EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 798528
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 798528_10-K_2021_0001193125-21-101428.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. discovers, validates and develops high value seafloor resources in an environmentally responsible manner, providing access to critical resources that can transform societies and economies for generations to come.
The company has a diversified mineral portfolio that includes projects controlled by us and other projects in which we are a minority owner and service provider. In addition, our team is continually working to add new projects to the portfolio by identifying potential new assets through a proprietary Global Prospectivity Program leading to the acquisition of appropriate rights.
Our development focus is on projects that can meet stringent standards for environmental responsibility and sustainability while unlocking benefits for the host country. Environmental protection remains at the forefront of the strategic and tactical decision-making processes in all our work.
Each project in the portfolio is advanced along a defined development path, decreasing risk and increasing value along the way. These steps may include, but are not limited to, verification and quantification of the mineral asset, collection of baseline environmental data essential for environmental permitting, environmental impact studies and reports, design and verification of extraction systems and definition and verification of commercial programs. Odyssey may elect to sell equity in individual projects to fund continued advancement of the project.
For nearly 30 years, we have been deploying cutting-edge ocean technology and processes at depths up to 6,000 meters, under the direction of some of the industry’s most skilled and successful ocean exploration professionals, scientists, and environmental specialists.
Importance of Seabed Mineral Exploration
There is growing global demand for critical mineral resources to power the green economy, feed the world’s growing population and provide vital infrastructure. Land based deposits of cobalt, manganese, rare earth minerals, phosphorite, gold, silver, copper and zinc are being depleted.
As the worldwide population continues to grow, it is necessary to explore additional and alternative sources of these much-needed materials.
Subsea mineral deposits can provide these critical resources with less social and environmental impact. We have the expertise and technology to find and access these deposits and to prepare the project for extraction in an economically feasible and environmentally sensitive way.
Benefits of Ocean Mineral Resource Development
Some of the benefits of mineral resource development include:
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Infrastructure Expense: No site-specific infrastructure and generally low capital expenditures - ship-based extraction systems provide the ability to redeploy, repurpose or increase equipment productivity through cost/tonne or ship charter financing options.
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Overburden: Little overburden to be removed in most proposed ocean mining projects which contributes to operational efficiencies.
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Flexibility: Extraction ships can move to different types of deposits/minerals to suit market conditions without infrastructure loss at minimal costs.
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Social Displacement: No people are displaced, no disruption of society or property.
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Environmental Impact: Ocean mining can be done responsibly with limited biological impact and a manageable carbon footprint. No forested lands will be impacted, and freshwater systems are not affected. Ocean dredging, aggregate and diamond mining have been carried out for many years in shallow waters around the world and with appropriate mitigation programs have posed minimal adverse impact to marine ecosystems.
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Shipping logistics are efficient as ore and materials are extracted and moved directly to bulk carriers, lowering the number of steps in the delivery process thus reducing costs.
Considering the benefits of subsea mineral resource extraction, we are convinced that in the future, deep-sea mining will be the best practice for responsible provision of critical resources required worldwide. Odyssey is taking the lead in preparing for this future through the validation and development of environmentally and socially responsible seafloor mineral projects.
Mineral and Offshore Services
We provide specialized mineral exploration, project development and marine services to clients (subsidiary companies, other companies and/or governments). As our business is focused on the development of a diversified portfolio of subsea resources, we may elect to receive equity for the provision of our services on select mineral projects. We have an extensive history conducting deep-ocean projects down to 6,000 meters in depth including deep-ocean resource explorations, ship and airplane wreck explorations, archaeological recovery and conservation and insurance documentation and apply this experience and expertise to advance our project portfolio.
Operational Projects and Status
We focus on projects that can meet stringent standards for environmental responsibility while unlocking benefits for the host community and country.
Our subsea project portfolio contains multiple projects in various stages of development throughout the world and across different mineral resources. We are regularly adding new projects through the development of new deposits, acquisition of mineral rights/deposits and through a leveraged contracting model, which allows the company to earn equity in deep-sea mineral projects.
With respect to mineral deposits, SEC Industry Guide 7 outlines the Securities and Commission’s basic mining disclosure policy and what information may be disclosed in public filings. The SEC has adopted amendments to the property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that must be complied with for the full fiscal year beginning after January 1, 2021.
Although Odyssey has a variety of projects in various stages of development, only projects with material operational activity in the past 12 months are included below.
ExO Phosphate Project:
The “Exploraciones Oceanicas” Phosphate Project is a rich deposit of phosphate sands located 70-90 meters deep within Mexico’s Exclusive Economic Zone. This deposit contains a large amount of high-grade phosphate rock that can be extracted on a financially attractive basis (essentially a dredging operation) and that the product will be attractive to Mexican and other world producers of fertilizers and can provide important benefits to Mexico’s agricultural development.
The deposit lies within an exclusive mining concession licensed to the Mexican company Exploraciones Oceánicas S. de R.L. de CV (ExO). Oceanica Resources, S. de R.L., a Panamanian company (“Oceanica”) owns 99.99% of ExO and Odyssey owns 56.29% of Oceanica through Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd., a wholly owned Bahamian company (“Enterprises”).
In 2012, ExO was granted a 50-year mining license by Mexico (extendable for another 50 years at ExO’s option) for the deposit that lies 25-40 km offshore in Baja California Sur. An NI 43-101 compliant report was completed on the deposit in 2014 and has been periodically updated.
The company spent more than three years preparing an environmentally sustainable development plan with the assistance of experts in marine dredging and leading environmental scientists from around the world. Key features of the environmental plan included:
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No chemicals would be used in the dredging process or released into the sea.
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A specialized return down pipe that exceeds international best practices to manage the return of dredged sands close to the seabed, limiting plume or impact to the water column and marine ecosystem (including primary production).
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The seabed would be restored after dredging in such a way as to promote rapid regeneration of seabed organisms in dredged areas.
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Ecotoxicology tests demonstrated that the dredging and return of sediment to the seabed would not have toxic effects on organisms.
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Sound propagation studies concluded that noise levels generated during dredging would be similar to whale-watching vessels, merchant ships and fisherman’s ships that already regularly transit this area, proving the system is not a threat to marine mammals.
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Dredging limited to less than one square kilometer each year, which means the project would operate in only a tiny proportion of the concession area each year.
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Proven turtle protection measures were incorporated even though the deposit and the dredging activity are much deeper and colder than where turtles feed and live, making material harm to the species unfeasible.
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There will be no material impact on local fisheries as fishermen have historically avoided the water column directly above the deposit due to the naturally low occurrence of fish there.
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The project would not be visible from the shoreline and would not impact tourism or coastal activities.
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Precautionary mitigation measures were incorporated into the development plan in line with best-practice global operational standards.
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The technology proposed to recover the phosphate sands has been safely used in Mexican waters for over 20 years on more than 200 projects by ExO’s operating partner, illustrating the hypocrisy of the denial of the environmental permit for the project, especially when one considers that Mexico approved much higher impact dredging projects in areas that its own environmental agency deemed “environmentally sensitive areas” during this same time period.
Notwithstanding the factors stated above, in April 2016 the Mexican Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) unlawfully rejected the permission to move forward with the project.
ExO challenged the decision in Mexican Federal court and in March 2018, the Tribunal Federal de Justicia Administrativa (TFJA), an 11-judge panel, ruled unanimously that SEMARNAT denied the application in violation of Mexican law and ordered the agency to re-take their decision. Just prior to the change in administration later in 2018, SEMARNAT denied the permit a second time in defiance of the court. ExO is once again challenging the unlawful decision of the Peña Nieto administration before the TFJA.
In addition, in April 2019, we filed a NAFTA Claim against Mexico to protect our shareholders’ interests and significant investment in the project.
The claim seeks compensation of over $2 billion on the basis that SEMARNAT’s wrongful repeated denial of authorization has destroyed the value of its investment in the country and is in violation of the following provisions of NAFTA:
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Article 1102. National Treatment.
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Article 1105. Minimum Standard of Treatment; and
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Article 1110. Expropriation and compensation.
The First Memorial in the NAFTA case was filed in September 2020. It is supported by documentary evidence and 20 expert reports and witness statements. In summary, this evidence includes:
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MERITS: Testimony from independent environmental experts that the environmental impact of ExO’s phosphate project is minimal and readily mitigated by the mitigation measures proposed by ExO. Witnesses also testified that Mexico’s denial of environmental approval by the prior administration was politically motivated and not justified on environmental grounds, and that Mexico granted environmental permits to similar dredging projects in areas that are considered more environmentally sensitive than ExO’s project location.
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RESOURCE: An independent certified marine geologist testified as to the size and character of the resource.
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OPERATIONAL VIABILITY: Engineering experts testified that the project uses established dredging and processing technology, and the project’s anticipated CAPEX and OPEX was reasonable.
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VALUE: A Phosphate market analyst testified that the project’s projected CAPEX and OPEX would make the project one of the lowest cost phosphate rock resources in the world, and damages experts testified the project would be commercially viable and profitable.
A public version of the Notice of Intent, Notice of Arbitration and the First Memorial Filing are available on our website at www.odysseymarine.com.com/nafta.
The NAFTA hearing is scheduled to take place in January 2022 unless settled earlier by the parties.
On June 14, 2019, Odyssey executed an agreement that provided up to $6.5 million in funding for prior, current and future costs of the NAFTA action. On January 31, 2020 this agreement was amended and restated, as a result of which the $6.5 million availability increased to $10.0 million (See NOTE H - Litigation Financing). In December 2020, Odyssey announced it secured an additional $10 million from the funder to aid in our NAFTA case. The funder will not have any right of recourse unless the environmental permit is awarded or if proceeds are received.
LIHIR Gold Project:
The exploration license for the Lihir Gold Project covers as subsea area that contains at least five prospective gold exploration targets in two different mineralization types: seamount-related epithermal and modern placer gold. Two subaqueous debris fields within the area are adjacent to the terrestrial Ladolam Gold Mine and are believed to have originated from the same volcanogenic source. The resource lies 500-2,000 meters deep in the Papua New Guinea Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of Lihir Island, adjacent the location of one of the world’s largest know terrestrial gold deposits.
We own 79.9% of Bismarck Mining Corporation, Ltd, the Papua New Guinea company that holds the exploration license for the project.
Previous exploration expeditions in the license area, including a survey conducted by Odyssey, indicate a polymetallic resource with commercially viable gold content likely exists.
Odyssey is set to execute its Exploration Plan for the Lihir Gold Project to validate and quantify the precious and base metal content of the prospective resource. We have met with local regulatory authorities, specialists in local mining, environmental legal experts, and logistics support service companies in PNG to establish baseline business functions essential for a successful program to support upcoming marine operations in the license area. Offshore validation work is being planned for 2021.
A robust Environmental Management Plan and Monitoring Plan is being developed and will be implemented to ensure that environmental decisions are placed at the forefront of the project. Bismarck and Odyssey value the environment and respect the interests and people of Papua New Guinea and Lihir and are committed to transparent sharing of all environmental data collected during the exploration program.
The company is planning environmental surveys and studies accruing to environmental permitting in compliance with Papua New Guinea’s requirements as well as the development of an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) that meets the International Seabed Authority (ISA) recommendations. This will define the expected environmental effects of a full-scale extraction operation with the goal of minimizing impacts.
Future mining is dependent on the characterization of any present resources during exploration.
CIC Project:
Odyssey is a member of the CIC Consortium, which is seeking an exploration license in an island nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The CIC Consortium was founded and is led by Odyssey co-founder and former CEO, Greg Stemm, and includes Royal Boskalis Westminster NV and Odyssey Marine Exploration.
Through a wholly owned subsidiary, Odyssey Marine Minerals LLC, Odyssey has already earned 16 million shares (representing approximately 12.6% of current outstanding shares of this project) through the provision of services related to resource assessment, project planning, research and project management, and Odyssey has an option to acquire an additional 4 million shares.
Odyssey receives cash and equity for services rendered to this venture, see NOTE G.
Legal and Political Issues
Odyssey works with several leading international maritime lawyers and policy experts to constantly monitor international legal initiatives that might affect our projects.
To the extent that we engage in mineral exploration or marine activities in the territorial, contiguous or exclusive economic zones of countries, we work to comply with verifiable applicable regulations and treaties.
We believe there will be increased interest in the recovery of subsea minerals throughout the oceans of the world. We are uniquely qualified to provide governments and international agencies with knowledge and skills to help manage these resources.
Related to mineral exploration, we evaluate the political climate and specific legal requirements of any areas in which we are working. We may partner with third parties who have unique industry experience in specific geographical areas to assist with navigation of the regulatory landscape.
Competition
We conduct mineral exploration on both shallow and deep-sea terrains. There are several companies that publicly identify themselves as engaged in aspects of deep-ocean mineral exploration or mining, including Nautilus Minerals (NUS.TO), Neptune Minerals, Deep Green Resources, Inc which recently combined with the Sustainable Opportunities Acquisition Corporation to go public as The Metals Company, and Chatham Rock Phosphate, Ltd. (CRP.NZ) as well as countries that are evaluating options to mine deep-ocean mineralized materials. As our mineral exploration business plan includes partnering with others in the industry, we view these entities as potential partners rather than pure competitors. As mineral rights are generally granted on an exclusive basis for a specific area or tenement, once licenses are granted, we do not anticipate any competitive intrusion on those areas. It is possible that one of these companies or some currently unknown group may secure licenses on an area desired by us or one of our partners; but since exploration work does not start until licenses are secured, we do not believe that competition from one or more of these entities, known or unknown, would materially affect our operating plan or alter our current business strategy. For offshore mineral exploration, there are providers of vessels and equipment that could be competitors or partners for certain projects. These companies generally service the oil, gas and telecom industries with survey capabilities. We view these companies as potential strategic partners or services providers for our projects.
Cost of Environmental Compliance
With the exception of marine operations, our general business operations do not expose us to environmental risks or hazards. We carry insurance that provides a layer of protection in the event of an environmental exposure resulting from the operation of vessels we may utilize. The cost of such coverage is not material on an annual basis. Our seabed mineral business is currently in the exploration and validation phase and has thus not exposed us to any significant environmental risks or hazards, other than those which are standard to basic marine operations.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The names, ages and positions of all the executive officers of the Company as of March 1, 2021 are listed below.
Mark D. Gordon (age 60) has served as Chief Executive Officer since October 1, 2014, and was appointed to the Board of Directors in January 2008. Mr. Gordon also served as President from October 2007 to June 2019, when he was appointed Chairman of the Board. Previously, Mr. Gordon served as Chief Operating Officer since October 2007 and as Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development since January 2007 after joining Odyssey as Director of Business Development in June 2005. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Gordon owned and managed four different ventures (1987-2003).
Jay A. Nudi, CPA (age 57) has served as Chief Financial Officer since June 2017, as Principal Accounting Officer since January 2006 and joined Odyssey as Controller in May 2005. Mr. Nudi previously assumed the additional responsibilities of Interim Chief Financial Officer on June 8, 2016 and of Treasurer in May 2010. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Nudi served as Controller for The Axis Group in Atlanta (2003-2004).
John D. Longley, Jr. (age 54) has served as Chief Operating Officer since October 1, 2014. On June 3, 2019, Mr. Longley was appointed President. Previously Mr. Longley served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development since February 2012. Mr. Longley was originally the Director of Sales and Business Operations when he joined the Company in May 2006.
Laura L. Barton (age 58) was appointed as Chief Business Officer in March 2021 and was elected to the Board of Directors in June 2019 and has served as Corporate Secretary since June 2015. She formerly served as Vice President and Director of Corporate Communications from November 2007 to June 2012 and Executive Vice President and Director of Communications from 2012 until 2021. Ms. Barton previously served as Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing for Odyssey since July 2003. Ms. Barton was previously President of LLB Communications, a marketing and communications consulting company whose customers included a variety of television networks, stations and distributors and the Company (1994-2003).
Employees
As of December 31, 2020, we had 14 full-time employees, most working from our corporate offices in Tampa, Florida. Additionally, we contract with specialized technicians to perform technical marine survey and recovery operations and from time to time hire subcontractors and consultants to perform specific services.
Internet Access
Odyssey’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available without charge through Odyssey’s web site on the Internet as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, www.sec.gov. They may be accessed as follows: www.odysseymarine.com (Investors/Financial Information Link).

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following factors, in addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in evaluating our company and our business. Our business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks. The material risks are described below and should be carefully considered in evaluating Odyssey or any investment decision relating to our securities. This section is intended only as a summary of the principal risks. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, or operating results could suffer. If this occurs, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of the money you paid to buy our common stock.
Our business involves a high degree of risk.
An investment in Odyssey is extremely speculative and of exceptionally high risk. With respect to mineral exploration projects, there are uncertainties with respect to the quality and quantity of the material and their economic feasibility, the price we can obtain for the sale of the deposit or the ore extracted from the deposit, the granting of the necessary permits to operate, environmental safety, technology for extraction and processing, distribution of the eventual ore product, and funding of necessary equipment and facilities. In projects where Odyssey takes a minority ownership position in the company holding the mining rights, there may be uncertainty as to that company’s ability to move the project forward.
The research and data we use may not be reliable.
The success of a mineral project is dependent to a substantial degree upon the research and data we or the contracting party have obtained. By its very nature, research and data regarding mineral deposits can be imprecise, incomplete, outdated, and unreliable. For mineral exploration, data is collected based on a sampling technique and available data may not be representative of the entire ore body or tenement area. Prior to conducting off-shore exploration, we typically conduct on-shore research. There is no guarantee that the models and research conducted onshore will be representative of actual results on the seafloor. Offshore exploration typically requires significant expenditures, with no guarantee that the results will be useful or financially rewarding.
Operations may be affected by natural hazards.
Underwater exploration and recovery operations are inherently difficult and dangerous and may be delayed or suspended by weather, sea conditions or other natural hazards. Further, such operations may be undertaken more safely during certain months of the year than others. We cannot guarantee that we, or the entities we are affiliated with, will be able to conduct exploration, sampling or extractions operations during favorable periods. In addition, even though sea conditions in a particular search location may be somewhat predictable, the possibility exists that unexpected conditions may occur that adversely affect our operations. It is also possible that natural hazards may prevent or significantly delay operations. Seabed mineral extraction work may be subject to interruptions resulting from storms that adversely affect the extraction operations or the ports of delivery. Project planning considers these risks.
We may be unable to establish our rights to resources or items we discover or recover.
We may discover potentially valuable seabed mineral deposits, but we may be unable to get title to the deposits or get the necessary governmental permits to commercially extract the minerals. Mineral deposits may be in controlled waters where the policies and laws of a certain government may change abruptly, thereby adversely affecting our ability to operate in those zones. We have a process for evaluating this risk in our proprietary Global Prospectivity program.
The market for any objects or minerals we recover is uncertain.
During the time between the date a mineral deposit is discovered and the date the first extracted minerals are sold, world and local prices for the mineral may fluctuate drastically and thereby change the economics of the mineral project.
We could experience delays in the disposition or sale of minerals or recovered objects.
It may take significant time between the date a mineral deposit is discovered and the date the first extracted minerals are sold. Stakes in the mineral deposits can potentially be sold at an earlier date, but there is no guarantee that there will be readily available buyers at favorable competitive prices.
Legal, political or civil issues could interfere with our marine operations.
Legal, political or civil issues of governments throughout the world could restrict access to our operational marine sites or interfere with our marine operations or rights to seabed mineral deposits. In many countries, the legislation covering ocean exploration lacks clarity. As a result, when we are conducting projects in certain areas of the world for our own account or on our behalf of a contracting party, we may be subjected to unexpected delays, requests, and outcomes as it works with local governments to define and obtain the necessary permits and to assert its claims over assets on the seafloor bottom. Our vessel, equipment, personnel and or cargo could be seized or detained by government authorities. We may have to work with different units of a government, and there may be a change of government representatives over time. This may result in unexpected changes or interpretations in government contracts and legislation.
We may be unable to get permission to conduct exploration, excavation, or extraction operations.
It is possible we will not be successful in obtaining the necessary permits to conduct exploration or excavation and extraction operations. In addition, permits we obtain may be revoked or not honored by the entities that issued them. In addition, certain governments may develop new permit requirements that could delay new operations or interrupt existing operations.
Changes in our business strategy or restructuring of our businesses may increase our costs or otherwise affect the profitability of our businesses.
As changes in our business environment occur, we may need to adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we may otherwise find it necessary to restructure our operations or particular businesses or assets. When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and may need to write down the value of assets or sell certain assets. In any of these events our costs may increase, and we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets. Discontinuing the use of a multi-year charter of a ship may result in large one-time costs to cover any penalties or charges to put the ship back into its original condition.
We may be unsuccessful in raising the necessary capital to fund operations and capital expenditures.
Our ability to generate cash inflows is dependent upon our ability to provide mineral exploration and development services to our subsidiaries and other subsea mineral companies or monetize mineral rights. However, we cannot guarantee that the sales and other cash sources will generate sufficient cash inflows to meet our overall cash requirements. If cash inflows are not sufficient to meet our business requirements, we will be required to raise additional capital through other financing activities. While we have been successful in raising the necessary funds in the past, there can be no assurance we can continue to do so in the future.
