap,
then the Applicable Price will be reduced to the Issuance Price. Finally, in case the Applicable Price is higher than the
exercise price of our warrants, the Applicable Price will be reduced to the exercise price of such outstanding warrants.
On September 27, 2018, we amended the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility (the "Amended and Restated
Family Trading Credit Facility") in order to, among other things, set the repayment date of the facility to December 31, 2019,
increase the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility to $20.0 million, increase the interest rate to 12%, reduce the
commitment fee to 2% and increase the arrangement fee to 5%. On October 30, 2018, we entered into an addendum to the
Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility in order to, among other things, increase the maximum borrowing
capacity of the facility to $25.0 million. On December 31, 2018 we entered into another addendum to the Amended and
Restated Family Trading Credit Facility in order to, among other things, set the repayment date of the facility to December 31,
2025, increase the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility to $30.0 million, increase the interest rate to 15% and apply the
current arrangement fee rate to the whole principal of the loan.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the outstanding amount under the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility is $0
and $24.7 million, respectively. During 2018 we have drawn $26.2 million and repaid $1.5 million under the Amended and
Restated Family Trading Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2018 the facility has an undrawn balance of $4.1 million. (Please
see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.")
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i)
Unsecured Promissory Notes
In 2017, we issued unsecured promissory notes to Kalani, Xanthe and Crede. For more information, please see "Item
4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company" and Please see "Item 18. Financial
Statements—Note 9—Debt.".
As of the December 31. 2018, we are in compliance with all debt covenants with respect to our loans and credit
facilities.
Operating Leases
M/T's Stenaweco Energy and Stenaweco Evolution
On January 29, 2015 and March 31, 2015, we sold and leased back M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco
Evolution, respectively. The sale and leaseback agreements (“SLBs”) were entered into with a non-related party and generated
gross proceeds of $57 million. The vessels have been chartered back on a bareboat basis for seven years at a rate of $8,586 per
day and $8,625 per day, respectively. In addition, we have the option to buy back each vessel from the end of year three up to
the end of year seven at a purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when each option is exercised.
The abovementioned sale and leaseback transactions contain customary covenants and event of default clauses,
including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. Finally, as a consequence of the
SLBs, we must maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 75% and maintain minimum free liquidity of $0.75
million per owned vessel and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in vessel. As of December 31, 2018, we are in compliance
with the consolidated leverage ratio and the minimum free liquidity covenants.
We have treated each sale and leaseback of the abovementioned vessels as an operating lease (please see "Item 18.
Financial Statements—Note 6—Leases.").
Future minimum lease payments:
Our future minimum operating lease payments required to be made, relating to the bareboat chartered-in vessels at December
31, 2018, are as follows:
Year ending December 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total
79
$ millions
6.3
6.3
6.3
1.0
19.9
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Financing Commitments under Sale and Leaseback Arrangements
M/T Eco Marina Del Ray
On June 29, 2018 we entered into an SLB and a 5 year time charter with Cargill International SA of USA (“Cargill”)
for M/T Eco Marina Del Ray (Hull No 8242). Consummation of the SLB took place on the vessel’s delivery date on March 13,
2019. Following the sale, we bareboat chartered back the vessel at a bareboat hire of $8,600 per day and put it on a five year
time charter with Cargill. As part of this transaction, we have continuous options to buy back the vessel during the whole five
year sale and leaseback period at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is
exercised and at the end of the five year period we have to buy it back for $22.7 million. The gross proceeds from the sale
amount were $32.4 million.
The abovementioned SLB contains, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default
provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. The SLB with Cargill will be accounted as a financing
transaction, as control will remain with us and the vessel M/T Eco Marina Del Ray will continue to be recorded as an asset on
our balance sheet. In addition we have an obligation to repurchase the vessel.
M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California
On December 21, 2018 we entered into an SLB with Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co. Ltd of China
(“BoComm Leasing”) for M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California (Hull No 8218). Consummation of the SLB took place on
January 17, 2019 for M/T Nord Valiant and on January 31, 2019 M/T Eco California. Following the sale, we have bareboat
chartered back M/T Nord Valiant for five years and M/T Eco California for seven years at a bareboat hire of $5,875 per day
and $6,550 per day respectively. As part of this transaction, we have continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the
vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds
from the sale are $21.7 million for M/T Nord Valiant and $24.1 million for M/T Eco California.
The abovementioned SLBs contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default
provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. The SLB with BoComm Leasing will be accounted as a
financing transaction, as control will remain with us and M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California will continue to be
recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition we have continuous options to repurchase the vessels below fair value.
M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills
On December 3, 2018 we entered into an SLB with China Merchants Bank Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. of China
(“CMBFL”) for M/T Eco Bel Air (Hull No 874) and M/T Eco Beverly Hills (Hull No 875). Consummation of the SLB is
expected to take place on the vessel’s delivery date currently planned for April and May 2019 respectively. Following the sale,
we will bareboat charter back the vessels for a period of seven years at a bareboat hire of $16,361 per day per vessel. As part of
this transaction, we have continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the
bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the sale will be $91.4 million for both
vessels.
The abovementioned SLBs contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default
provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. Finally, as a consequence of the SLBs, we must maintain a
consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 75% and maintain minimum free liquidity of $1.0 million per Suezmax vessel,
$0.75 million per owned MR tanker and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in MR tanker. The SLB with CMBLF will be
accounted as a financing transaction, as control will remain with us and M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills will
continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition we have continuous options to repurchase the vessels
below fair value.
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C.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.
Not applicable.
D.
Trend Information
For industry trends, refer to industry disclosure under "Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview."
E.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
F.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and their maturity dates as of December 31, 2018 in millions
of U.S. dollars:
Contractual Obligations:
(i) Long term debt A
(ii) Interest B
(i) Short term debt C
(ii) Interest D
Operating leases E
Vessel Management Fees to CSM F
Vessel acquisitions G
Total
Payments due by period
1-3
3-5
More than
Total
Less than 1
year
years
years
5 years
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
138.9
49.1
13.5
1.0
19.9
0.9
147.6
370.6
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10.7
10.3
13.5
1.0
6.3
0.9
147.6
190.0
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
30.7
18.4
0.0
0.0
12.6
0.0
0.0
61.7
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
58.7
12.2
0.0
0.0
1.0
0.0
0.0
71.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
38.8
8.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
47.0
A.
B.
C.
Relates to the principal repayments of our Long term debt (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities").
Relates to estimated interest payments of our Long term debt, based on our average outstanding debt. In the cases
there are no Interest Rate Swap agreements in place, we have assumed a LIBOR of 3.5% going forward (see "Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities" and "Item 11.
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk—Interest Rate Risk").
Relates to the repayment of our Short term debt. (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities").
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D.
E.
F.
G.
Relates to estimated interest payments of our Short term debt. (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities").
Relates to the bareboat hire payable for M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco Evolution.
Relates to our obligation for monthly management fees under our letter agreement with CSM for all the vessels in our
fleet. These fees also cover the provision of services rendered in relation to the maintenance of proper books and
records, services in relation to financial reporting requirements under SEC and NASDAQ rules as well as newbuilding
supervision services. Please see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party
Transactions—Central Shipping Monaco Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements."
Relates to the remaining installments for the acquisition of our four newbuilding vessels in 2019. Please see "Item 7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Newbuilding Acquisitions".
The above table does not include the financing commitments under sale lease back arrangements relating to the
bareboat hire payments for vessels under construction as of December 31, 2018, as these obligations are conditional to the
consummation of the sale and leaseback arrangements, on the delivery of vessels which are expected within 2019 (see "Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources— Financing Commitments under Sale
and Leaseback Arrangements ").
Other Contractual Obligations:
We have entered into separate agreements with Central Mare, a related party affiliated with the family of Mr.
Evangelos J. Pistiolis, pursuant to which Central Mare furnishes our four executive officers. These agreements were entered
into following the termination of prior employment agreements. Please see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party
Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Mare Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other
Agreements."
Other major capital expenditures will include funding the maintenance program of regularly scheduled intermediate
survey or special survey dry-docking necessary to preserve the quality of our vessels and chartered in vessels, as well as to
comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations. Although we have some flexibility
regarding the timing of this maintenance, the costs are relatively predictable. Vessels are younger than 15 years are required to
undergo in-water intermediate surveys 2.5 years after a special survey dry-docking and that such vessels are to be dry-docked
every five years. Vessels 15 years or older are required to undergo drydock intermediate survey every 2.5 years and not use in-
water surveys for this purpose.
G.
Safe Harbor
Forward-looking information discussed in Item 5 includes assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and
beliefs about future events. These statements are intended as "forward-looking statements." We caution that assumptions,
expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events may and often do vary from actual results and the
differences can be material. Please see "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this annual report.
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ITEM 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A.
Directors and Senior Management
Set forth below are the names, ages and positions of our directors, executive officers and key employees. Members of
our Board of Directors are elected annually on a staggered basis and each director elected holds office for a three-year term.
Officers are elected from time to time by vote of our Board of Directors and hold office until a successor is elected.
Name
Evangelos J. Pistiolis
Alexandros Tsirikos
Konstantinos Patis
Vangelis G. Ikonomou
Konstantinos Karelas
Stavros Emmanuel
Paolo Javarone
Biographical information with respect to each of our directors and executives is set forth below.
Position
Director, President, Chief Executive Officer
Director, Chief Financial Officer
Chief Technical Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Independent Non-Executive Director
Age
46
45
45
54
46
76
45
Evangelos J. Pistiolis founded our Company in 2000, is our President and Chief Executive Officer, and has served on
our Board of Directors since July 2004. Mr. Pistiolis graduated from Southampton Institute of Higher Education in 1999, where
he studied shipping operations and from Technical University of Munich in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical
engineering. His career in shipping started in 1992 when he was involved with the day-to-day operations of a small fleet of
drybulk vessels. From 1994 through 1995, he worked at Howe Robinson & Co. Ltd., a London shipbroker specializing in
container vessels. While studying at the Southampton Institute of Higher Education, Mr. Pistiolis oversaw the daily operations
of Compass United Maritime Container Vessels, a ship management company located in Greece.
Alexandros Tsirikos has served as our Chief Financial Officer since April 1, 2009. Mr. Tsirikos is a U.K. qualified
Chartered Accountant (ACA) and has been employed with TOP Ships Inc. since July 2007 as our Corporate Development
Officer. Prior to joining TOP Ships Inc., Mr. Tsirikos was a manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC, where he worked
as a member of the PwC Advisory team and the PwC Assurance team, thereby drawing experience both from consulting as
well as auditing. As a member of PwC's Advisory team, he led and participated in numerous projects in the public and the
private sectors, including strategic planning and business modeling, investment analysis and appraisal, feasibility studies,
costing and project management. As a member of the PwC's Assurance team, Mr. Tsirikos was part of the International
Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, technical team of PwC Greece and lead numerous IFRS conversion projects for listed
companies. He holds a Master's of Science in Shipping Trade and Finance from City University of London and a bachelor's
degree with honors in Business Administration from Boston University in the United States. He speaks English, French and
Greek.
Konstantinos Patis has served as our Chief Technical Officer since January 2018. Mr. Patis holds a Master's of
Science and a Bachelor's degree, both in Marine Engineering from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK, as well
as a Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens, in Greece. He started his
carrier in 1997 acting as a Superintendent Engineer, thereafter as Fleet Manager and from 2014 as Technical Manager in
various ship management companies in Greece, like Cyprus Sea Lines, Technomar Shipping, Aeolian Investments, Arion
Shipping operating diverse fleets of Tankers, Bulk Carriers and Containers and was involved in the technical supervision,
repairs, dry docks and construction of new projects.
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Vangelis G. Ikonomou is our Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining us, Mr. Ikonomou was the Commercial
Director of Primal Tankers Inc. From 2000 to 2002, Mr. Ikonomou worked with George Moundreas & Company S.A. where he
was responsible for the purchase and sale of second-hand vessels and initiated and developed a shipping industry research
department. Mr. Ikonomou worked, from 1993 to 2000, for Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd., a ship management company
in Greece, in the commercial as well as the safety and quality departments. Mr. Ikonomou holds a Master's degree in Shipping
Trade and Finance from the City University Business School in London, a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from
the University of Athens in Greece and a Navigation Officer Degree from the Higher State Merchant Marine Academy in
Greece.
Konstantinos Karelas has served on our Board of Directors and has been member of the Audit Committee since
April 2014. Since 2008, Mr. Karelas has served as the President and CEO of Europe Cold Storages SA, one of the leading
companies in the field of refrigeration logistics.
Stavros Emmanuel has served on our Board of Directors since December 31, 2017 and has been member of the
Audit Committee since December 2018. Captain Stavros Emmanuel has 47 years of experience in the shipping industry and
expertise in operation and chartering matters. He obtained a Naval Officers degree from ASDEN Nautical Academy of
Aspropyrgos, Greece and earned a Master Mariners degree in 1971. He has worked in various management capacities at
Compass United Maritime and Primal Tankers Inc. From 2004 to 2009 he was our the Chief Operating Officer. After leaving
us, Captain Stavros Emmanuel has been an independent advisor to various shipping companies.
Paolo Javarone has served on our Board of Directors since September 1, 2014. Mr. Javarone is a member of the
Italian Shipbrokers Association. From 2015, Mr. Javarone has been working for Shipping 360 Ltd, a boutique shipbroking
company with offices in London and Monaco and before that he has been working since 2000 for Sernavimar S.R.L., one of
the most reputable shipbroking houses in Italy, which cooperates with many of the oil major companies and trading
associations of the industry. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Javarone worked for Genoa Sea Brokers in the tanker wing of the
company specializing in clean petroleum products and edible markets. Previously, Mr. Javarone worked for S.a.n.a. Eur, a
company based in Rome Italy, where he was tasked with supplying energy and offshore supply. Before S.a.n.a., Mr. Javarone
worked for Sidermar di Navigazione S.P.A. in the dry cargo field. Mr. Javarone holds a Shipbroker degree from National
Agents Association Shipbroking School in Italy and a degree in Shipping Economics and Law from Nautical Maritime School
in Italy.
B.
Compensation
On September 1, 2010, we entered into separate agreements with Central Mare, pursuant to which Central Mare
furnishes our four executive officers as described below. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, we paid to the
members of our senior management and to our director's aggregate compensation of $4.7 million. We do not have a retirement
plan for our officers or directors.
Under the terms of the agreement for the provision of our Chief Executive Officer, we are obligated to pay annual
base. The initial term of the agreement expired on August 31, 2014 and is automatically extended for successive one-year
terms unless Central Mare or we provide notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the then applicable
term.
If our Chief Executive Officer's employment is terminated without cause, he is entitled to certain personal and
household security costs. If he is removed from our Board of Directors or not re-elected, then his employment terminates
automatically without prejudice to Central Mare's rights to pursue damages for such termination. In the event of a change of
control, the Chief Executive Officer is entitled to receive a cash payment of ten million Euros. The agreement also contains
death and disability provisions. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer is subject to non-competition and non-solicitation
undertakings.
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Under the terms of the agreement for the provision of our Chief Operating Officer, we are obligated to pay annual
base salary and additional incentive compensation as determined by our Board of Directors. The initial term of the agreement
expired on August 31, 2011 and is automatically extended for successive one-year terms unless Central Mare or we provide
notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the then applicable term. In the event of a change of control,
he is entitled to receive a cash payment of three years' annual base salary. The agreement also contains death and disability
provisions. In addition, our Chief Operating Officer is subject to non-competition and non-solicitation undertakings.
Under the terms of the agreement for the provision of our Chief Financial Officer, we are obligated to pay annual base
salary. The initial term of the agreement expired on August 31, 2012, and is automatically extended for successive one-year
terms unless Central Mare or we provide notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the then applicable
term.
If our Chief Financial Officer is removed from our Board of Directors or not re-elected, then his employment
terminates automatically without prejudice to Central Mare's rights to pursue damages for such termination. In the event of a
change of control, our Chief Financial Officer is entitled to receive a cash payment equal to three years' annual base salary. The
agreement also contains death and disability provisions. In addition, our Chief Financial Officer is subject to non-competition
and non-solicitation undertakings.
Under the terms of our agreement for the provision of our Chief Technical Officer, we are obligated to pay annual
base salary. The initial term of the agreement expired on August 31, 2011, however the agreement is being automatically
extended for successive one-year terms unless Central Mare or we provide notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to the
expiration of the then applicable term. In the event of a change of control, the Chief Technical Officer is entitled to receive a
cash payment equal to three years' annual base salary. In addition, our Chief Technical Officer is subject to non-competition
and non-solicitation undertakings.
Equity Incentive Plan
On April 15, 2015, our Board of Directors adopted the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2015 Plan, under which our
directors, officers, key employees as well as consultants and service providers may be granted non-qualified stock options,
stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted stock and other-equity
based-related awards. A total of 1 common share was reserved for issuance under the 2015 Plan, which is administered by the
Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.
On April 15, 2015, we granted 1 restricted share to Central Mare under the 2015 Plan. The share will vest equally over
a period of eight years from the date of grant. The fair value of each share on the grant date was $1,962,000.
On June 30, 2015, one/eighth share of the 2015 Plan vested. The fair value of the share on the vesting date was
$1,854,000.
On June 30, 2016, one/eighth share of the 2015 Plan vested. The fair value of the share on the vesting date was
$304,200.
On June 30, 2017, one /eighth share of the 2015 Plan vested. The fair value of the share on the vesting date was $252.
On June 30, 2018, one /eighth share of the 2015 Plan vested. The fair value of the share on the vesting date was $0.95.
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C.
Board Practices
Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Members of our Board of Directors are elected annually on a
staggered basis, and each director elected holds office for a three-year term. We currently have two executive directors and
three independent non-executive directors. The term of our Class I directors, Stavros Emmanuel and Evangelos J. Pistiolis
expires at the annual general meeting of shareholders in 2020. The term of our Class II directors, Paolo Javarone and
Konstantinos Karelas, expires at the annual general meeting of shareholders in 2021. The term of our Class III director,
Alexandros Tsirikos, expires at the annual general meeting of shareholders in 2019.
Committees of our Board of Directors
We currently have an audit committee composed of three independent members, who are responsible for reviewing
our accounting controls and recommending to our Board of Directors, the engagement of our outside auditors. Konstantinos
Karelas, Paolo Javarone and Stavros Emmanuel (Chairman), whose biographical details are included in Item 6 of this Annual
Report, are the members of the audit committee, and our Board of Directors has determined that they are independent under the
Nasdaq corporate governance rules.
Our compensation committee and nominating and governance committees are currently composed of the following
three members: Konstantinos Karelas, Paolo Javarone and Stavros Emmanuel. The compensation committee carries out our
Board of Directors' responsibilities relating to compensation of our executive and non-executive officers and provides such
other guidance with respect to compensation matters as the committee deems appropriate. The nominating and governance
committee assists our Board of Directors in: (i) identifying, evaluating and making recommendations to our Board of Directors
concerning individuals for selections as director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders or to otherwise fill
vacancies on our Board of Directors; (ii) developing and recommending to our Board of Directors a set of corporate
governance guidelines and principles applicable to us; and (iii) reviewing our overall corporate governance and recommending
improvements to our Board of Directors from time to time.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain Nasdaq requirements that are applicable to U.S. domestic
companies. For a listing and further discussion of how our corporate governance practices differ from those required of U.S.
companies listed on Nasdaq, please see Item 16G of this Annual Report.
D.
Employees
We have only one direct employee while our four executive officers and a number of administrative employees are
furnished to us pursuant to agreements with Central Mare, as described above. Our Fleet Manager ensures that all seamen have
the qualifications and licenses required to comply with international regulations and shipping conventions, and that our vessels
employ experienced and competent personnel. As of December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, we employed 131, 154 and 173 sea
going employees, indirectly through our sub-managers.
E.
Share Ownership
The common shares beneficially owned by our directors and senior managers and/or companies affiliated with these
individuals are disclosed in "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions."
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ITEM 7.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A.
Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common shares, as of March 26, 2019, held by: (i) each
person or entity that we know beneficially owns 5% or more of our common stock and (ii) all our executive officers, directors
and key employees as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the SEC's rules. In computing
percentage ownership of each person, common shares subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or
convertible, or exercisable or convertible within 60 days are deemed to be beneficially owned by that person. These shares,
however, are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. All of the
shareholders, including the shareholders listed in this table, are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
Lax Trust (1)
Number of
Shares
Owned
46,427,516
Percent of
Class
65.0%
_________
(1)
The above information is derived, in part, from the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on March 12, 2019. The Lax
Trust is an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members of Evangelos J. Pistiolis, our President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director. The business address of the Lax Trust is Level 3, 18 Stanley Street, Auckland
1010, New Zealand. The above percentage ownership is based on 71,391,967 common shares outstanding, which is
calculated for this Schedule 13D/A purposes by taking the sum of (i) 24,964,467 common shares outstanding, (ii)
5,187,500 common shares issuable upon the exercise of all of the 1,250,000 2014 Warrants currently held by Race
Navigation and (iii) 41,240,000 common shares issuable upon the conversion of $24.7 million of outstanding debt held
by Family Trading Inc. under the Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility, all figures being as of March
12, 2019. The Lax Trust may also be deemed to hold all of the 100,000 outstanding shares of our Series D Preferred
Stock. Each Series D Preferred Share carries 1,000 votes. By its ownership of 100% of our Series D Preferred Shares,
Lax Trust has control over our actions.
As of March 26, 2019, we had 5 shareholders of record, 2 of which was located in the United States and held an
aggregate of 24,964,462.000 shares of our common stock, representing 99.99998% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
However, the U.S. shareholder of record is Cede & Co., which held shares of our common stock. We believe that the shares
held by Cede & Co. include shares of common stock beneficially owned by both holders in the United States and non-U.S.
beneficial owners. We are not aware of any arrangements the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in our change
of control.
B.
Related Party Transactions
Please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 5—Transactions with Related Parties."
Newbuilding Acquisitions
Between February 2018 and January 2019, we entered into a series of transactions regarding the purchase of our
newbuilding and joint venture vessels. For more information, please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and
Development of the Company—Recent Developments."
Central Mare Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements:
On September 1, 2010, we entered into separate agreements with Central Mare pursuant to which Central Mare
furnishes our executive officers to us. On January 1st 2019 Central Mare reduced the fees we pay for the provision of our
executive officers to $0.03 million per month.
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Central Shipping Monaco Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements
On March 10, 2014, we entered into (i) a letter agreement, or the Letter Agreement, with CSM, a related party
affiliated with the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis and (ii) management agreements between CSM and our vessel-owning
subsidiaries.
The Letter Agreement can only be terminated on eighteen months' notice, subject to a termination fee equal to twelve
months of fees payable under the Letter Agreement. Pursuant to the New Letter Agreement, as well as management agreements
between CSM and our vessel-owning subsidiaries, from March 10, 2018 we pay a technical management fee of $595 per day
per vessel for the provision of technical, operation, insurance, bunkering and crew management, commencing three months
before the vessel is scheduled to be delivered by the shipyard and a commercial management fee of $328 per day per vessel,
commencing from the date the vessel is delivered from the shipyard. In addition, the management agreements provide for
payment to CSM of: (i) $541 per day for superintendent visits plus actual expenses; (ii) a chartering commission of 1.25% on
all freight, hire and demurrage revenues; (iii) a commission of 1.00% of all gross sale proceeds or the purchase price paid for
vessels and (iv) a commission of 0.2% on derivative agreements and loan financing or refinancing. CSM will also perform
supervision services for all of our newbuilding vessels while the vessels are under construction, for which we will pay CSM the
actual cost of the supervision services plus a fee of 7% of such supervision services.
CSM provides at cost, all accounting, reporting and administrative services.
The Letter Agreement and the management agreements have an initial term of five years, after which they will
continue to be in effect until terminated by either party subject to an eighteen-month advance notice of termination.
Pursuant to the terms of the management agreements, all fees payable to CSM are adjusted annually according to the
U.S. Consumer Price Inflation of the previous year.
Central Shipping Inc New Letter Agreement and Management Agreements
On January 1, 2019, we terminated the Letter Agreement with Central Shipping Monaco without incurring any
penalties and on the same date we entered into a new letter agreement, or the New Letter Agreement, with Central Shipping Inc
(“CSI”), a related party controlled by the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, and on the same date we entered into management
agreements between CSI and its vessel-owning subsidiaries.
The New Letter Agreement can only be terminated on eighteen months’ notice, subject to a termination fee equal to
twelve months of fees payable under the New Letter Agreement.
Pursuant to the New Letter Agreement, management fees remain the same except for the fact that the technical and the
commercial management fees have been consolidated into one daily management fee and this has been reduced from $923 to
$550 per day. Furthermore the fee per day for superintendent visits has been reduced from $541 to $500.
The New Letter Agreement and the management agreements have an initial term of five years, after which they will
continue to be in effect until terminated by either party subject to an eighteen month advance notice of termination.
Family Trading facility and assumption of liabilities
On October 1, 2010, we entered into a bareboat charter agreement to lease the vessel M/T Delos until September 30,
2015 for a variable rate per year. On October 15, 2011, we terminated the bareboat charter agreement resulting in a termination
fee of $5.8 million ("the Delos Termination Fee") that remained outstanding until December 31, 2012. On January 1, 2013, we
entered into an agreement with the owner of M/T Delos for the repayment of the remaining balances of the Delos Termination
Fee. On December 10, 2015, the owner of M/T Delos notified us that the outstanding balance of the Delos Termination Fee
was immediately due and payable, since we had been delaying the installments as per the agreed repayment schedule. On
January 12, 2016, Family Trading, a related party owned by the Lax Trust, assumed the outstanding balance of the Delos
Termination Fee that amounted to $3.8 million (the "Family Trading transaction"). As consideration for the assumption of this
liability, Family Trading on January 12, 2016 received 7 of our common shares. This transaction was approved by a special
committee of our independent directors. Furthermore on December 23, 2015 we entered into an agreement for an unsecured
revolving credit facility with Family Trading for up to $15 million to be used to fund our newbuilding program and working
capital relating to our operating vessels. As of the date of this annual report there have been various amendments and
addendums to the Family Trading facility (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and
Capital Resources—Debt Facilities.").
Charter Party with Central Tankers Chartering Inc
On September 1, 2017 we entered into a time charter party with Central Tankers Chartering Inc (“Central Tankers
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Chartering”), a related party affiliated with the family of Evangelos J. Pistiolis, for the vessel M/T Eco Palm Desert. The time
charter is for a firm period of three years at a daily rate of $14,750 with two optional years at daily rates of $15,250 and
$15,750 respectively, at Central Tankers Chartering’s option.
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C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See "Item 18—Financial Statements."
