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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts receivable and concentration of credit risk

The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable are amounts due from customers and other accounts receivable, including insurance and Harmonized Sales Tax refunds. The majority of accounts receivable are due within 30 to 60 days and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company extends credit to its customers based upon its assessment of their creditworthiness and past payment history. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due.

Revenue and operating expenses recognition

The Company generates revenues from freight billings under contracts of affreightment (voyage charters) generally on a rate per ton basis based on origin-destination and cargo carried. Voyage revenue is recognized ratably over the duration of a voyage, which average from 2 to 3 days, based on the relative transit time in each reporting period when the following conditions are met: the Company has a signed contract of affreightment, the contract price is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Included in freight billings are other fees such as fuel surcharges and other freight surcharges, which represent pass-through charges to customers for toll fees, lockage fees and ice breaking fees paid to other parties. Fuel surcharges are recognized ratably over the duration of the voyage, while freight surcharges are recognized when the associated costs are incurred. Freight surcharges are less than 5% of total revenue.

Marine operating expenses such as crewing costs, fuel, tugs and insurance are recognized as incurred or consumed and thereby are recognized ratably in each reporting period. Repairs and maintenance and certain other insignificant costs are recognized as incurred.

The Company subcontracts excess customer demand to other freight providers. Service to customers under such arrangements is transparent to the customer and no additional services are provided to customers. Consequently, revenues recognized for customers serviced by freight subcontractors are recognized on the same basis as described above. Costs for subcontracted freight providers, presented as “outside voyage charter fees” in the consolidated statements of operations, are recognized as incurred and therefore are recognized ratably over the voyage.

The Company accounts for sales taxes imposed on its services on a net basis in the consolidated statements of operations.

In addition, all revenues are presented on a gross basis.

Vessel acquisitions

Vessels are stated at cost, which consists of the purchase price and any material incremental expenditures incurred upon acquisition, such as initial repairs, improvements, delivery expenses and other expenditures to prepare the vessel for its initial voyage. Subsequent expenditures for conversions and major improvements are also capitalized when they appreciably extend the life, increase the earnings capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels. Significant financing costs incurred during the construction period of the vessels are also capitalized and included in the vessels' cost.

Fuel and lubricant inventories

Raw materials, fuel and certain operating supplies are accounted for on a first-in, first-out cost method (based on monthly averages). Raw materials and fuel are stated at the lower of actual cost (first-in, first-out method) or market and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Operating supplies are stated at actual cost or average cost.

Intangible assets and goodwill

Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, deferred financing costs, trademarks, trade names and customer relationships and contracts. Intangible assets are amortized as follows:



Trademarks and trade names	10 years straight-line
Customer relationships and contracts	15 years straight-line

Deferred financing costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related debt, which approximates the effective interest method.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation methods for property and equipment are as follows:



Vessels	5 - 30 years straight-line
Leasehold improvements	7 - 11 years straight-line
Vehicles	20% declining-balance
Furniture and equipment	20% declining-balance
Computer equipment	45% declining-balance
Communication equipment	20% declining-balance

Impairment of fixed assets and finite-lived intangible assets

Fixed assets (e.g. property and equipment) and finite-lived intangible assets (e.g. customer lists) are tested for impairment upon the occurrence of a triggering event that indicates the carrying value of such an asset or asset group (e.g. tugs and barges), might be no longer recoverable. Examples of such triggering events include, but are not limited to a significant disposal of a portion of such assets, an adverse change in the market involving the business employing the related asset(s), a significant decrease in the benefits realized from an acquired business, difficulties or delays in integrating the business, and a significant change in the operations of an acquired business.

Once a triggering event has occurred, the recoverability test employed is based on whether the intent is to hold the asset(s) for continued use or to hold the asset(s) for sale. If the intent is to hold the asset(s) or group of asset(s) for continued use, the recoverability test involves a comparison of undiscounted cash flows excluding interest expense but including any proceeds from eventual disposition, against the carrying value of the asset(s) as an initial test. If the carrying value of such asset(s) exceeds the undiscounted cash flow, the asset(s) would be deemed to be impaired. Impairment would then be measured as the difference between the fair value of the fixed or amortizing intangible asset and the carrying value of such asset(s). The Company generally determines fair value by using the discounted cash flow method. If the intent is to hold the asset(s) for sale and certain other criteria are met (i.e. the asset(s) can be disposed of currently, appropriate levels of authority have approved the sale and there is an actively pursuing buyer), the impairment test is a comparison of the asset’s carrying value to its fair value less costs to sell. To the extent that the carrying value is greater than the asset’s fair value less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference. The Company has determined that there were no adverse changes in our markets or other triggering events that could affect the valuation of our assets during the nine month period ended December 31, 2015, and there are no assets for sale as of December 31, 2015.