We depend on key employees and face competition in hiring and retaining qualified employees.
Our employees are vital to our success, and our key management and other employees are difficult to replace. We currently do not have employment contracts with the majority of our key employees. We may not be able to retain highly qualified employees in the future which could adversely affect our business.
We may continue to experience significant losses from operations.
We have experienced a net loss in every fiscal year since our inception except for 2004. Our net losses were $14.8 million in 2020, $10.4 million in 2019 and $5.2 million in 2018. Even if we do generate operating income in one or more quarters in the future, subsequent developments in our industry, customer base, business or cost structure or an event such as significant litigation or a significant transaction may cause us to again experience operating losses. We may not become profitable for the long-term, or even for any quarter.
Technological obsolescence of our marine assets or failure of critical equipment could put a strain on our capital requirements or operational capabilities.
We employ state-of-the-art technology including side-scan sonar, magnetometers, ROVs, and other advanced science and technology to perform seabed mineral exploration and to locate and recover shipwrecks at depths previously unreachable in an economically feasible manner. Although we try to maintain back-ups on critical equipment and components, equipment failures may require us to delay or suspend operations. Also, while we endeavor to keep marine equipment in excellent working condition and current with all available upgrades, technological advances in new equipment may provide superior efficiencies compared to the capabilities of our existing equipment, and this could require us to purchase new equipment which would require additional capital.
We may not be able to contract with clients or customers for marine services or syndicated projects.
In the past, from time to time, we have earned revenue by chartering out vessels, equipment and crew and providing marine services to clients or customers. Even if we do contract out our services, the revenue may or may not be sufficient to cover administrative overhead costs. While the operational results of these syndicated projects are generally successful, the clients or customers may not be willing or financially able to continue with syndicated projects of this type in the future. Failure to secure such revenue producing contracts in the future may have a material impact on our revenue and operating cash flows. We may take payment for these services in the form of cash, shares in the client’s company, or a financial interest in the tenement areas. There is no guarantee that the non-cash payment for our services will ever be able to be monetized or be used by Odyssey.
The issuance of shares at conversion prices lower than the market price at the time of conversion and the sale of such shares could adversely affect the price of our common stock.
Some of our outstanding shares may have been acquired from time to time upon conversion of convertible notes at conversion prices that are lower than the market price of our common stock at the time of conversion. In the past, Odyssey has issued debt obligations that could be converted into common shares at prices below the current market price. Conversion of the notes at conversion prices that are lower than the market price at the time of conversion and the sale of the shares issued upon conversion could have an adverse effect upon the market price of our common stock.
Investments in subsea mineral exploration companies may prove unsuccessful.
We have invested in marine mineral companies that to date are still in the exploration phase and have not begun to earn revenue from operations. We may or may not have control or input on the future development of these businesses. There can be no assurance that these companies will achieve profitability or otherwise be successful in capitalizing on the mineralized materials they intend to exploit.
We may be subject to short selling strategies.
Short sellers of our stock may be manipulative and may attempt to drive down the market price of our common stock. Short selling is the practice of selling securities that the seller does not own but rather has, supposedly, borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identical securities back at a later date to return to the lender. The short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase than it received in the sale. As it is therefore in the short seller’s best interests for the price of the stock to decline, many short sellers (sometime known as “disclosed shorts”) publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a stock short. Although traditionally these disclosed shorts were limited in their ability to access mainstream business media or to otherwise create negative market rumors, the rise of the Internet and technological advancements regarding document creation, videotaping and publication by weblog (“blogging”) have allowed many disclosed shorts to publicly attack a company’s credibility, strategy and veracity by means of so-called “research reports” that mimic the type of investment analysis performed by large Wall Street firms and independent research analysts. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market, on occasion in large scale and broad base. Issuers who have limited trading volumes and are susceptible to higher volatility levels than large-cap stocks, can be particularly vulnerable to such short seller attacks. These short seller publications are not regulated by any governmental, self-regulatory organization or other official authority in the U.S., are not subject to certification requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission and, accordingly, the opinions they express may be based on distortions or omissions of actual facts or, in some cases, fabrications of facts. In light of the limited risks involved in publishing such information, and the enormous profit that can be made from running just one successful short attack, unless the short sellers become subject to significant penalties, it is more likely than not that disclosed short sellers will continue to issue such reports.
Some of our equipment or assets could be seized or we may be forced to sell certain assets.
We have pledged certain assets, such as equipment and shares of subsidiaries, as collateral under our loan agreements. Some suppliers have the ability to seize some of our assets if we do not make timely payments for the services, supplies, or equipment that they have provided to us. If we were unable to make payments on these obligations, the lender or supplier may seize the asset or force the sale of the asset. The loss of such assets could adversely affect our operations. The sale of the asset may be done in a manner and under circumstances that do not provide the highest cash value for the sale of the asset.
We could be delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market.
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, which imposes, among other requirements, a minimum bid requirement. The closing bid price for our common stock must remain at or above $1.00 per share to comply with NASDAQ’s minimum bid requirement for continued listing. If the closing bid price for our common stock is less than $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days, NASDAQ may send us a notice stating we will be provided a period of 180 days to regain compliance with the minimum bid requirement or else NASDAQ may make a determination to delist our common stock. Another requirement for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market is to maintain our market capitalization above $35.0 million.
Failure by the company to maintain compliance with the above-mentioned and other NASDAQ continued listing requirements may lead to the delisting of the company from the NASDAQ Capital Market. Delisting from the NASDAQ Capital Market could make trading our common stock more difficult for investors, potentially leading to declines in our share price and liquidity. If our common stock is delisted by NASDAQ, our common stock may be eligible to trade on an over-the-counter quotation system, where an investor may find it more difficult to sell our stock or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock. We cannot assure you that our common stock, if delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market, will be listed on another national securities exchange or quoted on an over-the counter quotation system.
Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover all of our business risks.
Although we seek to obtain insurance for some of our main operational risks, there is no guarantee that the insurance policies that we have are sufficient, that they will be in place when needed, that we will be able to obtain insurance coverage
when desired, that insurance will be available on commercially attractive terms, or that we will be able to anticipate the risks that need to be insured. For example, although we may be able to obtain War Risk coverage for a project at a specific date and location, such insurance may be unavailable at other times and locations. Although we may be able to insure our marine assets for certain risks such as certain possible loss or damage scenarios, we may lack insurance to cover against government seizure or detention of our certain marine assets. Permanent loss or temporary loss of our marine assets and the associated business interruption without commensurate compensation from an insurance policy could severely impact the financial results and operational capabilities of the company.
We may be exposed to cyber security risks.
We depend on information technology networks and systems to process, transmit and store electronic information and to communicate among our locations around the world and among ourselves within our company. Additionally, one of our significant responsibilities is to maintain the security and privacy of our confidential and proprietary information and the personal data of our employees. Our information systems, and those of our service and support providers, are vulnerable to an increasing threat of continually evolving cybersecurity risks. Computer viruses, hackers and other external hazards, as well as improper or inadvertent staff behavior could expose confidential company and personal data systems and information to security breaches. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or cause system interruption change frequently and may not immediately produce signs of intrusion. As a result, we may be unable to anticipate these incidents or techniques, timely discover them, or implement adequate preventative measures. With respect to our commercial arrangements with service and support providers, we have processes designed to require third-party IT outsourcing, offsite storage and other vendors to agree to maintain certain standards with respect to the storage, protection and transfer of confidential, personal and proprietary information. However, we remain at risk of a data breach due to the intentional or unintentional non-compliance by a vendor’s employee or agent, the breakdown of a vendor’s data protection processes, or a cyber-attack on a vendor’s information systems or our information systems.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We maintain our corporate offices in Tampa, Florida where we lease approximately 6,000 square feet of office space. We currently do not own any buildings or land. We believe our current leased facility is sufficient for our foreseeable needs.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not currently a defendant in any litigation. From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we may be subject to or may assert a variety of claims or lawsuits. We are not a party to any litigation as a defendant where a loss contingency is required to be reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Price Range of Common Stock
Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol OMEX. The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our common stock during each quarter presented.
Price
High
Low
Quarter Ended
March 31, 2019
$ 8.42
$ 3.10
June 30, 2019
$ 7.56
$ 3.63
September 30, 2019
$ 6.20
$ 3.79
December 31, 2019
$ 4.26
$ 3.10
Quarter Ended
March 31, 2020
$ 4.95
$ 2.10
June 30, 2020
$ 5.31
$ 3.17
September 30, 2020
$ 8.49
$ 3.84
December 31, 2020
$ 8.15
$ 6.12
Approximate Number of Holders of Common Stock
The number of record holders of our common stock at February 11, 2021 was approximately 150. This does not include approximately 7,300 stockholders that hold their stock in accounts included in street name with broker/dealers.
Dividends
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors. No dividends have been declared with respect to our common stock and none are anticipated in the foreseeable future.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities of the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
There were no repurchases of shares of the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2020.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected financial data, which should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes to those statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected financial data have been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements.
Years Ended December 31,
Dollars in thousands except per share amounts
Results of Operations
Revenue
$ 2,038
$ 3,073
$ 3,276
$ 1,248
$ 4,683
Net income (loss)
(14,812 )
(10,440 )
(5,172 )
(7,759 )
(6,316 )
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
(1.41 )
(1.12 )
(0.60 )
(0.95 )
(0.84 )
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
(1.41 )
(1.12 )
(0.60 )
(0.95 )
(0.84 )
Cash dividends per share
-
-
-
-
-
Years Ended December 31,
Dollars in thousands except per share amounts
Financial Position
Assets
$ 11,759
$ 5,330
$ 5,473
$ 2,972
$ 5,084
Long-term obligations
15,787
7,397
4,644
7,644
8,979
Shareholder’s equity (deficit)
(57,911 )
(53,297 )
(41,197 )
(37,983 )
(31,103 )

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis is intended to provide a narrative of our financial results and an evaluation of our financial condition and results of operations. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. A description of our business is discussed in Item 1 of this report which contains an overview of our business as well as the status of our ongoing project operations.
Results of Operations
The dollar values discussed in the following tables, except as otherwise indicated, are approximations to the nearest $1,000,000 and therefore do not necessarily sum in columns or rows. For more detail refer to the Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in Item 8. The tables identify years 2020, 2019 and 2018, all of which included a twelve-month period ended December 31.
2020 Compared to 2019
Increase/(Decrease)
2020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)
$
%
Total revenue
$ 2.0
$ 3.1
$ (1.0 )
%
Operations and research
10.9
7.9
3.0
%
Marketing, general and administrative
3.6
5.5
(1.7 )
%
Total operating expenses
$ 14.7
$ 13.4
$ 1.3
%
Total other income (expense)
$ (8.5 )
$ (5.2 )
$ 3.3
%
Income tax benefit (provision)
$ 0.0
$ 0.0
$ 0.0
%
Non-controlling interest
$ 6.3
$ 5.1
$ 1.2
%
Net income (loss)
$ (14.8 )
$ (10.4 )
$ 4.4
%
Revenue
The revenue generated in each period was a result of performing oceanic research, project administration and search and recovery operations for our customers and related parties. Total revenue decreased by $1.0 million in 2020 as compared to 2019. The $1.0 million decrease is comprised of a $1.4 million reduction resulting from the long-term project we were engaged on since 2018 having reached its life expectancy during this period offset in part by an increase of $0.4 million increase in marine exploration services.
Cost and Expenses
Marketing, general and administrative expenses primarily include all costs within the following departments: Executive, Finance & Accounting, Legal, Information Technology, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Sales and Business Development. Marketing, general and administrative expense decreased $1.7 million to $3.6 million in 2020 compared to $5.5 million in 2019. The key items contributing to this $1.7 million decrease was a non-cash decrease of share-based compensation of $0.2 million and a net reduction of $1.2 in employee incentives and employee and director related compensation. The $1.2 million reduction was primarily due to the reduction of the discretionary incentive reserve resulting from management’s decision to not pay discretionary incentives until appropriate. We also had a $0.4 million reduction in professional corporate services which includes a reduction of approximately $0.3 million in maritime legal services associated with the HMS Victory as well as fees related to legal and in our annual audit function. These decreases were offset in part by a $0.1 million increase split between governmental fees and our corporate liability insurance.
Operations and research expenses are primarily focused around deep-sea mineral exploration which includes minerals research, scientific services, marine operations and project management. Operations and research expenses increased by $3.0 million from 2019 to 2020 primarily as a result of the following items: (i) a $4.3 million increase in financed professional fees, legal fees, and other expenses directly associated with our NAFTA litigation pursuit, (ii) a $1.3 million decrease in marine services operating technical labor costs, (iii) a $0.4 million increase in our concession permit fees for our Mexican subsidiary and (iv) a $0.4 million decrease in our general operational overhead which includes items such as travel related, insurances, depreciation and rent.
Other Income or Expense
Other income and expense was $8.5 and $5.2 million in net expenses for 2020 and 2019, respectively, resulting in a net expense increase of $3.3 million. This variance was primarily attributable to an increase in interest expense of $3.5 million primarily from our litigation financing agreement (NOTE H), a reduction in debt discount accretion in the amount of $1.0 million, a $0.4 million incremental expense due to the fair value accounting of our hybrid debt instrument (NOTE H), the prior year included an expense of $0.9 million related to the fair value accounting for a warrant inducement related to debt refinancing, a $0.5 million current year expense related to debt extinguishment accounting related to a loan extension, and $0.8 million of other income in 2019 attributable to the extinguishment of deferred revenue that was caused by the 2019 cancelation of the HMS Sussex contract.
Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
We did not incur any taxes in 2020, 2019 or 2018.
Starting in 2013, we became the controlling shareholder of Oceanica. Our financial statements thus include the financial results of Oceanica and its subsidiary. Except for intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation, Oceanica’s revenues and expenses, in their entirety, are shown in our consolidated financial statements. The share of Oceanica’s net losses corresponding to the equity of Oceanica not owned by us is subsequently shown as the “Non-Controlling Interest” in the consolidated statements of operations. The non-controlling interest adjustment for 2020 was $6.3 million as compared to $5.1 million for 2019. The administrative support has been ongoing in support of the legal process in obtaining the environmental application for our Mexican subsidiary. This increase was mainly attributable to the compounding debt interest on our Mexican subsidiary’s balance sheet.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
(Dollars in thousands)
Summary of Cash Flows:
Net cash (used) by operating activities
$ (9,287 )
$ (5,444 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
-
(16 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
15,237
2,876
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$ 5,950
$ (2,584 )
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
2,797
Ending cash and cash equivalents
$ 6,163
$
Discussion of Cash Flows
Net cash used by operating activities for 2020 was $9.3 million. This represents a $3.8 million increase in use of funds when compared to the use of $5.4 million in the same period of 2019. The net cash used by operating activities reflected a net loss before non-controlling interest of $21.1 million offset in part by non-cash items of $1.0 million which primarily includes loss on debt extinguishment of $0.8 million, investment in unconsolidated entity of $0.9 million, the fair-value of hybrid-debt accounting of $0.7 million and other which includes items such as depreciation and debt discount accretion for $0.4 million. Other operating activities resulted in an increase in working capital of $2.4 million compared to 2019. Changes to accrued expenses, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other assets in 2020 comprised the $2.4 million. The December 31, 2020 accounts payable balance of $4.1 million is comprised of: 1) $3.3 million which pertains to four accounts. These accounts are not related to current operations and are not expected to be settled with cash, 2) $0.5 million for our NAFTA litigation and will be funded from our litigation financing facility and 3) $0.3 million of standard operating payables that will be settled in the normal course of business.
Net cash used by operating activities for 2019 was $5.4 million, an increase of $1.0 million compared to the same period in 2018. Net cash used by operating activities reflected a net loss before non-controlling interest of $(15.5) million offset in part by non-cash items of $1.7 million which primarily included depreciation and amortization of $0.1 million, note payable interest accretion of $0.8 million, equity based compensation of $0.8 million and deferred income amortization of $(0.8) million as well as a noncash use of $(0.7) million for an investment in an unconsolidated entity, loss on debt extinguishment of $0.3 million, a loss of $0.3 million on the debt fair value option and a $0.9 million loss due to a debt modification inducement. Other operating activities resulted in an increase in working capital of $8.4 million. Changes to accrued expenses, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other assets in 2019 comprised the $8.4 million.
There were no cash flows from investing activities in 2020.
Cash flows used by investing activities for 2019 were $0.01 million compared to $1.0 million provided by for in 2018. The same period during 2018 includes a payment of $1.0 million from Magellan for the purchase of certain marine assets, see NOTE E.
Cash flows provided by financing activities for 2020 were $15.2 million, which represented a $12.3 million increase over the same period in 2019 of $2.9 million. The current period $15. 2 million was comprised of funds received from our NAFTA litigation financing and funds received from the 37 North agreement (NOTE H). We also participated and received funds from the Small Business Administration (SBA) programs for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) (NOTE H). These debt proceeds of $3.6 million were offset by $0.2 million of repayments of financed obligations. In August 2020 we sold 2.5 million of our common shares for net-proceeds of $11.3 million (see NOTE L). During December 2020, we sold $800,000 of new equity in one of our controlled subsidiaries to an existing shareholder of that subsidiary.
Cash flows provided by financing activities for 2019 were $2.9 million which represented $2.8 million of funds received from our NAFTA litigation financing, and $0.5 million debt financing offset by $0.3 million of repayments of financed obligations. For the same period in 2018, we borrowed the final tranche of $0.4 million from MINOSA, increased our note payable to SMOM by $0.5 and received $0.8 million toward our last promissory note. We also received a net advance of $1.0 million from Monaco in January 2018 which was eventually converted to a promissory note. This cash inflow was partially offset by repayment of debt obligations of $0.2 million. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we issued new equity in an equity offering netting the Company $4.6 million.
General Discussion 2020
At December 31, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $6.2 million, an increase of $5.9 million from the December 31, 2019 balance of $0.2 million. The operating cash used of $9.3 million was supported by debt proceeds from 37North, the NAFTA litigation financing and the SBA’s programs for the PPP and EIDL as well as the August 2020 capital raise of $11.3 million noted below. The $9.3 million of cash used from operations was partially offset by non-cash items totaling $1.0 million which include share-based compensation, loss on debt extinguishment accounting and the results of the hybrid-debt agreement fair value accounting.
Financial debt of the company, excluding any derivative, hybrid-debt fair value accounting or beneficial conversion feature components of such, was $43.2 million at December 31, 2020 and $33.9 million at December 31, 2019.
On August 21, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 2,553,314 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to 1,901,989 shares of our common stock. The net proceeds received from sale, after offering expenses of $0.3 million, were $11.3 million (See NOTE L).
Since SEMARNAT initially declined to approve the environmental permit application of our Mexican subsidiary in April 2016 and again in October 2018, notwithstanding that the Superior Court of the Federal Court of Administrative Justice (TFJA) in Mexico nullified SEMARNAT’s initial denial, we continue to support the efforts of our subsidiaries and partners to work through the administrative, legal and political process necessary to have the decision reviewed and overturned in the court of the TFJA. On January 4, 2019, we initiated the process to submit a claim against Mexico to arbitration under the investment protection chapter of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). On September 4, 2020, we filed our First Memorial with the Tribunal. The First Memorial is the filing that fully lays out our case, witnesses and evidence for the Tribunal. We continue to work diligently and in good faith with Mexico’s current administration to achieve an equitable resolution of this dispute, but we are prepared to proceed with the full NAFTA arbitration process if necessary, see ITEM 1. BUSINESS OVERVIEW for further detail.
2019 Compared to 2018
Increase/(Decrease)
2019 vs. 2018
(Dollars in millions)
$
%
Total revenue
$ 3.1
$ 3.3
$ (0.2 )
%
Operations and research
7.9
3.7
4.2
%
Marketing, general and administrative
5.5
5.7
(0.2 )
%
Total operating expenses
$ 13.4
$ 9.3
$ 4.1
%
Total other income (expense)
$ (5.2 )
$ (3.0 )
$ (2.1 )
%
Income tax benefit (provision)
$ 0.0
$ 0.0
$ 0.0
%
Non-controlling interest
$ 5.1
$ 3.9
$ 1.1
%
Net income (loss)
$ (10.4 )
$ (5.2 )
$ (5.3 )
%
Revenue
Total revenue decreased by $0.2 million in 2019 as compared to 2018. The $0.2 million decrease is comprised of a $0.3 million increase in increased marine mineral support services for CIC and an increase in other marine services offset by a $0.5 million reduction related to Magellan’s offshore marine services. See NOTE J for further CIC related party information.
Cost and Expenses
Marketing, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.2 million from $5.7 million in 2018 to $5.5 million in 2019. This net decrease of $0.2 million was primarily due to (i) a net decrease of $0.8 million in personnel expenses attributable to regular, incentive and share-based compensation, (ii) an increase of $0.9 million of director compensation at the corporate and subsidiary level (the corporate directors did not receive any cash compensation in 2018), (iii) a $0.1 million decrease in corporate legal support and professional services and (iv) a $0.2 million allocated reduction of corporate overhead support.