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, principally
personal injury and property casualty claims. We expect that these claims would be covered by insurance, subject to customary
deductibles. Those claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial
resources.
On August 1, 2017, we received a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requesting
certain documents and information in connection with offerings made by us between February 2017 and August 2017. We
provided the requested information to the SEC in response to that subpoena. On September 26, 2018 and on October 5, 2018
we received two additional subpoenas from the SEC requesting certain documents and information in connection with the
previous subpoena we received on August 1, 2017. We are providing the requested information to the SEC in response to that
subpoena. The SEC investigation is ongoing and we continue to cooperate with the SEC in its investigation. We are unable to
predict what action, if any, might be taken by the SEC or its staff as a result of this investigation or what impact, if any, the cost
of responding to the SEC’s investigation or its ultimate outcome might have on our financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
On August 23, 2017, a purported securities class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of New York (No. 2:17-cv-04987(JFB)(SIL)) by Christopher Brady on behalf of himself and all others
similarly situated against (among other defendants) us and two of our executive officers. The complaint is brought on behalf of
an alleged class of those who purchased our common stock between January 17, 2017 and August 22, 2017, and alleges that
we and two of our executive officers violated Sections 9, 10(b) and/or 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule
10b-5 promulgated thereunder. On August 24, 2017, a second purported securities class action complaint was filed in the same
court against the same defendants (No. 2:17-cv-05016 (JFB)(SIL)) which makes similar allegations and purports to allege
violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. By order dated July 20,
2018, the court consolidated the two actions under docket no. 2:17-cv-04987 and appointed lead plaintiffs for the consolidated
action. On September 18, 2018 the lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. The amended complaint purports to
be brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased our common stock between November 23, 2016 and April 3, 2018, makes
allegations similar to those made in the original complaints, seeks similar reliefs as the original actions, and alleges that some
or all the defendants violated sections 9, 10(b), 20(a), and/or 20A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5
promulgated thereunder. All defendants filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint on March 25, 2019. Plaintiffs’
oppositions to the motions to dismiss are due on May 24, 2019, and Defendants’ replies in further support of the motions to
dismiss are due on June 28, 2019. By letter dated January 2, 2019, certain co-defendants in the class action litigation (Kalani
Investments Ltd. (“Kalani”), Murchinson Ltd. and Marc Bistricer) requested that we indemnify and hold them harmless against
all losses, including reasonable costs of defense, arising from the litigation, pursuant to the provisions of the Common Stock
Purchase Agreement between us and Kalani. We acknowledged receipt of this indemnification request by letter dated February
20, 2019, and reserved all of our rights. We and our management believe that the allegations in the complaints are without
merit and plan to vigorously defend against the allegations.
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Dividend Distribution Policy
The declaration and payment of any future special dividends shall remain subject to the discretion of our Board of
Directors and shall be based on general market and other conditions including our earnings, financial strength and cash
requirements and availability. Further, pursuant to the AT Bank Bridge Facility we cannot pay any dividends to any class of our
common stock until the facility is fully repaid (the facility matures in March 31, 2020).
B.
Significant Changes
All significant changes have been included in the relevant sections.
ITEM 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING.
Not applicable except for Item 9.A.4. and Item 9.C.
Share History and Markets
Since July 23, 2004, the primary trading market for our common shares has been Nasdaq on which our shares are now
listed under the symbol "TOPS."
ITEM 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A.
Share Capital
Not applicable.
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Purpose
Our purpose is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under
the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or BCA. Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and
Amended and Restated By-Laws, as further amended, do not impose any limitations on the ownership rights of our
shareholders.
Authorized Capitalization
Our authorized capital stock consists of 1,000,000,000 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of which
24,964,467 shares were issued and outstanding as of March 26, 2019 and 20,000,000 preferred shares with par value of $0.01
and 100,000 Series D Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding as of March 26,, 2019. Our Board of Directors has the
authority to establish such series of preferred stock and with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional
or special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the
issue of such preferred stock.
On September 14, 2016, we declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding common
share and adopted a shareholder rights plan, as set forth in a Stockholders Rights Agreement dated as of September 22, 2016,
by and between us and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent (now taken over by our new transfer agent, AST),
described below under the section entitled "—Stockholders Rights Agreement". In connection with the Stockholders Rights
Agreement, we designated 1,000,000 shares as Series A Participating Preferred Stock, none of which are outstanding as of the
date of this annual report.
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As of March 26,, 2019, there were also (i) 1,976,389 2014 Warrants outstanding, with each warrant currently having
an exercise price of $0.70 per common share and entitling its holder to purchase 3.56 common shares, as may be further
adjusted. Pursuant to the terms of the 2014 Warrants, holders have the right, but not the obligation, to, in any exercise of 2014
Warrants, to use the Conversion Ratio and purchase such proportionate number of common shares based on the variable price
in effect on the date of exercise. If using the Conversion Ratio, as of March 26, 2019, each 2014 Warrant has an exercise price
of $0.61 per common share and entitles its holder to purchase 4.09 common shares, as may be further adjusted. The
Conversion Ratio is subject to certain adjustments pursuant to the Series C Statement of Designation. For more information,
please see the Series C Statement of Designation, which was filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 6-K with the
SEC on February 21, 2017.
Description of Common Shares
Each outstanding common share entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders.
Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred shares, holders of common shares are entitled to
receive ratably all dividends, if any, declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for dividends. Upon our
dissolution or liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be
paid to creditors and to the holders of our preferred shares having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common
shares will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution. Holders of our common shares do not
have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities. The rights, preferences and privileges of
holders of our common shares are subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred shares that we may issue in the future.
Description of Preferred Shares
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to establish one or more
series of preferred shares and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series,
including the designation of the series, the number of shares of the series, the preferences and relative, participating, option or
other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series, and the voting rights, if any, of the
holders of the series.
Description of Series B Convertible Preferred Shares
On November 22, 2016, we completed a private placement of up to 3,160 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares for
an aggregate principal amount of up to $3.0 million. The Selling Securityholder purchased 1,579 Series B Convertible
Preferred Shares at the initial closing of the Transaction and 527 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares on November 28, 2016
for a total of $2.0 million. The Selling Securityholder waived the right to purchase any additional Series B Preferred Shares.
The description of the Series B Preferred Shares is incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form F-3
(333-215577). The description of the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares is subject to and qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Securities Purchase Agreement, Certificate of Designation of the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares and
Registration Rights Agreement entered into in connection with the private placement. Copies of the Securities Purchase
Agreement, Certificate of Designation of the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares and Registration Rights Agreement have
been filed as exhibits to our Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on November 23, 2016. The waiver agreement
was filed as an exhibit to our Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on January 10, 2017. As of August 15, 2017, we
have issued 18,026 common shares in connection with the conversions of all of our Series B Convertible Preferred Shares, and
there are currently no Series B Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding.
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Description of Series C Convertible Preferred Shares
On February 17, 2017, we closed a private placement with a non-U.S. institutional investor for the sale of 7,500 newly
issued Series C Convertible Preferred Shares, which are convertible into our common shares, for $7.5 million pursuant to a
securities purchase agreement, or the Series C Transaction. The description of the Series C Preferred Shares is incorporated by
reference from our registration statement on Form F-3 (333-215577). The description of the Series C Convertible Preferred
Shares is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Securities Purchase Agreement and Statement of
Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares entered into in connection with the private
placement. Copies of the Securities Purchase Agreement and Statement of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series C
Convertible Preferred Shares have been filed as exhibits to our Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on February 21,
2017. As of November 8, 2017, we have issued 904,646 common shares in connection with the conversions of all our Series C
Convertible Preferred Shares, and there are currently no Series C Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding.
Description of Series D Preferred Shares
On May 8, 2017, we issued 100,000 shares of Series D Preferred Shares to Tankers Family Inc., a company controlled
by Lax Trust, which is an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members of Evangelos Pistiolis, for
$1,000 pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. Each Series D Preferred Share has the voting power of one thousand (1,000)
common shares.
On April 21, 2017, we were informed by ABN Amro Bank that we were in breach of a loan covenant that requires
that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, maintain an ownership interest (either directly and/or indirectly
through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any
member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 30% of our outstanding Common Shares. ABN Amro Bank requested that
either the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest of at least 30% of the outstanding common shares or
maintain a voting rights interest of above 50% in us. In order to regain compliance with the loan covenant, we issued the Series
D Preferred Shares.
The Series D Preferred Stock has the following characteristics:
Conversion. The Series D Preferred Shares are not convertible into common shares.
Voting. Each Series D Preferred Share has the voting power of 1,000 common shares.
Distributions. The Series D Preferred Shares shall have no dividend or distribution rights.
Maturity. The Series D Preferred Shares shall expire and all outstanding Series D Preferred Shares shall be redeemed
by us for par value on the date the currently outstanding loans with ABN Amro Bank and NORD/LB, or loans with any other
financial institution, which contain covenants that require that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, maintain a
specific minimum ownership interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies or other entities beneficially owned
by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are
beneficiaries) of our issued and outstanding common shares, respectively, are fully repaid or reach their maturity date. The
Series D Preferred Shares shall not be otherwise redeemable.
Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the Series
D Preferred Shares shall have a liquidation preference of $0.01 per share.
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History
Our predecessor, Ocean Holdings Inc., was formed as a corporation in January 2000 under the laws of the Republic of
the Marshall Islands and renamed Top Tankers Inc. in May 2004. In December 2007, Top Tankers Inc. was renamed TOP Ships
Inc. Our common shares are currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "TOPS."
Shareholder Meetings
Under our Amended and Restated By-Laws, annual shareholder meetings will be held at a time and place selected by
our Board of Directors. The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands. Special meetings of the shareholders,
unless otherwise prescribed by law, may be called for any purpose or purposes at any time exclusively by our Board of
Directors. Notice of every annual and special meeting of shareholders shall be given at least 15 but not more than 60 days
before such meeting to each shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat.
Directors
Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of the shareholders by the holders of shares
entitled to vote in the election. Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-
laws, as further amended, prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Our Board of Directors must consist of at least one member and not more than twelve, as fixed from time to time by
the vote of not less than 66 2/3% of the entire board. Each director shall be elected to serve until the third succeeding annual
meeting of shareholders and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his death,
resignation, removal, or the earlier termination of his term of office. Our Board of Directors has the authority to fix the
amounts which shall be payable to the members of our Board of Directors, and to members of any committee, for attendance at
any meeting or for services rendered to us.
Classified Board
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide for the division of our Board of Directors into three
classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible, serving staggered, three-year terms. Approximately
one-third of our Board of Directors will be elected each year. This classified board provision could discourage a third party
from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of our company. It could also delay shareholders who
do not agree with the policies of our Board of Directors from removing a majority of our Board of Directors for two years.
Election and Removal
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws require parties other
than our Board of Directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. Our Third Amended
and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that our directors may be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative
vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for those directors. These
provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
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Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the BCA, our shareholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, including certain mergers or
consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual course of our business, and receive payment
of the fair value of their shares, subject to exceptions. For example, the right of a dissenting shareholder to receive payment of
the fair value of his shares is not available if for the shares of any class or series of shares, which shares at the record date fixed
to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the meeting of shareholders to act upon the agreement of
merger or consolidation, were either (1) listed on a securities exchange or admitted for trading on an interdealer quotation
system or (2) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. In the event of any further amendment of the articles, a shareholder
also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those
shares. The dissenting shareholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment. In the event that we
and any dissenting shareholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the
institution of proceedings in the High Court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or in any appropriate court in any
jurisdiction in which our shares are primarily traded on a local or national securities exchange. The value of the shares of the
dissenting shareholder is fixed by the court after reference, if the court so elects, to the recommendations of a court-appointed
appraiser.
Shareholders' Derivative Actions
Under the BCA, any of our shareholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also
known as a derivative action, provided that the shareholder bringing the action is a holder of common stock both at the time the
derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates. On November 20, 2014, we
amended our Amended and Restated By-Laws to provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of alternative
forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any shareholders' derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, (ii) any
action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other of our employees or our
shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the BCA, or (iv) any action asserting a claim
governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the High Court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in all cases subject to
the court's having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants.
Anti-takeover Provisions of our Charter Documents
Several provisions of our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws
may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a
hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our Board of Directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with
any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also
discourage, delay or prevent (1) the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or
otherwise, that a shareholder may consider in its best interest and (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
Business Combinations
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation include provisions which prohibit us from engaging in a
business combination with an interested shareholder for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the
person became an interested shareholder, unless:
·
prior to the date of the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the
Board approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming
an interested shareholder;
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·
·
·
upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder,
the interested shareholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time
the transaction commenced;
at or subsequent to the date of the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested
shareholder, the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special
meeting of shareholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not
owned by the interested shareholder; and
the shareholder became an interested shareholder prior to the consummation of the initial public offering.
Limited Actions by Shareholders
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated By-Laws provide that any
action required or permitted to be taken by our shareholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of shareholders or
by the unanimous written consent of our shareholders.
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated By-Laws provide that
only our Board of Directors may call special meetings of our shareholders and the business transacted at the special meeting is
limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Accordingly, a shareholder may be prevented from calling a special meeting for
shareholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of our Board of Directors and shareholder consideration of a
proposal may be delayed until the next annual meeting.
Blank Check Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, our Board of Directors has authority,
without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. Our
Board of Directors may issue shares of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control
of our company or the removal of our management.
Super-majority Required for Certain Amendments to Our By-Laws
On February 28, 2007, we amended our by-laws to require that amendments to certain provisions of our by-laws may
be made when approved by a vote of not less than 66 2/3% of the entire Board of Directors. These provisions that require not
less than 66 2/3% vote of our Board of Directors to be amended are provisions governing: the nature of business to be
transacted at our annual meetings of shareholders, the calling of special meetings by our Board of Directors, any amendment to
change the number of directors constituting our Board of Directors, the method by which our Board of Directors is elected, the
nomination procedures of our Board of Directors, removal of our Board of Directors and the filling of vacancies on our Board
of Directors.
Stockholders Rights Agreement
On September 14, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right, or a Right,
for each outstanding common share and adopted a shareholder rights plan, as set forth in the Stockholders Rights Agreement
dated as of September 22, 2016, or the Rights Agreement, by and between us and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (now
taken over by our new transfer agent, AST), as rights agent.
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The Board adopted the Rights Agreement to protect shareholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics.
In general terms, it works by imposing a significant penalty upon any person or group that acquires 15% or more of our
outstanding common shares without the approval of our Board of Directors. If a shareholder's beneficial ownership of our
common shares as of the time of the public announcement of the rights plan and associated dividend declaration is at or above
the applicable threshold, that shareholder's then-existing ownership percentage would be grandfathered, but the rights would
become exercisable if at any time after such announcement, the shareholder increases its ownership percentage by 1% or more.
The Rights may have anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause substantial dilution to any person or group that
attempts to acquire us without the approval of our Board of Directors. As a result, the overall effect of the Rights may be to
render more difficult or discourage any attempt to acquire us. Because our Board of Directors can approve a redemption of the
Rights for a permitted offer, the Rights should not interfere with a merger or other business combination approved by our
Board.
For those interested in the specific terms of the Rights Agreement, we provide the following summary description.
Please note, however, that this description is only a summary, and is not complete, and should be read together with the entire
Rights Agreement, which is an exhibit to the Form 8-A filed by us on September 22, 2016 and incorporated herein by
reference. The foregoing description of the Rights Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to such exhibit.
The Rights. The Rights trade with, and are inseparable from, our common shares. The Rights are evidenced only by
certificates that represent our common shares. New Rights will accompany any new of our common shares issued after October
5, 2016 until the Distribution Date described below.
Exercise Price. Each Right allows its holder to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of Series A
Participating Preferred Stock, or a Series A Preferred Share, for $50.00, or the Exercise Price, once the Rights become
exercisable. This portion of a Series A Preferred Share will give the shareholder approximately the same dividend, voting and
liquidation rights as would one common share. Prior to exercise, the Right does not give its holder any dividend, voting, or
liquidation rights.
Exercisability. The Rights are not exercisable until ten days after the public announcement that a person or group has
become an "Acquiring Person" by obtaining beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our outstanding common shares.
Certain synthetic interests in securities created by derivative positions—whether or not such interests are considered
to be ownership of the underlying common shares or are reportable for purposes of Regulation 13D of the Exchange Act—are
treated as beneficial ownership of the number of our common shares equivalent to the economic exposure created by the
derivative position, to the extent our actual common shares are directly or indirectly held by counterparties to the derivatives
contracts. Swaps dealers unassociated with any control intent or intent to evade the purposes of the Rights Agreement are
excepted from such imputed beneficial ownership.
For persons who, prior to the time of public announcement of the Rights Agreement, beneficially own 15% or more of
our outstanding common shares, the Rights Agreement "grandfathers" their current level of ownership, so long as they do not
purchase additional shares in excess of certain limitations.
The date when the Rights become exercisable is the "Distribution Date." Until that date, our common share
certificates (or, in the case of uncertificated shares, by notations in the book-entry account system) will also evidence the
Rights, and any transfer of our common shares will constitute a transfer of Rights. After that date, the Rights will separate from
our common shares and will be evidenced by book-entry credits or by Rights certificates that we will mail to all eligible
holders of our common shares. Any Rights held by an Acquiring Person are null and void and may not be exercised.
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Series A Preferred Share Provisions
Each one one-thousandth of a Series A Preferred Share, if issued, will, among other things:
·
·
·
not be redeemable;
entitle holders to quarterly dividend payments in an amount per share equal to the aggregate per share
amount of all cash dividends, and the aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends
or other distributions other than a dividend payable in our common shares or a subdivision of the our
outstanding common shares (by reclassification or otherwise), declared on our common shares since the
immediately preceding quarterly dividend payment date; and
entitle holders to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders.
The value of one one-thousandth interest in a Series A Preferred Share should approximate the value of one common share.
Consequences of a Person or Group Becoming an Acquiring Person.
·
Flip In. If an Acquiring Person obtains beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our common shares, then
each Right will entitle the holder thereof to purchase, for the Exercise Price, a number of our common shares
(or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other of our securities) having a then-current market value of
twice the Exercise Price. However, the Rights are not exercisable following the occurrence of the foregoing
event until such time as the Rights are no longer redeemable by us, as further described below.
Following the occurrence of an event set forth in preceding paragraph, all Rights that are or, under certain
circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement, were beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person or certain of its transferees
will be null and void.
·
·
Flip Over. If, after an Acquiring Person obtains 15% or more of our common shares, (i) we merge into
another entity; (ii) an acquiring entity merges into us; or (iii) we sell or transfer 50% or more of its assets,
cash flow or earning power, then each Right (except for Rights that have previously been voided as set forth
above) will entitle the holder thereof to purchase, for the Exercise Price, a number of our common shares of
the person engaging in the transaction having a then-current market value of twice the Exercise Price.
Notional Shares. Shares held by affiliates and associates of an Acquiring Person, including certain entities in
which the Acquiring Person beneficially owns a majority of the equity securities, and Notional Common
Shares (as defined in the Rights Agreement) held by counterparties to a Derivatives Contract (as defined in
the Rights Agreement) with an Acquiring Person, will be deemed to be beneficially owned by the Acquiring
Person.
Redemption. Our Board of Directors may redeem the Rights for $0.01 per Right at any time before any person or
group becomes an Acquiring Person. If our Board of Directors redeems any Rights, it must redeem all of the Rights. Once the
Rights are redeemed, the only right of the holders of the Rights will be to receive the redemption price of $0.01 per Right. The
redemption price will be adjusted if we have a stock dividend or a stock split.
Exchange. After a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, but before an Acquiring Person owns 50% or more
of our outstanding common shares, the Board may extinguish the Rights by exchanging one common share or an equivalent
security for each Right, other than Rights held by the Acquiring Person. In certain circumstances, we may elect to exchange the
Rights for cash or other of our securities having a value approximately equal to one common share.
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Expiration. The Rights expire on the earliest of (i) September 22, 2026; or (ii) the redemption or exchange of the
Rights as described above.
Anti-Dilution Provisions. The Board may adjust the purchase price of the Series A Preferred Shares, the number of
Series A Preferred Shares issuable and the number of outstanding Rights to prevent dilution that may occur from a stock
dividend, a stock split, or a reclassification of the Series A Preferred Shares or our common shares. No adjustments to the
Exercise Price of less than 1% will be made.
Amendments. The terms of the Rights and the Rights Agreement may be amended in any respect without the consent
of the holders of the Rights on or prior to the Distribution Date. Thereafter, the terms of the Rights and the Rights Agreement
may be amended without the consent of the holders of Rights, with certain exceptions, in order to (i) cure any ambiguities; (ii)
correct or supplement any provision contained in the Rights Agreement that may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provision therein; (iii) shorten or lengthen any time period pursuant to the Rights Agreement; or (iv) make changes that do not
adversely affect the interests of holders of the Rights (other than an Acquiring Person or an affiliate or associate of an
Acquiring Person).
Taxes. The distribution of Rights should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. However, following an event
that renders the Rights exercisable or upon redemption of the Rights, shareholders may recognize taxable income.
2014 Warrants
Our 2014 Warrants contain certain anti-dilution provisions, which were triggered as a result of the reverse stock split,
Series B Transaction, the Equity Line Offering, Series C Transaction, First Purchase Agreement, Second Purchase Agreement
and Amended Family Trading Credit Facility. As of March 26, 2019, the exercise price of our outstanding 2014 Warrants was
$0.70 per warrant and each warrant could buy 3.56 common shares. Also, each warrant holder could, in its sole discretion,
replace the fixed exercise price with a variable exercise price currently 75% of the lowest daily VWAP of our common shares
over the 21 consecutive trading days expiring on the trading day immediately prior to the date of delivery of an exercise notice
(but in no event can this variable exercise price be less than $0.25) and buy a proportionate number of common shares based on
the variable price in effect on the date of exercise. If using the aforementioned variable exercise price, as of March 26, 2019,
each 2014 Warrant has an exercise price of $0.61 and entitles its holder to purchase 4.09 common shares, as may be further
adjusted. As of March 26, 2019, an aggregate 3,353,611 2014 Warrants have been exercised for a total issuance of 219,251
common shares.
C.
Material Contracts
We refer you to "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt
Facilities," "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Operating Leases,"
"Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources— Financing Commitments under
Sale and Leaseback Arrangements," and "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party
Transactions" for a discussion of our material agreements that we have entered into outside the ordinary course of our business.
Other than these contracts, we have no other material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary
course of business, to which we are a party.
D
Exchange controls
The Marshall Islands impose no exchange controls on non-resident corporations.
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E.
Taxation
The following is a discussion of the material Marshall Islands and U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to a
U.S. Holder and a Non-U.S. Holder, each as defined below, with respect to the common stock. This discussion does not purport
to deal with the tax consequences of owning common stock to all categories of investors, some of which, such as financial
institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies,
persons holding our common stock as part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle,
traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, persons liable for
alternative minimum tax, dealers in securities or currencies, U.S. Holders, as defined below, whose functional currency is not
the U.S. dollar, persons required to recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is
included on an "applicable financial statement" and investors that own, actually or under applicable constructive ownership
rules, 10% or more of our common stock, may be subject to special rules. This discussion deals only with holders who own
hold the common stock as a capital asset. You are encouraged to consult your own tax advisors concerning the overall tax
consequences arising in your own particular situation under U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. law of the ownership of
common stock.
Marshall Islands Tax Consequences
We are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Under current Marshall Islands law, we are not subject to
tax on income or capital gains, and no Marshall Islands withholding tax will be imposed upon payments of dividends by us to
our shareholders.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following are the material United States federal income tax consequences to us of our activities and to U.S.
Holders and non-U.S. Holders, each as defined below, of our common stock. The following discussion of U.S. federal income
tax matters is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), judicial decisions, administrative
pronouncements, and existing and proposed regulations issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the "Treasury
Regulations"), all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion below is based, in part, on the
description of our business in "Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview." above and assumes that we
conduct our business as described in that section. Except as otherwise noted, this discussion is based on the assumption that we
will not maintain an office or other fixed place of business within the United States. References in the following discussion to
"we" and "us" are to TOP Ships Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Our Company
Taxation of Operating Income: In General
Unless exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under the rules discussed below, a foreign corporation is subject to
U.S. federal income taxation in respect of any income that is derived from the use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of
vessels for use on a time, voyage or bareboat charter basis, from the participation in a pool, partnership, strategic alliance, joint
operating agreement, cost sharing arrangements or other joint venture it directly or indirectly owns or participates in that
generates such income, or from the performance of services directly related to those uses, which we refer to as "shipping
income," to the extent that the shipping income is derived from sources within the United States. For these purposes, 50% of
shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United
States constitutes income from sources within the United States, which we refer to as "U.S.-source shipping income."
Shipping income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States is considered to be 100%
from sources within the United States. We are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that produces income which is
considered to be 100% from sources within the United States.
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Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. ports will be considered to be 100%
derived from sources outside the United States. Shipping income derived from sources outside the United States will not be
subject to any U.S. federal income tax.
In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code, our gross U.S.-source shipping income would be
subject to a 4% tax imposed without allowance for deductions as described below.
Exemption of Operating Income from U.S. Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 of the Code and the regulations thereunder, we will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax on our
U.S.-source shipping income if:
(1)
we are organized in a foreign country, or our country of organization, that grants an "equivalent exemption"
to corporations organized in the United States; and
(2)
either
A.
B.
more than 50% of the value of our stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are
"residents" of our country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an "equivalent
exemption" to corporations organized in the United States (each such individual a "qualified
shareholder" and such individuals collectively, "qualified shareholders"), which we refer to as the
"50% Ownership Test," or
our stock is "primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market" in our country of
organization, in another country that grants an "equivalent exemption" to U.S. corporations, or in the
United States, which we refer to as the "Publicly-Traded Test."
The Marshall Islands and Liberia, the jurisdictions where we and our ship-owning subsidiaries are incorporated, each
grant an "equivalent exemption" to U.S. corporations. Therefore, we will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax with respect
to our U.S.-source shipping income if either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test is met.
Based on information provided in Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings with the SEC and ownership certificates
that we obtained from certain of our shareholders, we believe that we meet the Publicly Traded Test for the taxable year 2018
and intend to take this position on our U.S. federal income tax return or the 2018 year. A, as discussed below, this is a factual
determination made on an annual basis, and no assurance can be given that we will satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test in future
taxable years. We do not currently anticipate circumstances under which we would be able to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test.
Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be "primarily
traded" on an established securities market if the number of shares of each class of stock that are traded during any taxable year
on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in each such class that are traded during that
year on established securities markets in any other single country. Our common stock, which is our sole class of issued and
outstanding stock, is and we anticipate will continue to be "primarily traded" on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Under the Treasury Regulations, our common stock will be considered to be "regularly traded" on an established
securities market if one or more classes of our stock representing more than 50% of our outstanding shares, by total combined
voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and total value, is listed on the market, which we refer to as the "listing
threshold." Since our common stock, our sole class of issued and outstanding stock, is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, we
will satisfy the listing threshold.
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It is further required that with respect to each class of stock relied upon to meet the listing threshold, (i) such class of
stock be traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or one-sixth of the
days in a short taxable year, which we refer to as the "trading frequency test"; and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of such
class of stock traded on such market is at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of stock outstanding during
such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year, which we refer to as the "trading volume test." We
believe we will satisfy the trading frequency and trading volume tests. Even if this were not the case, the Treasury Regulations
provide that the trading frequency and trading volume tests will be deemed satisfied if, as is the case with our common stock,
such class of stock is traded on an established securities market in the United States and such stock is regularly quoted by
dealers making a market in such stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that a class of our stock will not be
considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities market for any taxable year if 50% or more of the vote and
value of the outstanding shares of such class of stock are owned, actually or constructively under specified stock attribution
rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of the vote and value of the
outstanding shares of such class of stock, which we refer to as the "5% Override Rule."
For purposes of being able to determine the persons who own 5% or more of our stock, or "5% Shareholders," the
Treasury Regulations permit us to rely on those persons that are identified on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the
SEC, as having a 5% or more beneficial interest in our common stock. The Treasury Regulations further provide that an
investment company identified on a SEC Schedule 13G or Schedule 13D filing which is registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, will not be treated as a 5% Shareholder for such purposes.
In the event the 5% Override Rule is triggered, the Treasury Regulations provide that the 5% Override Rule will not
apply if we can establish that among the closely-held group of 5% Shareholders, there are sufficient 5% Shareholders that are
considered to be qualified shareholders for purposes of Section 883 of the Code to preclude non-qualified 5% Shareholders in
the closely-held group from owning 50% or more of each class of our stock for more than half the number of days during such
year. To establish and substantiate this exception to the 5% Override Rule, our 5% Shareholders who are qualified shareholders
for purposes of Section 883 of the Code must comply with ownership certification procedures attesting that they are residents
of qualifying jurisdictions, and each intermediary or other person in the chain of ownership between us and such 5%
Shareholder must undertake similar compliance procedures.
For the 2018 taxable year, we believe that the 5% Override Rule was not triggered as less than 50% or more of the
vote and value of our common stock was owned by 5% Shareholders on more than half of the days during the taxable year.
Therefore, we intend to take the position for U.S. federal income tax reporting purposes that we are not subject to U.S. federal
income taxation for the 2018 taxable year because more than 50% of our stock was not owned by non-qualified shareholders
that each held 5% or more of our stock. However, due to the factual nature of the issues, we may not qualify for the benefits of
Section 883 of the Code for any future taxable year
Taxation in the Absence of Exemption under Section 883 of the Code
To the extent the benefits of Section 883 of the Code are unavailable, our U.S.-source shipping income, to the extent
not considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, as described below, would be subject
to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of deductions, which we refer to as the
"4% gross basis tax regime." Since under the sourcing rules described above, no more than 50% of our shipping income would
be treated as being derived from U.S. sources, the maximum effective rate of U.S. federal income tax on our shipping income
would never exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax regime.
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To the extent the benefits of the exemption under Section 883 of the Code are unavailable and our U.S.-source
shipping income is considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, as described below,
any such "effectively connected" U.S.-source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to the U.S.
federal corporate income tax imposed at a rate of 21%. In addition, we may be subject to the 30% "branch profits" tax on
earnings effectively connected with the conduct of such U.S. trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain
adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid attributable to the conduct of such U.S. trade or business.
Our U.S.-source shipping income would be considered "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or
business only if:
·
·
We have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of
shipping income; and
substantially all of our U.S.-source shipping income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation, such
as the operation of a vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals
between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States.
We do not currently have, nor intend to have or permit circumstances that would result in having, any vessel operating
to the United States on a regularly scheduled basis. Based on the foregoing and on the expected mode of our shipping
operations and other activities, we believe that none of our U.S.-source shipping income will be "effectively connected" with
the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
U.S. Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels
Regardless of whether we qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code, we will not be subject to U.S. federal
income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the
United States under U.S. federal income tax principles. In general, a sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the
United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside of the
United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us will be considered to occur outside of the United States.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of our common stock that
·
·
·
is a U.S. citizen or resident, U.S. corporation or other U.S. entity taxable as a corporation, an estate the
income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if a court within
the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over the administration of the trust and one or more
U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust;
owns the common stock as a capital asset, generally, for investment purposes; and
owns less than 10% of our common stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If a partnership holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner of such partnership will generally depend upon
the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our common
stock, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor.
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Distributions
Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies, or PFIC, below, any distributions made by us with
respect to our common stock to a U.S. Holder will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated
earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of such earnings and
profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in his common stock on a
dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain. Because we are not a U.S. corporation, U.S. Holders that are corporations
will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from us. Dividends
paid with respect to our common stock will generally be treated as "passive category income" for purposes of computing
allowable foreign tax credits for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.
Dividends paid on our common stock to a U.S. Holder who is an individual, trust or estate (a "U.S. Non-Corporate
Holder") will generally be treated as "qualified dividend income" that is taxable to such U.S. Non-Corporate Holder at
preferential tax rates provided that (1) the common stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United
States (such as the Nasdaq Capital Market on which our common stock is traded); (2) we are not a PFIC for the taxable year
during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (as discussed in more detail below); (3) the U.S.
Non-Corporate Holder has owned the common stock for more than 60 days in the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the
date on which the common stock becomes ex-dividend; and (4) the U.S. Non-Corporate Holder is not under an obligation to
make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property.
We believe that we were not a PFIC for our 2014 through 2018 taxable years, and we do not expect to be a PFIC for
subsequent taxable years. If we were treated as a PFIC for our 2018 taxable year, any dividends paid by us during 2018 and
2019 will not be treated as "qualified dividend income" in the hands of a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder. Any dividends we pay
which are not eligible for the preferential rates applicable to "qualified dividend income" will be taxed as ordinary income to a
U.S. Non-Corporate Holder.
Special rules may apply to any "extraordinary dividend," generally, a dividend paid by us in an amount which is equal
to or in excess of 10% of a shareholder's adjusted tax basis in a common share. If we pay an "extraordinary dividend" on our
common stock that is treated as "qualified dividend income," then any loss derived by a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder from the
sale or exchange of such common stock will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of such dividend.
Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Common Stock
Subject to the discussion of our status as a PFIC below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss
upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount
realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder's tax basis in such stock. Such
gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period is greater than one year at the
time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Such capital gain or loss will generally be treated as U.S.-source income or loss,
as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain
limitations.
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3.8% Tax on Net Investment Income
A U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or, in certain cases, a trust, will generally be subject to a 3.8% tax on the
lesser of (1) the U.S. Holder's net investment income for the taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. Holder's modified
adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals is between $125,000 and
$250,000). A U.S. Holder's net investment income will generally include distributions made by us which constitute a dividend
for U.S. federal income tax purposes and gain realized from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock. This
tax is in addition to any income taxes due on such investment income.
If you are a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisors regarding
the applicability of the 3.8% tax on net investment income to the ownership and disposition of our common stock.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences
Special U.S. federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that holds stock in a foreign corporation classified as a
PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any
taxable year in which such holder held our common stock, either
·
·
at least 75% of our gross income for such taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest,
capital gains and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business); or
at least 50% of the average value of the assets held by the corporation during such taxable year produce, or
are held for the production of, passive income.
For purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as earning and owning our proportionate share
of the income and assets, respectively, of any of our subsidiary corporations in which we own at least 25% of the value of the
subsidiary's stock. Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with the performance of services would not
constitute "passive income" for these purposes. By contrast, rental income would generally constitute "passive income" unless
we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business.
In general, income derived from the bareboat charter of a vessel will be treated as "passive income" for purposes of
determining whether we are a PFIC and such vessel will be treated as an asset which produces or is held for the production of
"passive income." On the other hand, income derived from the time charter of a vessel should not be treated as "passive
income" for such purpose, but rather should be treated as services income; likewise, a time chartered vessel should generally
not be treated as an asset which produces or is held for the production of "passive income."
We believe that we were a PFIC for our 2013 taxable year because we believe that at least 50% of the average value of
our assets consisted of vessels which were bareboat chartered and at least 75% of our gross income was derived from vessels
on bareboat charter.
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We believe that we were not a PFIC for our 2014 through 2018 taxable years because we had no bareboat chartered
vessels and consequently no gross income from vessels on bareboat charter. Furthermore, based on our current assets and
activities, we do not believe that we will be a PFIC for the subsequent taxable years. Although there is no legal authority
directly on point, and we are not relying upon an opinion of counsel on this issue, our belief is based principally on the position
that, for purposes of determining whether we are a passive foreign investment company, the gross income we derive or are
deemed to derive from the time chartering and voyage chartering activities of our wholly-owned subsidiaries should constitute
services income, rather than rental income. Correspondingly, such income should not constitute passive income, and the assets
that we or our wholly-owned subsidiaries own and operate in connection with the production of such income, in particular, the
vessels, should not constitute passive assets for purposes of determining whether we were a passive foreign investment
company. We believe there is substantial legal authority supporting our position consisting of case law and IRS
pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income
for other tax purposes. However, in the absence of any legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing
passive foreign investment companies, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. In addition, although we intend to
conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a passive foreign investment company with respect to any taxable
year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder will be treated as owning his proportionate share of the stock of
any of our subsidiaries which is a PFIC. The PFIC rules discussed below will apply on a company-by-company basis with
respect to us and each of our subsidiaries which is treated as a PFIC.
As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would be
subject to different U.S. federal income taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a
"Qualified Electing Fund," which election is referred to as a "QEF Election." As discussed below, as an alternative to making a
QEF Election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our common stock, which
election is referred to as a "Mark-to-Market Election". A U.S. Holder holding PFIC shares that does not make either a "QEF
Election" or "Mark-to-Market Election" will be subject to the Default PFIC Regime, as defined and discussed below in
"Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders—Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or "Mark-to-
Market" Election."
If we were to be treated as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would be required to file, with respect to taxable years ending on or
after December 31, 2013, IRS Form 8621 to report certain information regarding us.
A U.S. Holder who held our common stock during any period in which we were treated as a PFIC and who
neither made a QEF Election nor a Mark-to-Market Election may continue to be subject to the Default PFIC Regime,
notwithstanding that we are no longer a PFIC. If you are a U.S. Holder who held our common shares during any period
in which we were a PFIC but failed to make either of the foregoing elections, you are strongly encouraged to consult
your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of holding our common stock in periods in
which we are no longer a PFIC.
The QEF Election
If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF Election, which U.S. Holder we refer to as an "Electing Holder," the Electing
Holder must report each year for United States federal income tax purposes his pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and our
net capital gain, if any, for our taxable year that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder, regardless of
whether or not distributions were made by us to the Electing Holder. The Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common
stock will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that had
been previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the adjusted tax basis in the common stock and will not be
taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder would generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other
disposition of our common stock. A U.S. Holder would make a QEF Election with respect to any year that our company is a
PFIC by filing one copy of IRS Form 8621 with his United States federal income tax return and a second copy in accordance
with the instructions to such form. It should be noted that if any of our subsidiaries is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder must make a separate QEF Election with respect to each such subsidiary.
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Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a "Mark-to-Market" Election
Making the Election. Alternatively, if, as is anticipated, our common stock is treated as "marketable stock," a U.S.
Holder would be allowed to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the common stock, provided the U.S. Holder
completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. The
common stock will be treated as "marketable stock" for this purpose if it is "regularly traded" on a "qualified exchange or other
market." The common stock will be "regularly traded" on a qualified exchange or other market for any calendar year during
which it is traded (other than in de minimis quantities) on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. A "qualified exchange
or other market" means either a U.S. national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC, the Nasdaq Capital Market,
or a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market
is located and which satisfies certain regulatory and other requirements. We believe that the Nasdaq Capital Market should be
treated as a "qualified exchange or other market" for this purpose. However, it should be noted that a separate Mark-to-Market
Election would need to be made with respect to each of our subsidiaries which is treated as a PFIC. The stock of these
subsidiaries is not expected to be "marketable stock." Therefore, a "mark-to-market" election is not expected to be available
with respect to these subsidiaries.
Current Taxation and Dividends. If the Mark-to-Market Election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as
ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common stock at the end of the taxable
year over such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common stock The U.S. Holder would also be permitted an ordinary loss
in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in its common stock over its fair market value at the end
of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the Mark-to-Market
Election. Any income inclusion or loss under the preceding rules should be treated as gain or loss from the sale of common
stock for purposes of determining the source of the income or loss. Accordingly, any such gain or loss generally should be
treated as U.S.-source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in his common
stock would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amount. Distributions by us to a U.S. Holder who has made a
Mark-to-Market Election generally will be treated as discussed above under "Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S.
Holders—Distributions."
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition. Gain realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the
common stock would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other
disposition of the common stock would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-
market gains previously included in income by the U.S. Holder. Any loss in excess of such previous inclusions would be
treated as a capital loss by the U.S. Holder. A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
Any such gain or loss generally should be treated as U.S.-source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or "Mark-to-Market" Election
Finally, a U.S. Holder who does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to any
taxable year in which we are treated as a PFIC, or a U.S. Holder whose QEF Election is invalidated or terminated, or a Non-
Electing Holder, would be subject to special rules, or the Default PFIC Regime, with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e.,
the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on the common stock in a taxable year in excess of 125%
of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the
Non-Electing Holder's holding period for the common stock), and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or
other disposition of the common stock.
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Under the Default PFIC Regime:
·
·
·
the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder's aggregate holding
period for the common stock;
the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year before we became a PFIC would be
taxed as ordinary income; and
the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in
effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed tax deferral
benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.
Any distributions other than "excess distributions" by us to a Non-Electing Holder will be treated as discussed above
under "Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders—Distributions."
These penalties would not apply to a pension or profit sharing trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not
borrow funds or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of the common stock. If a Non-Electing Holder
who is an individual dies while owning the common stock, such Non-Electing Holder's successor generally would not receive a
step-up in tax basis with respect to the common stock.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of "Non-U.S. Holders"
A beneficial owner of our common stock (other than a partnership) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to herein as a
"Non-U.S. Holder."
Dividends on Common Stock
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on dividends received
from us with respect to our common stock, unless that income is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by
the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States. If the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a U.S. income tax treaty with
respect to those dividends, that income is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-
U.S. Holder in the United States.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Stock
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized
upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock, unless:
·
·
the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United
States. If the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a U.S. income tax treaty with respect to that gain,
that gain is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder
in the United States; or
the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the
taxable year of disposition and other conditions are met.
If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the income from
the common stock, including dividends and the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the stock that is effectively
connected with the conduct of that trade or business will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the same manner as
discussed in the previous section relating to the taxation of U.S. Holders. In addition, in the case of a corporate Non-U.S.
Holder, the earnings and profits of such Non-U.S. Holder that are attributable to effectively connected income, subject to
certain adjustments, may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, or at a lower rate as may be specified
by an applicable U.S. income tax treaty.
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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, dividend payments, or other taxable distributions, made within the United States to you will be subject to
information reporting requirements. In addition, such payments will be subject to backup withholding tax if you are a non-
corporate U.S. Holder and you:
·
·
·
fail to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;
are notified by the IRS that you have failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on your
U.S. federal income tax returns; or
in certain circumstances, fail to comply with applicable certification requirements.
Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding
by certifying their status on an applicable IRS Form W-8.
If you sell your common stock to or through a U.S. office of a broker, the payment of the proceeds is subject to both
U.S. backup withholding and information reporting unless you certify that you are a non-U.S. person, under penalties of
perjury, or you otherwise establish an exemption. If you sell your common stock through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S.
broker and the sales proceeds are paid to you outside the United States, then information reporting and backup withholding
generally will not apply to that payment. However, U.S. information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, will
apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made to you outside the United States, if you sell your common
stock through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is a U.S. person or has some other contacts with the United States. Backup
withholding tax is not an additional tax. Rather, you generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under backup
withholding rules that exceed your U.S. federal income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.
Individuals who are U.S. Holders (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury Regulations, certain individuals
who are Non-U.S. Holders and certain U.S. entities) who hold "specified foreign financial assets" (as defined in Section 6038D
of the Code) are required to file IRS Form 8938 with information relating to the asset for each taxable year in which the
aggregate value of all such assets exceeds $75,000 at any time during the taxable year or $50,000 on the last day of the taxable
year (or such higher dollar amount as prescribed by applicable Treasury Regulations). Specified foreign financial assets would
include, among other assets, our common shares, unless the shares are held through an account maintained with a U.S.
financial institution. Substantial penalties apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to be
due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Additionally, in the event an individual U.S. Holder (and to the extent
specified in applicable Treasury regulations, an individual Non-U.S. Holder or a U.S. entity) that is required to file IRS Form
8938 does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such
holder for the related tax year may not close until three years after the date that the required information is filed. U.S. Holders
(including U.S. entities) and Non-U.S. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their reporting
obligations under this legislation.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G.
Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
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H.
Documents on Display
We file annual reports and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public at the web site
maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, as well as on our website at http://www.topships.org.
I.
Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our Risk Management Policy
Our primary market risks relate to adverse movements in freight rates in the product tanker market. Our policy is to
continuously monitor our exposure to other business risks, including the impact of changes in interest rates, currency rates, and
bunker prices on earnings and cash flows. We assess these risks and, when appropriate, enter into derivative contracts with
credit-worthy counterparties to minimize our exposure to the risks. With regard to bunker prices, as our employment policy for
our vessels has been and is expected to continue to be with a high percentage of our fleet on period employment, we are not
directly exposed with respect to those vessels to increases in bunker fuel prices, as these are the responsibility of the charterer
under period charter arrangements.
Interest Rate Risk
As of the date of this report we are exposed to interest rate risk in relation to our floating rate indebtedness (See "Item
18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt"). We may be subject to additional market risks relating to changes in interest rates
when we take on additional indebtedness. In order to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates due to this floating rate
indebtedness, we enter into interest rate swap agreements. Set forth below is a table of our interest rate swap arrangements as
of December 31, 2018 (in thousands of U.S. dollars).
SWAP
Number
(Nr)
1
2
3
4
5
Counterparty
ABN Amro
ABN Amro
ABN Amro
NORD/LB Bank
Alpha Bank
Total
Notional
amount
as of
December
31, 2018
Start Date
End Date
Fixed Rate
Payable
April 13, 2018
15,663
16,575 December 21, 2016
15,050 December 21, 2016
18,071
20,700
86,059
May 17, 2017
March 29, 2018
July 13, 2021
January 13, 2022
August 10, 2022
May 17, 2023
February 25, 2025
1.4425%
2.0800%
2.1250%
2.1900%
2.9700%
Fair Value
– Liability
as of
December
31, 2018
459
231
205
259
(359)
795
Under all above swap transactions, each bank effects quarterly floating-rate payments to us for the relevant amount
based on the three-month USD LIBOR, and we effect quarterly payments to each bank on the relevant amount at the respective
fixed rates.
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As of December 31, 2018, our total indebtedness excluding unamortized financing fees and debt discounts was $152.3
million, of which $86.1 million was covered by the interest rate swap agreements described above and $24.7 million refers to
the Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility the interest rate of which does not fluctuate. As set forth in the
above table, as of December 31, 2018, we paid fixed rates ranging from 1.4425% to 2.9700% and received floating rates on the
SWAPs that are based on three month LIBOR. As of December 31, 2018, our interest rate swap agreements are, on an average
basis, below the prevailing three month LIBOR rates over which our loans are priced. Accordingly, the effect of these interest
rate swap agreements in the year ended December 31, 2018 has been to increase our gains on financial instruments.
Based on the amount of our outstanding indebtedness, not covered by interest rate swaps, as of December 31, 2018, a
hypothetical one percentage point increase in the three month U.S. dollar LIBOR would increase our interest rate expense for
2019, on an annualized basis, by approximately $0.4 million. Based on the amount of our outstanding indebtedness, not
covered by interest rate swaps, as of December 31, 2017, a hypothetical one percentage point increase in the three month U.S.
dollar LIBOR would have increased our interest rate expense for 2018, on an annualized basis, by approximately $0.2 million.
Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuation
We generate all of our revenues in U.S. dollars but incur certain expenses in currencies other than U.S. dollars, mainly
the Euro. During 2018, approximately 96.5% of our expenses were in U.S. Dollars, 3.1% were in Euro and approximately
0.4% were in other currencies than the U.S. dollar or Euro. For accounting purposes, expenses incurred in other currencies are
converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of each transaction. We have not hedged currency
exchange risks associated with our expenses and our operating results could be adversely affected as a result. We constantly
monitor the U.S. dollar exchange rate and we try to achieve the most favorable exchange rates from the financial institutions
we work with.
Based on our total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018, and using as an average exchange rate of
$1.1784 to €1, a 5% decrease in the exchange rate to $1.1195 to €1 would result in an expense saving of approximately $0.08
million. Based on our total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017, and using as an average exchange rate of $1.1295
to €1, a 5% decrease in the exchange rate to $1.0730 to €1 would have resulted in an expense saving of approximately $0.06
million.
ITEM 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not Applicable.
PART II
ITEM 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries have been subject to a material default in the payment of principal, interest, a
sinking fund or purchase fund installment or any other material default that was not cured within 30 days.
ITEM 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF
PROCEEDS
On September 14, 2016, we have adopted a Stockholders Rights Agreement, pursuant to which each share of our
common stock includes one preferred stock purchase right that entitles the holder to purchase from us a unit consisting of one-
thousandth of a share of our Series A Participating Preferred Stock if any third-party seeks to acquire control of a substantial
block of our common stock without the approval of our Board of Directors. See "Item 10. Additional Information—B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association—Stockholders Rights Agreement" included in this annual report for a description of
our Stockholders Rights Agreement.
Please also see "Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association" for a description of
the rights of holders of our Series B and Series C Convertible Preferred Shares and Series D Preferred Shares relative to the
rights of holders of shares of our common stock.
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ITEM 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
a)
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial
Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules
13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as of December 31, 2018.
The term disclosure controls and procedures are defined under SEC rules as controls and other procedures of an issuer
that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer 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.
Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to
the issuer's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar
functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the
effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the
circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can
only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure
controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2018.
b)
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as
defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange
Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected
by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
·
·
·
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions
and dispositions of our assets;
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and
expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Company's management and
directors; and
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or
disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the
control system's objectives will be met. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of
achieving their objectives. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the
benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems,
no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all
control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within us have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that
judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can
also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override
of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future
events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future
conditions. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
Our management with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer assessed the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the criteria established in
Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. As a result of its assessment, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our internal
controls over financial reporting are effective as of December 31, 2018.
c)
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This annual report does not contain an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal
control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm
since under the SEC adopting release implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010,
companies that are non-accelerated filers are exempt from including auditor attestation reports in their Form 20-Fs.
d)
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this
annual report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
ITEM 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
We have established an audit committee composed of three independent members that are responsible for reviewing
our accounting controls and recommending to our Board of Directors the engagement of our outside auditors.
We do not believe it is necessary to have a financial expert, as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K, because our
Board of Directors has determined that the members of the audit committee have the financial experience and other relevant
experience necessary to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities of the audit committee.
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ITEM 16B.
CODE OF ETHICS
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Corporate Code of Business Ethics and Conduct that applies to all employees,
directors and officers, which complies with applicable guidelines issued by the SEC. The finalized Code of Ethics has been
approved by our Board of Directors and was distributed to all employees, directors and officers. We will also provide any
person a hard copy of our code of ethics free of charge upon written request. Shareholders may direct their requests to the
attention of Mr. Alexandros Tsirikos at our registered address and phone number.
ITEM 16C.
PRINCIPAL AUDITOR FEES AND SERVICES
Aggregate fees billed to us for the years ended December 2017 and 2018 represent fees billed by our principal
accounting firm, Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A., an independent registered public accounting firm and member of
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Limited. Audit fees represent compensation for professional services rendered for the audit of the
consolidated financial statements, fees for the review of interim financial information as well as in connection with the review
of registration statements and related consents and comfort letters and any other audit services required for SEC or other
regulatory filings. For 2017 and 2018, no other non-audit, tax or other fees were charged.
U.S. dollars in thousands,
Audit Fees
Year Ended
2017
2018
274.1
218.1
Our audit committee pre-approves all audit, audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be
performed by our independent auditors and associated fees prior to the engagement of the independent auditor with respect to
such services.
ITEM 16D.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16D.
PURCHASERS
Not applicable.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED
ITEM 16F.
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 16G.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We have certified to Nasdaq that our corporate governance practices are in compliance with, and are not prohibited by,
the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Therefore, we are exempt from many of Nasdaq's corporate governance
practices other than the submission of a listing agreement, notification to Nasdaq of non-compliance with Nasdaq corporate
governance practices, prohibition on disparate reduction or restriction of shareholder voting rights, and the establishment of an
audit committee satisfying Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(3) and ensuring that such audit committee's members meet the
independence requirement of Listing Rule 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii). The practices we follow in lieu of Nasdaq's corporate governance
rules applicable to U.S. domestic issuers are as follows:
·
Majority Independent Board. Nasdaq requires, among other things, that a listed company has a Board of
Directors comprised of a majority of independent directors. As permitted under Marshall Islands law, our
Board of Directors is comprised of four independent directors, one non-independent, non-executive director
and three executive directors.
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·
·
·
Audit Committee. Nasdaq requires, among other things, that a listed company has an audit committee with a
minimum of three independent members, at least one of whom meets certain standards of financial
sophistication. As permitted under Marshall Islands law, our audit committee consists of four independent
directors but we do not designate any one audit commit member as meeting the standards of financial
sophistication.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to hold regularly scheduled board meetings at which only
independent directors are present.
In lieu of obtaining shareholder approval prior to the issuance of designated securities, we will comply with
provisions of the BCA, which allows our Board of Directors to approve share issuances.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to solicit proxies or provide proxy statements to Nasdaq pursuant to
Nasdaq corporate governance rules or Marshall Islands law. Consistent with Marshall Islands law and as provided in our
bylaws, we will notify our shareholders of meetings between 15 and 60 days before the meeting. This notification will contain,
among other things, information regarding business to be transacted at the meeting. In addition, our bylaws provide that
shareholders must give us between 120 and 180 days advance notice to properly introduce any business at a meeting of
shareholders.