Impairment of goodwill

Evaluation of goodwill for impairment

The Company annually reviews the carrying value of goodwill residing in its reporting units, to determine whether impairment may exist. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP") requires that goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets be assessed annually for impairment using fair value measurement techniques. Specifically, goodwill impairment is determined using a three-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is to perform a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit when testing goodwill for impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit is determined, based on qualitative factors, to be more likely than not less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, then entities are required to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The second step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The estimates of fair value of the Company’s two reporting units, which are the Company’s Canadian and U.S. operations (excluding the parent), are determined using various valuation techniques with the primary techniques being a discounted cash flow analysis and peer analysis. A discounted cash flow analysis requires various judgmental assumptions, including assumptions about future cash flows, growth rates, and discount rates. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on the Company’s forecast and long-term estimates. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective reporting units. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired and the third step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the third step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The third step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. That is, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the existing assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit. As of March 31, 2015, the Company conducted the qualitative assessment and determined that the fair value of its two reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts and the remaining two-step impairment testing was therefore not necessary. The Company has determined that there were no adverse changes in our markets or other triggering events that indicated that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units was less than the carrying value of our reporting units during the nine month period ended December 31, 2015.

Drydock costs

Drydock costs incurred during statutory Canadian and United States certification processes are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the benefit period, which is generally 60 months. Drydock costs include costs of work performed by third party shipyards and subcontractors and other direct expenses to complete the mandatory certification process.

Repairs and maintenance

The Company’s vessels require repairs and maintenance each year to ensure the fleet is operating efficiently during the shipping season. The majority of repairs and maintenance are completed in January, February, and March of each year when the vessels are inactive. The Company expenses such routine repairs and maintenance costs as incurred. Significant repairs to the Company’s vessels, such as major engine overhauls and major hull steel repairs, are capitalized and amortized over the remaining useful life of the upgrade or asset repaired.

Income taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740 “Income Taxes”, which requires the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of tax assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recognized, if necessary, to measure tax benefits to the extent that, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that they will be realized. Income tax expense (or benefit) for an interim period is based on income taxes computed for ordinary income or loss and income taxes computed for items or events that are not part of ordinary income or loss. At the end of each interim period, the Company applies an estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year to the year-to-date ordinary income (or loss) at the end of the interim period.

The Company classifies interest expense related to income tax liabilities, when applicable, as part of the interest expense in its consolidated statements of operations rather than income tax expense. To date, the Company has not incurred material interest expenses or penalties relating to assessed taxation amounts.

An examination by the U.S. federal taxing authority for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 was completed in 2014, with no adjustments warranted. Lower Lakes was examined by the Canadian taxing authority for the tax years 2009 and 2010 and such examination was completed in 2013. This audit did not result in any material adjustments for such periods. The Company's primary U.S. state income tax jurisdictions are Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and New York and its only international jurisdictions are Canada and its province of Ontario. The following table summarizes the open fiscal tax years for each major jurisdiction:



Jurisdiction	Open Tax Years
Federal (U.S.A)	2011 – 2014
Various states	2011 – 2014
Federal (Canada)	2010 – 2015
Ontario	2010 – 2015

Foreign currency translation

The Company uses the U.S. Dollar as its reporting currency. The functional currency of the Company's Canadian subsidiaries is the Canadian Dollar. The functional currency of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries is the U.S. Dollar. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. Dollars at the rate of exchange at the balance sheet date, while revenue and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates prevailing during the respective month. Components of stockholders’ equity are translated at historical exchange rates. Exchange gains and losses resulting from translation are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, except for financial assets and liabilities designated in foreign currency, which are reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Advertising costs

The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred. These costs are included in general and administrative expenses and were insignificant during the periods presented.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements include the assumptions used in determining the useful lives of long-lived assets, the assumptions used in determining whether assets are impaired, the assumptions used in determining the valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets and the assumptions used in stock-based compensation awards. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Stock-based compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for all newly granted awards and awards modified, repurchased or cancelled based on fair value at the date of grant.

Financial instruments

The Company accounts for its foreign currency hedge contracts on its subordinated debt utilizing ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”. All changes in the fair value of the contracts are recorded in earnings and the fair value of settlement costs to terminate the contract is included in current assets or current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Disclosure requirements of ASC 815 are presented in Note 22.

Fair value of financial instruments

ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” ("ASC 820") defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and establishes a hierarchy that categorizes and prioritizes the inputs to be used to estimate fair value. The three levels of inputs used are as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The disclosure requirements of ASC 820 related to the Company’s financial assets and liabilities are presented in Note 22.

Recently issued pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (the "FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition. ASU 2014-09 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. In July 2015, the FASB voted to delay of the effective date of the new standard by one year to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and shall be applied either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted as of the original effective date. We are evaluating the effect, if any, that adopting this new accounting standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 provide guidance on management's responsibility in evaluating whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued when applicable). ASU 2014-15 also provides guidance related to the required disclosures as a result of management's evaluation.

The amendments in ASU 2014-15 are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted.

Imputation of Interest - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Imputation of Interest - Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This guidance requires that the debt issuance costs related to a recognized term debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. This amendment is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.