For 2019, Operations and research expenses were $7.9 million compared to $3.7 million for the same period in 2018. The variance of $4.2 million was primarily due to (i) a $3.7 million increase in legal related support of our NAFTA arbitration with the government of Mexico to assure the fair treatment of our foreign investment, see ITEM 1: BUSINESS for more information, (ii) reductions of $0.1 million and $0.3 million in operational support services and depreciation, respectively, and (iii) a $0.9 million gain on sale of marine equipment that occurred in 2018, but not in 2019.
Other Income or Expense
Total other income and expense was $5.2 and $3.0 million in net expenses for 2019 and 2018, respectively, resulting in a net expense increase of $2.1 million. This variance was primarily attributable to an increase in interest expense of $0.8 million from the beneficial conversion feature tied to a promissory note, a warrant inducement of $0.9 million, a debt extinguishment loss of $0.3 million from a debt modification, new 2019 interest of $0.6 million, a fair valuation loss of $0.3 million on new debt assumed during the three months ended December 31, 2019, and an increase of other income of $0.8 million, which related to the reclassification of our Revenue Participation Rights for our Cambridge project, see NOTE K for further information. See NOTE H for other debt information.
Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
We did not incur any taxes in 2019, 2018 or 2017.
Starting in 2013, we became the controlling shareholder of Oceanica. Our financial statements thus include the financial results of Oceanica and its subsidiary. Except for intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation, Oceanica’s revenues and expenses, in their entirety, are shown in our consolidated financial statements. The share of
Oceanica’s net losses corresponding to the equity of Oceanica not owned by us is subsequently shown as the “Non-Controlling Interest” in the consolidated statements of operations. The non-controlling interest adjustment for 2019 was $5.1 million as compared to $3.9 million for 2018. The administrative support has been ongoing in support of the legal process in obtaining the environmental application for our Mexican subsidiary. This increase was mainly attributable to the compounding debt interest on our Mexican subsidiary’s balance sheet.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
(Dollars in thousands)
Summary of Cash Flows:
Net (used) by operating activities
$ (5,444 )
$ (6,452 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
(16 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
2,876
7,137
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$ (2,584 )
$ 1,679
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
2,797
1,118
Ending cash and cash equivalents
$
$ 2,797
Discussion of Cash Flows
Net cash used by operating activities in 2019 was $5.4 million, an increase of $1.0 million compared to the same period in 2018. Net cash used by operating activities reflected a net loss before non-controlling interest of $(15.5) million offset in part by non-cash items of $1.7 million, which primarily included depreciation and amortization of $0.1 million, note payable interest accretion of $0.8 million, equity based compensation of $0.8 million and deferred income amortization of $(0.8) million as well as a noncash use of $(0.7) million for an investment in an unconsolidated entity, loss on debt extinguishment of $0.3 million, a loss of $0.3 million on the debt fair value option and a $0.9 million loss due to a debt modification inducement. Other operating activities resulted in an increase in working capital of $8.4 million. Changes to accrued expenses, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other assets in 2019 comprised the $8.4 million.
Cash flows used by investing activities for 2019 were $0.01 million compared to $1.0 million provided by for in 2018. The same period during 2018 includes a payment of $1.0 million from Magellan for the purchase of certain marine assets.
Cash flows provided by financing activities for 2019 were $2.9 million, which represented $2.8 million of funds received from our NAFTA litigation financing, and $0.5 million debt financing offset by $0.3 million of repayments of financed obligations. For the same period in 2018, we borrowed the final tranche of $0.4 million from MINOSA, increased our note payable to SMOM by $0.5 and received $0.8 million toward our last promissory note. We also received a net advance of $1.0 million from Monaco in January 2018 which was eventually converted to a promissory note. This cash inflow was partially offset by repayment of debt obligations of $0.2 million. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we issued new equity in an equity offering netting the Company $4.6 million.
General Discussion 2019
At December 31, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $0.2 million, a decrease of $2.6 million from the December 31, 2018 balance of $2.8 million. This decrease was mainly attributable to the $5.4 million used for operations offset in part by $3.3 million of financing attributable to the $2.8 million received for the NAFTA arbitration litigation and $0.5 million received from new indebtedness.
Financial debt of the company, excluding the derivative or beneficial conversion feature components of such debt, increased by $3.5 million in 2019, from a balance of $30.4 million at December 31, 2018 to a balance of $33.9 million at December 31, 2019. This increase was due to the NAFTA litigation financing of $3.0 million and the first tranche of the 37North funding of $0.5 million, both of which are discussed above in the Discussion of Cash Flows (see NOTE H).
Since SEMARNAT initially declined to approve the environmental permit application of our Mexican subsidiary in April 2016 and again in October 2018, notwithstanding that the Superior Court of the Federal Court of Administrative Justice in Mexico nullified SEMARNAT’s initial denial, we continue to support the efforts of our subsidiaries and partners to work through the administrative, legal and political process necessary to have the decision reviewed and overturned.
Financings
Stock Purchase Agreement
On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Penelope Mining LLC (the “Investor”), and, solely with respect to certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement, Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (“MINOSA”). The Purchase Agreement provides for us to issue and sell to the Investor shares of our preferred stock in the amounts and at the prices set forth below (the numbers set forth below have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-12 reverse stock split of February 19, 2016):
Series
No. of Shares
Price per Share
Series AA-1
8,427,004
$ 12.00
Series AA-2
7,223,145
$ 6.00
The closing of the sale and issuance of shares of the Company’s preferred stock to the Investor is subject to certain conditions, including the Company’s receipt of required approvals from the Company’s stockholders (received on June 9, 2015), the receipt of regulatory approval, performance by the Company of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement, receipt of certain third party consents, the listing of the underlying common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market and the Investor’s satisfaction, in its sole discretion, with the viability of certain undersea mining projects of the Company. Completion of the transaction requires amending the Company’s articles of incorporation to (a) effect a reverse stock split, which was done on February 19, 2016, (b) adjusting the Company’s authorized capitalization, which was also done on February 19, 2016, and (c) establishing a classified board of directors (collectively, the “Amendments”). The Amendments have been or will be set forth in certificates of amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation filed or to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State.
The purchase and sale of 2,916,667 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock at an initial closing and for the purchase and sale of the remaining 5,510,337 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock according to the following schedule, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement:
Date
No. Series AA-
1 Shares
Total Purchase
Price
March 1, 2016
1,806,989
$ 21,683,868
September 1, 2016
1,806,989
$ 21,683,868
March 1, 2017
1,517,871
$ 18,214,446
March 1, 2018
378,488
$ 4,541,856
The Investor may elect to purchase all or a portion of the Series AA-1 Preferred Stock before the other dates set forth above. The initial closing and the closing scheduled for March 1, 2016, have not yet occurred because certain conditions to closing have not yet been satisfied or waived. After completing the purchase of all AA-1 Preferred Stock, the Investor has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase all or a portion the 7,223,145 shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock at any time after the closing price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market has been $15.12 or more for 20 consecutive trading days. The Investor’s right to purchase the shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock will terminate on the fifth anniversary of the initial closing under the Purchase Agreement.
The Purchase Agreement contains certain restrictions, subject to certain exceptions described below, on the Company’s ability to initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate an alternative acquisition proposal, to participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding an alternative acquisition proposal, or to enter into any acquisition agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement, or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle, or any other agreement relating to an alternative acquisition proposal. These restrictions will continue until the earlier to occur of the termination of the Purchase Agreement pursuant to its terms and the time at which the initial closing occurs.
The Purchase Agreement also includes customary termination rights for both the Company and the Investor and provides that, in connection with the termination of the Purchase Agreement under specified circumstances, including in the event of a termination by the Company in order to accept a Superior Proposal, the Company will be required to pay to the Investor a termination fee of $4.0 million.
The Purchase Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of the parties customary for a transaction of this type.
Subject to the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the Lender provided the Company, through a subsidiary of the Company, with loans of $14.75 million, the outstanding amount of which, plus accrued interest, will be repaid from the proceeds from the sale of the shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock at the initial closing. The outstanding principal balance of the loan at December 31, 2019 was $14.75 million.
The obligation to repay the loans is evidenced by a promissory note (the “Note”) in the amount of up to $14.75 million and bears interest at the rate of 8.0% per annum, and, pursuant to a pledge agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”) between the Lender and Odyssey Marine Enterprises Ltd., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“OME”), is secured by a pledge of 54.0 million shares of Oceanica Resources S. de R.L., a Panamanian limitada (“Oceanica”), held by OME. In addition, OME and the Lender entered into a call option agreement (the “Oceanica Call”), pursuant to which OME granted the Lender an option to purchase the 54.0 million shares of Oceanica held by OME for an exercise price of $40.0 million at any time during the one-year period after the Oceanica Call was executed and delivered by the parties. The Oceanica Call option expired on March 11, 2016 without being executed or extended. On December 15, 2015, the Promissory Note was amended to provide that, unless otherwise converted as provided in the Note, the adjusted principal balance shall be due and payable in full upon written demand by MINOSA; provided that MINOSA agrees that it shall not demand payment of the adjusted principal balance earlier than the first to occur of: (i) 30 days after the date on which (x) SEMARNAT makes a determination with respect to the current application for the Manifestacion de Impacto Ambiental relating to our phosphate deposit project, which determination is other than an approval or (y) Enterprises or any of its affiliates withdraws such application without MINOSA’s prior written consent; (ii) termination by Odyssey of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 11, 2015 (the “Purchase Agreement”), among Odyssey, MINOSA, and Penelope Mining, LLC (the “Investor”); (iii) the occurrence of an event of default under the Promissory Note; (iv) March 30, 2016; or (v) if and only if the Investor shall have terminated the Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(iii) thereof, March 30, 2016. On March 18, 2016 the agreements with MINOSA and Penelope were further amended and extended the maturity date of the loan to March 18, 2017(see NOTE H). The August 10, 2017 Minosa Purchase Agreement amended the due date of this note to a due date which may be no earlier than December 31, 2017, and that is at least 60 days subsequent to written notice that Minosa intends to demand payment. We have not received any notice the creditor intends to demand payment. See the August 10, 2017 Minosa Purchase Agreement disclosure below. During December 2017 MINOSA transferred this debt to its parent company.
On March 18, 2016, Odyssey entered into a $3.0 million Note Purchase Agreement with Epsilon Acquisitions LLC (see below and NOTE H).
Epsilon is an investment vehicle of Mr. Alonso Ancira who is Chairman of the Board of AHMSA, an entity that controls MINOSA.
Class AA Convertible Preferred Stock
Pursuant to a certificate of designation (the “Designation”) to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State, each share of Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock and Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Class AA Preferred Stock”) will be convertible into one share of Common Stock at any time and from time to time at the election of the holder. Each share of Class AA Preferred Stock will rank pari passu with all other shares of Class AA Preferred Stock and senior to shares of Common Stock and all other classes and series of junior stock. If the Company declares a dividend or makes a distribution to the holders of Common Stock, the holders of the Class AA Preferred Stock will be entitled to participate in the dividend or distribution on an as-converted basis. Each share of Class AA Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to vote, in person or by proxy, at any special or annual meeting of stockholders, on all matters voted on by holders of Common Stock, voting together as a single class with other shares entitled to vote thereon. So long as a majority of the shares of the Class AA Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company will be prohibited from taking specified extraordinary actions without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock. In the event of the liquidation of the Company, each holder of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid, out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, an amount in cash equal to the greater of (a) the amount paid to the Company for such holder’s shares of Class AA Preferred Stock, plus an accretion thereon of 8.0% per annum, compounded annually, and (b) the amount such holder would be entitled to receive had such holder converted such shares of Class AA Preferred into Common Stock immediately prior to such time at which payment will be made or any assets distributed.
Stockholder Agreement
The Purchase Agreement provides that, at the initial closing, the Company and the Investor will enter into a stockholder agreement (the “Stockholder Agreement”). The Stockholder Agreement will provide that (a) in connection with each meeting of the Company’s stockholders at which directors are to be elected, the Company will (i) nominate for election as members of the Company’s board of directors a number of individuals designated by the Investor (“Investor Designees”) equivalent to the Investor’s proportionate ownership of the Company’s voting securities (rounded up to the next highest integer) less the number of Investor Designees who are members of the board of directors and not subject to election at such meeting, and (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to cause such nominees to be elected to the board of directors; (b) the Company will cause one of the Investor Designees to serve as a member of (or at such Investor Designee’s election, as an observer to) each committee of the Company’s board of directors; and (c) each Investor Designee shall have the right to enter into an indemnification agreement with the Company (an “Indemnification Agreement”) pursuant to which such Investor Designee is indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent allowed by Nevada law if, by reason of his or her serving as a director of the Company, such Investor Designee is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding or by reason of anything done or not done by such Investor Designee in his or her capacity as a director of the Company.
The Stockholder Agreement will provide the Investor with pre-emptive rights with respect to certain equity offerings of the Company and restricts the Company from selling equity securities until the Investor has purchased all the Class AA Preferred Stock or no longer has the right or obligation to purchase any of the Class AA Preferred Stock. The Stockholder Agreement will also provide the Investor with certain “first look” rights with respect to certain mineral deposits discovered by the Company or its subsidiaries. Pursuant to the Stockholder Agreement, the Company will grant the Investor certain demand and piggy-back registration rights, including for shelf registrations, with respect to the resale of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Class AA Preferred Stock.
Other loans
Litigation Financing
On June 14, 2019, Odyssey and Exploraciones Oceánicas S. de R.L. de C.V., our Mexican subsidiary (“ExO” and, together with Odyssey, the “Claimholder”), and Poplar Falls LLC (the “Funder”) entered into an International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the “Agreement”), pursuant to which the Funder agreed to provide financial assistance to the Claimholder to facilitate the prosecution and recovery of the claim by the Claimholder against the United Mexican States under Chapter Eleven of the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) for violations of the Claimholder’s rights under NAFTA related to the development of an undersea phosphate deposit off the coast of Baja Sur, Mexico (the “Project”), on our own behalf and on behalf of ExO and United Mexican States (the “Subject Claim”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Funder agreed to specified fees and expenses regarding the Subject Claim (the “Claims Payments”) incrementally and at the Funder’s sole discretion.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Funder agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $6,500,000 (the “Maximum Investment Amount”). The Maximum Investment Amount will be made available to the Claimholder in two phases, as set forth below:
(a) a first phase, in which the Funder shall make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $1,500,000 for the payment of antecedent and ongoing costs (“Phase I Investment Amount”); and
(b) a second phase, in which the Funder shall make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $5,000,000 for the purposes of pursuing the Subject Claim to a final award (“Phase II Investment Amount”).
Upon exhaustion of the Phase I Investment Amount, the Claimholder will have the option to request Tranche A of the Phase II Investment Amount, consisting of funding up to $3.5 million (“Tranche A Committed Amount”). Upon exhaustion of the Tranche A Committed Amount, the Claimholder will have the option to request Tranche B of the Phase II Investment Amount, consisting of funding of up to $1.5 million (“Tranche B Committed Amount”). The Claimholder must exercise its option to receive the Tranche A Committed Amount in writing, no less than thirty days before submitting a Funding Request to the Funder under Tranche A. The Claimholder must exercise its option to receive the Tranche B Committed Amount in writing within forty-five days after the exhaustion of the Tranche A Committed Amount. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Claimholder agreed that, upon exercising the Claimholder’s option to receive funds under Phase I, Tranche A of Phase II, or Tranche B of Phase II, the Funder will be the sole source of third-party funding for the specified fees and expenses of the Subject Claim under each respective phase and tranche covered by the option exercised, and the Claimholder will obtain funding for such fees and expenses only as set forth in the Agreement. The Funder was due closing fee of $80,000 for the Phase I Investment Amount, and $80,000 for the Phase II Investment Amount to pay third parties in connection with due diligence and other administrative and transaction costs incurred by the Funder prior to and in furtherance of execution of the Agreement.
Upon the Funder making Claims Payments to the Claimholder or its designees in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount, the Funder has the option to continue funding the specified fees and expenses in relation to the Subject Claim on the same terms and conditions provided in the Agreement. The Funder must exercise its option to continue funding in writing, within thirty days after the Funder has made Claims Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount. If the Funder exercises its option to continue funding, the parties agreed to attempt in good faith to amend the Agreement to provide the Funder with the right to provide at the Funder’s discretion funding in excess of the Maximum Investment Amount, in an amount up to the greatest amount that may then be reasonably expected to be committed for investment in Subject Claim. If the Funder declines to exercise its option, the Claimholder may negotiate and enter into agreements with one or more third parties to provide funding, which shall be subordinate to the Funder’s rights under the Agreement.
The Agreement provides that the Claimholder may at any time without the consent of the Funder either settle or refuse to settle the Subject Claim for any amount; provided, however, that if the Claimholder settles the Subject Claim without the Funder’s consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, the value of the Recovery Percentage (as defined below) will be deemed to be the greater of (a) the Recovery Percentage (under Phase I or Phase II, as applicable), or (b) the total amount of all Claims Payments made in connection with such Subject Claim multiplied by three (3).
If the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim for any reason other than (a) a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or (b) a full and final monetary settlement of the claims, including in particular, for a grant of an environmental permit to the Claimholder allowing it to proceed with the Project (with or without a monetary component), all Claims Payments under Phase I and, if Claimholder has exercised the corresponding option, the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount, shall immediately convert to a senior secured liability of the Claimholder. This sum shall incur an annualized internal rate of return (IRR) of 50.0% retroactive to the date each Funding Request was paid by the Funder (under Phase I), or, to the conversion date for the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount of Phase II if the Claimholder has exercised the respective option (collectively, the “Conversion Amount”). Such Conversion Amount and any and all accrued IRR shall be payable in-full by the Claimholder within 24 months of the date of such conversion, after which time any outstanding Conversion Amounts, shall accrue an (IRR) of 100.0%, retroactive to the conversion date (the “Penalty Interest Amount”). The Claimholder will execute such documents and take other actions as necessary to grant the Funder a senior security interest on and over all sums due and owing by the Claimholder in order to secure its obligation to pay the Conversion Amount to the Funder. If the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim due to the grant of an environmental permit (with or without a monetary component), all Claims Payments under Phase 1 and, if the Claimholder has exercised the corresponding option, the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount shall immediately convert to a senior secured liability of the Claimholder and shall incur an annualized an IRR of 50.0% on the Conversion Amount, noted above, from the conversion date. Management has estimated it is more likely than not the Subject Claim will result in the issuance of the environmental permit requiring us to record interest under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Reliance should not be placed on this estimate in determining the likely outcome of the Subject Claim.
If, at any time after exercising its option to receive funds under either Tranche A or Tranche B of Phase II, the Claimholder wishes to fund the Subject Claim with its own capital (“Self-Funding”) (which excludes any Claims Payments made, either directly or indirectly, by any other third party), the Claimholder shall immediately pay to the Funder the Conversion Amount, provided that this requirement shall not apply if, after the Funder has made Claims Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount, the Funder does not exercise its option to provide Follow-On Funding.
In the event of any receipt of proceeds resulting from the Subject Claim (“Proceeds”), the Funder shall be entitled to any additional sums above the Conversion Amount to which the Funder is entitled as described below. Should the Claimholder cease the Subject Claim as described above after Self-Funding the Claim, accrued IRR and Penalty Interest shall be calculated and paid to the Funder as set forth above. The Funder’s rights to the Recovery Percentage as defined below shall survive any decision by Claimholder to utilize Self-Funding. The parties acknowledge this Agreement constitutes a sale of the right to a portion of the Proceeds (if any) arising from the Subject Claim as set forth in this Agreement. The Claimholder has relinquished its right to the portion of the proceeds, if any, that the Funder would have the right to as described below. This sale of proceeds is being accounted for under the guidance of ASC 470-10-25 Recognition (Sales of Future Revenues)
On each Distribution Date, distributions of the Proceeds shall be made to the Claimholder and the Funder in accordance with subparagraph (a) or (b) below (the “Recovery Percentage”), as applicable:
(a) If the Claimholder receives only the Phase I Investment Amount from the Funder, the first Proceeds shall be distributed as follows:
(i) first, 100.0% to the Funder, until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals the total Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phase I;
(ii) second, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals an IRR of 20% of Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phase I (“Phase I Compensation”), per annum; and
(iii) thereafter, 100.0% to the Claimholder.
(b) If the Claimholder exercises its options to receive Tranche A or both Tranche A and Tranche B of the Phase II Investment Amount, the first Proceeds shall be distributed as follows:
(i) first, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals the total Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phases I and II;
(ii) second, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals an additional 300.0% of Phase I Investment Amount; plus an additional 300% of the Tranche A Committed Amount (i.e. 300.0% of $3.5 million), less any amounts remaining of the Tranche A Committed Amount that the Funder did not pay as Claims Payments; plus an additional 300.0% of the Tranche B Committed Amount (i.e. 300.0% of $1.5 million), if the Claimholder exercises the Tranche B funding option, less any amounts remaining of the Tranche B Committed Amount that the Funder did not pay as Claims Payments;
(iii) third, for each $10,000 in specified fees and expenses paid by the Funder under Phase I and Phase II and any amounts over each $10,000 of the Tranche A Committed Amount and the Tranche B Committed Amount (if the Claimholder exercises the Tranche B funding option), 0.01% of the total Proceeds from any recoveries after repayment of (i) and (ii) above, to the Funder; and
(iv) thereafter, 100% to the Claimholder.