Other than as noted above, we are in compliance with all other Nasdaq corporate governance standards applicable to
U.S. domestic issuers.
ITEM 16H.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable.
PART III
ITEM 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See Item 18.
ITEM 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements beginning on page F-1 are filed as a part of this annual report.
ITEM 19.
EXHIBITS
Number
Description of Exhibits
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of TOP Ships Inc. (1)
Articles of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated April 17, 2014 (2)
Articles of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated February 15, 2016 (3)
Certificate of Correction to the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated February 14, 2017
(66)
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1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.10
1.11
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
Articles of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated May 10, 2017 (67)
Articles of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated June 22, 2017 (68)
Articles of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated August 2, 2017 (69)
Articles of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated October 5, 2017 (70)
Articles of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated March 23, 2018 (71)
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (4)
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated By-Laws (5)
Form of Share Certificate (6)
Form of Warrant Certificate (7)
Form of Warrant Agreement to Purchase Common Shares, dated June 11, 2014 (8)
Form of Representative's Warrant Agreement to Purchase Common Shares, dated June 11, 2014 (9)
Form of Warrant Agreement to Purchase Common Shares, dated October 24, 2018 (64)
Certificate of Designations of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series A Participating Preferred Stock of TOP
Ships Inc. (10)
Certificate of Designations of Rights, Preferences and Privileges of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of TOP
Ships Inc. (11)
Statement of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of TOP Ships Inc.
(12)
Statement of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series D Preferred Stock of TOP Ships Inc. (13)
TOP Ships Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (14)
Stockholders Rights Agreement with Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent as of September 22,
2016 (15)
Securities Purchase Agreement by and between the Company and YA II CD, Ltd., dated November 22, 2016 (16)
Registration Rights Agreement by and between the Company and YA II CD, Ltd., dated November 22, 2016 (17)
Employment Agreement between TOP Ships Inc. and Central Mare Inc. dated September 1, 2010, regarding
employment of Chief Technical Officer (72)
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4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14
4.15
4.16
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25
Employment Agreement between TOP Ships Inc. and Central Mare Inc. dated September 1, 2010, regarding
employment of Executive Vice-President and Chairman (73)
Employment Agreement between TOP Ships Inc. and Central Mare Inc. dated September 1, 2010, regarding
employment of President and Chief Executive Officer (74)
Employment Agreement between TOP Ships Inc. and Central Mare Inc. dated September 1, 2010, regarding
employment of Chief Financial Officer (75)
Letter Agreement with Central Shipping Monaco SAM, dated March 10, 2014 (18)
Form of Management Agreement with Central Shipping Monaco SAM (19)
Memorandum of Agreement dated December 30, 2014 with respect to the M/T Stenaweco Energy (20)
Call Option Agreement dated December 30, 2014 with respect to the M/T Stenaweco Energy (21)
Bareboat Charter dated December 30, 2014 with respect to the M/T Stenaweco Energy (22)
Memorandum of Agreement dated December 30, 2014 with respect to the M/T Stenaweco Evolution (23)
Call Option Agreement dated December 30, 2014 with respect to the M/T Stenaweco Evolution (24)
Bareboat Charter dated December 30, 2014 with respect to the M/T Stenaweco Evolution (25)
Secured Term Loan Facility dated July 9, 2015 between Monte Carlo 37 Shipping Company Limited, Monte Carlo
39 Shipping Company Limited and ABN Amro Bank N.V. (26)
Amending and Restating Agreement, dated September 28, 2015, to the Secured Term Loan Facility between
Monte Carlo 37 Shipping Company Limited, Monte Carlo 39 Shipping Company Limited, and ABN Amro Bank
N.V. (27)
Amending and Restating Agreement, dated August 1, 2016, to the Secured Term Loan Facility between Monte
Carlo 37 Shipping Company Limited, Monte Carlo 39 Shipping Company Limited, Monte Carlo Lax Shipping
Company Limited and ABN Amro Bank N.V. (28)
Supplemental Agreement, dated July 28, 2017, to the Secured Term Loan Facility between Monte Carlo 37
Shipping Company Limited, Monte Carlo 39 Shipping Company Limited, Monte Carlo Lax Shipping Company
Limited and ABN Amro Bank N.V. (76)
Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2015 between Family Trading Inc. and TOP Ships Inc. (29)
Amendment to the Letter Agreement dated December 23, 2015 between Family Trading Inc. and TOP Ships Inc.
(30)
Loan Agreement dated December 23, 2015 between Family Trading Inc. and TOP Ships Inc. (31)
Term Sheet dated April 4, 2016 between TOP Ships Inc. and Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (32)
Loan Agreement dated May 11, 2016 between Monte Carlo Seven Shipping Company and Norddeutsche
Landesbank Girozentrale (33)
4.26
Loan Agreement dated July 20, 2016 between Eco Seven Inc. and Alpha Bank A.E. (77)
116
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4.27
First Supplemental Agreement, dated August 1, 2017, relating to a Loan Agreement dated July 20, 2016, among
Alpha Bank A.E., Eco Seven Inc., Central Mare Inc. and TOP Ships Inc. (78)
4.28
Shipbuilding Contract relating to Hull No. S443, dated November 21, 2016, between City of Athens Inc. and
Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. (79)
4.29
4.30
4.31
4.32
4.33
4.34
4.35
4.36
4.37
4.38
4.39
4.40
4.41
4.42
4.43
4.44
4.45
Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated February 2, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Kalani Investments
Limited (34)
Amendment No. 1 to Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 17, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and
Kalani Investments Limited (35)
Amendment No. 2 to Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 27, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and
Kalani Investments Limited (36)
Amendment No. 3 to Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 4, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and
Kalani Investments Limited (37)
Amendment No. 4 to Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 27, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and
Kalani Investments Limited (38)
Note Purchase Agreement, dated February 6, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Kalani Investments Limited (39)
Unsecured Promissory Note of TOP Ships Inc., dated February 6, 2017 (40)
Form of securities purchase agreement between TOP Ships Inc. and a non-U.S. institutional investor (41)
Share Purchase Agreement, dated February 20, 2017, between Malibu Shipmanagement Co. and Style Maritime
Ltd. (42)
Addendum No. 1 to Share Purchase Agreement, dated March 30, 2017, between Malibu Shipmanagement Co.
and Style Maritime Ltd. (80)
Addendum No. 2 to Share Purchase Agreement, dated May 17, 2017, between Malibu Shipmanagement Co. and
Style Maritime Ltd. (81)
Addendum No. 3 to Share Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 2018, between Malibu Shipmanagement Co.
and Style Maritime Ltd. (82)
Shipbuilding Contract relating to Hull No. S444, dated February 20, 2017, between Eco Nine Inc. and Hyundai
Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. (83)
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated February 21, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Family Trading
Inc. (43)
Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 21, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Kalani Investments Limited (44)
Unsecured Promissory Note of TOP Ships Inc., dated March 22, 2017 (45)
Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 28, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Kalani Investments Limited (46)
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4.46
4.47
4.48
4.49
4.50
4.51
4.52
4.53
4.54
4.55
4.56
4.57
4.58
4.59
4.60
4.61
4.62
4.63
4.64
4.65
4.66
Unsecured Promissory Note of TOP Ships Inc., dated March 28, 2017 (47)
Share Purchase Agreement, dated March 30, 2017, between Fly Free Company and Lyndon International Co. (84)
Addendum No. 1 to Share Purchase Agreement, dated June 14, 2017, between Fly Free Company and Lyndon
International Co. (85)
Share Purchase Agreement, dated March 30, 2017, between Maxima International Co. and Gramos Shipping
Company Inc. (86)
Addendum No. 1 to Share Purchase Agreement, dated June 14, 2017, between Maxima International Co. and
Gramos Shipping Company Inc. (87)
Note Purchase Agreement, dated April 5, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Kalani Investments Limited (48)
Unsecured Promissory Note of TOP Ships Inc., dated April 5, 2017 (49)
Shipbuilding Contract relating to Hull No. 2648, dated April 20, 2017, between Astarte International Inc. and
Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. (88)
Note Purchase Agreement, dated May 15, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Xanthe Holdings Ltd (50)
Unsecured Promissory Note of TOP Ships Inc., dated May 15, 2017 (51)
Joint Venture Agreement, dated July 7, 2017, between Lyndon International Co. and Just-C Limited (89)
Joint Venture Agreement, dated July 7, 2017, between Gramos Shipping Company Inc. and Just-C Limited (90)
Unsecured Promissory Note of TOP Ships Inc., dated September 15, 2017 (52)
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated May 8, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Tankers Family Inc (53)
Facility Agreement, dated September 5, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc., Astarte International Inc. and Amsterdam
Trade Bank N.V. for up to $23,500,000 Loan Facility (91)
Facility Agreement, dated September 5, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc., Astarte International Inc. and Amsterdam
Trade Bank N.V. for up to $8,993,100 Loan Facility (92)
Shipbuilding Contract relating to Hull No. 8218, dated October 31, 2017, between PCH77 Shipping Company
Limited and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. (93)
Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 7, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Crede CG III, Ltd.
(54)
Note Purchase Agreement, dated November 13, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Crede Capital Group LLC (55)
Unsecured Promissory Note of TOP Ships Inc., dated November 13, 2017 (56)
Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 11, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Crede CG III, Ltd.
(57)
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4.67
4.68
4.69
4.70
4.71
4.72
4.73
4.74
4.75
4.76
4.77
4.78
4.79
4.80
4.81
4.82
4.83
4.84
4.85
4.86
4.87
4.88
Note Purchase Agreement, dated December 14, 2017, between TOP Ships Inc. and Crede Capital Group LLC (58)
Unsecured Promissory Note of TOP Ships Inc., dated December 14, 2017 (59)
Amendment, dated January 5, 2018, between TOP Ships Inc. and Crede Capital Group Inc. to Note Purchase
Agreement dated December 14, 2017 (60)
Unsecured Promissory Note of TOP Ships Inc., dated January 5, 2018 (61)
Shipbuilding Contract relating to Hull No. 8242, dated January 9, 2018, between PCH Dreaming Inc. and Hyundai
Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. (94)
Shipbuilding Contract relating to Hull No. S874, dated January 9, 2018, between South California Inc. and
Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (95)
Shipbuilding Contract relating to Hull No. S875, dated January 9, 2018, between Malibu Warrior Inc. and Hyundai
Samho Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (96)
Share Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 2018, between Ships International Inc. and TOP Ships Inc.
regarding Hull No. S875 (97)
Share Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 2018, between Ships International Inc. and TOP Ships Inc.
regarding Hull No. 8242 (98)
Share Purchase Agreement, dated January 31, 2018, between Ships International Inc. and TOP Ships Inc.
regarding Hull No. S874 (99)
Confirmation of Interest Rate Swap Transaction dated as of March 29, 2017 between Norddeutsche Landesbank
Gironzentrale and Monte Carlo Seven Shipping Limited
Confirmation of Interest Rate Swap Transaction dated as of March 29, 2018, between Alpha Bank A.E. and Eco
Seven Inc.
2nd Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility, dated September 27, 2018 (100)
Addendum dated October 30, 2018 to the 2nd Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility (101)
Addendum dated December 31, 2018 to the 2nd Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility (102)
Addendum dated January 22, 2019 to the 2nd Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility (103)
Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 24, 2018, between Top Ships Inc. and CVI Investments, Inc.
(62)
Placement Agency Agreement dated as of October 24, 2018, between Maxim Group LLC and Top Ships Inc. (63)
Warrant Exchange and Exercise Agreement dated as of January 10, 2019, among Top Ships, Inc. and CVI
Investments, Inc. (65)
$10,140,000 Loan Agreement between Alpha Bank A.E., as lender and PCH Dreaming Inc. as borrower, dated as
of July 11, 2018
Memorandum of Agreement in respect of M/T Eco Bel Air, dated as of December 3, 2018
Bareboat Charter in respect of M/T Eco Bel Air, dated as of December 3, 2018
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4.89
4.90
4.91
4.92
4.93
4.94
4.95
4.96
4.97
4.98
Guarantee dated as of December 3, 2018 between Top Ships Inc., as guarantor, and Sea 103 Leasing Co., as owner
relating to a Bareboat Charter of M/T Eco Bel Air
Memorandum of Agreement in respect of M/T Eco Beverly Hills, dated as of December 3, 2018
Bareboat Charter in respect of M/T Eco Beverly Hills, dated as of December 3, 2018
Guarantee dated as of December 3, 2018 between Top Ships Inc., as guarantor, and Sea 104 Leasing Co., Limited,
as owner, relating to a Bareboat Charter of M/T Eco Beverly Hills
$23,500,000 loan facility agreement dated as of September 5, 2017, among Astarte International Inc., as borrower,
Amsterdam Trade Bank N.B., as arranger, the lenders thereto, Amasterdam Trade Bank N.V., as agent and security
agent, and Top Ships Inc., as guarantor
Supplemental Agreement dated as of June 1, 2018, to $23,500,000 loan facility agreement among Astarte
International Inc., as borrower, Amsterdam Trade Bank N.B., as arranger, the lenders thereto, Amasterdam Trade
Bank N.V., as agent and security agent, and Top Ships Inc., as guarantor
$10,140,000 loan facility agreement dated as of June 1, 2018, among PCHH77 Shipping Company Limited, as
borrower, Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V., as arranger, the lenders thereto, Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V., as agent
and security agent, and Top Ships Inc. and Asparte International Inc., as guarantors
Bareboat Charter in respect of M/T Nord Valiant, dated as of December 21, 2018
Additional Clauses to Bareboat Charter in respect of M/T Nord Valiant, dated as of December 21, 2018
Guarantee dated as of December 21, 2018, between Top Ships Inc., as guarantor, and Xiang T89 HK International
Ship Lease Co., Limited, as owner, in respect of the M/T Nord Valiant
4.99
Memorandum of Agreement in respect of Hull No. 8218 (TBN Eco California), dated as of December 21, 2018
4.100
Bareboat Charter in respect of Hull No. 8218 (TBN Eco California), dated as of December 21, 2018
4.101
Additional Clauses to Bareboat Charter in respect of M/T Nord Valiant, dated as of December 21, 2018
4.102
4.103
4.104
4.105
Guarantee dated as of December 21, 2018, between Top Ships Inc., as guarantor, and Xiang T88 HK International
Ship Lease Co., Limited, as owner, in respect of the M/T Eco California
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of M/T Stenaweco
Energy
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of M/T Stenaweco
Elegance
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of Hull 8242 (TBN
Eco Marina Del Rey)
4.106
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of M/T Eco Fleet
4.107
4.108
4.109
Management Agreement dated as of January1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of M/T Stenaweco
Evolution
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of Hull S874 (TBN
Eco Bel Air)
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of M/T Stenaweco
Excellence
4.110
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of M/T Nord Valiant
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4.111
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of M/T Eco California
4.112
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of M/T Eco Revolution
4.113
4.114
4.115
4.116
4.117
4.118
Management Agreement dated as of January 1, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of Hull S875 (TBN Eco
Beverly Hills)
Management Agreement dated as of January 11, 2019 with Central Shipping Inc., in respect of M/T Eco Palm
Desert
Fifth Amendment to the Agreement for Provision of Personnel, dated January 1, 2019, between Top Ships Inc. and
Central Mare Inc.
Letter Agreement from Central Shipping Inc. to Top Ships Inc. dated as of January 1, 2019, in respect of provision
of management services
Facility Agreement for up to $10,500,000 Revolving Credit Facility, among Top Ships Inc., as borrower,
Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V., as arranger, the lenders thereto, Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V., as agent and security
agent and Astarte International Inc., as guarantor
Note Purchase Deed among Top Ships Inc., Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V., the note purchasers party thereto, and
Astarte International Inc., dated as of March 21, 2019
4.119
Addendum No. 1 dated as of March 12, 2019 to MOA in respect of Hull No. 8242 (TBN Eco Marina Del Rey)
8.1
12.1
12.2
13.1
13.2
15.1
101
List of subsidiaries of the Company
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Company's Principal Executive Officer
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Company's Principal Financial Officer
Certification of the Company's Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of the Company's Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Consent of Independent Registered Accounting Firm
The following materials from the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2018, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
December 31, 2017 and 2018; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the years ended
December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December
31, 2016, 2017 and 2018; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
__________________
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on June 24, 2011
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 18, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.3 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K filed on March 9, 2007
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K filed on November 28, 2014
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on June 29, 2009
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on March 14, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form F-1, filed on May 9, 2016 (File No. 333-194690)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration
Statement on Form F-1, filed on May 13, 2014 (File No. 333-194690)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on September 22, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 23, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 21, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on May 8, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on September 22, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 23, 2016
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
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Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 23, 2016
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(18)
(19)
(20)
(21)
(22)
(23)
(24)
(25)
(26)
(27)
(28)
(29)
(30)
(31)
(32)
(33)
(34)
(35)
(36)
(37)
(38)
(39)
(40)
(41)
(42)
(43)
(44)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1, filed on March 19,
2014, as amended (File No. 333-194960)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1, filed on March 19,
2014, as amended (File No. 333-194960)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.30 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.33 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.31 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.32 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.37 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on March 14, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.40 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.41 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.42 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 of the Company's Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration
Statement on Form F-1, filed on June 23, 2016 (File No. 333-194690)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 2, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 20, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 27, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 5, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 28, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 7, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 7, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 21, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.28 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 14, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the Schedule 13D/A of Family Trading Inc., Sovereign Holdings Inc.,
Epsilon Holdings Inc., Oscar Shipholding Ltd, Race Navigation Inc., Tankers Family Inc., and the Lax Trust, filed on
March 1, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 22, 2017
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(45)
(46)
(47)
(48)
(49)
(50)
(51)
(52)
(53)
(54)
(55)
(56)
(57)
(58)
(59)
(60)
(61)
(62)
(63)
(64)
(65)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 22, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 28, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 28, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 5, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 5 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on May 15, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on May 15, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on September 15, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on May 8, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 8, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 14, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 14, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on December 11, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on December 15, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on December 15, 2017
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on January 8, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on January 8, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 24, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 24, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 24, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on January 11, 2019
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(66)
(67)
(68)
(69)
(70)
(71)
(72)
(74)
(74)
(75)
(76)
(77)
(78)
(79)
(80)
(81)
(82)
(83)
(84)
(85)
(86)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.4 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.5 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.6 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.7 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.8 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.9 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.26 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.28 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.40 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.41 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.47 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.48 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.49 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
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(87)
(88)
(89)
(90)
(91)
(92)
(93)
(94)
(95)
(96)
(97)
(98)
(99)
(100)
(101)
(102)
(103)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.50 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.53 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.56 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.57 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.60 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.61 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.62 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.71 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.72 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.73 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.74 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.75 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.76 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 3, 2018.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit F of the Schedule 13D/A of Family Trading Inc., Sovereign Holdings Inc.,
Epsilon Holdings Inc., Race Navigation Inc., Tankers Family Inc., and the Lax Trust, filed on March 12, 2019.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit G of the Schedule 13D/A of Family Trading Inc., Sovereign Holdings Inc.,
Epsilon Holdings Inc., Race Navigation Inc., Tankers Family Inc., and the Lax Trust, filed on March 12, 2019.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit H of the Schedule 13D/A of Family Trading Inc., Sovereign Holdings Inc.,
Epsilon Holdings Inc., Race Navigation Inc., Tankers Family Inc., and the Lax Trust, filed on March 12, 2019.
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The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused
and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
SIGNATURES
Date: March 27, 2019
TOP SHIPS INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Evangelos J. Pistiolis
Evangelos J. Pistiolis
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
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TOP SHIPS INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
Notes to consolidated financial statements
Page
F-2
F-3
F-5
F-6
F-8
F-10
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Top Ships Inc.,
Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Top Ships Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of
December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows,
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the
“consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered
with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal
control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over
financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements,
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a
test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included
evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A.
Athens, Greece
March 27, 2019
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2006.
F-2
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TOP SHIPS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars - except share and per share data)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade accounts receivable
Prepayments and other (Note 7)
Due from related parties (Note 5)
Inventories (Note 8)
Prepaid bareboat charter hire (Note 6)
Deferred charges (Note 9)
Restricted cash (Note 6 and 9)
Total current assets
FIXED ASSETS:
Advances for vessels under construction (Note 4(a))
Vessels, net (Note 4(b))
Other fixed assets, net
Total fixed assets
OTHER NON CURRENT ASSETS:
Prepaid bareboat charter hire (Note 6)
Restricted cash (Note 6 and 9)
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (Note 20)
Derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
Total non-current assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)
Short-term debt (Note 9)
Due to related parties (Note 5)
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Unearned revenue
Current portion of derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
Total current liabilities
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Non-current portion of long term debt (Note 9)
Long term debt from related parties (Note 9)
Non-current portion of derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
Total non-current liabilities
F-3
December
31,
2017
December
31,
2018
24,081
621
428
-
645
1,656
341
1,283
29,055
57
815
808
75
587
1,656
-
1,290
5,288
6,757
154,935
1,042
162,734
38,744
180,635
669
220,048
5,278
5,249
17,738
394
28,659
3,621
6,315
22,063
1,153
33,152
220,448
258,488
9,508
10,183
120
2,799
1,985
986
-
25,581
84,258
-
3,335
87,593
10,210
13,416
4,223
4,098
2,957
-
1,915
36,819
101,358
15,671
359
117,388
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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)
Total liabilities
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; of which 100,000 Series D
shares were outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2018 (Note 11)
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 8,923,617 and 23,017,467
shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2018 (Note 11)
Additional paid-in capital (Note 11)
Accumulated deficit
Total stockholders’ equity
Non-controlling Interests
Total equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
113,174
154,207
1
1
89
402,644
(296,645)
230
411,829
(307,779)
106,089
104,281
1,185
107,274
-
104,281
220,448
258,488
F-4
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`TOP SHIPS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars – except share and per share data)
2016
2017
2018
REVENUES:
Time charter revenues
Time charter revenues from related parties
Total time charter revenues
28,433
-
28,433
39,363
-
39,363
39,442
1,606
41,048
EXPENSES:
Voyage expenses (including $358, $487 and $511 respectively, to related
party) (Note 14)
Bareboat charter hire expenses (Note 6)
Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire (Note 6)
Vessel operating expenses (including $104, $136 and $187 respectively,
to related party) (Note 14)
Vessel depreciation (Note 4b)
Management fees-related parties (Note 5)
General and administrative expenses
Other operating (income) (Note 18)
736
6,299
1,577
9,913
3,467
1,824
2,906
(3,137)
999
6,282
1,657
13,444
5,744
4,730
5,805
(914)
1,020
6,282
1,657
14,826
6,390
7,765
6,997
-
Operating income/(loss)
4,848
1,616
(3,889)
OTHER EXPENSES:
Interest and finance costs (including $509, $504 and $1,053
respectively, to related party) (Note 15)
(Loss)/gain on derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
Interest income
Other, net (Note 9)
Total other expenses, net
(3,093)
(698)
-
(5)
(15,793)
(301)
13
1,120
(9,662)
1,821
130
180
(3,796)
(14,961)
(7,531)
Net (loss)/income and comprehensive (loss)/income
Deemed dividend for beneficial conversion feature of Series B convertible
preferred stock (Note 19)
Equity (loss)/gain in unconsolidated joint ventures
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
1,052
(13,345)
(11,420)
(1,403)
-
(351)
-
(27)
(13,372)
-
291
(11,129)
Attributable to:
Common stock holders
Non-controlling interests
(351)
-
(13,404)
32
(11,134)
5
Loss per common share, basic and diluted (Note 13)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
(15,955)
(12.57)
(0.61)
F-5
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TOP SHIPS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars – except number of shares and per share data)
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
# of
Shares
Par
Value
# of
Shares*
Par
Value*
Accumulated
Deficit
attributable
to common
stockholders
Non-
controlling
interest
Additional
Paid in
Capital*
318,446
(284,293)
-
1,052
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11
-
8
12
-
-
31
-
4
239
3,796
6,281
(1,403)
1,403
328,762
-
2,040
632,775
6
38,383
7,148,889
72
28,561
904,646
9
8,204
Total
34,153
1,052
239
3,796
6,281
(1,403)
1,403
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(283,241)
(13,404)
-
32
45,521
(13,372)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,040
38,389
28,633
8,213
income and
BALANCE,
December 31, 2015
Net
comprehensive
income
Stock-based
compensation (Note
12)
Common
shares
issued in exchange of
assumption of Delos
Termination Fee (Note
5)
Issuance of common
stock due to exercise
of 2014 Warrants
(Note 11)
Deemed dividend for
Series B convertible
preferred
stock’s
beneficial conversion
feature (Note 19)
Beneficial conversion
feature of Series B
convertible preferred
stock (Note 19)
BALANCE,
December 31, 2016
Net loss
Issuance of common
to
stock pursuant
related
convertible
party loans (Note 9)
Issuance of common
stock pursuant to the
Common
Stock
Purchase Agreement
(Note 11)
Issuance of common
stock pursuant to the
Crede Common Stock
Purchase Agreement
(Note 11)
Issuance of common
to
stock pursuant
Series C convertible
preferred
shares
conversions (Note 9
and 11)
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Series C convertible
preferred
stock's
beneficial conversion
feature (Note 9)
Issuance of common
stock due to exercise
of 2014 Warrants
(Note 11)
Stock-based
compensation (Note
12)
Non-controlling
interest on acquisition
of Eco Seven Inc
(Note 1)
Reduction of non-
interest
controlling
arising
from
Company’s purchase
of
additional
ownership interest in
Eco Seven In. (Note 1)
Excess
of
consideration over
acquired assets (Note
1)
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-
219,250
-
-
2
-
7,500
1,538
(25)
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,500
1,540
(25)
5,278
5,278
(4,125)
(4,125)
-
-
(12,909)
(12,909)
F-6
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Cancellation
of
fractional shares due to
reverse stock splits
Issuance of common
stock pursuant to Series
B convertible preferred
stock
conversions
reflected in Mezzanine
equity (Note 19)
Issuance of Series D
preferred stock (Note
11)
Additional
paid-in
capital attributed to
non-controlling interests
BALANCE, December
31, 2017
Net loss
Issuance of common
stock pursuant to the
Crede Common Stock
Purchase Agreement
(Note 11)
Issuance of common
stock pursuant to Maxim
ATM (Note 11)
Issuance of common
stock due to exercise of
2018 Warrants (Note 11)
Issuance of common
stock due to the 2018
Common Stock Offering
(Note 11)
Purchase of 10% of M/T
Stenaweco Elegance
(Note 1)
Stock-based
compensation
Family Trading facility
beneficial
conversion feature (Note
9)
Elimination of beneficial
conversion feature with
debt
extinguishment
(Note 9)
Deemed dividend due to
debt extinguishment of
FT facility (Note 9)
Excess of consideration
over acquired assets
(Note 1)
Cancellation
of
fractional shares due to
reverse stock split
BALANCE, December
31, 2018
100,000
100,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
100,000
(4)
18,026
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,743
-
(1,153)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,743
1
(1,153)
8,923,617
-
89
-
402,644
-
(296,645)
(11,134)
1,185
5
107,274
(11,129)
8,050,000
81
14,708
2,490,853
1,553,000
25
16
2,589
2,162
2,000,000
20
2,701
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(34)
15,028
(3,451)
(2,258)
(22,260)
(3)
(1)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
23,017,467
230
411,829
(307,779)
-
-
-
-
14,789
2,614
2,178
2,721
(1,190)
(1,190)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(34)
15,028
(3,451)
(2,258)
(22,260)
(1)
104,281
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
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TOP SHIPS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income/(loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Vessel depreciation (Note 4)
Other fixed assets depreciation
Equity losses/(gains) in unconsolidated joint ventures
Non-cash debt conversion expenses
Amortization and write off of deferred financing costs
Amortization of debt discount
Stock-based compensation expense (Note 12)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
Write-off of short term debt (Note 9)
Loss on sale of other fixed assets
Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire (Note 6)
Other operating income
(Increase)/Decrease in:
Trade accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepayments and other
Due from related parties
Increase/(Decrease) in:
Due to related parties
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Unearned revenue
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities:
2016
2017
2018
1,052
(13,372)
(11,129)
3,467
121
-
-
163
-
239
682
-
22
1,577
(3,137)
88
(181)
(429)
(34)
14
954
128
1,978
6,704
5,744
120
27
842
1,640
7,500
(25)
(175)
(1,118)
-
1,657
(914)
(602)
(62)
436
34
(1,034)
(207)
1,196
(992)
695
6,390
373
(291)
-
1,305
2,504
(34)
(1,821)
(180)
-
1,657
-
(194)
58
(380)
(75)
2,621
695
203
(986)
716
Advances for vessels under construction and capitalized expenses (Note 4)
Vessel acquisitions (Note 4)
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (Note 20)
Purchase of 10% of M/T Stenaweco Elegance (Note 1)
Net proceeds from sale of other fixed assets
(73,383)
-
-
-
29
(6,757)
(34,671)
(17,639)
-
-
(63,555)
-
(3,681)
(1,190)
-
Net Cash used in Investing Activities
(73,354)
(59,067)
(68,426)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from debt (Note 9)
Proceeds from short-term debt (Note 9)
Proceeds from related party debt (Note 9)
Principal payments of debt
Proceeds from issuance of Series C convertible preferred stock (Note 9 and 11)
Prepayment of related party debt (Note 9)
Prepayment of short term debt (Note 9)
Prepayment of short term Notes (Note 9)
Excess of purchase price over book value of vessels (Note 1)
Proceeds from common issuance of common stock (Note 11)
Proceeds from warrant exercises (Note 11)
Proceeds from issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock
Equity offering issuance costs
Payment of financing costs
65,385
-
235
(5,085)
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,765
2,001
(87)
(388)
24,849
68,790
3,148
(9,546)
7,500
(7,233)
-
-
(12,909)
9,726
1,567
-
(1,342)
(1,159)
28,500
32,783
26,152
(10,221)
-
(1,408)
(8,993)
(5,656)
(22,260)
5,781
2,330
-
(536)
(1,713)
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Net Cash provided by Financing Activities
67,826
83,391
44,759
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
Cash breakdown
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash, current
Restricted cash, non-current
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Capital expenditures included in Accounts payable/Accrued liabilities/Due to
related parties
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest
Finance fees included in Accounts payable/Accrued liabilities/Due to related
parties
Equity issuance costs included in liabilities
Shares issued as consideration for the assumption of liabilities
Beneficial conversion feature of Series B convertible preferred stock (Note 19)
Deemed dividend for beneficial conversion feature of Series B convertible
preferred stock (Note 19)
Shares issued in exchange for converting debt, interest & finance fees
Settlement of notes with common stock issued (Note 9 and 11)
Elimination of beneficial conversion feature with debt extinguishment (Note 9)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9
1,176
4,418
5,594
127
1,257
4,210
205
2,434
67
792
3,796
1,403
(1,403)
-
-
-
25,019
(22,951)
5,594
30,613
30,613
7,662
24,081
1,283
5,249
43
5,103
372
1,108
-
-
-
10,890
58,794
-
57
1,290
6,315
555
6,322
2,109
117
-
-
-
-
14,811
(3,451)
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
1.