The Agreement provides that if no Proceeds are ever paid to or received by the Claimholder or its representatives and if the environmental permit is not issued, the Funder shall have no right of recourse or right of action against the Claimholder or its representatives, or any of their respective property, assets, or undertakings, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Agreement. If (a) Proceeds are paid to or received by the Claimholder or its representatives; (b) such Proceeds are promptly applied and/or distributed by the Claimholder or on behalf of the Claimholder in accordance with the terms of the Agreement; and (c) the amount received by the Funder as a result thereof is not sufficient to pay all of the Recovery Percentage and all of the amounts due to the Funder under the Agreement, then (provided that all of the Proceeds which the Funder will ever be entitled to have been paid to or received by the Funder), the Funder shall have no right of recourse or action against the Claimholder or its Representatives, or any of their property, assets, or undertakings, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Agreement. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Claimholder acknowledged the Funder’s priority right, title, and interest in any Proceeds, including against any available collateral to secure its obligations under the Agreement, which security interest shall be first in priority as against all other security interests in the Proceeds. The Claimholder also acknowledged and agreed to execute and authorize the filing of a financing statement or similar and to take such other actions in such jurisdictions as the Funder, in its sole discretion, deems necessary and appropriate to perfect such security interest. The Agreement also includes representations and warranties, covenants, conditions, termination and indemnification provisions, and other provisions customary for comparable arrangements.
Amendment and Restatement (January 31, 2020)
On January 31, 2020, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into an Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the “Restated Agreement”). The material terms and provisions that were amended or otherwise modified are as follows:
•
The Funder agreed to provide up to $2.2 million in Arbitration Support Funds for the purpose of paying the Claimholder’s litigation support costs in connection with Subject Claim;
•
A closing fee of $200,000 has been retain by the Funder in connection with due diligence and other transaction costs incurred by the Funder;
•
A warrant was issued to purchase our common stock which is exercisable for a period of five years beginning on the earlier of (a) the date on which the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim for any reason other than a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or a full and final monetary settlement of the claims or (b) the date on which Proceeds are received and deposited into escrow. The exercise price per share is $3.99, and the Funder can exercise the warrant to purchase the number of shares of our common stock equal to the dollar amount of Arbitration Support Funds provided to us pursuant to the Restated Agreement divided by the exercise price per share (subject to customary adjustments and limitations); and
•
All other terms in the Restated Agreement are substantially the same as in the original Agreement.
During 2020, the Funder provided us with $2.0 million of the Arbitration Support Funds, and we incurred $200,000 in related fees that were treated as an additional advance. Upon each funding, the proceeds were allocated between debt and equity for the warrants based on the relative fair value of the two instruments. As a result, there was a debt discount of $1,063,811 which is being amortized over the expected remaining term of the agreement using the effective interest method which is charged to interest expense.
Although the warrants only become exercisable upon the occurrence of future events, they are considered issued for accounting purposes and were valued using a binomial lattice model. The expected volatility assumption was based on the historical volatility of our common stock. The expected life assumption was primarily based on management’s expectations of when the Warrants will become exercisable and the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the warrant is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of measurement.
Second Amendment and Restatement (December 12, 2020)
On December 12, 2020, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into a Second Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the “Second Restated Agreement”) relating to the Subject Claim. Under the terms of the Second Restated Agreement, the Funder has made and agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $20,000,000 (the “Maximum Investment Amount”). The Second Restated Agreement requires the Funder to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $10,000,000 for the purposes of pursuing the Subject Claim to a final award (“Phase III Investment Amount”). We also incurred $200,000 in related fees, which were treated as an additional advance. The Second Restated Agreement includes the same representations and warranties, covenants, conditions, termination and indemnification provisions, and other provisions as in the original agreement.
The December 31, 2020 carrying value of the note is $10,968,729 and is net of unamortized debt fees of $347,786 as well as the net unamortized debt discount of $890,962 associated with the fair value of the warrants. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the expense related to debt discount and fee amortization was $172,849 and $52,214, respectively. The total face value of this obligation at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $12,207,477 and $2,957,097, respectively.
Promissory Note
On December 6, 2019, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with 37North Capital SPV 11, LLC (the “Investor”) pursuant to which the Investor agreed to lend, in one or more transactions (each, a “Loan”), up to an aggregate of $2.0 million to us, subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement. On December 10, 2019, the Investor made a Loan to us in the amount of $539,000 pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. An additional Loan of $490,000 was made in the first quarter of 2020. Each Loan is evidenced by a separate convertible promissory note (each, a “Note”). Unless otherwise converted as described below, the entire outstanding amount of all Loans was originally due and payable on June 6, 2020. As described in additional detail below, the maturity date was subsequently extended to November 6, 2020, and on December 8, 2020, the Company waived the maturity date extension causing the maturity date to revert back to June 6, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”).
At any time and from time to time until the three-month anniversary of the Maturity Date, all or any portion of the outstanding amount of each Note may, at the Investor’s election, be converted into shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Conversion Shares”). The number of Conversion Shares to be issued upon any conversion shall be equal
to the quotient obtained by dividing the Applicable Conversion Amount (as defined below) by the Applicable Conversion Rate (as defined below). As defined in the Purchase Agreement, the “Applicable Conversion Amount” means, on the date of determination and with respect to each Note, (a) for the period beginning on the date of issuance and ending on the day immediately preceding the Maturity Date, an amount equal to 100.0% of the amount of the Loan evidenced by such Note then outstanding; (b) on the Maturity Date, 136.0% of the amount of the Loan evidenced by such Note then outstanding (such amount, the “Enhanced Conversion Amount”); (c) for the period beginning on the day immediately following the Maturity Date and for a period of three months thereafter (such three-month period, the “Accrual Period”), an amount equal to (i) the Enhanced Conversion Amount then outstanding plus (ii) an additional amount equal to 3.0% per month (prorated for any period of less than a full month) accrued on the amount described in clause (i); and (d) on any date after the Accrual Period, the amount then outstanding after giving effect to the accrual described in clause (c) during the Accrual Period (it being understood that no additional amount shall accrue after the expiration of the Accrual Period); and “Applicable Conversion Rate” means (x) with respect to any conversion on or prior to the Maturity Date, $5.00, and (y) with respect to any conversion after the Maturity Date, the lower of (i) $5.00 and (ii) 80.0% of the ten-day volume-weighted average price of Odyssey’s common stock. Notwithstanding anything in the Purchase Agreement to the contrary, we are prohibited from issuing any Conversion Shares, to the extent such shares, after giving effect to such issuance after conversion and when added to the number of Conversion Shares previously issued upon conversion of any of the Notes sold pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, would represent in excess of 19.9% of (A) the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such issuances or (B) the total voting power of our securities outstanding immediately after giving effect to such issuances that are entitled to vote on a matter being voted on by holders of our common stock.
On May 6, 2020, Odyssey and the Investor agreed to amend the Purchase Agreement to additionally provide that, notwithstanding anything in the Purchase Agreement to the contrary, Odyssey is prohibited from issuing any Conversion Shares, to the extent such shares, after giving effect to such issuance after conversion and when added to the number of Conversion Shares previously issued upon conversion of any of the Notes sold pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, would represent in excess of 19.9% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 6, 2019. Due to a reference to the effective date of the amendment in the definition of the maturity date, the maturity date of the Note was inadvertently revised from June 6, 2020 to November 6, 2020. Thus, on December 8, 2020 the Company amended the Notes to adjust the maturity date back to the original date of June 6, 2020 and to extend the option to convert to December 31, 2020. The modifications were evaluated under FASB ASC Topic 470-50-40, “Debt Modification and Extinguishments” but the instruments were determined not to be substantially different and extinguishment accounting did not apply.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Investor converted the entire loan balance into 329,498 shares of our common stock at conversion rates ranging from $3.71 to $5.00 per share.
If, at any time prior to the Maturity Date, (a) we receive cash proceeds (the “Shipwreck Proceeds”) arising out of our salvage agreement relating to cargo recovered from a specified shipwreck, and (ii) the amount of the Shipwreck Proceeds equals at least 155.0% of the then-unpaid amount of all Loans, then we must repay in full the indebtedness outstanding under all the Notes by delivery of an amount equal to 155.0% of the then-unpaid amount of all Loans. In addition, at any time prior to the Maturity Date, we may repay all (but not less than all) of the then-unpaid amount of all Loans by delivery of an amount equal to 155.0% of the then-unpaid amount of all Loans; provided, that we must provide the Investor at least ten days’ notice of our intention to repay the indebtedness.
The Purchase Agreement and the Notes issued by Odyssey on December 10, 2019 and January 29, 2020, include representations and warranties and other covenants, conditions, and other provisions customary for comparable transactions.
We evaluated the Notes in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and determined that they contain certain embedded derivatives whose economic risks and characteristics were not clearly and closely related to the risks of the host contract. The material embedded derivative features consisted of the embedded conversion option and contingent redemption provisions. We elected to initially and subsequently measure the Notes in their entirety at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. FASB ASC 825-10-25 allows us to elect the fair value option for recording financial instruments when they are initially recognized or if there is an event that requires re-measurement of the instruments at fair value, such as a significant modification of the debt.
Because the Notes are carried in their entirety at fair value, the value of the compound embedded conversion feature is embodied in that fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of the hybrid instrument based on a probability weighted analysis which considers the present value of the cash flows using a credit risk adjusted rate enhanced by the redemption feature and the value of the conversion option valued using a Monte Carlo model. This method was considered by management to be the most appropriate method of encompassing the credit risk and exercise behavior that a market participant would consider when valuing the hybrid financial instrument.
Inputs used to value the hybrid instrument during the year ended December 31, 2020 included: (i) present value of future cash flows using a credit risk adjusted rate ranging from 18%-24% due solely to changes in benchmark interest rates, (ii) remaining term to maturity, (iii) volatility ranging from 35%-87%, (iv) closing stock price on the valuation date, and (v) the conversion price based on the lesser of $5.00 or 80% of the 10-day VWAP. Material changes due to instrument-specific credit risk are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income with all other changes in value being recorded in net income.
The fair value of the hybrid instrument was $861,485 as of December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we received additional proceeds of $490,000, recorded a change in the fair value of the hybrid instrument of $732,958 and fully converted the Notes into 329,498 shares of our Common Stock.
Payroll protection program
We applied to Fifth Third Bancorp (“Fifth Third”) under the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 (the “CARES Act”) for a loan of $370,400 (the “Loan”), and the Loan was made on April 16, 2020. The proceeds of the Loan were used to cover payroll costs, rent and utilities in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions of the CARES Act.
The Loan, which is evidenced by promissory note issued by us (the “Promissory Note”), has a two-year term, matures on April 16, 2022, and bears interest at a rate of 0.98% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments, less the amount of any potential forgiveness (discussed below), will commence seven months from the month this Note is dated. We did not provide any collateral or guarantees for the Loan, nor did we pay any facility charge to obtain the Loan. The Promissory Note provides for customary events of default, including, among others, those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, breaches of representations and material adverse effects. Odyssey may prepay the principal of the Loan at any time without incurring any prepayment charges.
The Loan may be forgiven partially or fully if the Loan proceeds are used for covered payroll costs, rent and utilities, provided that such amounts are incurred during the eight-week period that commenced on April 16, 2020, and at least 75% of any forgiven amount has been used for covered payroll costs. During June 2020, the 75% requirement was reduced to 60% and the eight-week period was amended to a 24-week period. Any forgiveness of the Loan will be subject to approval by the SBA and Fifth Third and will require us to apply for such treatment in the future.
Emergency Injury Disaster Loan
On June 26, 2020, we executed the standard loan documents required for securing an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (the “EIDL Loan”) from the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). The principal amount of the EIDL Loan is $149,900, with proceeds to be used for working capital purposes. Interest on the EIDL Loan accrues at the rate of 3.75% per annum and installment payments, including principal and interest of $731, are due monthly beginning twelve months from the date of the EIDL Loan. The balance of principal and interest is payable thirty years from the date of the promissory note. In connection with the EIDL Loan, the Company executed the EIDL Loan documents, which include the SBA Secured Disaster Loan Note, dated May 16, 2020, the Loan Authorization and Agreement, dated May 16, 2020, and the Security Agreement, dated May 16, 2020, each between the SBA and the Company.
Going Concern Consideration
We have experienced several years of net losses and may continue to do so. Our ability to generate net income or positive cash flows for the following twelve months is dependent upon financings, our success in developing and monetizing our interests in mineral exploration entities, generating income from exploration charters, collecting on amounts owed to us, and completing the MINOSA/Penelope equity financing transaction approved by our stockholders on June 9, 2015.
Our 2020 business plan required us to generate new cash inflows to effectively allow us to perform our planned projects. We continually plan to generate new cash inflows through the monetization of our receivables and equity stakes in seabed mineral companies, financings, syndications or other partnership opportunities. If cash inflow becomes insufficient to meet our desired projected business plan requirements, we would be required to follow a contingency business plan which is based on curtailed expenses and fewer cash requirements. On August 21, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 2,553,314 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to 1,901,989 shares of our common stock. The net proceeds received from this sale, after offering expenses of $0.3 million, were $11.2 million (See NOTE J). These proceeds, coupled with the anticipated cash inflows, are expected to provide operating funds through early 2022.
On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Minera del Norte S.A. de c.v. (“MINOSA”) and Penelope Mining LLC (“Penelope”), an affiliate of MINOSA, pursuant to which (a) MINOSA agreed to extend short-term, debt financing to Odyssey of up to $14.75 million, and (b) Penelope agreed to invest up to $101 million over three years in convertible preferred stock of Odyssey. The equity financing is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of our stockholders which occurred on June 9, 2015, and MINOSA and Penelope are currently under no obligation to make the preferred share equity investments.
Our consolidated non-restricted cash balance at December 31, 2020 was $6.2 million. We have a working capital deficit at December 31, 2020 of $47.0 million. Our largest loan of $14.75 million from MINOSA had a due date of December 31, 2017 which is now linked to other stipulations, see NOTE H for further detail. The majority of our remaining assets have been pledged to MINOSA, and its affiliates, and to Monaco Financial LLC, leaving us with few opportunities to raise additional funds from our balance sheet. The total consolidated book value of our assets was approximately $11.8 million at December 31, 2020, which includes cash of $6.2 million, and the fair market value of these assets may differ from their net carrying book value. Even though we executed the above noted financing arrangement with Penelope, Penelope must purchase the shares for us to be able to complete the equity component of the transaction. The Penelope equity transaction is heavily dependent on the outcome of our subsidiary’s application approval process for an environmental permit (EIA) to commercially develop a mineralized phosphate deposit off the coast of Mexico. The factors noted above raise doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not engage in off-balance sheet financing arrangements. In particular, we do not have any interest in so-called limited purpose entities, which include special purpose entities (SPEs) and structured finance entities.
Indemnification Provisions
Under our bylaws and certain consulting agreements, we have agreed to indemnify our officers and directors for certain events arising as a result of the officer’s or director’s serving in such capacity. Separate agreements may provide indemnification after term of service. The term of the indemnification agreement is as long as the officer or director remains in the employment of the company. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. However, our director and officer liability insurance policy limits its exposure and enables us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of our insurance policy coverage, we believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal and no liabilities are recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2020.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial position and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our financial position and results of operations. See NOTE A to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our significant accounting policies. Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgment and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We have identified the following critical accounting estimates. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these policies with our audit committee.
Long-Lived Assets
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately $0.6 million of net property and equipment, right to use - operating lease and related assets. Our policy is to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with the ASC topic for Property, Plant and Equipment. Impairment decisions are based on several factors, including, but not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows.
Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets
We have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0 at December 31, 2020. As required by the ASC topic for Accounting for Income Taxes, we have evaluated whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on the available evidence, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that those assets would not be realizable without the recovery and rights of ownership or salvage rights of high value shipwrecks or the monetization of our mineral exploration stakes and thus a valuation allowance of $71.9 million has been recorded as of December 31, 2020.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
In determining the collectability of our accounts receivable, we need to make certain assumptions and estimates. Specifically, we may examine accounts and assess the likelihood of collection of particular accounts. Management has elected to record bad debts using the direct write-off method. Generally accepted accounting principles state an estimate is to be made for an allowance for doubtful accounts. The effect of using the direct write-off method, however, is not materially different from the results that would have been obtained had the allowance method been followed. If we were to have a recorded allowance, the accounts receivable would be stated net the recorded allowance.
Derivative Financial Instruments
From time to time, we may enter into a financial instrument that may contain a derivative. In evaluating fair value of derivative financial instruments, there are numerous assumptions which management must make that may influence the valuation of the derivatives that would be included in the financial statements.
Exploration License
The Company follows the guidance pursuant to ASU 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other” in accounting for its Exploration License. Management determined the rights to use the license to have an indefinite life. This assessment is based on the historical success of renewing the license since 2006, and the fact that management believes there are no legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that would limit the useful life of the asset. The exploration license is not dependent on another asset or group of assets that could potentially limit the useful life of the exploration license. In the future, the recoverability of the license will be tested whenever circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable per the guidance of ASU 360, “Subsequent Measurement”.
Contractual Obligations
At December 31, 2020, except as disclosed in NOTE O regarding our office lease, the Company did not have any other contractual obligations that extended beyond 12 months.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. We do not believe we have material market risk exposure and have not entered into any market risk sensitive instruments to mitigate these risks or for trading or speculative purposes.
We currently do not have any debt obligations or instruments that expose us to interest rate risk.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required by this item appears beginning on page 30.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in
reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC. An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that we are able to collect process and disclose the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC within required time periods.
Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Management’s report on our internal controls over financial reporting can be found in the financial statement section of this report. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Information concerning Directors and Executive Officers is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the headings “Election of Directors” and “Executive Officers and Directors of the Company” in the Company’s Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 14, 2021.
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of its employees, including the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics and all committee charters are posted on the Company’s website (www.odysseymarine.com). We will provide a copy of any of these documents to stockholders free of charge upon request to the Company.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Executive Compensation and Related Information” in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
A portion of the information required by this Item pursuant to Item 403 of Regulation S-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement. The information required pursuant to Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Independent Public Accounting Firm’s Fees” in the Proxy Statement.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
1.
(a)
Consolidated Financial Statements
See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 29.
(b)
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules
See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 29.
All other schedules have been omitted because the required information is not significant or is included in the financial statements or notes thereto, or is not applicable.
2.
Exhibits
The Exhibits listed in the Exhibits Index, which appears immediately following the signature page and is incorporated herein by reference, are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
PAGE
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
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 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed 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. This process includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to risk that the internal control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc and Subsidiaries
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year periods ended December 31, 2020, and 2019 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, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year periods ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Consideration of the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note O to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred significant losses and they may be unsuccessful in raising the necessary capital to fund operations and capital expenditures. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans regarding those matters are also described in Note O. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
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 audits 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.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Evaluation of Exploration License
As discussed in Notes A, and F to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded an indefinite life intangible exploration license for approximately $1.8 million on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company has determined that the exploration license has an indefinite useful life. This determination is reviewed annually by management, as well as an annual review for impairment. We identified the assessment of the useful life and potential impairment of the exploration license as a critical audit matter due to the assessment involving judgment in determining whether the rights to the license have an indefinite life, and judgment in determining if any triggering events have occurred that would cause the exploration license to be impaired.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
•
Gaining an understanding of the nature of the renewal process, and any additional economic factors in renewing the license. The economic factors considered included whether there were any legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that would limit the useful life of the license.
•
We made inquiries with certain management of the Company to gain this understanding, and reviewed the Company’s ability to renew the license.
•
We determined that the most recent license renewal had been filed.
•
Performed procedures to determine if any events occurred that could impede the Company’s ability to renew the license, and trigger an impairment consideration.
Evaluation of convertible debt with an embedded derivative liability
As discussed in Notes A and H to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recorded in the consolidated statements of income a loss from “Change in Derivative Liabilities Fair Value” of approximately $733,000 and $323,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, convertible debt associated with the derivative liability converted into common stock, and the Company recorded approximately $2.2 million in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) under the caption “common stock issued for conversion and settlement of convertible debt and accounts payable” upon the extinguishment of the derivative liability. The Company utilized a Monte Carlo model to value the derivative liability, which estimates the fair value of the liability based upon certain assumptions utilizing a probability weighted analysis, and considers the present value of cash flows using a credit risk adjusted rate or discount factor. Other inputs into the model include, volatility, closing stock prices at various valuation points, and conversion prices as determined by the applicable agreements. We identified the fair value of the derivative liability as a critical audit matter, as the assumptions utilized in the model to value the derivative liability required judgement, and the model is inherently complex. Additionally, the accounting for derivative liabilities is complex.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following:
•
We reviewed the qualifications of the valuation specialist utilized by the Company.
•
We audited the underlying inputs utilized by the valuation specialist in the model.
•
We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s assumptions included in the model.
•
We reviewed the underlying source documents to determine the proper accounting of the transactions.
•
We confirmed the conversion of the convertible debt, as well as the number of underlying common shares received upon conversion.
Evaluation of convertible promissory notes with detachable warrants
As discussed in Note H to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had certain convertible promissory notes that were issued with detachable warrants. The carrying value of the notes is included in “loans payable” on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 and 2019. During the 2019 and 2020, the Company modified these convertible promissory notes, which included an extension of the maturity date and a reduction of the conversion price, in addition, the Company issued common stock warrants as an inducement to extend the maturity date of the notes. As a result of these modifications, for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded in the consolidated statements of income a “loss on debt extinguishment” of approximately $777,000 and $290,000 and recorded in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) under the caption “debt modification” the fair value of the warrants issued. The Company performed a present value cash flow analysis prior to the modification, and immediately after the modification to determine if the amendments resulted in a substantial modification. The Company utilized a Black-Scholes model utilizing various assumptions at the modification date to value the common stock warrants. We identified the modification of the convertible promissory notes as a critical audit matter. The accounting for the extinguishment is complex, and requires review of present value analysis to determine the necessity to apply extinguishment accounting. Significant audit effort was required to understand the nature of the multiple amendments to the promissory note agreements, as well as amendments to the warrants associated with the notes.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following:
•
We reviewed all the amended note and warrant agreements.
•
We Confirmed the face amount and terms of the promissory notes, conversion prices and the number of warrants issued.
•
We tested and recalculated the present value analysis to determine the necessity of extinguishment accounting.
•
We reviewed the qualifications of the valuation specialist utilized by the Company.
•
We audited the underlying inputs utilized by the specialist in the model. We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s assumptions included in the model.
Evaluation of litigation financing with detachable warrants
As discussed in Note H to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has certain litigation financing with detachable warrants that is included in “loans payable” on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Included in the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) under the caption “fair value of warrants attached with convertible debt” is the fair value of the warrants. The Company utilized a Black-Scholes model utilizing various assumptions in the model to value the warrants. We identified the litigation financing as a critical audit matter. The terms of the financing agreement were complicated and involved numerous amendments, significant non-cash financing, issuance of warrants, and debt issuance costs. The terms of the financing agreement required significant audit effort in order to fully understand the terms of all the agreements as disclosed in note H.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following:
•
We reviewed all the amended agreements.
•
We confirmed the face amount and the terms of the debt based on the various phases as disclosed in note H.
•
We recalculated the fair value of the warrants.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020
/s/ Warren Averett, LLC
Tampa, Florida
March 31, 2021
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) consolidated statement of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Consideration of the Company’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note O to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred significant losses and they may be unsuccessful in raising the necessary capital to fund operations and capital expenditures. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans regarding those matters are also described in Note O. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
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 audit. 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 audit 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 audit, 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 audit 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 audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
FERLITA, WALSH, GONZALEZ & RODRIGUEZ, P.A.
Certified Public Accountants
We have served as the Company’s auditor from 1998 to 2020.
Tampa, Florida
March 11, 2019
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
December 31,
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 6,163,205
$ 213,389
Accounts receivable and other, net
160,257
421,593
Other current assets
587,394
589,840
Total current assets
6,910,856
1,224,822
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Equipment and office fixtures
7,295,717
10,664,948
Right to use - operating lease, net
607,039
739,803
Accumulated depreciation
(7,287,999 )
(10,647,910 )
Total property and equipment
614,757
756,841
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Investment in unconsolidated entity
2,370,794
1,500,000
Exploration license
1,821,251
1,821,251
Other non-current assets
41,806
26,806
Total non-current assets
4,233,851
3,348,057
Total assets
$ 11,759,464
$ 5,329,720
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
$ 4,149,747
$ 6,237,987
Accrued expenses
18,971,936
13,422,715
Operating lease obligation
142,080
123,152
Loans payable
30,620,230
31,446,389
Total current liabilities
53,883,993
51,230,243
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Loans payable
11,489,029
2,957,097
Operating lease obligation
478,966
621,046
Deferred income and revenue participation rights
3,818,750
3,818,750
Total long-term liabilities
15,786,745
7,396,893
Total liabilities
69,670,738
58,627,136
Commitments and contingencies (NOTE O)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)
Preferred stock - $.0001 par value; 24,984,166 shares authorized; none outstanding
-
-
Common stock - $.0001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 12,591,084 and 9,478,009 issued and outstanding
1,259
Additional paid-in capital
237,505,357
221,027,057
Accumulated (deficit)
(265,134,463 )
(250,322,307 )
Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit) before non-controlling interest
(27,627,847 )
(29,294,302 )
Non-controlling interest
(30,283,427 )
(24,003,114 )
Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit)
(57,911,274 )
(53,297,416 )
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity/(deficit)
$ 11,759,464
$ 5,329,720
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
REVENUE
Marine services
1,087,669
1,984,316
2,439,997
Other services
$ 950,663
$ 1,088,671
$ 835,756
Total revenue
2,038,332
3,072,987
3,275,753
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operations and research
10,923,819
7,927,831
3,688,560
Marketing, general and administrative
3,749,912
5,491,849
5,654,409
Total operating expenses
14,673,731
13,419,680
9,342,969
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
(12,635,399 )
(10,346,693 )
(6,067,216 )
OTHER INCOME OR (EXPENSE)
Interest income
5,121
56,408
Interest expense
(6,915,535 )
(5,360,192 )
(3,142,280 )
Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment
(777,484 )
(290,024 )
-
Change in derivative liabilities fair value
(732,958 )
(322,485 )
-
Other
(36,214 )
819,517
48,803
Total other income or (expense)
(8,457,070 )
(5,153,033 )
(3,037,069 )
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(21,092,469 )
(15,499,726 )
(9,104,285 )
Income tax benefit (provision)
-
-
-
NET (LOSS) BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
(21,092,469 )
(15,499,726 )
(9,104,285 )
Non-controlling interest
6,280,313
5,059,765
3,931,849
NET (LOSS)
$ (14,812,156 )
$ (10,439,961 )
$ (5,172,436 )
LOSS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted
$ (1.41 )
$ (1.12 )
$ (0.60 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic and diluted
10,538,114
9,346,213
8,583,795
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY / (DEFICIT)
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
Preferred Stock - Shares
At beginning of year
-
-
-
Preferred stock converted to common
-
-
-
At end of year
-
-
-
Common Stock - Shares
At beginning of year
9,478,009
9,222,199
8,466,909
Common stock issued for cash
2,553,315
-
700,000
Common stock issued for conversion and settlement of convertible debt and accounts payable
380,223
-
-
Common stock issued for asset acquisition
-
249,584
-
Common stock issued for exercise of warrant
56,228
-
-
Common stock issued for services
123,309
6,226
55,290
At end of year
12,591,084
9,478,009
9,222,199
Preferred Stock
At beginning of year
$ -
$ -
$ -
Preferred stock converted to common
-
-
-
At end of year
$ -
$ -
$ -
Common Stock
At beginning of year
$
$
$
Common stock issued for cash
-
Common stock issued for conversion and settlement of convertible debt and accounts payable
-
-
Common stock issued for asset acquisition
-
-
Common stock issued for exercise of warrant
-
-
Common stock issued for services
At end of year
$ 1,259
$
$
Additional Paid-in Capital
At beginning of year
$ 221,027,057
$ 217,993,953
$ 212,103,344
Common stock issued for conversion and settlement of convertible debt and accounts payable
2,449,284
-
-
Share-based compensation
471,121
756,599
278,941
Fair value of warrants attached convertible debt
4,095,780
-
303,812
Beneficial conversion feature on convertible debt
-
-
746,187
Asset acquisition
-
1,407,627
-
Debt modification
418,987
868,878
-
Common stock issued for cash, net
8,243,128
-
4,561,669
Subsidiary equity issued for cash
800,000
-
-
At end of year
$ 237,505,357
$ 221,027,057
$ 217,993,953
Accumulated Deficit
At beginning of year
$ (250,322,307 )
$ (239,882,346 )
$ (234,709,910 )
Net (loss)
(14,812,156 )
(10,439,961 )
(5,172,436 )
At end of year
$ (265,134,463 )
$ (250,322,307 )
$ (239,882,346 )
Non-controlling Interest
At beginning of year
$ (24,003,114 )
$ (19,309,066 )
$ (15,377,217 )
Asset acquisition
-
365,717
-
Net (loss)
(6,280,313 )
(5,059,765 )
(3,931,849 )
At end of year
(30,283,427 )
(24,003,114 )
(19,309,066 )
Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit)
$ (57,911,274 )
$ (53,297,416 )
$ (41,196,537 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) before non-controlling interest
$ (21,092,469 )
$ (15,499,726 )
$ (9,104,285 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used) in operating activities:
Note payable interest accretion
(150,322 )
845,892
111,180
Accrued non-cash interest related to convertible debt
121,398
-
-
Share-based compensation
192,532
55,200
278,947
Depreciation and amortization
9,322
116,434
453,466
Loss on debt extinguishment
777,484
290,024
-
Director fees settled with equity instruments
-
701,396
-
Change in derivatives liabilities fair value
732,958
322,485
-
Debt modification inducement
-
868,878
-
Right of use asset amortization
132,764
53,233
-
Financed lender fees amortization
52,213
-
-
Investment in unconsolidated entity
(870,794 )
(747,333 )
(752,667 )
Gain on sale of equipment
-
-
(897,664 )
Deferred revenue
-
(825,000 )
-
(Increase) decrease in:
Accounts receivable
261,336
367,828
(578,156 )
Other assets
399,082
355,126
11,891
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable
4,563,544
3,690,481
496,068
Accrued expenses and other
5,583,783
3,960,783
3,528,805
NET CASH (USED) IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(9,287,169 )
(5,444,299 )
(6,452,415 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of equipment
-
-
1,003,662
Purchase of property and equipment
-
(15,492 )
(9,624 )
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
-
(15,492 )
994,038
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of loans payable
3,620,977
3,271,181
1,925,000
Restricted cash held as collateral
-
-
(125 )
Settlement receipts from contractual obligation
-
-
15,000,000
Payment of contractual obligation
-
-
(14,000,000 )
Proceeds from sale of common stock
11,315,000
-
4,561,739
Offering costs paid on sale of common stock
(89,642 )
-
-
Proceeds from sale of equity of subsidiary
800,000
-
-
Payment of operating lease liability
(123,152 )
(48,838 )
-
Repayment of loan and debt obligations
(286,198 )
(346,130 )
(349,598 )
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
15,236,985
2,876,213
7,137,016
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
5,949,816
(2,583,578 )
1,678,639
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
213,389
2,796,967
1,118,328
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
$ 6,163,205
$ 213,389
$ 2,796,967
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Interest paid
$ 1,275,269
$ 1,544,663
$ 1,247,337
Income taxes paid
$ -
$ -
$ -
2019 Director fees paid with equity
$ 278,602
$ -
$ -
Accounts payable settled with equity
$ 50,000
$ -
$ -
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, we converted $1.0 million of amounts advanced related to the contractual obligation settlement to a loan with Monaco Financial, LLC. During April 2018, the parties agreed to treat $99,366 of back rent owed by us to Monaco as part of this loan, see NOTE H.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we commenced with a new five-year operating lease for our headquarters which resulted in a right-of-use asset and corresponding operating lease liability of $793,036, see NOTE O.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we acquired a 79.9% equity interest in Bismarck Mining Corporation (PNG) LTD (Bismarck) in exchange for 249,584 shares ($1,407,653) of our common stock.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2019, we received $224,916 in non-cash financing pertaining to our litigation financing as described in Note H: Note 9 - Litigation financing. The funder settled a portion of the Company’s litigation payables directly with the vendor.
During the year ended December 31,2020, we received $6,079,702 in non-cash financing pertaining to our litigation financing as described in Note H: Note 9 - Litigation financing. The funder settled a portion of the Company’s litigation payables directly with the vendor. Related to this financing, we recorded a debt discount of $1,063,811 and a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital for the fair value of certain warrants that were issued to the funder. We also incurred $400,000 of funder financed debt fees with this financing.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, a lender converted $2,205,804 of convertible debt into 329,498 shares of our common stock. The same lender converted $243,480 of accounts payable into 50,725 shares of common stock.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Organization
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company,” “Odyssey,” “us,” “we” or “our”) is engaged in deep-ocean exploration. Our innovative techniques are currently applied to mineral exploration, shipwreck cargo recovery, and other marine survey and exploration charter services. Our corporate headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
This summary of significant accounting policies of the Company is presented to assist in understanding our financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Company’s management who are responsible for their integrity and objectivity and have prepared them in accordance with our customary accounting practices.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting standards not yet applied
In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities that meet the definition of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Board specified that an entity should adopt the guidance as of the beginning of its annual fiscal year.
The amendments in the above Update affect entities that issue convertible instruments and/or contracts in an entity’s own equity. For convertible instruments, the instruments primarily affected are those issued with beneficial conversion features or cash conversion features because the accounting models for those specific features are removed. However, all entities that issue convertible instruments are affected by the amendments to the disclosure requirements in this Update. For contracts in an entity’s own equity, the contracts primarily affected are freestanding instruments and embedded features that are accounted for as derivatives under the current guidance because of failure to meet the settlement conditions of the derivatives scope exception related to certain requirements of the settlement assessment. The Board simplified the settlement assessment by removing the requirements (1) to consider whether the contract would be settled in registered shares, (2) to consider whether collateral is required to be posted, and (3) to assess shareholder rights. Those amendments also affect the assessment of whether an embedded conversion feature in a convertible instrument qualifies for the derivatives scope exception. Additionally, the amendments in this Update affect the diluted EPS calculation for instruments that may be settled in cash or shares and for convertible instruments. The Company has not elected early adoption of this ASU.
On October 31, 2018, the SEC adopted a final rule (“New Final Rule”) that will replace SEC Industry Guide 7 with new disclosure requirements that are more closely aligned with current industry and global regulatory practices and standards, including NI 43-101. Companies must comply with the New Final Rule for the company’s first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. While early voluntary compliance with the New Final Rule is permitted, we have not elected early adoption of this New Final Rule at this time.
Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, the AICPA and the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material effect, if any, on the Company’s financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, both domestic and international. Equity investments in which we exercise significant influence but do not control and of which we are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. All significant inter-company and
intra-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The results of operations attributable to the non-controlling interest are presented within equity and net income and are shown separately from the Company’s equity and net income attributable to the Company. Some of the existing inter-company balances, which are eliminated upon consolidation, include features allowing the liability to be converted into equity of a subsidiary, which if exercised, could increase the direct or indirect interest of the Company in the non-wholly owned subsidiaries.
Use of Estimates
Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could vary from the estimates that were used.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable
As of January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as modified (ASU No. 2014-09), using the modified retrospective method. This method requires that any financial statement impact from adoption be recognized as a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of the date of adoption. The adoption of this ASU did not change the timing of the Company’s revenue recognition for any contracts and, therefore, the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of ASC Topic 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC Topic 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected on behalf of third parties are excluded from revenue.
The Company currently generates revenues from four customers with contracts. There are two sources of revenue, marine services, and other services. The contracts for both services provide research, scientific services, marine operations planning, management execution, and project management. These services are billed generally on a monthly basis and recognized as revenue as the services are performed. Revenue is recognized at a point in time as services are provided, as the customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided by the Company each month. The Company generally does not receive any upfront consideration for these services, and there is no variable consideration for the services. Costs associated with both services include all direct consulting labor, and minimal supplies, and is charged to operations as a component of Operations and Research.
Accounts receivable are based on amounts billed to customers. Generally accepted accounting principles state an estimate is to be made for an allowance for doubtful accounts. We have determined no allowance is currently necessary. If we were to have a recorded allowance, the accounts receivable would be stated net of the recorded allowance.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash include cash on hand and cash in banks. We also consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents, of which we do not have any.
Exploration License
The Company follows the guidance pursuant to ASU 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other” in accounting for its Exploration License. Management determined the rights to use the license to have an indefinite life. This assessment is based on the historical success of renewing the license since 2006, and the fact that management believes there are no legal, regulatory,
or contractual provisions that would limit the useful life of the asset. The exploration license is not dependent on another asset or group of assets that could potentially limit the useful life of the exploration license. In the future, the recoverability of the license will be tested whenever circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not recoverable per the guidance of the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) for topic 360 for Property, Plant and Equipment.
Long-Lived Assets
Our policy is to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with the ASC 360 Property, Plant and Equipment. Decisions are based on several factors, including, but not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows. Impairment losses are included in depreciation at the time of impairment. We did not have any impairments in 2020, 2019 or 2018.
Property and Equipment and Depreciation
Property and equipment is stated at historical cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method at rates based on the assets’ estimated useful lives which are normally between three and thirty years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over their estimated useful lives or lease term, if shorter. Items that may require major overhauls (such as engines or generators) that enhance or extend the useful life of vessel related assets qualify to be capitalized and depreciated over the useful life or remaining life of that asset, whichever was shorter. Certain major repair items required by industry standards to ensure a vessel’s seaworthiness also qualified to be capitalized and depreciated over the period of time until the next scheduled planned major maintenance for that item. All other repairs and maintenance were accounted for under the direct-expensing method and are expensed when incurred.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In periods when the Company has income, the Company would calculate basic earnings per share using the two-class method, if required, pursuant to ASC 260 Earnings Per Share. The two-class method was required effective with the issuance of certain senior convertible notes in the past because these notes qualified as a participating security, giving the holder the right to receive dividends should dividends be declared on common stock. Under the two-class method, earnings for a period are allocated on a pro rata basis to the common stockholders and to the holders of convertible notes based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and number of shares that could be issued upon conversion. The Company does not use the two-class method in periods when it generates a loss because the holder of the convertible notes does not participate in losses. Currently, we do not have any outstanding convertible notes that qualify as a participating security.
Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive securities and other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in our earnings. We use the treasury stock method to compute potential common shares from stock options and warrants and the if-converted method to compute potential common shares from preferred stock, convertible notes or other convertible securities. For diluted earnings per share, the Company uses the more dilutive of the if-converted method or two-class method. When a net loss occurs, potential common shares have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share and such shares are excluded from the diluted EPS calculation.
At December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 the weighted average common shares outstanding were 10,538,114, 9,346,213 and 8,583,795, respectively. For the periods ending December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 in which net losses occurred, all potential common shares were excluded from Diluted EPS because the effect of including such shares would be anti-dilutive.
The potential common shares, in the table following, represent potential common shares calculated using the treasury stock method from outstanding options and warrants that were excluded from the calculation of Diluted EPS:
Average market price during the period
$ 5.06
$ 4.93
$ 6.81
In the money potential common shares from options excluded
22,493
22,493
13,450
In the money potential common shares from warrants excluded
2,585,179
120,000
50,640
Potential common shares from out-of-the-money options and warrants were also excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because calculation of the associated potential common shares has an anti-dilutive effect. The following table lists options and warrants that were excluded from diluted EPS.
Per share
exercise price
Out of the money options excluded:
$12.48
136,833
136,833
136,833
$12.84
4,167
4,167
4,167
$26.40
75,158
75,158
75,158
Out-of-the-money warrants excluded:
$5.76
196,135
196,135
-
$7.16
700,000
700,000
700,000
$12.00
-
-
65,625
Total excluded
1,112,293
1,112,293
981,783
The equivalent common shares relating to our unvested restricted stock awards that were excluded from potential common shares used in the earning per share calculation due to having an anti-dilutive effect are:
Excluded unvested restricted stock awards
249,391
41,667
41,667
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in computing basic and diluted net income per share:
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
Net loss
$ (14,812,156 )
$ (10,439,961 )
$ (5,172,436 )
Numerator, basic and diluted net loss available to stockholders
$ (14,812,156 )
$ (10,439,961 )
$ (5,172,436 )
Denominator:
Shares used in computation - basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding
10,538,114
9,346,213
8,583,795
Shares used in computation - diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding
10,538,114
9,346,213
8,583,795
Net loss per share - basic and diluted
$
(1.41)
$
(1.12)
$
(0.60)
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Stock-based Compensation
Our stock-based compensation is recorded in accordance with the guidance in the ASC topic for Stock-Based Compensation (See NOTE L).
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments consist of cash, evidence of ownership in an entity, and contracts that both (i) impose on one entity a contractual obligation to deliver cash or another financial instrument to a second entity, or to exchange other financial instruments on potentially unfavorable terms with the second entity, and (ii) conveys to that second entity a contractual right (a) to receive cash or another financial instrument from the first entity, or (b) to exchange other financial instruments on potentially favorable terms with the first entity. Accordingly, our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, derivative financial instruments and mortgage and loans payable. We carry cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and mortgage and loans payable at the approximate fair market value, and, accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange. We carry derivative financial instruments at fair value as is required under current accounting standards.
Derivative financial instruments consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying variables (e.g., interest rate, security price or other variable), require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets. We generally do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow, market or foreign-currency risks. However, we have entered into certain other financial instruments and contracts with features that are either (i) not afforded equity classification, (ii) embody risks not clearly and closely related to host contracts, or (iii) may be net-cash settled by the counterparty. As required by ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging, these instruments are required to be carried as derivative liabilities, at fair value, in our financial statements with changes in fair value reflected in our income.
We adopted ASC Topic 820 for certain financial instruments measured as fair value on a recurring basis. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, established a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 established a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.