Basis of Presentation and General Information:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Top Ships Inc. (formerly Top Tankers Inc. and
Ocean Holdings Inc.) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”). Ocean Holdings Inc. was formed on
January 10, 2000, under the laws of Marshall Islands and was renamed to Top Tankers Inc. and Top Ships Inc. in May 2004
and December 2007, respectively. The Company is an international provider of worldwide oil, petroleum products and
chemicals transportation services.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company was the sole owner of all outstanding shares of the following subsidiary companies.
The following list is not exhaustive as the Company has other subsidiaries relating to vessels that have been sold and that
remain dormant for the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements as well as intermediary companies that
own shipowning companies that are 100% subsidiaries of the Company.
Companies
Top Tanker Management Inc.
Date of
Incorporation
May 2004
Country of
Incorporation
Marshall Islands
Activity
Management company
Wholly owned
Shipowning Companies
(“SPC”) with vessels in
operation during years
ended December 31,
2016, 2017 and 2018
1 Monte Carlo 71 Shipping
Company Limited
2 Monte Carlo One
Shipping Company Ltd
3 Monte Carlo Seven
Company
Shipping
Limited
4 Monte Carlo Lax
Company
Shipping
Limited
5 Monte Carlo 37 Shipping
Company Limited
6 Monte Carlo 39 Shipping
Company Limited
7 Eco Seven Inc.
8 Astarte International Inc.
Wholly owned SPCs with
vessels
under
construction during year
ended December 31, 2018
Shipping
9 PCH77
Company Limited
10 PCH Dreaming Inc.
11 South California Inc.
12 Malibu Warrior Inc.
Date of
Incorporation
June 2014
June 2012
April 2013
Country of
Incorporation
Marshall
Islands
Marshall
Islands
Marshall
Islands
Vessel
M/T Stenaweco Energy
M/T Stenaweco Evolution
M/T Stenaweco Excellence
May 2013
Marshall
Islands
M/T Nord Valiant
September
2013
Marshall
Islands
December 2013 Marshall
Islands
February 2017 Marshall
Islands
Marshall
Islands
April 2017
M/T Eco Fleet
M/T Eco Revolution
M/T Stenaweco Elegance
M/T Eco Palm Desert
Delivery Date
July 2014
March 2015
May 2016
August 2016
July 2015
January 2016
February 2017
September 2018
Date of
Incorporation
Country of
Incorporation
Vessel
Scheduled delivery date
September
2017
Marshall
Islands
January 2018 Marshall
Islands
January 2018 Marshall
Islands
January 2018 Marshall
Islands
M/T Eco California
January 2019
M/T Eco Marina Del Ray
March 2019
M/T Eco Bel Air
M/T Eco Beverly Hills
April 2019
May 2019
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
As of December 31, 2018, the Company was the owner of 50% of outstanding shares of the following companies.
SPC
1 City of Athens Pte. Ltd.
2 Eco Nine Pte. Ltd.
Date of
Incorporation
November
2016
March 2015
Country of
Incorporation
Singapore
Vessel
M/T Eco Holmby Hills
Built Date
March 2018
Singapore
M/T Eco Palm Springs
May 2018
On February 20, 2017, the Company acquired a 40% ownership interest in Eco Seven Inc. (“Eco Seven”), a Marshall Islands
corporation, from Malibu Shipmanagement Co. (“Malibu”), a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Lax Trust, an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members of Evangelos J. Pistiolis, the Company’s
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, for an aggregate purchase price of $6,500, pursuant to a share purchase
agreement. On March 30, 2017, the Company acquired another 9% ownership interest in Eco Seven from Malibu for an
aggregate purchase price of $1,500. On May 30, 2017, the Company acquired an additional 41% interest in Eco Seven from
Malibu, for $6,500, increasing the Company’s interest to 90%. The Company controls the board and management of Eco Seven
and thus consolidates Eco Seven in its financial statements from February 20, 2017 onwards. Eco Seven owns M/T Stenaweco
Elegance, a 50,118 dwt product/chemical tanker that was delivered from Hyundai Vinashin Shipyard Co., Ltd of Vietnam
(“Hyundai”) on February 28, 2017.
On March 30, 2017, the Company, acquired a 49% ownership interest in City of Athens Pte. Ltd (“City of Athens”) from Fly
Free Company, a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price
of $4,200. City of Athens was party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Holmby Hills, a 50,000 dwt
newbuilding product/chemical tanker delivered from Hyundai in March 2018. Furthermore on March 30, 2017, the Company,
acquired a 49% ownership interest in Eco Nine Pte. Ltd (“Eco Nine”) from Maxima International Co., a Marshall Islands
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,500. Eco Nine was a party to
a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Palm Springs, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker
delivered from Hyundai in May 2018. On June 14, 2017 the Company acquired an additional 1% interest in City of Athens and
in Eco Nine for an aggregate consideration of $157, increasing the Company’s interest in both companies to 50%. The
Company accounts for these acquisitions as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures because the Company doesn’t control
the two abovementioned companies, since they are jointly controlled by the two partners pursuant to a joint venture agreement
(Note 20).
On April 26, 2017, the Company acquired a 100% ownership interest in Astarte International Inc. (“Astarte”) from Indigo
Maritime Ltd, a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of
$6,000. Astarte was party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Palm Desert, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding
product/chemical tanker delivered from Hyundai in September 2018.
On November 24, 2017, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of PCH77 Shipping Company Limited, a Marshall
Islands company that owns M/T Eco California, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker delivered on January 30,
2018 from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. in Korea from an entity affiliated with Evangelos J. Pistiolis. The Company paid
$3,600 for the outstanding shares.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
On January 31, 2018 the Company acquired:
a.
b.
c.
d.
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of PCH Dreaming Inc., a Marshall Islands company that had entered into a
new building contract for a high specification 50,000 dwt Medium Range (“MR”) product/chemical tanker (M/T Eco
Marina Del Ray or Hull No 8242) under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. in South Korea and delivered
in March 2019. The Company acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer,
for an aggregate purchase price of $3,950. The transaction specified that following its delivery, the vessel was going to
enter into a time charter with an entity affiliated with the seller for a firm duration of one year at a gross daily rate of
$16,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for two additional years at $17,000 and $18,000, respectively. In June 2018
the Company cancelled without penalty the abovementioned time charter and entered into a new 5 year time charter with
Cargill International SA (“Cargill”) at a gross daily rate of $15,100.
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of South California Inc., a Marshall Islands company that had entered into a
new building contract for a high specification, scrubber-equipped, 157,000 dwt Suezmax Crude Oil Carrier (M/T Eco Bel
Air or Hull No 874) under construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for
delivery during April 2019. The Company acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chief
Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of $8,950. The transaction specified that following its delivery, the
vessel was going to enter into a time charter with an entity affiliated with the Seller for a firm duration of one year at a
gross daily rate of $25,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for two additional years at $26,000 and $27,000,
respectively. In June the Company cancelled without penalty the abovementioned time charter and entered into a new 3
year time charter with BP Shipping Limited at a gross daily rate of $25,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for two
additional years at $28,000 and $29,500, respectively.
100% of the issued outstanding shares of Malibu Warrior Inc., a Marshall Islands company that had entered into a new
building contract for a high specification, scrubber-equipped, 157,000 dwt Suezmax Crude Oil Carrier (M/T Beverly Hills
or Hull No 875) under construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for
delivery during May 2019. The Company acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chief
Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of $8,950. The transaction specified that following its delivery, the
vessel was going to enter into a time charter with an entity affiliated with the Seller for a firm duration of one year at a
gross daily rate of $25,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for two additional years at $26,000 and $27,000,
respectively. In June 2018 the Company cancelled without penalty the abovementioned time charter and entered into a
new 3 year time charter with BP Shipping Limited at a gross daily rate of $25,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for
two additional years at $28,000 and $29,500, respectively.
10% of the issued and outstanding shares of Eco Seven Inc., the owner of M/T Stena Elegance. The Company acquired
the shares from an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of
$1,600. As a result of the transaction the Company owns 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Eco Seven Inc.
Each of the acquisitions was approved by a special committee of the Company’s board of directors, (the "Transaction
Committee"), of which all of the directors were independent. The Company accounted for the abovementioned acquisitions as
a transfer of assets between entities under common control and has recognized the vessels at their historical carrying amounts
at the date of transfer.
The amount of the consideration given in excess of the historical carrying value of the net assets acquired is recognized as a
reduction to the Company’s additional paid in capital and presented as Excess of consideration over the carrying value of
acquired assets in the Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders' equity for the twelve months ended December 31,
2017 and 2018 respectively. An analysis of the consideration paid is presented in the table below:
As of December 31, 2017:
Consideration in cash
Less: Carrying value of net assets of companies acquired
Excess of consideration over acquired assets
F-12
24,100
11,191
12,909
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
As of December 31, 2018:
Consideration in cash
Less: Carrying value of net assets of companies acquired
Excess of consideration over acquired assets
2.
Significant Accounting Policies:
23,450
1,190
22,260
(a) Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts and
operating results of Top Ships Inc. and its subsidiaries referred to in Note 1. Intercompany balances and transactions have
been eliminated on consolidation. Non-controlling interests are stated at the non-controlling interest’s proportion of the net
assets of the subsidiaries where the Company has less than 100% interest. Subsequent to initial recognition the carrying
amount of non-controlling interest is increased or decreased by the non-controlling interest’s share of subsequent changes
in the equity of such subsidiaries. Total comprehensive income is attributed to a non-controlling interest even if this results
in the non-controlling interest having a deficit balance. Changes in the Company’s ownership interests in subsidiaries that
do not result in the Company losing control over the subsidiaries are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying
amounts of the Company’s interests and the non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative
interests in the subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and
the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognized directly in equity and attributed to owners of the
Company.
(b) 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 disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Critical estimates mainly
include impairment of vessels, vessel useful lives and residual values and fair values of derivative instruments.
(c) Foreign Currency Translation: The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. Dollar because all vessels operate in
international shipping markets, and therefore primarily transact business in U.S. Dollars. The Company’s books of account
are maintained in U.S. Dollars. Transactions involving other currencies during the year are converted into U.S. Dollars
using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the transactions. At the balance sheet dates, monetary assets and liabilities,
which are denominated in other currencies are translated to U.S. Dollars based on the year-end exchange rates and any
gains and losses are included in the statement of comprehensive loss.
(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers highly liquid investments such as time deposits and certificates of
deposit with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
(e) Restricted Cash: The Company considers amounts that are pledged, blocked, held as cash collateral, required to be
maintained with a specific bank or be maintained by the Company as minimum cash under the terms of a loan agreement,
as restricted and these amounts are presented separately on the balance sheets. In the event original maturities are shorter
than twelve months, such deposits are presented as current assets while if original maturities are longer than twelve
months, such deposits are presented as non-current assets.
(f) Trade Accounts Receivable, net: The amount shown as trade accounts receivable, net at each balance sheet date, includes
estimated recoveries from charterers for hire billings, net of a provision for doubtful accounts. At each balance sheet date,
all potentially uncollectible accounts are assessed individually, combined with the application of a historical recoverability
ratio, for purposes of determining the appropriate provision for doubtful accounts. The Company assessed that it had no
potentially uncollectible accounts and hence formed no provision for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2017 and 2018
respectively.
(g)
Inventories: Inventories consist of lubricants and paints on board the vessels. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost
and net realizable value. Cost, which consists of the purchase price, is determined by the first in, first out method.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
(h) Vessel Cost: Vessels are stated at cost, which consists of the contract price, pre-delivery costs and capitalized interest
incurred during the construction of new building vessels, and any material expenses incurred upon acquisition
(improvements and delivery costs). Subsequent expenditures for conversions and major improvements are also capitalized
when they appreciably extend the life, increase the earning capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels.
Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred and are included in Vessel operating expenses in the
accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
(i) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company evaluates the existence of impairment indicators whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of the Company’s long lived assets are not recoverable. Such
indicators of potential impairment include, vessel sales and purchases, business plans and overall market conditions. If
there are indications for impairment present, the Company determines undiscounted projected net operating cash flows for
each vessel and compares it to the vessel's carrying value. If the carrying value of the related vessel exceeds its
undiscounted future net cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value, and the difference is recognized as an
impairment loss.
(j) Vessel Depreciation: Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the vessels,
after deducting the estimated salvage value. Each vessel's salvage value is equal to the product of its lightweight tonnage
and estimated scrap rate, of $300 per lightweight ton. Management estimates the useful life of the Company's vessels to be
25 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. Second hand vessels are depreciated from the date of their
acquisition through their remaining estimated useful life. When regulations place limitations over the ability of a vessel to
trade on a worldwide basis, its useful life is adjusted at the date such regulations are adopted.
(k) Long Lived Assets Held for Sale: The Company classifies vessels as being held for sale when the following criteria are
met: (a) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset, (b) the asset is
available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such
assets, (c) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset have been
initiated, (d) the sale of the asset is probable and transfer of the asset is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed
sale, within one year, (e) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current
fair value, (f) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be
made or that the plan will be withdrawn.
Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to
sell. These vessels are not depreciated once they meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale.
Long-lived assets previously classified as held for sale that are classified as held and used are revalued at the lower of (a)
the carrying amount of the asset before it was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would
have been recognized had the asset been continuously classified as held and used and (b) the fair value of the asset at the
date that the Company decided not to sell the asset.
(l) Other Fixed Assets, Net: Other fixed assets, net, consist of furniture, office equipment, cars and leasehold improvements,
stated at cost, which consists of the purchase/contract price less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using
the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets as presented below:
Description
Leasehold improvements
Cars
Office equipment
Furniture and fittings
Computer equipment
Useful Life
(years)
Until the
end of the
lease term
(December
2024)
6
5
5
3
(m) Accounting for Dry-Docking Costs: All dry-docking and special survey costs are expensed in the period incurred.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
(n) Financing Costs: Fees incurred and paid to the lenders for obtaining new loans or refinancing existing ones are recorded
as a contra to debt and such fees are amortized to interest and finance costs over the life of the related debt using the
effective interest method. Unamortized fees relating to loans repaid or refinanced are expensed when a repayment or
refinancing is made and charged to interest and finance costs.
(o) Accounting for Revenue and Expenses: Revenues are generated from time charter arrangements. A time charter is a
contract for the use of a vessel for a specific period of time and a specified daily charter hire rate, which is generally
payable monthly in advance. Time charter revenue is only recognized when an agreement exists, the price is fixed, service
is provided and the collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured. Revenue is shown net of address commissions,
if applicable, payable directly to charterers under the relevant charter agreements. Address commissions represent a
common market practice discount (sales incentive) on services rendered by the Company and no identifiable benefit is
received in exchange for the consideration provided to the charterer. Commissions on time charter revenues are recognized
on a pro rata basis over the duration of the period. Time charter revenue is recognized as earned on a straight-line basis
over the term of the relevant time charter starting from the vessel’s delivery to the charterer, except for any off-hire period.
Under a time charter agreement, vessel operating expenses such as management fees, crew wages, provisions and stores,
technical maintenance and insurance expenses and broker’s commissions are paid by the vessel owner, whereas voyage
expenses such as bunkers, port expenses, agents’ fees, and extra war risk insurance are paid by the charterer.
Vessel operating expenses are expensed as incurred. Unearned revenue represents cash received prior to year-end related to
revenue applicable to periods after December 31 of each year.
When vessels are acquired with time charters attached and the rates on such charters are below or above market on the
acquisition date, the Company allocates the total cost between the vessel and the fair value of below market time charter
based on the relative fair values of the vessel and the liability or asset acquired. The fair value of the attached time charter
is computed as the present value of the difference between the contractual amount to be received over the term of the time
charter and management’s estimates of the market time charter rate at the time of acquisition. The fair value of below or
above market time charter is recognized as an intangible liability or asset respectively and is amortized over the remaining
period of the time charter as an increase or decrease to revenues.
The Company pays commissions to ship brokers associated with arranging the Company’s charters. These commissions
are recognized over the related charter period and are included in voyage expenses.
(p) Stock Incentive Plan: All share-based compensation related to the grant of restricted and/or unrestricted shares provided to
employees and to non-employee directors as well as to third party consultants and service providers for their services
provided is included in “general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The
shares that do not contain any future service vesting conditions are considered vested shares and recognized in full on the
grant date. The shares that contain a time-based service vesting condition are considered non-vested shares on the grant
date and recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The shares granted to employees or directors, vested
and non-vested, are measured at fair value which is equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the
grant date. In addition, unvested awards granted to non-employees are measured at their then-current fair value as of the
financial reporting dates (Note 12).
(q) Earnings / (Loss) per Share: Basic earnings/(loss) per share are computed by dividing net income or loss available to
common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares deemed outstanding during the year. Diluted
earnings/(loss) per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common
stock were exercised. For purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share the denominator of the diluted earnings per
share calculation includes the incremental shares assumed issued under the treasury stock method weighted for the period
the non-vested shares were outstanding. The computation of diluted earnings per share also reflects the potential dilution
that could occur if warrants to issue common stock were exercised, to the extent that they are dilutive, using the treasury
stock method, the potential dilution that could occur if convertible preferred stock were converted, using the if-converted
method as well as the potential dilution that could occur if the Company completed all sales pursuant to common stock
purchase agreements, using the if-converted method. Finally net income or loss available to common stockholders is
reduced to reflect any deemed dividends on convertible preferred stock, weighted for the period the convertible preferred
shares were outstanding.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
(r) Derivatives and Hedging: The Company records every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts) on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value, with changes in
the derivatives' fair value recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. The Company has not
applied hedge accounting for its derivative instruments during the periods presented.
(s) Financial liabilities: Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at ‘fair value through the profit and
loss’ (“FVTPL”) or ‘other financial liabilities’. Financial instruments classified as FVTPL are recognized at fair value in
the balance sheet when the Company has an obligation to perform under the contractual provisions of those instruments.
Financial instruments are classified as liabilities or equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement.
Changes in the financial instruments are recognized in earnings, except in the cases where these financial instruments fall
under the guidance in ASC 815-40, where they are initially classified in equity and are initially measured at fair value in
permanent equity and subsequent changes in fair value are not subsequently measured. Other financial liabilities
(including borrowings and trade and other payables) are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method.
(t) Segment Reporting: The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis, receives financial
information and evaluates the Company’s operations by charter revenues and not by the length, type of vessel or type of
ship employment for its customers (i.e. time or bareboat charters) or by geographical region as the charterer is free to trade
the vessel worldwide and as a result, the disclosure of geographic information is impracticable. The CODM does not use
discrete financial information to evaluate the operating results for each such type of charter or vessel. Although revenue
can be identified for these types of charters or vessels, management cannot and does not identify expenses, profitability or
other financial information for these various types of charters or vessels. As a result, management, including the CODM,
reviews operating results solely by revenue per day and operating results of the fleet, and thus the Company has
determined that it operates as one reportable segment.
(u) Leasing: Leases are classified as capital leases if they meet at least one of the following criteria: (i) the leased asset
automatically transfers title at the end of the lease term; (ii) the lease contains a bargain purchase option; (iii) the lease
term equals or exceeds 75% of the remaining estimated economic life of the leased asset; (iv) or the present value of the
minimum lease payments equals or exceeds 90% of the excess of fair value of the leased property. If none of the above
criteria is met, the lease is accounted for as an operating lease. Operating lease payments are recognized as an operating
expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For sale and
lease back transactions, when the lease qualifies as an operating lease and the lease back is considered “more than minor
but less than substantially all” i.e. the seller-lessee retains more than a minor part but less than substantially all of the use
of the asset, the resulting gains or losses are deferred and amortized to income over the lease period.
(v) Beneficial conversion feature: A beneficial conversion feature is defined as a non detachable conversion feature that is in
the money at the commitment date. The beneficial conversion feature guidance requires recognition of the conversion
option’s in-the-money portion, the intrinsic value of the option, in equity, with an offsetting reduction to the carrying
amount of the instrument. The resulting discount is amortized as a dividend over either the life of the instrument, if a
stated maturity date exists, or to the earliest conversion date, if there is no stated maturity date. If the earliest conversion
date is immediately upon issuance, the dividend must be recognized at inception. When there is a subsequent change to
the conversion ratio based on a future occurrence, the new conversion price may trigger the recognition of an additional
beneficial conversion feature on occurrence.
(w) Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures: The Company's investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are
accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated at
initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and the Company's proportionate share of earnings or
losses and distributions. The Company evaluates its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for impairment when
events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced other than temporary
decline in value below their carrying value. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and is considered
other than a temporary decline, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value and the resulting
impairment is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of comprehensive loss.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
(x) Recent Accounting Pronouncements:
New Accounting Pronouncements - Adopted
ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers: On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued the ASU No 2014-09
Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09, as amended, outlines a single comprehensive model for entities
to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition
guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The Company elected to use the modified retrospective transition method
for the implementation of this standard. The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on the
financial statements since the Company's revenues are generated from time charters. Revenue generated from time
charters are within the scope of ASU 842, Leases, because the vessel is an identified asset, the Company does not have
substantive substitution rights, and the charterer has the right to control the use of the vessel during the term of the
contract and derives the economic benefits from such use. Revenue recognized under ASU 842 is discussed further
below.
New Accounting Pronouncements - Not Yet Adopted
In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-11, "Earnings Per Share, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and
Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASU No. 2017-11"), which changes the classification of certain equity-linked financial
instruments with down round features. As a result, a free standing equity-linked financial instrument or an embedded
conversion option would not be accounted for as a derivative liability at fair value as a result of existence of a down
round feature. For freestanding equity classified financial instruments, the amendment requires the entities to recognize
the effect of the down round feature when triggered in its earnings per share calculations. The standard is effective for
fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not
believe this ASU will have a material impact on its financial statements.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, “Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to
Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” This ASU expands the scope of Topic 718, which currently only
includes share-based payments issued to employees, to also include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for
goods and services. Currently, nonemployee awards are measured at the fair value of the consideration received or the
fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever can be more reliably measured. Under ASU 2018-07, equity-
classified nonemployee awards within the scope of Topic 718 will be measured at grant-date fair value. The ASU
simplified the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services, therefore guidance
on such payments to nonemployees would be mostly aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to
employees. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early
adoption permitted. The Company does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on its financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes
to the disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. The amendments in this Update modify the disclosure
requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, based on the concepts in the Concepts
Statement, including the consideration of costs and benefits. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities
for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on
changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to
develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied
prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other
amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is
permitted upon issuance of this Update. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon
issuance of this Update and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The Company will
adopt this standard for its first interim reporting period commencing as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU is
not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02—Leases (ASC 842), as amended from time to time, which
requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. This is expected to increase both reported assets and
liabilities. The new lease standard does not substantially change lessor accounting, nor lease classification criteria.