The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). These tiers include:
Fair Value Hierarchy
The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2. Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets), or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices that can be corroborated with observable market data, as well as quoted prices that were adjusted for security-specific restrictions.
Level 3. Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology are significant to the measurement of the fair value of assets or liabilities. Level 3 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices or non-binding broker quotes that we were unable to corroborate with observable market data.
We measure certain financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company had liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as follows at December 31, 2020. The Hybrid debt instrument was fully converted so there were no liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020:
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
Liabilities:
Hybrid debt instrument at fair value
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the year December 31, 2020: See footnote NOTE H: Note 10 - 37North for further detail.
Balance at December 31, 2019
$ 861,484
Additional debt issuances
490,000
Conversion to equity
(2,084,442 )
Loss on change in derivative liability
732,958
Balance at December 31, 2020
$ -
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure through the date this Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
NOTE B - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
We do not have any outstanding loans that bear variable interest rates thus we do not have any corresponding interest rate risk.
NOTE C - ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER, NET
Our accounts receivable consisted of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Trade
$ -
$ 161,937
Related party
160,220
216,603
Other
43,053
Accounts receivable, net
$ 160,257
$ 421,593
During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, we began providing services for a deep-sea mineral exploration company in which our past Chairman of the Board, Greg Stemm, has a controlling and ownership interest. See NOTE J for further information. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, the company owed us $134,452 and $216,603, respectively.
NOTE D - OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Our other current assets consist of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Prepaid expenses
$ 582,319
$ 584,765
Project deposit
-
-
Deposits
5,075
5,075
Total other current assets
$ 587,394
$ 589,840
All prepaid expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying agreements. Deposits may held by various entities for equipment, services, and in accordance with agreements in the normal course of business.
NOTE E - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consist of the following:
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Computers and peripherals
612,286
706,274
Furniture and office equipment
1,267,281
1,854,098
Marine equipment
5,416,150
8,104,576
Right to use asset, net
607,039
739,803
7,902,756
11,404,751
Less: Accumulated depreciation
(7,287,999 )
(10,647,910 )
Property and equipment, net
$ 614,757
$ 756,841
See Lease commitment in NOTE O - Commitments and Contingencies for further information on right to use asset, net.
NOTE F - EXPLORATION LICENSE
On July 9, 2019, we acquired a 79.9% interest in Bismarck Mining Corporation (PNG) Limited (“Bismarck”), a Papua New Guinea company that was organized for the purpose of exploring the deep waters off the coast for precious metals. We evaluated the transaction under ASU 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805) and determined that Bismarck did not meet the definition of a business so the transaction represented an acquisition of assets rather than a business combination. Asset acquisitions do not give rise to goodwill. Rather, the sum of the fair value of the consideration given, together with transaction costs is allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values which were more clearly evident and, thus, more reliably measurable at the date of acquisition under ASC 805-50-30-2 Initial Measurement. In the future, the recoverability will be tested whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable per the guidance of ASC 360-10-35-21 Subsequent Measurement. Management has considered whether any triggering events occurred that would cause impairment. Management did not identify any triggering events thus there is no impairment for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
The consideration paid for the asset acquisition consisted of the following:
Fair value of 249,584 common shares issued
$ 1,407,653
Direct transaction costs
46,113
Total consideration paid
$ 1,453,766
The consideration was allocated as follows:
Intangible asset- exploration license rights
$ 1,821,251
Current assets
1,748
Current liabilities
(3,516 )
Less: Non-controlling interest
(365,717 )
Total net assets acquired
$ 1,453,766
Included in this acquisition are the rights to Bismarck’s exploration license, which is renewable every two years. Per ASC 350-30-35-3, management has deemed the rights to this license to have an indefinite life. Determining if the rights to the license has an indefinite or finite life required us to consider the nature of the renewal process and any additional economic factors, if any, required when renewing this license. We currently expect to use and renew the related license indefinitely, and we do not believe there are currently any legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that are expected to limit the useful life of the related exploration license or indicate that the useful life is other than indefinite. The exploration license is also not dependent on, or specifically associated with, another asset or group of assets that would limit the useful life of the intangible asset or indicate that the useful life is other than indefinite. Management’s assumptions regarding our ability to successfully renew or extend the exploration license are based on Bismarck’s historical experience. Bismarck was established in 2006, and they have historically renewed and extended the exploration license without a lapse in their ability to use the license. The license has also never been revoked. We will not incur significant maintenance costs related to the license. There is an annual fee due of approximately $14,000 to maintain the license. This amount is much less than the carrying amount of the license and the cost is not expected to prohibit continued renewals of the license in the future. Based on all the factors considered above, management believes it is appropriate to assign indefinite useful life to the acquisition of the rights for the exploration license.
NOTE G - INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITY
Neptune Minerals, Inc. (NMI)
Our current investment in NMI consists of 3,092,488 Class B Common non-voting shares and 2,612 Series A Preferred non-voting shares. These preferred shares are convertible into an aggregate of 261,200 shares of Class B non-voting common stock. Our holdings now constitute an approximate 14% ownership in NMI. At December 31, 2020, our estimated share of unrecognized NMI equity-method losses is approximately $21.3 million. We have not recognized the accumulated $21.3 million in our income statement because these losses exceeded our investment in NMI. Our investment has a carrying value of zero as a result of the recognition of our share of prior losses incurred by NMI under the equity method of accounting. We believe it is appropriate to allocate this loss carryforward of $21.3 million to any incremental NMI investment that may be recognized on our balance sheet in excess of zero since the losses occurred when they were an equity-method investment. The aforementioned loss carryforward is based on NMI’s last unaudited financial statements as of December 31, 2016. We do not believe losses NMI may have incurred subsequent to the December 31, 2016 audit to be material. We do not have any financial obligations to NMI, and we are not committed to provide financial support to NMI.
Although we are a shareholder of NMI, we have no representation on the board of directors or in management of NMI and do not hold any Class A voting shares. We are not involved in the management of NMI nor do we participate in their policy-making. Accordingly, we are not the primary beneficiary of NMI. As of December 31, 2020, the net carrying value of our investment in NMI was zero in our consolidated financial statements.
Chatham Rock Phosphate, Limited.
During 2012, we performed deep-sea mining exploratory services for Chatham Rock Phosphate, Ltd. (“CRP”) valued at $1,680,000. As payment for these services, CRP issued 9,320,348 ordinary shares to us. During March 2017, Antipodes Gold Limited completed the acquisition of CRP. The surviving entity is now named Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited (“CRPL”). In exchange for our 9,320,348 shares of CRP we received 141,884 shares of CPRL, which represents equity ownership of, at most, approximately 1% of the surviving entity. Since CRP was a thinly traded stock and pursuant to guidance per ASC 320: Debt and Equity Securities regarding readily determinable fair value, we believe it was appropriate to not recognize this amount as an asset nor as revenue during that period. We continue to carry the value of our investment in CPRL at zero in our consolidated financial statements.
CIC, LLC
In 2018, we began providing services to CIC LLC, a company controlled by Greg Stemm, the past Chairman of the Board for Odyssey (See NOTE J for related parties). This company is pursuing deep water mining permits in foreign waters. Due to the initial structure of the company, we determined this venture to be a VIE consistent with ASU 2015-2. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and, therefore, we have not consolidated this entity. Additionally, we also will record the investment under the cost method as we have determined we do not exercise significant influence over the entity. We will assess our investment for impairment annually and, if a loss in value is deemed other than temporary, an impairment charge will be recorded. At December 31, 2020, the accumulated investment in the entity is $2,370,794, which is classified as an investment in unconsolidated entity in our consolidated balance sheets. The original agreements relating to the equity investment were executed in January 2019. The original agreement was replaced in August of 2020 with a new agreement effective August 1, 2020.
We account for the investments we make in certain legal entities in which equity investors do not have (1) sufficient equity at risk for the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (2) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have either the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the legal entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, or (3) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the legal entity. These legal entities are referred to as “variable interest entities” or “VIEs.”
We would consolidate the results of any such entity in which we determined we had a controlling financial interest. We would have a “controlling financial interest” in such an entity if we had both the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses of, or right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. On a quarterly basis, we reassess whether we have a controlling financial interest in any investments we have in these legal entities.
We determine whether any of the entities in which we have made investments is a VIE at the start of each new venture and if a reconsideration event has occurred. At such times, we also consider whether we must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about our involvement in a VIE. A reporting entity must consolidate a VIE if that reporting entity has a variable interest (or combination of variable interests) that will absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses, receive a majority of the VIE’s expected residual returns, or both. A reporting entity must consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests and the relationship of its variable interests with variable interests held by other parties to determine whether its variable interests will absorb a majority of a VIE’s expected losses, receive a majority of the VIE’s expected residual returns, or both. The reporting entity that consolidates a VIE is called the primary beneficiary of that VIE.
NOTE H -LOANS PAYABLE
The Company’s consolidated notes payable consisted of the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Note 1 - Monaco 2014
$ 2,800,000
$ 2,800,000
Note 2 - Monaco 2016
1,175,000
1,175,000
Note 3 - MINOSA 1
14,750,001
14,750,001
Note 4 - Epsilon
1,000,000
1,000,000
Note 5 - SMOM
3,500,000
3,500,000
Note 6 - MINOSA 2
5,050,000
5,050,000
Note 7 - Monaco 2018
1,099,367
1,099,367
Note 8 - Promissory note
1,245,862
1,210,537
Note 9 - Litigation financing
10,968,729
2,957,097
Note 10 - 37North
-
861,484
Note 11 - Payroll Protection Program
370,400
-
Note 12 - EIDL
149,900
-
$ 42,109,259
$ 34,403,486
Note 1 - Monaco 2014
On August 14, 2014, we entered into a Loan Agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC (“Monaco”), a strategic marketing partner, pursuant to which Monaco agreed to lend us up to $10.0 million. The loan was issued in three tranches: (i) $5.0 million (the “First Tranche”) was advanced upon execution of the Loan Agreement; (ii) $2.5 million (the “Second Tranche”) was advanced on October 1, 2014; and (iii) $2.5 million (the “Third Tranche”) was advanced on December 1, 2014. The Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 11% per annum. The Notes also contain an option whereby Monaco can purchase shares of Oceanica held by Odyssey (the “Share Purchase Option”) at a purchase price that is the lower of (a) $3.15 per share or (b) the price per share of a contemplated equity offering of Oceanica which totals $1.0 million or more in the aggregate. The share purchase option was not clearly and closely related to the host debt agreement and required bifurcation.
On December 10, 2015, these promissory notes were amended as part of the asset acquisition agreement with Monaco (See NOTE R in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the period ended December 31, 2017 for further information). The amendment included the following material changes: (i) $2.2 million of the indebtedness represented by the Notes was extinguished, (ii) $5.0 million of the indebtedness represented by the Notes ceased to bear interest and is only repayable under certain circumstances from certain sources of cash, and (iii) the maturity date on the Notes was extended to December 31, 2017. During March 2016, the maturity date was further extended to April 1, 2018 and the exercise price of the Share Purchase Option was re-priced to $1.00 per share. This indebtedness has matured, but Monaco has not demanded payment because we are in negotiations with Monaco. As of the maturity date, the interest rate was adjusted to the default rate of 18% per annum. See “Loan Modification (March 2016)” below. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest expense in the amount of $574,680 and $573,110, respectively, was recorded. The outstanding interest-bearing balance of these Notes is $2.8 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Note 2 - Monaco 2016
In March 2016, Monaco agreed to lend us an additional $1,825,000. These loan proceeds were received in full during the first quarter of 2016. The indebtedness bears interest at 10.0% percent per year. All principal and any unpaid interest was payable on April 15, 2018. This indebtedness has matured, but Monaco has not demanded payment because we are in negotiations with Monaco. As of the maturity date, the interest rate was adjusted to the default rate of 18% per annum. The current outstanding balance as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $1,175,000. The indebtedness is convertible at any time until the maturity date into shares of Oceanica held by us at a conversion price of $1.00 per share. Pursuant to this loan and as security for the indebtedness, Monaco was granted a second priority security interest in (a) one-half of the indebtedness evidenced by the Amended and Restated Consolidated Note and Guaranty, dated September 25, 2015 (the “ExO Note”), in the original principal amount of $18.0 million, issued by Exploraciones Oceanicas S. de R.L. de C.V. to Oceanica Marine Operations, S.R.L. (“OMO”), and all rights associated therewith (the “OMO Collateral”); and (b) all technology and assets in our possession or control used for offshore exploration, including an ROV system, deep-tow search systems, winches, multi-beam sonar, and other equipment. The carrying net book value of this equipment is less than $0.1 million. We unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed all obligations of ours and our subsidiaries to Monaco under this loan agreement. As further consideration for the loan, Monaco was granted an option (the “Option”) to purchase the OMO Collateral. The Option is exercisable at any time before the earlier of (a) the date that is 30 days after the loan is paid in full or (b) the maturity date of the ExO Note, for aggregate consideration of $9.3 million, $1.8 million of which would be paid at the closing of the exercise of the Option, with the balance paid in ten monthly installments of $750,000. During 2017, we sold a marine vessel to a related party of Monaco for $650,000. The consideration for this vessel was applied against our loan balance to Monaco in the amount of $650,000.
Accounting considerations
ASC 815 generally requires the analysis of embedded terms and features that have characteristics of derivatives to be evaluated for bifurcation and separate accounting in instances where their economic risks and characteristics are not clearly and closely related to the risks of the host contract. The option to purchase the OMO Collateral is an embedded feature that is not clearly and closely related to the host debt agreement and thus requires bifurcation. Because the option is out of the money, it has no material fair value as of the inception date or currently. The debt agreement did not contain any additional embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. However, we were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). The calculation of the effective conversion amount did result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was less than the market price on the date of issuance, therefore a BCF of $456,250 was recorded. This BCF has been fully amortized as of March 31, 2018. A total of $252,940 has been previously charged to interest expense related to the discount. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest in the amount of $268,350 and $267,617, respectively, was recorded.
Loan modification (December 2015)
In connection with the Acquisition Agreement entered into with Monaco on December 10, 2015, Monaco agreed to modify certain terms of the loans as partial consideration for the purchase of assets. For the First Tranche ($5,000,000 advanced on August 14, 2014), Monaco agreed to cease interest as of December 10, 2015 and reduce the loan balance by (i) the cash or other value received from the SS Central America shipwreck project (“SSCA”) or (ii) if the proceeds received from the SSCA project were insufficient to pay off the loan balance by December 31, 2017, then Monaco could seek repayment of the remaining outstanding balance on the loan by withholding Odyssey’s 21.25% “additional consideration” in new shipwreck projects performed for Monaco in the future. For the Second Tranche ($2,500,000 advanced on October 1, 2014), Monaco agreed to reduce the principal amount by $2,200,000 leaving a new principal balance of $300,000 and extension of maturity to December 31, 2017. For the Third Tranche ($2,500,000 advanced on December 1, 2014), Monaco agreed to the extension of maturity to December 31, 2017.
On December 10, 2015, the Monaco call option related to the Oceanica shares held by us was extended until December 31, 2017.
Loan modification (March 2016)
In connection with the $1.825 million loan agreement with Monaco in March 2016, the existing $2.8 million notes were modified. Of the combined total indebtedness of Monaco’s Note 1 and Note 2, Monaco can convert this debt into 3,174,603 shares of Oceanica at a fixed conversion price of $1.00 per share, or $3,174,603. Any remaining debt in excess of $3,174,603 is not convertible. Additionally, the modification eliminated Monaco’s option (“share purchase option”) to purchase 3,174,603 shares of Oceanica stock at a price of $3.15 per share. The modification was analyzed under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) to determine if extinguishment accounting was applicable. Under ASC
470-50-40-10 a modification or an exchange that adds or eliminates a substantive conversion option as of the conversion date is always considered substantial and requires extinguishment accounting. Since this modification added a substantive conversion option, extinguishment accounting is applicable. In accordance with the extinguishment accounting guidance (a) the share purchase option was first marked to its pre-modification fair value, (b) the new debt was recorded at fair value and (c) the old debt and share purchased option was removed. The difference between the fair value of the new debt and the sum of the pre-modification carrying amount of the old debt and the share purchase option’s fair value represented a gain on extinguishment. ASC 470-50-40-2 indicates that debt restructuring with a related party may be in essence a capital transaction and as a result the gain of $1.2 million was recognized in additional paid in capital upon extinguishment.
Note 3 - MINOSA
On March 11, 2015, in connection with a Stock Purchase Agreement, Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (“MINOSA”) agreed to lend us up to $14.75 million. The entire $14.75 million was loaned in five advances from March 11 through June 30, 2015. The outstanding indebtedness bears interest at 8.0% percent per annum. The Promissory Note was amended on April 10, 2015 and on October 1, 2015 so that, unless otherwise converted as provided in the Note, the adjusted principal balance shall be due and payable in full upon written demand by MINOSA; provided that MINOSA agreed that it shall not demand payment of the adjusted principal balance earlier than the first to occur of: (i) 30 days after the date on which (x) SEMARNAT makes a determination with respect to the current application for the Manifestacion de Impacto Ambiental relating to phosphate deposit project, which determination is other than an approval or (y) Odyssey Marine Enterprises or any of its affiliates withdraws such application without MINOSA’s prior written consent; (ii) termination by Odyssey of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 11, 2015 (the “Purchase Agreement”), among Odyssey, MINOSA, and Penelope Mining, LLC (the “Investor”); (iii) the occurrence of an event of default under the Promissory Note; (iv) December 31, 2015; or (v) if and only if the Investor shall have terminated the Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(iii) thereof, March 30, 2016. This indebtedness is classified as short-term debt. In connection with the loans, we granted MINOSA an option to purchase our 54% interest in Oceanica for $40.0 million (the “Oceanica Call Option”). On March 11, 2016, the Oceanica Call has expired. Completion of the transaction requires amending the Company’s articles of incorporation to (a) effect a reverse stock split, which was implemented on February 19, 2016, (b) adjusting the Company’s authorized capitalization, which was also implemented on February 19, 2016, and (c) establishing a classified board of directors (collectively, the “Amendments”). The Amendments have been or will be set forth in certificates of amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation filed or to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State. As collateral for the loan, we granted MINOSA a security interest in the Company’s 54% interest in Oceanica. The outstanding principal balance of this debt was $14.75 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The maturity date of this indebtedness has been amended and matured on March 18, 2017. Per Note 6 MINOSA 2 below, the Minosa Purchase Agreement amended the due date of this note to a due date which may be no earlier than December 31, 2017, that is at least 60 days subsequent to written notice that Minosa intends to demand payment. See Note 6 - MINOSA 2 for further qualifications. During December 2017, MINOSA transferred this debt to its parent company. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest in the amount of $1,183,230 and $1,180,000, respectively, was recorded.
Accounting considerations
We have accounted for this transaction as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) and ASC 320 Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 320”).
This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. The Oceanica Call Option is considered a freestanding financial instrument because it is both (i) legally detachable and (ii) separately exercisable. The Oceanica Call Option did not fall under the guidance of ASC 480. Additionally, it did not meet the definition of a derivative under ASC 815 because the option has a fixed value of $40.0 million and does not contain an underlying variable which is indicative of a derivative. This instrument is considered an option contract for a sale of an asset. The guidance applied in this case is ASC 360-20, which provides that in situations when a party lends funds to a seller and is given an option to buy the property at a certain date in the future, the loan shall be recorded at its present value using market interest rates and any excess of the proceeds over that amount credited to an option deposit account. If the option is exercised, the deposit shall be included as part of the sales proceeds; if not exercised, it shall be credited to income in the period in which the option lapses.
Based on the previous conclusions, we allocated the cash proceeds first to the debt at its present value using a market rate of 15%, which is management’s estimate of a market rate loan for the Company, with the residual allocated to the Oceanica Call Option, as follows:
Tranche 1
Tranche 2
Tranche 3
Tranche 4
Tranche 5
Total
Promissory Note
$ 1,932,759
$ 5,826,341
$ 2,924,172
$ 1,960,089
$ 1,723,492
$ 14,366,853
Deferred Income (Oceanica Call Option)
67,241
173,659
75,828
39,911
26,509
383,148
Proceeds
$ 2,000,000
$ 6,000,000
$ 3,000,000
$ 2,000,000
$ 1,750,0001
$ 14,750,001
The call option amount of $383,148 represented a debt discount. This discount has been fully accreted up to face value using the effective interest method.
Note 4 - Epsilon
On March 18, 2016 we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with Epsilon Acquisitions LLC (“Epsilon”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Epsilon loaned us $3.0 million in two installments of $1.5 million on March 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016. The indebtedness bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and was due on March 18, 2017. We were also responsible for $50,000 of the lender’s out of pocket costs. This amount is included in the loan balance. In pledge agreements related to the loans, we granted security interests to Epsilon in (a) the 54 million cuotas (a unit of ownership under Panamanian law) of Oceanica Resources S. de R.L. (“Oceanica”) held by our wholly owned subsidiary, Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd. (“OME”), (b) all notes and other receivables from Oceanica and its subsidiary owed to the Odyssey Pledgors, and (c) all of the outstanding equity in OME. Epsilon has the right to convert the outstanding indebtedness into shares of our common stock upon 75 days’ notice to us or upon a merger, consolidation, third party tender offer, or similar transaction relating to us at the conversion price of $5.00 per share, which represents the five-day volume-weighted average price of Odyssey’s common stock for the five trading day period ending on March 17, 2016. On January 25, 2017, Epsilon provided notice to us that it would convert the initial $3.0 million plus accrued interest per the Restated Note Purchase Agreement at $5.00 per share in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The conversion and issuance of new shares was effective April 10, 2017 and included accrued interest of $302,274 for a total 670,455 shares. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, the conversion price was to be reduced to $2.50 per share. Following any conversion of the indebtedness, Penelope Mining LLC (an affiliate of Epsilon) (“Penelope”), may elect to reduce its commitment to purchase preferred stock of Odyssey under the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015 (as amended, the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), among Odyssey, Penelope, and Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (“MINOSA”) by the amount of indebtedness converted.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (a) we agreed to waive our rights to terminate the Stock Purchase Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof until December 31, 2016, and (b) MINOSA agreed to extend, until March 18, 2017, the maturity date of the $14.75 million loan extended by MINOSA to OME pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement. The indebtedness may be accelerated upon the occurrence of specified events of default including (a) OME’s failure to pay any amount payable on the date due and payable; (b) OME or we fail to perform or observe any term, covenant, or agreement in the Purchase Agreement or the related documents, subject to a five-day cure period; (c) an event of default or material breach by OME, us or any of our affiliates under any of the other loan documents shall have occurred and all grace periods, if any, applicable thereto shall have expired; (d) the Stock Purchase Agreement shall have been terminated; (e) specified dissolution, liquidation, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar cases or actions are commenced by or against OME or any of its subsidiaries, in specified circumstances unless dismissed or stayed within 60 days; (f) the entry of judgment or award against OME or any of its subsidiaries in excess or $100,000; and (g) a change in control (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) occurs.
In connection with the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement, we and Epsilon entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which we agreed to register new shares of our common stock with a formal registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission upon the conversion of the indebtedness.
Accounting considerations
We have accounted for this transaction as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated the transaction for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) and ASC 320 Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 320”).
This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. However, we were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). The calculation of the effective conversion amount did result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was less than the Company’s stock price on the date of issuance, therefore a BCF of $96,000 was recorded. The BCF represents a debt discount which was amortized over the life of the loan.
Loan modification (October 1, 2016)
On October 1, 2016 Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd. (“OME”), entered into an Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (the “Restated Note Purchase Agreement”) with Epsilon Acquisitions LLC (“Epsilon”). In connection with the existing $3.0 million loan agreement, Epsilon agreed to lend an additional $3.0 million evidenced by secured convertible promissory notes. The convertible promissory notes bear an interest rate of 10.0% per annum and are due and payable on March 18, 2017. Epsilon has the right to convert all amounts outstanding under the Restated Note into shares of our common stock upon 75 days’ notice to OME or upon a merger, consolidation, third party tender offer, or similar transaction relating to us at the applicable conversion price, which is (a) $5.00 per share with respect to the $3.0 million already advanced under the Restated Note and (b) with respect to additional advances under the Restated Note, the five-day volume-weighted average price of our common stock for the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date on which OME submits a borrowing notice for such advance. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, we shall not issue any of our common stock upon conversion of any outstanding tranche (other than the first $3.0 million already advanced) under this Restated Note in excess of 1,388,769 shares of common stock. The additional tranches were issued as follows: (a) $1,000,000 (“Tranche 3”) was issued on October 16, 2016 with a conversion price of $3.52 per share; (b) $1,000,000 (“Tranche 4”) was issued on November 15, 2016 with a conversion price of $4.19 per share; and (c) $1,000,000 (“Tranche 5”) was issued on December 15, 2016 with a conversion price of $4.13 per share. During 2017, Epsilon assigned Tranche 4 and 5 totaling $2,000,000 of this debt to MINOSA under the same terms as the original debt. See Note - MINOSA 2 below for further detail.
As an inducement for the issuance of the additional $3.0 million of promissory notes, we also delivered to Epsilon a common stock purchase warrant (the “Warrant”) pursuant to which Epsilon has the right to purchase up to 120,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.52 per share, which exercise price represents the five-day volume-weighted average price of our common stock for the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the day on which the Warrant was issued. Epsilon may exercise the Warrant in whole or in part at any time during the period ending October 1, 2021. The Warrant includes a cashless exercise feature and provides that, if Epsilon is in default of its obligations to fund any advance pursuant to and in accordance with the Restated Note Purchase Agreement, then, thereafter, the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be purchased under the Warrant shall be the number determined by multiplying 120,000 by a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the aggregate principal amount of advances that have been extended to the OME by Epsilon pursuant to the Restated Note Purchase Agreement on or after the date of the Warrant and prior to the date of such failure and (b) the denominator of which is $3.0 million. During November 2020, Epsilon opted to exercise this warrant using the cashless exercise feature. This exercise resulted in the issuance of 56,228 of our common shares and the forfeiture of the right to acquire the remaining 63,772 common shares.
Accounting considerations for additional tranches
We evaluated for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) and ASC 320 Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 320”). This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. Additionally, the warrant agreement did not contain any terms or features that would preclude equity classification. We were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). The allocations of the three additional tranches were as follows.
Tranche 3
Tranche 4
Tranche 5
Promissory Note
$ 981,796
$ 939,935
$ 1,000,000
Beneficial Conversion Feature (“BCF”)*
18,204
60,065
-
Proceeds
$ 1,000,000
$ 1,000,000
$ 1,000,000
A beneficial conversion feature arises when the calculation of the effective conversion price is less than the Company’s stock price on the date of issuance. Tranche 5 did not result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was greater than the company’s stock price on the date of issuance.
The Warrant’s fair value was calculated using Black-Scholes Merton (“BSM”). The aggregate fair value of the Warrant totaled $303,712. Since the Warrant was issued as an inducement to Epsilon to issue additional debt, we recorded an inducement expense of $303,712. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest in the amount of $90,136 and $100,272, respectively, was recorded.
Term Extension (March 21, 2017)
On March 21, 2017 we entered into an amendment to the Restated Note Purchase Agreement with Epsilon. In connection with the existing $6.0 million of indebtedness, the adjusted principal balance is due and payable in full upon the earlier of (i) written demand by Epsilon or (ii) such time as Odyssey or the guarantor pays any other indebtedness for borrowed money prior to its stated maturity date. As such the Company amortized the notes up to their face value of $6,050,000 and they are classified as short-term. However, since Epsilon converted the first $3.0 million into 670,455 of our common shares and assigned $2.0 million to MINOSA, the current principal indebtedness at December 31, 2020 and 2019 is $1.0 million.
Note 5 - SMOM
On May 3, 2017, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (“Loan Agreement”) with SMOM. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, SMOM agreed to loan us up to $3.0 million as evidenced by a convertible promissory note. As a commitment fee, we assigned the remaining 50% of our Neptune Minerals, LLC receivable to SMOM. This receivable had zero carrying value on our balance sheet and due to the age and collectability was deemed to have no fair value. The indebtedness bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and matures on the second anniversary of this Loan Agreement which is May 3, 2019. During January 2020 this Loan Agreement was amended by increasing the interest rate to 18%. On April 20, 2018, the loan was amended, and the principal amount of the Loan was increased to $3,500,000. The loan balance at December 31, 2020 and 2019 is $3.5 million. The holder has the option to convert up to $2.0 million of any unpaid principal and interest into up to 50% of the equity interest held by Odyssey in Aldama Mining Company, S.de R.L. de C.V. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of ours. The conversion value of $1.0 million equates to 10% of the equity interest in Aldama. If the holder elects to acquire the entire 50% of the equity interest, the Holder has to pay the deficiency in cash. As additional consideration for the loan, the holder has the right to purchase from Odyssey all or a portion of the equity collateral (up to the 50% of the equity interest of Aldama) for the option consideration ($1.0 million for each 10% of equity interests) during the period that is the later of (i) one year after the maturity date and (ii) one year after the loan is repaid in full, the expiration date. The lender may also choose to extend the expiration date annually by paying $500,000 for each year extended. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest in the amount of $350,958 and $349,999, respectively, was recorded.
Accounting considerations
We have accounted for this transaction as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) and ASC 320 Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 320”).
This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. However, we were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). The calculation of the effective conversion amount did not result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was equal to the Company’s stock price on the date of issuance.
Note 6 - MINOSA 2
On August 10, 2017, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Minosa Purchase Agreement”) with MINOSA. Pursuant to the Minosa Purchase Agreement, MINOSA agreed to loan Enterprises up to $3.0 million. During 2017, we borrowed $2.7 million against this facility and Epsilon assigned $2.0 million of its debt to MINOSA. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the outstanding principal balance, including the Epsilon assignment, is $5.05 million. The indebtedness is evidenced by a secured convertible promissory note (the “Minosa Note”) and bears interest at a rate equal to 10.0% per annum. Unless otherwise converted as described below, the entire outstanding principal balance under this Minosa Note and all accrued interest and fees are due and payable upon written demand by MINOSA; provided, that MINOSA agreed not make a demand for payment prior to the earlier of (a) an event of default (as defined in the Minosa Note) or (b) a date, which may be no earlier than December 31, 2017, that is at least 60 days subsequent to written notice that MINOSA intends to demand payment. MINOSA has not provided any notice they intend to issue a payment demand notice. We unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed all of the obligations under the Minosa Purchase Agreement and the Minosa Note. MINOSA has the right to convert all amounts outstanding under the Minosa Note into shares of our common stock upon 75 days’ notice to us or upon a merger, consolidation, third party tender offer, or similar transaction relating to us at the conversion price of $4.41 per share. During December 2017, MINOSA transferred this debt to its parent company.
This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. However, we were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). The calculation of the effective conversion amount did result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was less than the Company’s stock price on the date of issuance, therefore a BCF of $62,925 was recorded. As of December 31, 2017, all of the BCF has been accreted to the income statement. The BCF represented a debt discount that was amortized over the life of the loan. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest in the amount of $506,381 and $504,998, respectively, was recorded.
As previously reported, Epsilon loaned us an aggregate of $6.0 million pursuant to an amended and restated convertible promissory Minosa Note, dated as of March 18, 2016, as further amended and restated on October 1, 2016 (the “Epsilon Note”). Since then, Epsilon has assigned $2.0 million of the indebtedness under the Epsilon Note to MINOSA. Along with Epsilon, we entered into a second amended and restated convertible promissory note (the “Second AR Epsilon Note”), which further amends and restates the Epsilon Note. The stated principal amount of the Second AR Epsilon Note is $1.0 million (which reflects the outstanding principal balance remaining after giving effect to Epsilon’s (x) previous assignment of $2.0 million of the indebtedness under the Epsilon Note to MINOSA and (y) conversion of $3.0 million of the indebtedness under the Epsilon Note into shares of our common stock). The Second AR Epsilon Note further provides that the outstanding principal balance under the Second AR Epsilon Note and all accrued interest and fees are due and payable upon written demand by Epsilon; provided, that Epsilon agreed not make a demand for payment prior to the earlier of (a) an event of default (as defined in the Second AR Epsilon Note) or (b) a date, which may be no earlier than December 31, 2017, that is at least 60 days subsequent to written notice that MINOSA intends to demand payment.
Upon the closing of the Minosa Purchase Agreement, along with MINOSA, and Penelope Mining LLC, an affiliate of Minosa (“Penelope”), executed and delivered a Second Amended and Restated Waiver and Consent and Amendment No. 5 to Promissory Note and Amendment No. 2 to Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Second AR Waiver”). Pursuant to the Second AR Waiver, Minosa and Penelope consented to the transactions contemplated by the Minosa Purchase Agreement and waived any breach of any representation or warranty and violation of any covenant in the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015, as amended April 10, 2015 (the “SPA”), by and among us, Minosa, and Penelope, arising out of the Company’s execution and delivery of the Minosa Purchase Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby. Pursuant to the Second AR Waiver, we also waived, and agreed not to exercise our right to terminate the SPA pursuant to Section 8.1(c)(ii) thereto, both (a) until after the earlier of (i) July 1, 2018, (ii) the date that MINOSA fails, refuses, or declines to fund (or otherwise does not fund) any subsequent loan under the Minosa Purchase Agreement and (iii) demand is made for repayment of all or any part of the indebtedness outstanding under the Minosa Note, the Second AR Epsilon Note, or the Promissory Note, dated as of March 11, 2015, as amended (the “SPA Note”), in the principal amount of $14.75 million that was issued by us to MINOSA under the SPA, and (b) unless on or prior to such termination, the Notes are paid in full.
The Second AR Waiver (x) further provides that following any conversion of the indebtedness evidenced by the Minosa Note, Penelope may elect to reduce its commitment to purchase our preferred stock under the SPA by the amount of indebtedness converted by MINOSA and (y) amends the SPA Note to provide that the outstanding principal balance under the SPA Note and all accrued interest and fees are due and payable upon written demand by MINOSA; provided, that Minosa agreed not make a demand for payment prior to the earlier of (a) an event of default (as defined in the Minosa Note) or (b) a date, which may be no earlier than December 31, 2017, that is at least 60 days subsequent to written notice that Minosa intends to demand payment.
The obligations under the Minosa Note may be accelerated upon the occurrence of specified events of default including (a) our failure to pay any amount payable under the Minosa Note on the date due and payable; (b) our failure to perform or observe any term, covenant, or agreement in the Minosa Note or the related documents, subject to a five-day cure period; (c) the occurrence and expiration of all applicable grace periods, if any, of an event of default or material breach by us under any of the other loan documents; (d) the termination of the SPA; (e) commencement of certain specified dissolution, liquidation, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar cases or actions by or against us, in specified circumstances unless dismissed or stayed within 60 days; (f) the entry of a judgment or award against us in excess of $100,000; and (g) the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the Minosa Note).
Pursuant to second amended and restated pledge agreements (the “Second AR Pledge Agreements”) entered into by us in favor of MINOSA, we pledged and granted security interests to MINOSA in (a) the 54 million cuotas (a unit of ownership under Panamanian law) of Oceanica held by us, (b) all notes and other receivables from Oceanica and its subsidiary owed to us, and (c) all of the outstanding equity in our wholly owned subsidiary, Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd.
In connection with the execution and delivery of the Minosa Purchase Agreement, Odyssey and MINOSA entered into a second amended and restated registration rights agreement (the “Second AR Registration Rights Agreement”) pursuant to which Odyssey agreed to register the offer and sale of the shares (the “Conversion Shares”) of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the indebtedness evidenced by the Minosa Note. Subject to specified limitations set forth in the Second AR Registration Rights Agreement, including that we are eligible to use Form S-3, the holder of the Minosa Note can require us to register the offer and sale of the Conversion Shares if the aggregate offering price thereof (before any underwriting discounts and commissions) is not less than $3.0 million. In addition, we agreed to file a registration statement relating to the offer and sale of the Conversion Shares on a continuous basis promptly (but in no event later than 60 days after) after the conversion of the Minosa Note into the Conversion Shares and to thereafter use its reasonable best efforts to have such registration statement declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Note 7 - Monaco 2018
During the period ended March 31, 2018, Monaco advanced us $1.0 million that was applied to a loan agreement that was executed on April 20, 2018. Monaco also agreed to treat $99,366 of back rent owed by us to Monaco as part of this loan resulting in an aggregate principal amount of $1,099,367 at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The indebtedness bears interest at 10.0% percent per year. During January 2020 this loan agreement was amended by increasing the interest rate to 18%. All principal and any unpaid interest is to be payable on the first anniversary of this agreement, April 20, 2019. This debt is secured by cash proceeds, if any, from our future shipwreck projects we have contracted with Magellan. As additional consideration, their share purchase option expiration date, as discussed in Note 1 - Monaco 2014 and Note 2 - Monaco 2016 above, has been extended from 30 days to seven months after the note becomes paid in full. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest in the amount of $138,333 and $123,466, respectively, was recorded.
Note 8 - Promissory note
On July 12, 2018, we entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with two individuals (the “Lenders”), one of whom holds in excess of 5.0% of our outstanding common stock. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Lenders agreed to lend an aggregate of $1,050,000 to us, which was advanced in three tranches on July 12, 2018, $500,000, August 17, 2018, $300,000 and October 4, 2018, $250,000. The indebtedness is evidenced by secured convertible promissory notes (the “Notes”) and bears interest at a rate equal to 8.0% per annum. Unless otherwise converted as described below, the entire outstanding principal balance under the Notes and all accrued interest and fees are due and payable on July 12, 2019.
At any time after to the first to occur of (a) a sale by us of additional Notes or (b) September 12, 2018, the Lenders have the right to convert all amounts outstanding under the Notes into either (x) shares of our common stock at the conversion rate of $8.00 per share, (y) $500,000 of the indebtedness owed by Exploraciones Oceanicas S. de R. L. de C.V. (“ExO”) to Oceanica Marine Operations, S.R.L. (“OMO”), or (z) a 7.5% interest in Aldama Mining Company, S. de R. L. de C.V. (“Aldama”). We indirectly hold a controlling interest in ExO; OMO and Aldama are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of ours.
In connection with the issuance and sale of the Notes, we issued warrants to purchase common stock (the “Warrants”) to the Lenders. The Lenders may exercise the Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 50,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $12.00 per share. The Warrants are exercisable during the period commencing on the date on which the Notes are converted into shares of our common stock and ending on July 12, 2021.
Pursuant to a Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2018 (the “Pledge Agreement”), our obligations under the Notes are secured by a pledge of a portion of Odyssey’s ownership interest in Aldama and another entity.
Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”) among us and the Lenders, we granted the Lenders “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes and the exercise of the Warrants.
The Purchase Agreement, the Notes, the Warrants, the Pledge Agreement, and the Rights Agreement include representations and warranties and other covenants, conditions, and other provisions customary for comparable transactions.
We have accounted for this transaction as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated the transaction for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”).
We determined that the debt achieved conventional convertible status and that the equity conversion option was in the money at inception which required the calculation of a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). The fair value of the warrants and BCF component exceeded the amount of proceeds, therefore, they were limited to the cash proceeds of $1,050,000 at December 31, 2018. As a result, there was no value allocated to the debt at inception. The debt was being accreted to face value over its term using the effective interest method. The face value of this debt was $1.05 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest in the amount of $97,652 and $89,911, respectively, was recorded.
Term Extension (July 8, 2019)
On July 8, 2019, Odyssey and the Lenders entered into a Second Amendment to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement and Note and Warrant Modification Agreement (the “Second Amendment”) pursuant to which certain terms and provisions of the Notes and Warrants were amended or otherwise modified. The material terms and provisions that were amended or otherwise modified are as follows:
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the maturity date of the Notes was extended by one year, to July 12, 2020;
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the conversion rate of the Notes and the exercise price of the Warrants were modified to $5.756, which represented the “market price” of Odyssey’s common stock as of July 7, 2019, the day before the Second Amendment was signed;
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the Notes are unsecured;
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the Notes are convertible only into shares of Odyssey common stock; and
•
the modified Warrants are exercisable at any time until July 8, 2024 to purchase an aggregate of 196,135 shares of our common stock.
We evaluated the amendment’s impact on the accounting for the Note in accordance with ASC 470-50-40-6 through 12 to determine whether extinguishment accounting was appropriate. The modification had a cash flow effect on a present value basis of less than 10%. However, the reduction in the conversion price resulted in a change in the fair value of the embedded conversion option that was more than 10% of the carrying value of the Note immediately prior to the modification. Because the amendment resulted in a substantial modification, extinguishment accounting was required, and we recorded a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $290,024. The extinguishment accounting resulted in a fair value reacquisition price of this debt of $1,340,024. The premium of $290,024 was being amortized over the remaining life of the debt. The warrant modification was treated as an inducement to extend the debt therefore the fair value of the warrants of $868,878 was a period expense and charged to interest expense with an offset to equity.
Term Extension (August 14, 2020)
On August 14, 2020, we entered into a Third Amendment to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement and Note and Warrant Modification Agreement (the “Third Amendment”) with the Lenders. Certain terms and provisions of the Notes were modified, and we issued a new warrant to purchase common stock to each of the Lenders as consideration for them entering into the Third Amendment. The warrants have an exercise price of $4.67 and are exercisable any time until August 14, 2023. Material terms and provisions that were amended or otherwise modified are as follows:
•
the maturity date of the Notes was extended by one year, to July 12, 2021 and
•
the conversion rate of the Notes was modified to $4.67.
As of August 14, 2020, the aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding under the Notes was $1,232,846. As amended by the Third Amendment, the Notes are convertible into an aggregate of 263,993 shares of our common stock, and the new Warrants are exercisable to purchase an aggregate of 131,996 shares of our common stock for $4.67 per share.
The modification of the Notes and the issuance of the warrants, were evaluated under ASC 470-50-40, “Debt Modification and Extinguishments.” By applying the guidance, the Notes were determined to be substantially different and the transaction qualified for extinguishment accounting. As a result, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of approximately
$777,500, which included the fair value of the warrants given as consideration for the modification. The premium of $358,497 is being amortized over the remaining life of the debt. The related amortization for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $323,171 and $129,487, respectively.