Lessees and lessors will be required to apply the new standard at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the
financial statements in which they first apply the new guidance, using a modified retrospective transition method. Under
that transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard (subject to specific transition requirements and
optional practical expedients) at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements (which is
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January 1, 2017 for calendar-year-end public business entities that adopted the new leases standard on January 1, 2019).
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
The new standard (i) provides entities with an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new leases
standard, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-
effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption consistent with preparers’ requests
and (ii) provides lessors with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separate non-lease components
from the associated lease component and, instead, to account for those components as a single component if both of the
following are met: (a) the timing and pattern of transfer of the non-lease component(s) and associated lease component
are the same and (b) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. If the
non-lease component or components associated with the lease component are the predominant component of the
combined component, an entity is required to account for the combined component in accordance with ASC 606.
Otherwise, the entity should account for the combined component as an operating lease in accordance with ASC 842. For
public companies, the standard will be effective for the first interim reporting period within annual periods beginning
after December 15, 2018, although early adoption is permitted.
The Company will adopt this standard for its first interim reporting period commencing January 1, 2019, by using the
modified retrospective transition method and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained
earnings in the period of adoption. Additionally, the Company will elect to apply the additional optional transition method
along with the following practical expedients: (i) a package of practical expedients which does not require the Company
to reassess: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (2) lease classification for any expired or
existing leases; and (3) whether initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases would qualify for capitalization
under ASC 842. The Company will elect the practical expedient for lessors for presentation purposes, upon adoption of
ASC 842-Leases, which allows the Company to account for the lease and non-lease (primarily crew and maintenance
services) component of time charter agreements as one, since as the timing and pattern of transfer of the non-lease
components and associated lease component are the same, the lease components, if accounted for separately, would be
classified as an operating lease, and the predominant component in its time charter agreements is the lease component.
The Company's operating lease commitments relating to bareboat chartered-in vessels will be subject to the new standard
and will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon its adoption, which will increase the
Company's total assets and total liabilities that the Company reports relative to such amounts prior to adoption. The
Company is in the final process of implementing a new lease accounting policy and updating its controls and procedures
for maintaining and accounting for its leases under the new guidance in order to be able to quantify the effect. The
Company expects the adoption of the new standard to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2018, FASB issued ASU2018-19 “Codification Improvements to topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit
Losses”. The amendments in this update clarify that operating lease receivables are not within the scope of
ASC 326-20 and should instead be accounted for under the new leasing standard, ASC 842. ASU 2018-19 is effective for
fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is
currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial
statements.
3.
Going Concern:
At December 31, 2018, the Company had a working capital deficit of $31,531 and cash and cash equivalents of $57. As
of December 31, 2018, the Company has remaining contractual commitments for the acquisition of its fleet totaling
$147,632. Of this amount, $66,272 is payable in the first quarter of 2019 and $81,360 in the second quarter of 2019. Of
the amount payable in 2019, an amount of $66,272 has been settled as of the date of issuance of these financial
statements.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company had available committed undrawn balances of $152,187. The Company expects
to finance its working capital deficit with operational cash flow, debt or equity issuances, or a combination thereof and
other sources such as funds from the Company's controlling shareholder and CEO, Mr. Pistiolis, if required. If the
Company is unable to arrange debt or equity financing, it is probable that the Company may also consider selling a
vessel. Therefore, there is no substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, for a
reasonable period of time. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating
to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets and liabilities, or any other adjustments that might result in the
event the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
4(a) Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction:
An analysis of Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction is as follows:
Balance, December 31, 2016
— Advances paid
—Capitalized expenses
Balance, December 31, 2017
— Advances paid
— Capitalized expenses
— Transferred to Vessels
Balance, December 31, 2018
Advances
for vessels
acquisitions
/ under
construction
-
5,995
762
6,757
60,731
3,346
(32,090)
38,744
In the year ended December 31, 2017, Advances for vessels under construction relate to the payments to the shipyards and
other expenses capitalized relating to vessels M/T Eco Palm Desert and M/T Eco California amounted to $6,743 and $14
respectively.
In the year ended December 31, 2018, Advances for the construction of newbuilding vessels relate to M/T Eco Palm Desert,
M/T Eco California, M/T Eco Marina Del Ray, M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills of $25,347, $14,392, $7,288,
$8,531 and $8,519 respectively.
On September 7, 2018, the Company took delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert from Hyundai, and hence advances paid and
capitalized expenses relating to the vessel were transferred from Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction to
Vessels, net.
4(b) Vessels, net:
The amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are analyzed as follows:
Balance, December 31, 2016
— Acquisitions
— Depreciation
Balance, December 31, 2017
— Transferred from advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction
— Depreciation
Balance, December 31, 2018
In 2017 and 2018 the Company took delivery of the following vessels:
Vessel Cost
130,185
34,509
-
164,694
32,090
-
196,784
Accumulated
Depreciation
(4,015)
-
(5,744)
(9,759)
-
(6,390)
(16,149)
Net Book
Value
126,170
34,509
(5,744)
154,935
32,090
(6,390)
180,635
Vessel Name
M/T Stenaweco Elegance
M/T Eco Palm Desert
Delivery Date
February 28, 2017
September 7, 2018
Yard
Installments
33,935
29,994
Capitalized
Expenses
574
2,096
Final Cost
34,509
32,090
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
The Company’s vessels have been mortgaged as security under its loan facilities (see Note 9).
5.
Transactions with Related Parties:
(a) Central Mare– Executive Officers and Other Personnel Agreements: On September 1, 2010, the Company entered
into separate agreements with Central Mare pursuant to which Central Mare provides the Company with its executive
officers (Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technical Officer and Chief Operating Officer).
As of December 31, 2017 the amount due to Central Mare was $46 and as of December 31, 2018 the amount due to
Central Mare was $51. These amounts are presented in Due to related parties, on the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets.
The fees charged by and expenses relating to Central Mare for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are as
follows:
Executive officers and other personnel
expenses
1,530
2,400
2,400
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2018
2016
Presented in:
General and administrative expenses -
Statement of comprehensive loss
Management fees - related parties -
Statement of comprehensive loss
Amortization of awarded shares*
Total
(25)
2,375
*As per the Company’s equity incentive plan, or the 2015 plan, (see Note 12), the Company incurred an amortization
expense/(gain) of $47, $(25) and $(34) relating to shares vesting to Central Mare’s nominee, Tankers Family on June 30,
2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively.
(34)
2,366
47
1,577
On March 27, 2017 and January 2, 2018, the Company’s board of directors granted to the Chief Executive Officer a bonus
of $1,500 and $2,250 respectively, to be distributed at his own discretion to other executives and is included in “General
and administrative expenses” in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.
(b) Central Shipping Monaco SAM (“CSM”) – Letter Agreement and Management Agreements: On March 10, 2014,
the Company entered into a letter agreement, or the Letter Agreement, with CSM, a related party affiliated with the family
of the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Evangelos J. Pistiolis, and on March 10, 2014 and June
18, 2014 the Company entered into management agreements, or Management Agreements, between CSM and the
Company’s vessel-owning subsidiaries respectively. The Letter Agreement can only be terminated subject to an eighteen-
month advance notice, subject to a termination fee equal to twelve months of fees payable under the Letter Agreement.
Pursuant to the New Letter Agreement, as well as the Management Agreements concluded between CSM and the
Company’s vessel-owning subsidiaries, the Company pays a technical management fee of $595 per day per vessel for the
provision of technical, operation, insurance, bunkering and crew management, commencing three months before the vessel
is scheduled to be delivered by the shipyard and a commercial management fee of $328 per day per vessel, commencing
from the date the vessel is delivered from the shipyard. In addition, the Management Agreements provide for payment to
CSM of: (i) $541 per day for superintendent visits plus actual expenses; (ii) a chartering commission of 1.25% on all
freight, hire and demurrage revenues; (iii) a commission of 1.00% on all gross vessel sale proceeds or the purchase price
paid for vessels and (iv) a financing fee of 0.2% on derivative agreements and loan financing or refinancing. CSM also
performs supervision services for all of the Company’s newbuilding vessels while the vessels are under construction, for
which the Company pays CSM the actual cost of the supervision services plus a fee of 7% of such supervision services.
CSM provides, at cost, all accounting, reporting and administrative services. Finally, the Letter Agreement provides for a
performance incentive fee for the provision of management services to be determined at the discretion of the Company.
The Management Agreements have an initial term of five years, after which they will continue to be in effect until
terminated by either party subject to an eighteen-month advance notice of termination. Pursuant to the terms of the
Management Agreements, all fees payable to CSM are adjusted annually according to the US Consumer Price Inflation
(“CPI”) of the previous year and if CPI is less than 2% than a 2% increase is effected.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
As of December 31, 2017 and 2018 the amounts due to CSM were $74 and $2,366 respectively and are presented in Due
to related parties, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The fees charged by and expenses relating to CSM for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
34
2,242
31
136
22
183
139
Presented in:
Capitalized in Vessels, net / Advances for vessels acquisitions / under
construction –Balance sheet
101
63
2,455 Management fees - related parties -Statement of comprehensive loss
Capitalized in Vessels, net / Advances for vessels acquisitions / under
construction –Balance sheet
Vessel operating expenses -Statement of comprehensive loss
Capitalized in Vessels, net / Advances for vessels acquisitions / under
construction –Balance sheet
187
101
233
139
Management fees - related parties -Statement of comprehensive loss
Net in Current and Non-current portions of long-term debt – Balance
sheet
1,081
3,861
487
511
Management fees - related parties -Statement of comprehensive loss
-
2,598
1,250
5,605
1,250
8,901
Voyage expenses - Statement of comprehensive loss
Management fees - related parties - Statement of comprehensive loss
118
1,598
43
104
67
179
131
-
358
Management fees
Supervision
services fees
Superintendent fees
Accounting and
reporting cost
Financing fees
Commission for
sale and purchase
of vessels
Commission on
charter hire
agreements
Performance
incentive fee
Total
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, CSM charged the Company newbuilding supervision related
pass-through costs amounting to $618, $454 and $958 respectively.
(c) Family Trading Inc. (“Family Trading”) - Revolving Credit Facility and Assumption of Liabilities: On October 1,
2010, the Company entered into a bareboat charter agreement to lease the vessel M/T Delos until September 30, 2015 for a
variable rate per year. On October 15, 2011, the Company terminated the bareboat charter agreement resulting in a
termination fee of $5,750 “(the Delos Termination Fee”) that remained outstanding until December 31, 2012. On January
1, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with the owner of M/T Delos for the repayment of the remaining
balances of the Delos Termination Fee. On December 10, 2015, the owner of M/T Delos notified the Company that the
outstanding balance of the Delos Termination Fee was immediately due and payable, since the Company had been
delaying the installments as per the agreed repayment schedule. On January 12, 2016, Family Trading, a related party
owned by the Lax Trust, assumed the outstanding balance of the Delos Termination Fee that amounted to $3,796 (the
“Family Trading transaction”). As consideration for the assumption of this liability, Family Trading on January 12, 2016
received 8 of the Company’s common shares with a then fair value $3,661. This transaction was approved by a special
committee of the independent directors of the Company. Furthermore on December 23, 2015 the Company entered into an
agreement for an unsecured revolving credit facility with Family Trading for up to $15,000 to be used to fund the
Company’s newbuilding program and working capital relating to the Company’s operating vessels. As of the date of
issuance of these financial statements there have been various amendments and addendums to the Family Trading Credit
Facility (see Note 9). As of December 31, 2017 the amounts due to Family Trading were $0. As of December 31, 2018 the
interest and fees due to Family Trading were $1,806, representing $301 of interest payable, $5 of commitment fees
payable and $1,500 of arrangement fees payable and are presented in Due to related parties, on the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
(d) Vessel Acquisitions from affiliated entities: From February 20 to November 24, 2017 the Company entered into a
series of transactions with a number of entities affiliated with Evangelos J. Pistiolis that led to the purchase of M/T Eco
Palm Desert and M/T Eco California, 90% interest in M/T Stenaweco Elegance and 50% interests in M/T Eco Holmby
Hills and M/T Eco Palm Springs. On January 31, 2018 the Company entered into a series of transactions with a number of
entities affiliated with Evangelos J. Pistiolis that led to the purchase of the construction contracts of M/T Eco Marina Del
Ray, M/T Eco Bel Air, M/T Eco Beverly Hills and 10% interest in M/T Stenaweco Elegance (see Notes 1, 3, 4 and 20).
(e) Charter Party with Central Tankers Chartering Inc (“Central Tankers Chartering”): On September 1, 2017 the
Company entered into a time charter party with Central Tankers Chartering, a related party affiliated with the family of
Evangelos J. Pistiolis, for the vessel M/T Eco Palm Desert delivered from Hyundai in September 2018. The time charter is
for a firm period of three years at a daily rate of $14,750 with two optional years at daily rates of $15,250 and $15,750
respectively, at Central Tankers Chartering’s option. The time charter carries a 1.25% address commission payable to
Central Tankers Chartering. Total revenue backlog from this time charter for the firm period is $15,949, assuming no off-
hire days. As of December 31, 2018 the amounts due from Central Tankers Chartering were $75 and is presented in Due
from related parties, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
6.
Leases
A. Lease arrangements, under which the Company acts as the lessee
Bareboat Chartered-in Vessels:
On January 29, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the Company sold and leased back M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco
Evolution respectively. The vessels were chartered back on a bareboat basis for 7 years at a bareboat hire of $8,586 and $8,625
per day respectively. In addition, the Company has the option to buy back each vessel from the end of year 3 up to the end of
year 7 at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised.
The abovementioned sale and leaseback transactions contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including
cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. The Company must maintain a consolidated
leverage ratio of not more than 75% and maintain minimum free liquidity of $750 per vessel owned and $500 per bareboat
chartered-in vessel at all times which is certified quarterly. As of December 31, 2018, the Company is in compliance with the
consolidated leverage ratio and the minimum free liquidity covenants.
As of December 31, 2018, cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash amounted to $7,662 of which an amount of
$5,500 is presented as restricted cash due to the abovementioned minimum liquidity covenant.
The Company has treated the sale and leaseback of the abovementioned vessels as an operating lease. Losses from the sale of
these two vessels amounted to $11,600 which are amortized over the duration of the leases. The amortization for the year is
presented under Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire in the accompanying statement of consolidated loss and
amounted to $1,577, $1,657 and $1,657 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively.
As at December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance of the Prepaid bareboat charter hire was $5,277, presented in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:
Current portion of Prepaid bareboat charter hire
Non-current portion of Prepaid bareboat charter hire
Total
1,656
3,621
5,277
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Future minimum lease payments:
The Company's future minimum lease payments required to be made after December 31, 2018, relating to bareboat chartered-
in vessels M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco Evolution are as follows:
Year ending December 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total
Bareboat
Charter
Lease
Payments
6,282
6,299
6,282
1,034
19,897
B. Lease arrangements, under which the Company acts as the lessor
Charter agreements:
In the period ended December 31, 2018, the Company operated four vessels (M/T Stenaweco Energy, M/T Stenaweco
Evolution, M/T Stenaweco Excellence and M/T Stenaweco Elegance) under time charters with Stena Bulk A/S, two vessels
(M/T Eco Fleet and M/T Eco Revolution) under time charters with BP Shipping Limited (“BP”), one vessel (M/T Nord
Valiant) under time charter with Dampskibsselskabet Norden A/S and one vessel (M/T Eco Palm Desert) under time charter
with Central Tankers Chartering Inc.
Furthermore the Company has entered into time charter parties for its newbuilding vessels, namely with BP (M/T Eco Bel Air
and M/T Eco Beverly Hills), Cargill (M/T Eco Marina Del Ray) and Shell Tankers Singapore Private Limited (“Shell”) (M/T
Eco California).
Future minimum time-charter receipts of the Company’s vessels in operation as of December 31, 2018, based on commitments
relating to non-cancellable time charter contracts as of December 31, 2018, are as follows:
Year ending December 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total
Time
Charter
receipts
43,875
43,400
19,052
272
106,599
Future minimum time-charter receipts of our vessels under construction as of December 31, 2018, are as follows (based on
estimated delivery dates):
Year ending December 31,
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Total
Time
Charter
receipts
21,842
28,860
24,188
10,937
5,512
1,102
92,441
In arriving at the minimum future charter revenues, an estimated 20 days off-hire time to perform scheduled dry-docking on
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each vessel has been deducted, and it has been assumed that no additional off-hire time is incurred, although there is no
assurance that such estimate will be reflective of the actual off-hire in the future.
7.
Prepayments and other:
The amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are analyzed as follows:
Prepaid expenses
Guarantees
Advances to various creditors
Other receivables
Total
F-23
December
31, 2017
December
31, 2018
140
17
119
152
428
350
16
100
342
808
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
8.
Inventories:
The amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are analyzed as follows:
Lubricants
Consumable stores
Total
9.
Debt:
The amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are analyzed as follows:
Bank / Vessel(s)
Total long term debt:
ABN (M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant)
NORD/LB (M/T Stenaweco Excellence)
Alpha Bank (M/T Stenaweco Elegance)
AT Bank (M/T Eco Palm Desert)
Total long term debt
Less: Deferred finance fees
Total long term debt net of deferred finance fees
Presented:
Current portion of long term debt
Long term debt
Long term debt from related parties:
Family Trading facility
Less debt discounts
Long term debt from related parties net of debt discounts
Short Term Debt:
Unsecured Notes
AT Bank first predelivery facility (M/T Eco Palm Desert)
AT Bank second predelivery facility (M/T Eco California)
Alpha Bank predelivery facility
Less: Deferred finance fees
Current portion of loans net of deferred finance fees
December
31, 2017
December
31, 2018
574
71
645
522
65
587
December
31,
2017
December
31,
2018
53,538
20,116
22,150
-
95,804
(2,038)
93,766
52,288
18,071
20,550
23,175
114,084
(2,516)
111,568
9,508
84,258
10,210
101,358
-
-
8,878
1,499
-
-
(194)
10,183
24,744
(9,073)
15,671
-
-
10,140
3,380
(104)
13,416
Total Debt net of deferred finance fees and debt discounts
103,949
140,655
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
(A). LONG-TERM DEBT
ABN Amro Facility
On July 9, 2015, the Company entered into a credit facility with ABN Amro Bank N.V. of Holland (“ABN Amro”) for $42,000
(“the ABN Amro facility”) for the financing of the vessels M/T Eco Fleet and M/T Eco Revolution ($21,000 per financed
vessel). This facility was amended on September 28, 2015 and was increased to $44,400 ($22,200 per vessel), with all other
terms remaining the same except for the margin which was increased by 0.15%. The credit facility is repayable in 4
consecutive quarterly installments of $500, 4 consecutive quarterly installments of $512.5, 4 consecutive quarterly installments
of $525 and 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $387.5 for each of the financed vessels, commencing on October 13, 2015
for M/T Eco Fleet and on April 15, 2016 for M/T Eco Revolution plus a balloon installment of $11,400 for each of the financed
vessels, payable together with the last installment in July 2021 and in January 2022, respectively. On August 1, 2016, the
Company amended the ABN Facility to increase the borrowing limit to $64,400 and added another tranche to the loan,
"Tranche C", which is secured by vessel M/T Nord Valiant. Tranche C is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of
$550 each and 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $363 each, commencing on November 2016, plus a balloon installment
of $9,050 payable together with the last installment in August 2022. Apart from the inclusion of M/T Nord Valiant as a
collateralized vessel and the reduction of the margin to 3.75% (applicable only to Tranche C), no other material changes were
made to the ABN Facility.
The Company drew down $21,000 under the ABN Amro facility on July 13, 2015 to finance the last shipyard installment of
M/T Eco Fleet and another $1,200 on September 30, 2015. Furthermore, the Company drew down $22,200 under the ABN
facility on January 15, 2016 to finance the last shipyard installment of M/T Eco Revolution. Finally, on August 5, 2016 the
Company drew down $20,000 under the Tranche C of the ABN facility to partly finance the last shipyard installments of M/T
Nord Valiant.
The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 130%, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate
market value of the Company’s fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $750 per
collateralized vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the shipowning company incurring further indebtedness
or guarantees. It also restricts the shipowning company from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of
default or in a breach of covenants under the loan agreement.
The facility is secured as follows:
·
·
·
·
·
·
First priority mortgage over M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant;
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessels;
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiaries;
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessels.
On April 21, 2017, the Company was informed by ABN Amro that the Company was in breach of a loan covenant that
required that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest (either directly and/or
indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which
any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 30% of the Company's outstanding common shares. ABN Amro
requested that either the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest of at least 30% of the outstanding
common shares or maintain a voting rights interest of above 50% in the Company. In order to regain compliance with the loan
covenant, the Company issued the Series D preferred shares (see Note 11). On July 28, 2017 ABN Amro by way of a
supplemental agreement removed the loan covenant that required that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis
maintains an ownership interest of 30% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares and replaced it with a
covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or
indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which
any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting interest of more than 50% of the Company’s share
capital, without ABN Amro’s prior written approval.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
On November 16, 2018 the Company amended the ABN Facility to increase the borrowing limit by $5,000. This additional
amount was subsequently drawn-down and applied towards capital expenditures under the Company’s newbuilding program
and is allocated to the mortgaged vessels as follows: $750 to M/T Eco Fleet, $750 to M/T Eco Revolution and $3,500 to M/T
Nord Valiant. Apart from the introduction of a new repayment schedule reflecting the increased facility principal, all other
material terms remained the same. As per the new repayment schedule the quarterly installments are increased by $25, $25 and
$100 for M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant respectively and their respective balloon installments are
increased by $475, $425 and $2,000, respectively.
The ABN Amro facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.90%, except for the Tranche C part of the facility that bears
interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.75%.Tranche C was repaid on January 17, 2019 from proceeds from the sale and lease-
back of M/T Nord Valiant (see Note 21) The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2018 was 2.4%.
NORD/LB Facility
On May 11, 2016, the Company entered into a credit facility with Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (“NORD/LB Bank”)
of Germany for $23,185 (“the NORD/LB facility”) for the financing of the vessel M/T Stenaweco Excellence. The credit
facility is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $511 and 16 consecutive quarterly installments of $473,
commencing in August 2016, plus a balloon installment of $9,480 payable together with the last installment in May 2023.
The Company drew down $23,185 under the NORD/LB facility on May 13, 2016 to finance the last shipyard installment of the
M/T Stenaweco Excellence.
The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 125% for the first three years and 143% thereafter,
(ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company’s fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and
(iii) minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the
facility contains restrictions on the shipowning company incurring further indebtedness or guarantees. It also restricts the
shipowning company from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of covenants
under the loan agreement.
The facility is secured as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
First priority mortgage over M/T Stenaweco Excellence;
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
On May 16, 2017 NORD/LB by way of a supplemental agreement provided a waiver until December 31, 2017 for the breach
of the loan covenant that requires that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintains an ownership interest
(either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or
foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding
common shares. In addition NORD/LB agreed to reduce the abovementioned minimum percentage to 10%. On January 8,
2018 NORD/LB agreed to replace said covenant with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the
family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of
the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting
interest of more than 50% of the Company’s share capital, without NORD/LB’s prior written approval.
The NORD/LB facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.43%. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December
31, 2018 was about 2.6%.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Alpha Bank Facility
On July 20, 2016, Eco Seven that was later acquired by the Company entered into a credit facility with Alpha Bank SA. of
Greece (“Alpha Bank”) for $23,350 (“the Alpha facility”) for the financing of the vessel M/T Stenaweco Elegance. The credit
facility is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $400 and 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $303,
commencing in May 2017, plus a balloon installment of $12,500 payable together with the last installment in February 2025.
The Company drew down $23,350 under the Alpha facility on February 24, 2017 to finance the last shipyard installment of the
M/T Stenaweco Elegance.
On August 1, 2017, Alpha Bank by way of a supplemental agreement removed the loan covenant that required that any
member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintains an ownership interest of 40% of the Company’s issued and
outstanding common shares and replaced it with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of
Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the
Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting
interest of more than 50% of the Company’s share capital, without Alpha Bank’s prior written approval.
The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 125%, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate
market value of the Company’s fleet, current or future, of no more than 75%, (iii) minimum free liquidity of $750 per
collateralized vessel, (iv) EBITDA is required to be greater than 120% of fixed charges and (v) market value adjusted net
worth is required to be greater than or equal to $20,000. It also restricts the shipowning company from incurring further
indebtedness or guarantees and from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of
covenants under the loan agreement.
The facility is secured as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
First priority mortgage over M/T Stenaweco Elegance;
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
The Alpha facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50%. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December 31,
2018 was about 2.7%.
AT Bank Senior Facility
On September 5, 2017, the Company entered into a credit facility with Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V. of Holland (“AT Bank”)
for $23,500 to fund the delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert (the “AT Bank Senior Facility”), delivered in September 7, 2018. An
amount of $8,993 from the AT Bank Senior Facility was applied towards repayment of the AT Bank Predelivery Facility on
September 4, 2018. This facility is repayable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $325, commencing three months from
draw down, and a balloon payment of $17,000 payable together with the last installment.
The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 115% for the first year, 120% for the second year,
125% for the third year and 140% thereafter, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company’s fleet,
current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per
bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the shipowning company incurring further
indebtedness or guarantees and paying dividends.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
The facility is secured as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
First priority mortgage over M/T Eco Palm Desert;
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
The AT Bank Senior Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4% and a commitment fee of 2% per annum was
payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the
commitment letter. The Company on June 1, 2018 signed a supplemental agreement with AT Bank that resulted in the decrease
of the commitment fee from 2% to 1.3%, effective from March 6, 2018. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December
31, 2018 was about 2.7%.
(B). SHORT-TERM DEBT
Unsecured Notes
On November 13 and on December 14, 2017 the Company entered into two unsecured notes with Crede Capital Group LLC,
an unaffiliated third party (the “Crede Notes”) as follows:
Agreement date
November 13, 2017
December 14, 2017
Amount
drawn
17,500
24,269
41,769
Interest
Amount
settled
Amounts
forgiven
11
75
86
(17,500)
(24,089)
(41,589)
-
(180)
(180)
The first Crede Note amounted to $12,500 and carried a single revolving option for additional $5,000 that the Company
exercised on November 20, 2017, bringing the total drawn amount to $17,500. The second Crede Note amounted to $12,500
and carried revolving options for two additional $5,000 notes. On January 5, 2018, the Company amended the Note Purchase
Agreement, pursuant to which the Company issued to Crede a second unsecured promissory note in the amount of $5,369 with
a revolving option for an additional $4,631 note. The Company further amended the Note Purchase Agreement on February 8,
2018, pursuant to which the borrowing availability was increased under the agreement and a third unsecured promissory note
was issued to Crede in the amount of $6,400.
The proceeds from the sales of the Crede Notes were used for vessel acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The Crede
Notes matured 24 months from the date of their issuance and bore interest at a rate of 2.0% per annum for the period of ninety
days starting on the issuance date, (ii) 10.0% per annum for the period of ninety days starting on the date that is ninety days
immediately following the issuance date and (iii) 15.0% per annum starting on the date that is one hundred eighty days
immediately following the issuance date. The Crede Notes carried customary covenants and restrictions, including the
covenant that all net proceeds that the Company receives from the sale of any equity securities of the Company shall be utilized
exclusively to repay any outstanding amounts under the Crede Notes until the Crede Notes were repaid in full. The Crede
Notes also restricted the Company from redeeming, repurchasing or declaring any cash dividend or distribution on any of its
capital stock (other than any obligations to do so outstanding as of the issuance dates of the Notes), as long as there were
outstanding amounts under the Notes.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
As of December 31, 2017 the Crede Notes had an outstanding balance of $8,878 and as of December 31, 2018, all of the Crede
Notes have been repaid in full, by using proceeds from the First and Second Crede Purchase Agreement (see Note 11).
Unsecured Notes
From February 6 to September 15, 2017 the Company entered into a series of unsecured short term notes (the “Notes”) with
Kalani Investments Ltd (Kalani) and Xanthe Holdings (Xanthe) Ltd as follows:
Agreement date
6,
February
2017
March 22, 2017
March 28, 2017
April 5, 2017
May 15, 2017
June 26, 2017
July 12, 2017
September 15,
2017
Amount
drawn
Fees
Interest
Amount
settled
Amounts
forgiven
Maturity
Counterparty
3,500
5,000
10,000
7,700
5,000
3,000
3,060
2,020
39,280
210
200
-
-
-
-
60
20
490
22
7
24
42
28
2
16
(3,500)
(5,000)
(10,000)
(7,700)
(3,882)
(3,000)
(3,060)
May 15, 2017 Kalani
-
- October 7, 2017 Kalani
- August 25, 2017 Kalani
September
2017
-
4,
Kalani
(1,118) August 23, 2017 Xanthe
-
-
24,
October
2017
November
2017
December 14,
2017
7,
Kalani
Xanthe
Xanthe
6
147
(2,020)
(38,162)
-
(1,118)
As of December 31, 2017 all the Notes had been settled except an amount of $1,118 which was written-off, following
discussions with the noteholder Xanthe and is included in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of
comprehensive loss. All the above, fees, interest and principal were settled with proceeds from the Common stock purchase
agreement (Note 11).
The proceeds from the sales of the Notes were used for vessel acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The Notes bore
interest at a rate of 6% and carried customary covenants and restrictions, including the covenant that all net proceeds that the
Company received from the sale of any equity securities of the Company would be utilized exclusively to repay any
outstanding amounts under the Notes until the Notes were repaid in full. The Notes also restricted the Company from
redeeming, repurchasing or declaring any cash dividend or distribution on any of its capital stock (other than any obligations to
do so outstanding as of the issuance dates of the Notes), as long as there were outstanding amounts under the Notes.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Series C preferred convertible shares
On February 17, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 7,500 Series C convertible preferred shares (the “Series
C shares”) for an aggregate principal amount of $7,500 with Xanthe Holdings Ltd (“Xanthe”) a non-U.S. institutional investor,
non-affiliated with the Company but affiliated with Kalani Investments Limited (“Kalani”) (see Note 11). The Company has
accounted for the sale of the Series C shares as a debt issuance since its characteristics are more akin to debt rather than equity.
Dividends of the Series C shares were accounted as interest. Pursuant to the issuance of the Series C Shares, the Company
recognized the beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) by allocating the intrinsic value of the conversion option, which is the
number of shares of common stock available upon conversion multiplied by the difference between the effective conversion
price per share and the fair value of the Company's common stock per share on the commitment date, to additional paid-in
capital. Since the intrinsic value of the BCF at the commitment date was greater than the proceeds allocated to the convertible
instrument, the amount of the discount assigned to the BCF was limited to the amount of the proceeds allocated to the
convertible instrument. The Company initially recognized $7,500 of debt discount, which it fully amortized in the year ended
December 31, 2017, which is included in “Interest and finance costs” in the accompanying Statement of comprehensive loss.
Series C shares were fully converted into common stock by October 31, 2017 and dividends amounting to $600 were included
in Interest and finance costs in the accompanying Statement of comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2017.
AT Bank Predelivery Facility
On September 5, 2017, the Company entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $8,993 for the pre-delivery financing of
M/T Eco Palm Desert (the “AT Bank Predelivery Facility”). This facility was drawn down in five tranches and financed in full
the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco Palm Desert due for payment between August 2017 and May 2018. The
facility was repaid from the proceeds of the AT Bank Senior Facility on September 4, 2018.
The facility contained various covenants, including a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company’s
fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per
bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contained restrictions on the subsidiary that owned the newbuilding
contract from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends.
The facility was secured as follows:
•
•
•
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco Palm Desert;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;
The AT Bank Predelivery Facility bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 8.5% and a commitment fee of 4.25% per annum
was payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the
commitment letter. The Company on June 1, 2018 signed a supplemental agreement with AT Bank that resulted in the decrease
of the loan margin to 6.3% from 8.5% and in the decrease of the commitment fee from 4.25% to 0%, effective from March 6,
2018. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of the facilities last interest period that ended in September 4, 2018 was about
2.3%.
AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility
On June 1, 2018, the Company entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $10,140 for the pre-delivery financing of M/T
Eco California (the "AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility"). This facility was drawn down in five tranches and financed in full
the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco California due for payment between June and December 2018. The facility
was repaid on January 28, 2019, upon delivery of the vessel, from the proceeds of the AT Bank Bridge Facility (see Note 21).
The facility contains various covenants, including a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company's fleet,
current or future, of no more than 75% and minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per bareboated
chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the subsidiary that owns the newbuilding contract from
incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
The facility is secured as follows:
·
·
·
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco
California;
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;
The AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 6.3%, reduced to 6% from September 2018
onwards. The facility bears no commitment fee. The Company has drawn down the full amount of the facility to finance in full
the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco California due for payment between June and December 2018. The applicable
three-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2018 was about 2.4%.
Alpha Bank Predelivery Facility
On July 11, 2018, the Company entered into a credit facility with Alpha Bank for $10,140 for the pre-delivery financing of
M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. This facility can be drawn down in five tranches to finance in full the last five pre-delivery
instalments of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray due between July 2018 and February 2019. The facility is repayable on delivery of the
vessel in March 2019.
The facility contains restrictions on the subsidiary that owns the newbuilding contract from incurring further indebtedness or
guarantees and from paying any dividends if the latter would result in an event of default.
The facility is secured as follows:
•
Ray;
•
•
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco Marina Del
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;
The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4.25% and a commitment fee of 1% per annum is payable quarterly in
arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. The
Company drew down $1,690 and another $1,690 under the facility in July and October 2018 respectively, to finance two
shipyard installments of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2018 was about
2.4%.
(C). SHORT AND LONG TERM DEBT FROM RELATED PARTIES
Amended Family Trading Credit Facility
On December 23, 2015, the Company entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility with Family Trading ("the Family
Trading facility"), a related party owned by the Lax Trust, for up to $15,000 to be used to fund the Company's newbuilding
program and working capital relating to the Company's operating vessels. This facility was repayable in cash no later than
December 31, 2016, but the Company had the option to extend the facility's repayment up to December 31, 2017. On
December 28, 2016 the maturity of the Family Trading facility was extended to January 31, 2017 and on January 27, 2017 the
maturity of the Family Trading loan was extended to February 28, 2017 with all terms remaining the same.
On February 21, 2017, the Company amended and restated the Family Trading Credit Facility (the "Amended Family Trading
Credit Facility") in order to, among other things, remove any limitation in the use of funds drawn down under the facility,
reduce the mandatory cash payment due under the facility when the Company raises capital through the issuance of certain
securities, remove the revolving feature of the facility, extend the facility for up to three years and give Family Trading the
option to get repaid for any amounts outstanding under the facility in cash or in common shares of the company. Additionally,
the interest rate of the facility increased to 10% (from 9%) and the commitment fee decreased to 2.5% (from 5%). Subject to
certain adjustments pursuant to the terms of the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility, the number of common shares to be
issued as repayment of the amounts outstanding under the facility will be calculated by dividing the amount redeemed by 80%
of the lowest daily Volume-Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of the Company’s common shares on the Nasdaq Capital
Market during the twenty consecutive trading days ending on the trading day prior to the payment date (the "Applicable
Price"), provided, however, that at no time shall the Applicable Price be lower than $0.60 per common share (the "Floor
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Price").
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Further, in the case where the Company raises capital (whether publicly or privately) and the Applicable Price is higher than
the lowest of (henceforth the "Issuance Price"):
a.
b.
c.
d.
the price per share issued upon an equity offering of the Company;
the exercise price of warrants or options for common shares;
the conversion price of any convertible security into common shares; or
the implied exchange price of the common shares pursuant to an asset to equity or liability to equity swap,
then the Applicable Price will be reduced to the Issuance Price. Finally, in case the Applicable Price is higher than the exercise
price of the Company’s 2014 Warrants, the Applicable Price will be reduced to the exercise price of such outstanding warrants.
The Company during the year ended December 31, 2017 issued 4 common shares as payment for $1,198 of accrued fees and
interest under the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility that resulted in additional non-cash debt conversion expenses
amounting to $842, included in Interest and finance costs in the accompanying Statement of comprehensive loss.
On September 27, 2018, the Company amended the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility (the "Amended and Restated
Family Trading Credit Facility") in order to, among other things, set the repayment date of the facility to December 31, 2019,
increase the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility to $20,000, increase the interest rate to 12%, reduce the commitment
fee to 2% and increase the arrangement fee to 5%. On October 30, 2018, the Company entered into an addendum to the
Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility in order to, among other things, increase the maximum borrowing
capacity of the facility to $25,000. On December 31, 2018 the Company entered into another addendum to the facility in order
to, among other things, set the repayment date of the facility to December 31, 2025, increase the maximum borrowing capacity
of the facility to $30,000, increase the interest rate to 15% and apply the current arrangement fee rate to the whole principal of
the loan.
The Company during year ended December 31, 2018 has drawn $26,152 and repaid $1,408 under the facility. As of December
31, 2018 the facility has an undrawn balance of $4,149.
At each drawdown under the facility, the Company recognized a beneficial conversion feature ("BCF") by allocating the
intrinsic value of the conversion option, which is the number of shares of common stock available upon conversion multiplied
by the difference between the effective conversion price per share and the fair value of the Company's common stock per share
on the commitment date, to additional paid-in capital. Hence in total the Company recognized $15,028 of debt discount, $2,504
of which was amortized in the year ended December 31, 2018 and is included in “Interest and finance costs” in the
accompanying Statement of comprehensive loss. Each successive amendment of the facility resulted in an increase in the
borrowing capacity of the facility and therefore affected the fair value of the debt conversion feature, substantially. This
resulted in the Company recognizing a debt extinguishment on each amendment date in line with ASC 470-50-40-10. Under
the current accounting standard ASC 470-50-40-2, the extinguishment of related party debt is considered a capital transaction
and accordingly, no gain or loss on extinguishment is recognized in the statement of comprehensive loss but it is recognized as
a deemed dividend in equity.
Related party interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 incurred in connection with this credit
facility, amounted to $302, $111 and $857 respectively and is included in “Interest and finance costs” in the accompanying
consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Related party commitment fees for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2017
and 2018 incurred in connection with this credit facility, amounted to $207, $366 and $179 respectively and are included in
“Interest and finance costs” in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Deferred financing costs of
$341 are included in the line item “Deferred Charges” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for December 31,
2017.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
(D) FINANCINGS COMMITTED UNDER SALE AND LEASEBACK AGREEMENTS
Cargill Sale and Leaseback
On June 29, 2018 the Company entered into a sale and leaseback agreement (“SLB”) and a 5 year time charter with Cargill, a
non-affiliated party, for its newbuilding vessel M/T Eco Marina Del Ray (Hull No 8242) delivered in March 2019.
Consummation of the deal took place on the vessel’s delivery date. Following the sale, the Company has bareboat chartered
back the vessel at a bareboat hire of $8,600 per day and simultaneously the vessel commenced its five year time charter with
Cargill. As part of this transaction, the Company has continuous options to buy back the vessel during the whole five year sale
and leaseback period at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised and at
the end of the five year period it has to buy it back for $22,680. The gross proceeds from the sale amount are $32,387.
The abovementioned sale and leaseback transaction contains, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including
cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements.
The SLB with Cargill will be accounted as a financing transaction, as control will remain with the Company and its
newbuilding vessel M/T Eco Marina Del Ray will continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition the
Company has an obligation to repurchase the vessel.
Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Company (“BoComm Leasing”) Sale and Leaseback
On December 21, 2018 the Company entered into a SLB with BoComm Leasing, a non-affiliated party, for M/T Nord Valiant
and M/T Eco California (Hull No 8218). Consummation of the SLB for the deal took place on January 17, 2019 for M/T Nord
Valiant and on January 31, 2019 M/T Eco California. Following the sale, the Company has bareboat chartered back M/T Nord
Valiant for five years and M/T Eco California for seven years at a bareboat hire of $5,875 per day and $6,550 per day
respectively. As part of this transaction, the Company has continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at
purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the
SLBs are $21,655 for M/T Nord Valiant and $24,140 for M/T Eco California.
The abovementioned sale and leaseback transactions contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including
cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements.
The SLB with BoComm Leasing will be accounted as a financing transaction, as control will remain with the Company and
M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California will continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition the
Company has continuous options to repurchase the vessels below fair value.
China Merchants Bank Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. ("CMBFL") Sale and Leaseback
On December 3, 2018 the Company entered into an SLB with CMBFL, a non-affiliated party, for M/T Eco Bel Air (Hull No
874) and M/T Eco Beverly Hills (Hull No 875). Consummation of the SLB for the deal is expected to take place on the vessel’s
delivery date currently planned for April and May 2019 respectively. Following the sale, the Company will bareboat charter
back the vessels for a period of seven years at a bareboat hire of $16,361 per day per vessel. As part of this transaction, the
Company has continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat
agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the sale will be $91,413 for both vessels.
The abovementioned sale and leaseback transactions contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including
cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements.
The SLB with CMBLF will be accounted as a financing transaction, as control will remain with the Company and M/T Eco
Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills will continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition the Company has
continuous options to repurchase the vessels below fair value.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Scheduled Principal Repayments: The Company’s annual principal payments required to be made after December 31, 2018 on
its loan obligations, are as follows (without accounting for the commitments under sale and leaseback agreements and
assuming that the Company will not draw any additional funds under the Family Trading or any of its pre-delivery facilities):
Years
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2024 and thereafter
Total
24,239
9,650
21,015
29,077
29,611
38,756
152,348
As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants with respect to its loans and credit
facilities.
Financing Costs: The net additions in deferred financing costs amounted to $2,667 and $3,609 during the years ended
December 31, 2017 and 2018 respectively. For 2017, the respective amount relates to $646 of arrangement fees, commitment
fees and legal fees relating to the AT Bank facilities, $625 of fees relating to the extension of the Family Trading Facility, $490
of arrangement fees relating to the Notes, $470 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the Alpha
Facility, $297 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the Series C shares and $139 of financing fees
paid to CSM as per the provisions of the Letter Agreement between the latter and the Company. For 2018, the respective
amount relates to $2,172 of fees relating to the three amendments and extensions of the Family Trading Facility, $589 of
arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the AT Bank Facility and the AT Bank First and Second
Predelivery Facility, $447 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the Company’s SLBs (see note 21),
$152 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the Alpha Bank Predelivery Facility, $139 of financing
fees paid to CSM as per the provisions of the Letter Agreement between the latter and the Company, $82 of arrangement fees
and legal fees relating to the ABN Facility amendment in November 2018 and $28 of legal fees relating to the AT Bank Bridge
Facility.
10. Commitments and Contingencies:
Legal proceedings:
Various claims, suits, and complaints, including those involving government regulations and product liability, arise in the
ordinary course of the shipping business. As part of the normal course of operations, the Company's customers may disagree on
amounts due to the Company under the provision of the contracts which are normally settled through negotiations with the
customer. Disputed amounts are normally reflected in revenues at such time as the Company reaches agreement with the
customer on the amounts due.
On August 1, 2017, the Company received a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requesting
certain documents and information in connection with offerings made by the Company between February 2017 and August
2017. The Company provided the requested information to the SEC in response to that subpoena. On September 26, 2018 and
on October 5, 2018 the Company received two additional subpoenas from the SEC requesting certain documents and
information in connection with the previous subpoena the Company received on August 1, 2017. The Company is providing
the requested information to the SEC in response to that subpoena. The SEC investigation is ongoing and the Company
continues to cooperate with the SEC in its investigation. The Company is unable to predict what action, if any, might be taken
by the SEC or its staff as a result of this investigation or what impact, if any, the cost of responding to the SEC’s investigation
or its ultimate outcome might have on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity . Hence the Company has not
established any provision for losses relating to this matter.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
On August 23, 2017, a purported securities class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of New York (No. 2:17-cv-04987(JFB)(SIL)) by Christopher Brady on behalf of himself and all others similarly
situated against (among other defendants) the Company and two of its executive officers. The complaint is brought on behalf of
an alleged class of those who purchased common stock of the Company between January 17, 2017 and August 22, 2017, and
alleges that the Company and two of its executive officers violated Sections 9, 10(b) and/or 20(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. On August 24, 2017, a second purported securities class action complaint
was filed in the same court against the same defendants (No. 2:17-cv-05016 (JFB)(SIL)) which makes similar allegations and
purports to allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. By
order dated July 20, 2018, the court consolidated the two actions under docket no. 2:17-cv-04987 and appointed lead plaintiffs
for the consolidated action. On September 18, 2018 the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. The amended
complaint purports to be brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased the common stock of the Company between
November 23, 2016 and April 3, 2018, makes allegations similar to those made in the original complaints, seeks similar reliefs
as the original actions, and alleges that some or all the defendants violated sections 9, 10(b), 20(a), and/or 20A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. All defendants filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint
on March 25, 2019. Plaintiffs’ oppositions to the motions to dismiss are due on May 24, 2019, and Defendants’ replies in
further support of the motions to dismiss are due on June 28, 2019. . The Company and its management believe that the
allegations in the complaints are without merit and plan to vigorously defend themselves against the allegations. By letter dated
January 2, 2019, certain co-defendants in the class action litigation (Kalani Investments Ltd. (“Kalani”), Murchinson Ltd. and
Marc Bistricer) requested that the Company indemnify and hold them harmless against all losses, including reasonable costs of
defense, arising from the litigation, pursuant to the provisions of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement between the
Company and Kalani. The Company acknowledged receipt of this indemnification request by letter dated February 20, 2019,
and reserved all of its rights.
Other than the cases mentioned above, the Company is not a party to any material litigation where claims or counterclaims
have been filed against the Company other than routine legal proceedings incidental to its business.
Capital Expenditures under the Company’s Newbuilding program:
From March 30, 2017 to January 31, 2018 the Company entered into a series of transactions with a number of entities affiliated
with Evangelos J. Pistiolis that led to the purchase of a number of vessels and newbuilding contracts (please see Note 1 and 5).
As a result of these transactions, the Company has remaining contractual commitments for the acquisition of its fleet totaling
$147,632, including $20,793, $29,027, $48,906 and $48,906 pursuant to newbuilding agreements for M/T Eco California, M/T
Eco Marina Del Ray, M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills respectively. These contractual commitments are payable in
2019.
Environmental Liabilities:
The Company accrues for the cost of environmental liabilities when management becomes aware that a liability is probable and
is able to reasonably estimate the probable exposure. Currently, management is not aware of any such claims or contingent
liabilities, which should be disclosed, or for which a provision should be established in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements.
11. Common and Preferred Stock, Additional Paid-In Capital and Dividends:
Reverse stock split: On May 11 2017, June 23 2017, August 3 2017, October 6 2017 and March 26 2018, the Company
effected a 1-for-20, a 1-for-15, a 1-for-30, a 1-for-2 and a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of its common stock respectively. There
was no change in the number of authorized common shares of the Company. All numbers of share and earnings per share
amounts, as well as warrant shares eligible for purchase under the Company's 2014 Warrants, in these financial statements have
been retroactively adjusted to reflect these reverse stock splits.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Issuance of common stock and warrants as part of the 2018 Common Stock Offering: On October 26, 2018, the Company
priced a public offering of 2,000,000 shares of common stock, and warrants to purchase 3,500,000 common shares (the “2018
Warrants”), at $1.50 per common share and $0.00001 per warrant. The 2018 Warrants have an exercise price of $1.50 per
share, are exercisable immediately, and will expire four months from the date of issuance. Each warrant grants the warrant
holder the option to purchase one common share of the Company at any time within the abovementioned term (American style
option). The proceeds from this offering (net of 6.5% placement agent fees), were $2,805. As of December 31, 2018, 1,553,000
2018 Warrants have been exercised for gross proceeds of $2,330. The 2018 Warrants provide for physical settlement requiring
the Company to deliver shares to the holder of the warrants in exchange of cash. The Company accounts for the 2018 Warrants
for shares of common stock as equity in accordance with the accounting guidance for derivatives. The accounting guidance
provides a scope exception from classifying and measuring as a financial liability a contract that would otherwise meet the
definition of a derivative if the contract is both (i) indexed to the entity’s own stock and (ii) meet the equity classifications
conditions. The Company concluded these warrants should be equity-classified since they contain no provisions which would
require the Company to account for the warrants as a derivative liability, and therefore were initially measured at fair value in
permanent equity with subsequent changes in fair value not measured.
On initial recognition the fair value of the 2018 Warrants was $1,671 and was determined using the Black-Scholes
methodology. The fair value is considered by the Company to be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy since it is
derived by unobservable inputs. The major unobservable input in connection with the valuation of the Company’s 2018
Warrants is the volatility used in the valuation model, which is approximated by using a four-month daily historical
observations of the Company’s share price. The annualized four-month daily historical volatility that has been applied in the
warrant valuation as of December 31, 2018 was 108%. A 5% increase in the volatility applied would lead to an increase of
3.8% in the fair value of the 2018 Warrants.
Equity distribution agreement: On May 25, 2018, the Company, entered into an equity distribution agreement, or as is
commonly known, an at-the-market offering, with Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”), under which the Company could sell up to
$14,250 of its common stock with Maxim acting as a sales agent over a period of 12 months (the “Maxim ATM”). Since
Maxim was acting solely as a sales agent, it had no right to require any common stock sales. No warrants, derivatives, or other
share classes were associated with this agreement. On July 24, 2018 the Company terminated the Maxim ATM. As of
December 31, 2018, the Company had received proceeds (net of 2% fees), amounting to $2,781 and issued 2,490,853 common
shares.
Series C preferred convertible shares: On February 17, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 7,500 Series C
convertible preferred shares (the “Series C shares”) for an aggregate principal amount of $7,500 with Xanthe. The Series C
shares were convertible at the lesser of the following two prices: (i) $ 675,000.00 and (ii) 75% of the lowest daily VWAP of the
Company's common shares over the twenty-one (21) consecutive trading day period ending on the trading day immediately
prior to such date of determination, but in no event could the conversion price be less than $0.25. The Series C shares could not
be converted if, after giving effect to the conversion, a holder together with certain related parties would beneficially own in
excess of 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding common shares. Holders of Series C shares had no voting rights. The Company
at its option had the right to redeem the outstanding Series C shares at an amount equal to 120% of the Conversion Amount
being redeemed. The Series C shares were subject to redemption in cash at the option of the holders thereof at any time after
the occurrence and continuance of a Triggering Event. A Triggering Event included, among other things, certain bankruptcy
proceedings, the delisting of the Company's common shares from Nasdaq, failure to timely deliver common shares upon
conversion, failure to pay cash upon redemption, or failure to observe or perform certain covenants. Further, at any time after
the tenth business day before the first year anniversary of the issuance of the Series C shares, the holders had the right to
require the Company to redeem all or any number of Series C shares held at a purchase price equal to 100% of the Conversion
Amount of such shares. The holders of Series C shares were entitled to receive quarterly dividends at a rate of 8% per annum
payable in common shares, except that any dividend not paid in common shares would be payable in cash. Capitalized terms
are defined in the Statement of Designations of the Series C shares. During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company
issued 904,646 common shares upon the conversion of 7,500 Series C shares and paid $600 in dividends. Also in consideration
for entering into the agreement, the Company issued $113 of its common stock to Xanthe as a commitment fee. As of
December 31, 2017 all Series C shares had been converted to common stock.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Series D preferred shares: On May 8, 2017, the Company issued 100,000 shares of Series D preferred shares (the “Series D
shares”) to Tankers Family Inc., a company controlled by Lax Trust for $1 pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. The Series
D shares are not convertible into common shares and each Series D share has the voting power of 1,000 common shares. The
Series D shares have no dividend or distribution rights and shall expire and all outstanding Series D shares shall be redeemed
by the Company for par value on the date the currently outstanding loans with ABN Amro and NORD/LB, or loans with any
other financial institution, which contain covenants that require that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis
maintain a specific minimum ownership or voting interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies or other entities
beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis
family are beneficiaries) of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares, respectively, are fully repaid or reach their
maturity date. The Series D shares shall not be otherwise redeemable and upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Company, the Series D shares shall have a liquidation preference of $0.01 per share.
Common stock purchase agreement: On February 2, 2017, the Company, entered into an agreement, as amended four times
during 2017, with Kalani, under which the Company could sell up to $40,341 of its common stock to Kalani over a period of
24 months, subject to certain limitations (the “Common stock purchase agreement”). Proceeds from sales of common stock
were used for general corporate purposes. Kalani had no right to require any sales and was obligated to purchase the common
stock as directed by the Company, subject to certain limitations set forth in the agreement. In consideration for entering into the
agreement, the Company issued $606 of its common stock to Kalani as a commitment fee. No warrants, derivatives, or other
share classes are associated with this agreement. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had received proceeds (net of 1%
commitment fees), amounting to $39,937 and issued 632,775 common shares, out of which 6 shares refer to commitment fees.
On October 12, 2017 the Common stock purchase agreement was completed.
First Crede Purchase Agreement: On November 7, 2017, the Company, entered into an agreement with Crede, pursuant to
which the Company could sell up to $25,000 of shares of its common stock, to Crede over a period of 24 months, subject to
certain limitations (the “First Crede Purchase Agreement”). In consideration for entering into the First Crede Purchase
Agreement, the Company agreed to issue up to $500 of shares of its common stock, to Crede as a commitment fee. Crede had
no right to require any sales and was obligated to purchase the common stock as directed by the Company, subject to certain
limitations set forth in the agreement. Proceeds from sales of common stock were used for general corporate purposes. No
warrants, derivatives, or other share classes are associated with this agreement. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had
received proceeds, amounting to $25,000 and issued 5,382,972 common shares, out of which 150,000 shares refer to
commitment fees. On December 14, 2017 the First Crede Purchase Agreement was completed.
Second Crede Purchase Agreement: On December 11, 2017, the Company, entered into a second agreement with Crede,
pursuant to which the Company can sell another $25,000 of shares of its common stock, to Crede over a period of 24 months,
subject to certain limitations (the “Second Crede Purchase Agreement”). In consideration for entering into the Second Crede
Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to issue up to $500 of shares of its common stock, to Crede as a commitment fee.
Crede has no right to require any sales and is obligated to purchase the common stock as directed by the Company, subject to
certain limitations set forth in the agreement. Proceeds from sales of common stock were to be used for general corporate
purposes. No warrants, derivatives, or other share classes are associated with this agreement. As of December 31, 2018, the
Company had received proceeds, amounting to $14,810 and issued 8,050,000 common shares, out of which 115,915 shares
refer to commitment fees. The Company terminated the Second Crede Purchase Agreement on May 23, 2018.
2014 Warrants: As of December 31, 2018 the Company had 1,976,389 warrants outstanding relating to the follow-on offering
of June 6, 2014 (the “2014 Warrants”), which entitle their holders to purchase 8,498,474 of the Company's common shares at
an exercise price of $0.58, as it may be further adjusted. Furthermore the issuance of the Series C shares constituted an
issuance of Variable Price Securities (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) and that, pursuant to Section 2(d) of the Warrant
Agreement, each holder shall have the right, but not the obligation, to, in any exercise of 2014 Warrants, designate the Variable
Price (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) at which the Series C shares are convertible, namely the lesser of: (i) $675,000 and
(ii) 75% of the lowest daily VWAP of the Company's common shares over the twenty-one (21) consecutive trading day period
ending on the trading day immediately prior to such date of determination, but in no event will the conversion price be less
than $0.25. During the year ended December 31, 2018 no 2014 Warrants were exercised. The 2014 Warrants expire five years
from the grant date on June 11, 2019.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
The 2014 Warrants have a number of round down protection measures embedded in the warrant agreement. These measures
provide for a downward adjustment of the exercise price of each warrant in the following cases:
·
·
·
·
Issuance of common shares: if the Company issues, sells or is deemed to have issued or sold any common shares for a
consideration per share less than the exercise price of the 2014 Warrants then the latter shall be reduced to match the
reduced consideration per share.
Issuance of options or convertible securities: if the Company issues or sells any options at a strike price that is lower
than the exercise price of the 2014 Warrants then the latter will be reduced to match the strike price of the options. If
the Company issues convertibles that end up converting at a price per share that is lower than the exercise price of the
2014 Warrants then the latter will be reduced to match the conversion price per share.
Holder's right of alternative exercise price following issuance of certain options or convertible securities: if the
Company issues or sells any options or convertible securities that are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable
for common shares at a price which varies or may vary with the market price of the common shares (Variable Price),
the warrant holder shall have the right, but not the obligation, to substitute the Variable Price for the exercise price of
the 2014 Warrants.
Other events: if the Company takes any action that results in the dilution of the warrant holder not covered by the
abovementioned round down protection measures (including, the granting of stock appreciation rights, phantom stock
rights or other rights with equity features), then the Company shall determine and implement an appropriate
adjustment in the exercise price so as to protect the rights of the warrant holder.
The above list is not exhaustive and for a more comprehensive and complete list of round down protection measures one
should read the warrant agreement.
Issuance of Warrants as part of the underwriting agreement: On June 6, 2014, the Company entered into an underwriting
agreement in connection with the Company’s follow-on offering with AEGIS, an unaffiliated party. Pursuant to this agreement,
the Company granted to AEGIS 300,000 warrants. Each warrant grants AEGIS the option to purchase one common share of
the Company, at an exercise price of $4,500,000 (per share), which is exercisable at any time (American style option) from
June 6, 2015 onwards and expires five years from the grant date.
Dividends: No dividends were paid to common stock holders in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018. An
amount of $600 in common shares was paid to holders of Series C shares during year ended December 31, 2017.
12.
Stock Incentive Plan:
On April 15, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2015 Plan, under which
the Company’s directors, officers, key employees, consultants and service providers to the Company may be granted non-
qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted
stock and other-equity based-related awards. One common share was reserved for issuance under the 2015 Plan, which is
administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
On April 15, 2015, the Company granted and issued one restricted share to a nominee of Central Mare (Tankers Family Inc), a
related party owned by the Lax Trust, under the 2015 Plan. The share will vest equally over a period of eight years from the
date of grant. The fair value of each share on the grant date was $1,962,000.
On February 25, 2016, the Company granted and issued 0.3 restricted common shares to Sovereign Holdings Inc, a company
owned by the Lax Trust. The fair value of the Company’s share price at the time of the grant was $504,000 and the share vested
immediately. The Company recognized an expense of $192 pursuant to this grant. This expense has been included in General
and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2016.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
A summary of the status of the Company's non-vested shares relating to the 2015 Plan as of December 31, 2018 and movement
during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, is presented below:
As of December 31, 2016
Vested shares on June 30, 2017
As of December 31, 2017
Vested shares on June 30, 2018
As of December 31, 2018
Number of
Non-vested
Shares
0.675
0.125
0.55
0.125
0.425
Fair value
of one
common
share
405,000
252
2.50
0.95
0.82
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018 the equity compensation expense/(gain) that has been charged in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive loss was $47, $(25) and $(34) for the Non-Employee awards, respectively. This
expense has been included in Management fees-related parties in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for each
respective year. As of December 31, 2018 the total compensation or benefit related to non vested awards is $119 (assuming that
all future share vestings under the 2015 plan would be effected at the Company’s closing stock price on December 31, 2018,
i.e. at $0.82 per share, here used as an estimate of the Company’s future stock price on the respective future vesting dates) and
is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.5 years. The Company uses the straight-line method to
recognize the cost of the awards.
13. Loss Per Common Share:
All shares issued (including non-vested shares issued under the Company’s stock incentive plans) are included in the
Company's common stock and have equal rights to vote and participate in dividends and in undistributed earnings. Non-vested
shares do not have a contractual obligation to share in the losses. Dividends declared during the period for non-vested common
stock as well as undistributed earnings allocated to non-vested stock are deducted from net income or loss attributable to
common shareholders for the purpose of the computation of basic earnings per share in accordance with the two-class method
as required by relevant guidance.
The components of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 2016, 2017 and 2018
are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
Income:
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
Earnings per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
Loss per share, basic and diluted
(351)
(13,404)
(11,134)
22
(15,955)
1,063,381
(12.57)
18,181,456
(0.61)
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 no dilutive shares were included in the computation of diluted
earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive for the period presented.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
14. Voyage and Vessel Operating Expenses:
The amounts in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss are as follows:
Voyage Expenses
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
Port charges / other voyage expenses
Bunkers
Commissions (including $358, $487 and $511 respectively, to related party)
Total
-
20
716
736
10
15
974
999
1
18
1,001
1,020
Vessel Operating Expenses
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
Crew wages and related costs
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance (including $104, $136 and $187 respectively, to related
party)
Spares and consumable stores
Registration and tonnage taxes (Note 16)
Total
6,885
542
520
1,923
43
9,913
9,228
777
973
2,374
92
13,444
10,185
761
1,120
2,645
115
14,826
15.
Interest and Finance Costs:
The amounts in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss are analyzed as follows:
Interest and Finance Costs
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2018
Interest on debt (including $302, $138 and $874, respectively, to related party)
(Note 9)
Delos termination fee interest (Note 5)
Bank charges and loan commitment fees (including $207, $366 and $179,
respectively, to related party)
Amortization and write-off of financing fees
Amortization of debt discount (Note 9)
Non-cash debt conversion expenses
Total
Less interest capitalized
Total
3,208
3
262
291
-
-
3,764
(671)
3,093
5,724
-
440
1,640
7,500
842
16,146
(353)
15,793
7,373
-
262
1,305
2,504
-
11,444
(1,782)
9,662
16.
Income Taxes:
Marshall Islands, Cyprus and Liberia do not impose a tax on international shipping income. Under the laws of Marshall
Islands, Cyprus and Liberia, the countries of the companies' incorporation and vessels' registration, the companies are subject
to registration and tonnage taxes, which have been included in Vessel operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated
statements of comprehensive loss.
The Company and its subsidiaries were not subject to United States federal income taxation in respect of income that is derived
from the international operation of ships and the performance of services directly related as they qualified for the exemption of
Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
17.
Financial Instruments:
The principal financial assets of the Company consist of cash on hand and at banks, restricted cash, prepaid expenses and other
receivables. The principal financial liabilities of the Company consist of short and long term loans, related party loans,
accounts payable due to suppliers, amounts due from/to related parties, accrued liabilities, interest rate swaps, convertible
preferred shares and warrants granted to third parties.
a)
Interest rate risk: The Company is subject to market risks relating to changes in interest rates relating to debt
outstanding under its bank loan facilities on which it pays interest based on LIBOR plus a margin. In order to manage
part of its exposure to changes in interest rates due to this floating rate indebtedness, the Company has entered into
interest rate swap agreements (refer section below) and may enter into more interest rate swap agreements in the
future.
b) Credit risk: Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk,
consist principally of interest rate swaps and cash. The Company places its temporary cash investments, consisting
mostly of deposits, with high credit qualified financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the
relative credit standing of those financial institutions with which it places its temporary cash investments.
c) Fair value:
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are considered Level 1 items as they represent liquid assets with short term
maturities.
The Company considers its creditworthiness when determining the fair value of the credit facilities.
The fair value of bank debt approximates the recorded value due to its variable interest rate, being the LIBOR. LIBOR rates are
observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the loans and, hence, bank loans are considered Level 2 items in
accordance with the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using a discounted cash flow method taking into account current and future
interest rates and the creditworthiness of both the financial instrument counterparty and the Company and, hence, they are
considered Level 2 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the 2014 Warrants is determined using the Cox, Ross and Rubinstein Binomial methodology and hence are
considered Level 3 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy.
The Company follows the accounting guidance for Fair Value Measurements. This guidance enables the reader of the financial
statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and
reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The guidance requires assets and liabilities carried at fair value to
be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data;
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Interest rate swap agreements
The Company has entered into interest rate swap transactions to manage interest costs and the risk associated with changing
interest rates with respect to its variable interest rate credit facilities. These interest rate swap transactions fixed the interest
rates based on predetermined ranges in LIBOR rates. The Company has entered into the following agreements with ABN
Amro Bank, Nord/LB Bank and Alpha Bank relating to interest rate swaps, the details of which were as follows:
Agreement Date
June 3, 2016
December 19, 2016
December 19, 2016
March 29, 2017
March 29, 2018
Counterparty
ABN Amro Bank
ABN Amro Bank
ABN Amro Bank
NORD/LB Bank
Alpha Bank
Effective date:
Termination Date:
April 13, 2018
December 21, 2016
December 21, 2016
May 17, 2017
March 29, 2018
Ju1y 13, 2021
January 13, 2022
August 10, 2022
May 17, 2023
February 25, 2025
Interest
payable
1.4425%
2.0800%
2.1250%
2.1900%
2.9700%
rate
The fair value of the swaps was considered by the Company to be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy since their
value was being derived by observable market based inputs. The Company pays a fixed rate and receives a floating rate for
these interest rate swaps. The fair values of these derivatives determined through Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy were
derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Inputs included quoted prices for similar assets, liabilities
(risk adjusted) and market-corroborated inputs, such as market comparables, interest rates, yield curves and other items that
allowed values to be determined. The Company's interest rate swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting.
2014 Warrant liability
The Company's derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, are recorded at their fair values. As of December
31, 2018 the Company’s derivatives consisted of 8,498,474 warrant shares outstanding, issued in connection with the
Company’s follow-on offering that closed on June 11, 2014 (see Note 11), as depicted in the following table:
2014 Warrants Outstanding
December 31, 2017
1,976,389
Warrant Shares Outstanding
December 31, 2017
2,134,501
2014 Warrants Outstanding
December 31, 2018
1,976,389
* Applying the Variable Exercise Price
Warrant Shares Outstanding
December 31, 2018
8,498,474
Term
5 years
Term
5 years
Warrant Exercise
Price
$2.30
Fair Value – Liability
December 31, 2017
3,332
Warrant Exercise
Price*
$0.58
Fair Value – Liability
December 31, 2018
1,915
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Fair value of financial liabilities
The following table presents the fair value of those financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
and their locations on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, analyzed by fair value measurement hierarchy level:
As of December 31, 2017
Non-current asset
Non-current liability
As of December 31, 2018
Non-current asset
Non-current liability
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date
Using
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
-
-
-
-
394
3
1,153
359
-
3,332
-
1,915
Total
394
3,335
1,153
2,274
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s level 3 fair value measurements for the
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018:
Closing balance – December 31, 2016
Change in fair value of 2014 Warrants, included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss
Adjustment for cashless exercise of 2014 Warrants, included in Additional paid-in capital line item of
consolidated balance sheets
Closing balance – December 31, 2017
Change in fair value of 2014 Warrants, included in (Loss)/gain on derivative financial instruments in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive loss
Closing balance – December 31, 2018
3,222
256
(146)
3,332
(1,417)
1,915
Derivative Financial Instruments not designated as hedging instruments:
The major unobservable input in connection with the valuation of the Company’s 2014 Warrants is the volatility used in the
valuation model, which is approximated by using a six-month daily historical observations of the Company’s share price. The
annualized six-month daily historical volatility that has been applied in the warrant valuation as of December 31, 2018 was
110%. A 5% increase in the volatility applied would lead to an increase of 2.6% in the fair value of the 2014 Warrants. The fair
value of the Company’s 2014 Warrants is considered by the Company to be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy
since it is derived by unobservable inputs.
Quantitative information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Derivative
type
2014 Warrants
Fair Value
at
December
31, 2017
Fair Value
at
December
31, 2018
3,332
1,915
Balance Sheet
Location
Non-Current
liabilities
–Derivative
financial
instruments
Valuation
Technique
Significant
Unobservable
Input
Value
December
31, 2017
Value
December
31, 2018
Cox, Ross and
Rubinstein
Binomial
Volatility
233%
110%
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
Information on the location and amounts of derivative financial instruments fair values in the balance sheet and derivative
financial instrument losses in the statement of comprehensive loss are presented below:
Interest rate swaps- change in fair value
Interest rate swaps– realized gain/(loss)
2014 Warrants- change in fair value
Total
18. Other operating income
Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in Statement of comprehensive
(loss)/gain located in Loss on derivate financial instruments
2016
(41)
(16)
(641)
(698)
2017
431
(476)
(256)
(301)
2018
404
-
1,417
1,821
During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company wrote-off $914 of accrued liabilities of vessels sold in 2009, mainly
relating to unearned revenue.
During the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company wrote-off $3,137 of accrued liabilities of vessels sold from 2006 to
2008, mainly relating to $2,043 of unearned revenue and $1,094 of related brokerage commissions, as the time frame for the
Company’s counterparties to claim these amounts had expired.
19. Mezzanine Equity
Issuance of convertible preferred stock: On November 22, 2016, the Company, entered into a securities purchase agreement
with YA II CD, LTD., or Yorkville for the sale of 2,106 newly designated Series B convertible preferred stock. Yorkville
purchased 1,579 Series B convertible preferred stock on November 22, 2016 and 527 Series B convertible preferred stock on
November 28, 2016. The preferred stock was issued to Yorkville through a registered direct offering. The total net proceeds
from the offering, after deducting offering fees and expenses, were $1,741. The holders of Series B convertible preferred shares
were entitled to such number of votes as would have been equal to the number of the Company’s common shares then issuable
upon a conversion of each Series B convertible preferred share (subject to an ownership limitation of 4.99%) on all matters
submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company. The Series B convertible preferred stock were convertible into a
number of the Company’s common shares equal to the quotient of $1 divided by the lesser of the following two prices: (i)
$504,000 (per share) and (ii) 85% of the lowest daily VWAP of the Company’s common shares over the 10 consecutive trading
days expiring on the trading day immediately prior to the date of delivery of a conversion notice, but in no event will this
conversion price be less than $1.00 (per share). The holders of Series B convertible preferred stock are not entitled to dividends
or a redemption in cash except in the case of an event of default (a “Triggering Event”). A Triggering Event includes, among
other things, certain bankruptcy proceedings, the delisting of the Company’s common shares from Nasdaq, failure to timely
deliver common shares upon conversion, failure to pay cash upon redemption, or failure to observe or perform certain
covenants. All the issued Series B convertible preferred stock were converted in 2017. The Company retained the right at all
times to redeem a portion or all of the outstanding Series B Convertible Preferred Shares. The Company would have paid an
amount equal to $1 per each Series B Convertible Preferred Share, or the Liquidation Amount, plus a redemption premium
equal to twenty percent (20%) of the Liquidation Amount being redeemed. Pursuant to the issuance of the convertible preferred
stock, the Company recognized the beneficial conversion feature by allocating the intrinsic value of the conversion option,
which is the number of shares of common stock available upon conversion multiplied by the difference between the effective
conversion price per share and the fair value of the Company’s common stock per share on the commitment date, to additional
paid-in capital, resulting in a discount of $1,403 on the Series B convertible preferred stock. The Company accreted the whole
discount in the year ended December 31, 2016. As the Company was in an accumulated deficit position, the offsetting amount
was amortized as a deemed dividend charged against additional paid-in-capital for common shares, as there were no retained
earnings from which to declare a dividend.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
The following table summarizes the activity in mezzanine equity since issuance of the preferred shares:
Series B convertible preferred stock
BALANCE, December 31, 2015
Net Proceeds from Issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock
Deemed dividend for beneficial conversion feature
Beneficial conversion feature
Balance December 31, 2016
Conversions of Series B convertible preferred stock
Balance December 31, 2017
Total
-
1,741
1,403
(1,403)
1,741
(1,741)
-
During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company issued 18,026 common shares upon the conversion of 2,106 Series B
convertible preferred shares. As of December 31, 2017 all Series B convertible shares have been converted to common stock.
20.
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures
On March 30, 2017, the Company, acquired a 49% ownership interest in City of Athens from Fly Free Company, a Marshall
Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $4,200. City of Athens
was party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Holmby Hills. Furthermore on March 30, 2017, the
Company acquired a 49% ownership interest in Eco Nine from Maxima International Co., a Marshall Islands corporation and
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,500. Eco Nine was a party to a newbuilding
contract for the construction of M/T Eco Palm Springs. On June 14, 2017 the Company acquired an additional 1% interest in
City of Athens and in Eco Nine for an aggregate consideration of $157, increasing the Company’s interest in both companies to
50%. Fees and costs related to the investments amounting to $353 were accounted for as part of the investment.
On June 30, 2017 the Lax Trust sold its 50% remaining interest in City of Athens and in Eco Nine to Gunvor S.A. (“Gunvor”),
a non-affiliated company and on July 7, 2017 the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Gunvor. Furthermore,
upon the delivery of both vessels, each of the two vessels entered into time charter employments with Clearlake Shipping Pte
Ltd, a subsidiary of Gunvor, for three years firm plus two additional optional years. The Company's exposure is limited to its
share of the net assets of City of Athens and Eco Nine proportionate to its 50% equity interest in these companies. The
Company shares the profits and losses, cash flows and other matters relating to its investments in City of Athens and in Eco
Nine in accordance with its ownership percentage. The vessels are managed by CSM, pursuant to management agreements.
The Company accounts for investments in joint ventures using the equity method since it has joint control over the investment.
The Company was obligated to contribute funds for yard installments in relation to the construction of the vessels of the joint
venture companies, as needed and proportionate to its 50% equity interest in these companies.
On March 12, 2018 City of Athens and in Eco Nine entered into a loan agreement with ABN Amro Bank for a senior debt
facility of $35,900 to fund, the delivery of M/T Eco Holmby Hills and M/T Eco Palm Springs ($17,948 and $17,952
respectively). The loan is payable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $299 per vessel, commencing three months from
draw down, and a balloon payment of $11,965 and $11,968 M/T Eco Holmby Hills and M/T Eco Palm Springs respectively,
payable together with the last installment. The credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.90%. The facility
carries customary covenants and restrictions, including the covenant that prohibits City of Athens and Eco Nine to declare any
dividends until the second anniversary of the loan agreement.
On March 15, 2018, City of Athens took delivery of M/T Eco Holmby Hills, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical
tanker constructed at the Hyundai shipyard. On March 20, 2018 the vessel commenced its' time charter agreement with
Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
On May 23, 2018, Eco Nine Inc took delivery of M/T Eco Palm Springs, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker
constructed at the Hyundai shipyard. On May 26, 2018 the vessel commenced its time charter agreement with Clearlake
Shipping Pte Ltd.
During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company advanced $5,233 to City of Athens and $3,738 to Eco Nine to cover
upcoming newbuilding installments and $324 to City of Athens and $135 to Eco Nine respectively to cover predelivery
expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company advanced $2,243 to Eco Nine Inc to cover upcoming
newbuilding installments and another $695 to City of Athens Inc and $744 to Eco Nine Inc respectively to cover predelivery
expenses, financing related expenses and to establish debt service reserves.
A condensed summary of the financial information for equity accounted investments 50% owned by the Company shown on a
100% basis are as follows:
Current assets
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Long-term liabilities
Net operating revenues
Net (loss)/gain
21.
Subsequent Events
December 31, 2017
City of
Athens
Eco Nine
December 31, 2018
City of
Athens
Eco Nine
218
12,664
68
-
-
(20)
218
12,664
68
-
-
(20)
898
30,853
1,530
15,627
4,182
396
684
30,975
1,762
15,900
3,229
185
On January 1, 2019, the Company terminated the Letter Agreement with Central Shipping Monaco without incurring any
penalties and on the same date the Company entered into a new letter agreement, or the New Letter Agreement, with Central
Shipping Inc (“CSI”), a related party controlled by the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, and on the same date the Company
entered into management agreements between CSI and its vessel-owning subsidiaries.
The New Letter Agreement can only be terminated on eighteen months’ notice, subject to a termination fee equal to twelve
months of fees payable under the New Letter Agreement.
Pursuant to the New Letter Agreement, management fees remain the same except for the fact that the technical and the
commercial management fees have been consolidated into one daily management fee and this has been reduced from $923 to
$550 per day. Furthermore the fee per day for superintendent visits has been reduced from $541 to $500.
The New Letter Agreement and the management agreements have an initial term of five years, after which they will continue
to be in effect until terminated by either party subject to an eighteen month advance notice of termination.
Furthermore on January 1, 2019, Central Mare reduced the fees the Company pays for the provision of the Company’s
executive officers to $30 per month.
On January 11, 2019, the Company entered into a warrant exchange agreement with the sole holder of the 2018 Warrants for
the reduction of the exercise price of said warrants from $1.50 to $1.02. On the same date 300,000 2018 Warrants were
exercised for gross proceeds of $306, before deducting the placement agent fees. On February 5, 2019, the Company entered
into an amendment of the 2018 Warrants for the reduction of the exercise price of said warrants from $1.02 to $0.70. On the
same date 714,285 2018 Warrants were exercised for gross proceeds, of $500, before deducting placement agent fees. Between
February 21 and February 25, 2019 the remaining 932,715 2018 Warrants were exercised for gross proceeds, underwriting
discount, of $653, before deducting the placement agent fees.
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AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise
stated)
On January 17, 2019, the Company sold and leased back the M/T Nord Valiant, to BoComm Leasing. The Company used
$18,550 of the sale and leaseback proceeds to prepay in full the outstanding loan on the vessel (Tranche C of the ABN
Facility). As part of the prepayment of ABN Facility Tranche C, the Company unwound the interest rate swap with ABN Amro
bank dated December 19, 2016 and realized a gain of $213.
On January 26, 2019 the M/T Eco Revolution entered into a new time charter employment contract for 2 years with BP
Shipping Ltd.
On January 30, 2019, the Company took delivery of the M/T Eco California. On the same date, agreements were consummated
for the sale and leaseback of the vessel, with BoComm Leasing. On February 4, 2019 the vessel commenced its' time charter
agreement with Shell.
On January 28, 2019, the Company entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $10,500 for general corporate purposes (the
“AT Bank Bridge Facility”). This facility was drawn down in full and the proceeds were used to repay the AT Bank Second
Predelivery Facility. The facility is repayable in February 28, 2020. The facility contains restrictions on the holding company
(Top Ships Inc) from providing guarantees other than for financing of new vessels and from paying any dividends or
distributing any of its capital or redeeming any of its shares. Furthermore the facility prohibits the Company to pay any
principal, accrued fees, interest or commitment fees relating to the Family Trading Facility. Finally the facility also contains
some restrictions in the use of proceeds of future issuances of capital and incurrence of unsecured debt.
The facility is secured as follows:
·
·
·
·
·
·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
Second priority perfected mortgage on M/T Eco Palm Desert Vessel;
Second rank priority assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
Second rank priority assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
Second priority pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary of the mortgaged vessel;
Second priority pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 6.00% and a commitment fee of 2.25% per annum is payable quarterly in
arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. On
March 22, 2019 the AT Bank Bridge Facility was converted into a note and its maturity was extended to March 31, 2019 with
all other terms remaining the same.
On March 13, 2019, the Company took delivery of the M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. On March 18, 2019 the vessel commenced
its' time charter agreement with Cargill and concurrently agreements were consummated for the vessel’s sale and leaseback to
Cargill. The Company fully repaid the balance of the Alpha Bank Predelivery facility with part of the proceeds from the
abovementioned sale and leaseback.
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