Note 9 - Litigation Financing
On June 14, 2019, Odyssey and Exploraciones Oceánicas S. de R.L. de C.V., our Mexican subsidiary (“ExO” and, together with Odyssey, the “Claimholder”), and Poplar Falls LLC (the “Funder”) entered into an International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the “Agreement”), pursuant to which the Funder agreed to provide financial assistance to the Claimholder to facilitate the prosecution and recovery of the claim by the Claimholder against the United Mexican States under Chapter Eleven of the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) for violations of the Claimholder’s rights under NAFTA related to the development of an undersea phosphate deposit off the coast of Baja Sur, Mexico (the “Project”), on our own behalf and on behalf of ExO and United Mexican States (the “Subject Claim”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Funder agreed to specified fees and expenses regarding the Subject Claim (the “Claims Payments”) incrementally and at the Funder’s sole discretion.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Funder agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $6,500,000 (the “Maximum Investment Amount”). The Maximum Investment Amount will be made available to the Claimholder in two phases, as set forth below:
(c) a first phase, in which the Funder shall make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $1,500,000 for the payment of antecedent and ongoing costs (“Phase I Investment Amount”); and
(d) a second phase, in which the Funder shall make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $5,000,000 for the purposes of pursuing the Subject Claim to a final award (“Phase II Investment Amount”).
Upon exhaustion of the Phase I Investment Amount, the Claimholder will have the option to request Tranche A of the Phase II Investment Amount, consisting of funding up to $3.5 million (“Tranche A Committed Amount”). Upon exhaustion of the Tranche A Committed Amount, the Claimholder will have the option to request Tranche B of the Phase II Investment Amount, consisting of funding of up to $1.5 million (“Tranche B Committed Amount”). The Claimholder must exercise its option to receive the Tranche A Committed Amount in writing, no less than thirty days before submitting a Funding Request to the Funder under Tranche A. The Claimholder must exercise its option to receive the Tranche B Committed Amount in writing within forty-five days after the exhaustion of the Tranche A Committed Amount. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Claimholder agreed that, upon exercising the Claimholder’s option to receive funds under Phase I, Tranche A of Phase II, or Tranche B of Phase II, the Funder will be the sole source of third-party funding for the specified fees and expenses of the Subject Claim under each respective phase and tranche covered by the option exercised, and the Claimholder will obtain funding for such fees and expenses only as set forth in the Agreement. The Funder was due closing fee of $80,000 for the Phase I Investment Amount, and $80,000 for the Phase II Investment Amount to pay third parties in connection with due diligence and other administrative and transaction costs incurred by the Funder prior to and in furtherance of execution of the Agreement.
Upon the Funder making Claims Payments to the Claimholder or its designees in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount, the Funder has the option to continue funding the specified fees and expenses in relation to the Subject Claim on the same terms and conditions provided in the Agreement. The Funder must exercise its option to continue funding in writing, within thirty days after the Funder has made Claims Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount. If the Funder exercises its option to continue funding, the parties agreed to attempt in good faith to amend the Agreement to provide the Funder with the right to provide at the Funder’s discretion funding in excess of the Maximum Investment Amount, in an amount up to the greatest amount that may then be reasonably expected to be committed for investment in Subject Claim. If the Funder declines to exercise its option, the Claimholder may negotiate and enter into agreements with one or more third parties to provide funding, which shall be subordinate to the Funder’s rights under the Agreement.
The Agreement provides that the Claimholder may at any time without the consent of the Funder either settle or refuse to settle the Subject Claim for any amount; provided, however, that if the Claimholder settles the Subject Claim without the Funder’s consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, the value of the Recovery Percentage (as defined below) will be deemed to be the greater of (a) the Recovery Percentage (under Phase I or Phase II, as applicable), or (b) the total amount of all Claims Payments made in connection with such Subject Claim multiplied by three (3).
If the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim for any reason other than (a) a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or (b) a full and final monetary settlement of the claims, including in particular, for a grant of an environmental permit to the Claimholder allowing it to proceed with the Project (with or without a monetary component), all Claims Payments under Phase I and, if Claimholder has exercised the corresponding option, the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount, shall immediately convert to a senior secured liability of the Claimholder. This sum shall incur an annualized internal rate of return (IRR) of 50.0% retroactive to the date each Funding Request was paid by the Funder (under Phase I), or, to the conversion date for the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount of Phase II if the Claimholder has exercised the respective option (collectively, the “Conversion Amount”). Such Conversion Amount and any and all accrued IRR shall be payable in-full by the Claimholder within 24 months of the date of such conversion, after which time any outstanding Conversion Amounts, shall accrue an (IRR) of 100.0%, retroactive to the conversion date (the “Penalty Interest Amount”). The Claimholder will execute such documents and take other actions as necessary to grant the Funder a senior security interest on and over all sums due and owing by the Claimholder in order to secure its obligation to pay the Conversion Amount to the Funder. If the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim due to the grant of an environmental permit (with or without a monetary component), all Claims Payments under Phase 1 and, if the Claimholder has exercised the corresponding option, the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount shall immediately convert to a senior secured liability of the Claimholder and shall incur an annualized an IRR of 50.0% on the Conversion Amount, from the conversion date. Management has estimated it is more likely than not the Subject Claim will result in the issuance of the environmental permit requiring us to record interest under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Reliance should not be placed on this estimate in determining the likely outcome of the Subject Claim.
If, at any time after exercising its option to receive funds under either Tranche A or Tranche B of Phase II, the Claimholder wishes to fund the Subject Claim with its own capital (“Self-Funding”) (which excludes any Claims Payments made, either directly or indirectly, by any other third party), the Claimholder shall immediately pay to the Funder the Conversion Amount, provided that this requirement shall not apply if, after the Funder has made Claims Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount, the Funder does not exercise its option to provide Follow-On Funding.
In the event of any receipt of proceeds resulting from the Subject Claim (“Proceeds”), the Funder shall be entitled to any additional sums above the Conversion Amount to which the Funder is entitled as described below. Should the Claimholder cease the Subject Claim as described above after Self-Funding the Claim, accrued IRR and Penalty Interest shall be calculated and paid to the Funder as set forth above. The Funder’s rights to the Recovery Percentage as defined below shall survive any decision by Claimholder to utilize Self-Funding. The parties acknowledge this Agreement constitutes a sale of the right to a portion of the Proceeds (if any) arising from the Subject Claim as set forth in this Agreement. The Claimholder has relinquished its right to the portion of the proceeds, if any, that the Funder would have the right to as described below. This sale of proceeds is being accounted for under the guidance of ASC 470-10-25 Recognition (Sales of Future Revenues)
On each Distribution Date, distributions of the Proceeds shall be made to the Claimholder and the Funder in accordance with subparagraph (a) or (b) below (the “Recovery Percentage”), as applicable:
(a) If the Claimholder receives only the Phase I Investment Amount from the Funder, the first Proceeds shall be distributed as follows:
(i) first, 100.0% to the Funder, until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals the total Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phase I;
(ii) second, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals an IRR of 20% of Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phase I (“Phase I Compensation”), per annum; and
(iii) thereafter, 100.0% to the Claimholder.
(b) If the Claimholder exercises its options to receive Tranche A or both Tranche A and Tranche B of the Phase II Investment Amount, the first Proceeds shall be distributed as follows:
(i) first, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals the total Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phases I and II;
(ii) second, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals an additional 300.0% of Phase I Investment Amount; plus an additional 300% of the Tranche A Committed Amount (i.e. 300.0% of $3.5 million), less any amounts remaining of the Tranche A Committed Amount that the Funder did not pay as Claims Payments; plus an additional 300.0% of the Tranche B Committed Amount (i.e. 300.0% of $1.5 million), if the Claimholder exercises the Tranche B funding option, less any amounts remaining of the Tranche B Committed Amount that the Funder did not pay as Claims Payments;
(iii) third, for each $10,000 in specified fees and expenses paid by the Funder under Phase I and Phase II and any amounts over each $10,000 of the Tranche A Committed Amount and the Tranche B Committed Amount (if the Claimholder exercises the Tranche B funding option), 0.01% of the total Proceeds from any recoveries after repayment of (i) and (ii) above, to the Funder; and
(iv) thereafter, 100% to the Claimholder.
The Agreement provides that if no Proceeds are ever paid to or received by the Claimholder or its representatives and if the environmental permit is not issued, the Funder shall have no right of recourse or right of action against the Claimholder or its representatives, or any of their respective property, assets, or undertakings, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Agreement. If (a) Proceeds are paid to or received by the Claimholder or its representatives; (b) such Proceeds are promptly applied and/or distributed by the Claimholder or on behalf of the Claimholder in accordance with the terms of the Agreement; and (c) the amount received by the Funder as a result thereof is not sufficient to pay all of the Recovery Percentage and all of the amounts due to the Funder under the Agreement, then (provided that all of the Proceeds which the Funder will ever be entitled to have been paid to or received by the Funder), the Funder shall have no right of recourse or action against the Claimholder or its Representatives, or any of their property, assets, or undertakings, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Agreement. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Claimholder acknowledged the Funder’s priority right, title, and interest in any Proceeds, including against any available collateral to secure its obligations under the Agreement, which security interest shall be first in priority as against all other security interests in the Proceeds. The Claimholder also acknowledged and agreed to execute and authorize the filing of a financing statement or similar and to take such other actions in such jurisdictions as the Funder, in its sole discretion, deems necessary and appropriate to perfect such security interest. The Agreement also includes representations and warranties, covenants, conditions, termination and indemnification provisions, and other provisions customary for comparable arrangements.
Amendment and Restatement (January 31, 2020)
On January 31, 2020, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into an Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the “Restated Agreement”). The material terms and provisions that were amended or otherwise modified are as follows:
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The Funder agreed to provide up to $2.2 million in Arbitration Support Funds for the purpose of paying the Claimholder’s litigation support costs in connection with Subject Claim;
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A closing fee of $200,000 has been retained by the Funder in connection with due diligence and other transaction costs incurred by the Funder;
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A warrant was issued to purchase our common stock which is exercisable for a period of five years beginning on the earlier of (a) the date on which the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim for any reason other than a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or a full and final monetary settlement of the claims or (b) the date on which Proceeds are received and deposited into escrow. The exercise price per share is $3.99, and the Funder can exercise the warrant to purchase the number of share of our common stock equal to the dollar amount of Arbitration Support Funds provided to us pursuant to the Restated Agreement divided by the exercise price per share (subject to customary adjustments and limitations); and
•
All other terms in the Restated Agreement are substantially the same as in the original Agreement.
During 2020, the Funder provided us with $2.0 million of the Arbitration Support Funds, and we incurred $200,000 in related fees that were treated as an additional advance. Upon each funding, the proceeds were allocated between debt and equity for the warrants based on the relative fair value of the two instruments. As a result, there was a debt discount of $1,063,811 which is being amortized over the expected remaining term of the agreement using the effective interest method which is charged to interest expense.
Although the warrants only become exercisable upon the occurrence of future events, they are considered issued for accounting purposes and were valued using a binomial lattice model. The expected volatility assumption was based on the historical volatility of our common stock. The expected life assumption was primarily based on management’s expectations of when the Warrants will become exercisable and the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the warrant is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of measurement.
Second Amendment and Restatement (December 12, 2020)
On December 12, 2020, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into a Second Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the “Second Restated Agreement”) relating to the Subject Claim. Under the terms of the Second Restated Agreement, the Funder has made and agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $20,000,000 (the “Maximum Investment Amount”). The Second Restated Agreement requires the Funder to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $10,000,000 for the purposes of pursuing the Subject Claim to a final award (“Phase III Investment Amount”). We also incurred $200,000 in related fees which were treated as an additional advance. This Second Restated Agreement includes the same representations and warranties, covenants, conditions, termination and indemnification provisions, and other provisions as in the original agreement.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest expense in the amount of $3,668,242 and $369,505, respectively, was recorded. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $172,849 of interest expense from the amortization of the debt discount and $52,214 interest from the fee amortization. The December 31, 2020 carrying value of the note is $10,968,729 and is net of unamortized debt fees of $347,786 as well as the net unamortized debt discount of $890,962 associated with the fair value of the warrants. The total face value of this obligation at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $12,207,477 and $2,957,097, respectively.
Note 10 - 37North
On December 6, 2019, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with 37North Capital SPV 11, LLC (the “Investor”) pursuant to which the Investor agreed to lend, in one or more transactions (each, a “Loan”), up to an aggregate of $2.0 million to us, subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement. On December 10, 2019, the Investor made a Loan to us in the amount of $539,000 pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. An additional Loan of $490,000 was made in the first quarter of 2020. Each Loan is evidenced by a separate convertible promissory note (each, a “Note”). Unless otherwise converted as described below, the entire outstanding amount of all Loans was originally due and payable on June 6, 2020. As described in additional detail below, the maturity date was subsequently extended to November 6, 2020, and on December 8, 2020, the Company waived the maturity date extension causing the maturity date to revert back to June 6, 2020 (the “Maturity Date”).
At any time and from time to time until the three-month anniversary of the Maturity Date, all or any portion of the outstanding amount of each Note may, at the Investor’s election, be converted into shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Conversion Shares”). The number of Conversion Shares to be issued upon any conversion shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing the Applicable Conversion Amount (as defined below) by the Applicable Conversion Rate (as defined below). As defined in the Purchase Agreement, the “Applicable Conversion Amount” means, on the date of determination and with respect to each Note, (a) for the period beginning on the date of issuance and ending on the day immediately preceding the Maturity Date, an amount equal to 100.0% of the amount of the Loan evidenced by such Note then outstanding; (b) on the Maturity Date, 136.0% of the amount of the Loan evidenced by such Note then outstanding (such amount, the “Enhanced Conversion Amount”); (c) for the period beginning on the day immediately following the Maturity Date and for a period of three months thereafter (such three-month period, the “Accrual Period”), an amount equal to (i) the Enhanced Conversion Amount then outstanding plus (ii) an additional amount equal to 3.0% per month (prorated for any period of less than a full month) accrued on the amount described in clause (i); and (d) on any date after the Accrual Period, the amount then outstanding after giving effect to the accrual described in clause (c) during the Accrual Period (it being understood that no additional amount shall accrue after the expiration of the Accrual Period); and “Applicable Conversion Rate” means (x) with respect to any conversion on or prior to the Maturity Date, $5.00, and (y) with respect to any conversion after the Maturity Date, the lower of (i) $5.00 and (ii) 80.0% of the ten-day volume-weighted average price of Odyssey’s common stock. Notwithstanding anything in the Purchase Agreement to the contrary, we are prohibited from issuing any Conversion Shares, to the extent such shares, after giving effect to such issuance after conversion and when added to the number of Conversion Shares previously issued upon conversion of any of the Notes sold pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, would represent in excess of 19.9% of (A) the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such issuances or (B) the total voting power of our securities outstanding immediately after giving effect to such issuances that are entitled to vote on a matter being voted on by holders of our common stock.
On May 6, 2020, Odyssey and the Investor agreed to amend the Purchase Agreement to additionally provide that, notwithstanding anything in the Purchase Agreement to the contrary, Odyssey is prohibited from issuing any Conversion Shares, to the extent such shares, after giving effect to such issuance after conversion and when added to the number of Conversion Shares previously issued upon conversion of any of the Notes sold pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, would represent in excess of 19.9% of the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 6, 2019. Due to a reference to the effective date of the amendment in the definition of the maturity date, the maturity date of the Note was inadvertently revised from June 6, 2020 to November 6, 2020. Thus, on December 8, 2020 the Company amended the Notes to adjust the maturity date back to the original date of June 6, 2020 and to extend the option to convert to December 31, 2020. The modifications were evaluated under FASB ASC Topic 470-50-40, “Debt Modification and Extinguishments” but the instruments were determined not to be substantially different and extinguishment accounting did not apply.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Investor converted the entire loan balance into 329,498 shares of our common stock at conversion rates ranging from $3.71 to $5.00 per share.
If, at any time prior to the Maturity Date, (a) we receive cash proceeds (the “Shipwreck Proceeds”) arising out of our salvage agreement relating to cargo recovered from a specified shipwreck, and (ii) the amount of the Shipwreck Proceeds equals at least 155.0% of the then-unpaid amount of all Loans, then we must repay in full the indebtedness outstanding under all the Notes by delivery of an amount equal to 155.0% of the then-unpaid amount of all Loans. In addition, at any time prior to the Maturity Date, we may repay all (but not less than all) of the then-unpaid amount of all Loans by delivery of an amount equal to 155.0% of the then-unpaid amount of all Loans; provided, that we must provide the Investor at least ten days’ notice of our intention to repay the indebtedness.
The Purchase Agreement and the Notes issued by Odyssey on December 10, 2019 and January 29, 2020, include representations and warranties and other covenants, conditions, and other provisions customary for comparable transactions.
We evaluated the Notes in accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and determined that they contain certain embedded derivatives whose economic risks and characteristics were not clearly and closely related to the risks of the host contract. The material embedded derivative features consisted of the embedded conversion option and contingent redemption provisions. We elected to initially and subsequently measure the Notes in their entirety at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. FASB ASC 825-10-25 allows us to elect the fair value option for recording financial instruments when they are initially recognized or if there is an event that requires re-measurement of the instruments at fair value, such as a significant modification of the debt.
Because the Notes are carried in their entirety at fair value, the value of the compound embedded conversion feature is embodied in that fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of the hybrid instrument based on a probability weighted analysis which considers the present value of the cash flows using a credit risk adjusted rate enhanced by the redemption feature and the value of the conversion option valued using a Monte Carlo model. This method was considered by management to be the most appropriate method of encompassing the credit risk and exercise behavior that a market participant would consider when valuing the hybrid financial instrument.
Inputs used to value the hybrid instrument during the year ended December 31, 2020 included, (i) present value of future cash flows using a credit risk adjusted rate ranging from 18%-24% due solely to changes in benchmark interest rates, (ii) remaining term to maturity, (iii) volatility ranging from 35%-87%, (iv) closing stock price on the valuation date, and (v) the conversion price based on the lesser of $5.00 or 80% of the 10-day VWAP. Material changes due to instrument-specific credit risk are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income with all other changes in value being recorded in net income.
The fair value of the hybrid instrument was $861,484 as of December 31, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we received additional proceeds of $490,000, recorded a change in the fair value of the hybrid instrument of $732,958 and fully converted the Notes into 329,498 shares of our Common Stock.
Note 11 - Payroll protection program
We applied to Fifth Third Bancorp (“Fifth Third”) under the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 (the “CARES Act”) for a loan of $370,400 (the “Loan”), and the Loan was made on April 16, 2020. The proceeds of the Loan were used to cover payroll costs, rent and utilities in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions of the CARES Act.
The Loan, which is evidenced by promissory note issued by us (the “Promissory Note”), has a two-year term, matures on April 16, 2022, and bears interest at a rate of 0.98% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments, less the amount of any potential forgiveness (discussed below), will commence seven months from the month this Note is dated. We did not provide any collateral or guarantees for the Loan, nor did we pay any facility charge to obtain the Loan. The Promissory Note provides for customary events of default, including, among others, those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, breaches of representations and material adverse effects. Odyssey may prepay the principal of the Loan at any time without incurring any prepayment charges. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recorded interest expense in the amount of $936 and $0, respectively.
The Loan may be forgiven partially or fully if the Loan proceeds are used for covered payroll costs, rent and utilities, provided that such amounts are incurred during the eight-week period that commenced on April 16, 2020, and at least 75% of any forgiven amount has been used for covered payroll costs. During June 2020, the 75% requirement was reduced to 60% and the eight-week period was amended to a 24-week period. Any forgiveness of the Loan will be subject to approval by the SBA and Fifth Third and will require us to apply for such treatment in the future.
Note 12 - Emergency Injury Disaster Loan
On June 26, 2020, we executed the standard loan documents required for securing an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (the “EIDL Loan”) from the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). The principal amount of the EIDL Loan is $149,900, with proceeds to be used for working capital purposes. Interest on the EIDL Loan accrues at the rate of 3.75% per annum and installment payments, including principal and interest of $731, are due monthly beginning twelve months from the date of the EIDL Loan. The balance of principal and interest is payable thirty years from the date of the promissory note. In connection with the EIDL Loan, the Company executed the EIDL Loan documents, which include the SBA Secured Disaster Loan Note, dated May 16, 2020, the Loan Authorization and Agreement, dated May 16, 2020, and the Security Agreement, dated May 16, 2020, each between the SBA and the Company.
Long-Term Obligation Maturities:
We have two obligations that span greater than twelve months. For our lease obligations, see Lease commitment in NOTE O - Commitments and Contingencies for further information on our operating lease obligations. See NOTE H - LOANS PAYABLE, Note 9 - Litigation Financing, Note 10 - Payroll Protection Program and Note 12 - Emergency Injury Disaster Loan for further detail regarding the repayment and maturity on the December 31, 2020 debt balances totaling $11,489,029.
NOTE I - ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
Compensation and incentives
$ 1,136,754
$ 2,821,349
Professional services
243,995
422,130
Deposit
450,000
450,000
Interest
15,800,317
9,494,391
Accrued insurance obligations
355,814
221,504
Other operating
985,056
13,341
Total accrued expenses
$ 18,971,936
$ 13,422,715
Professional fees are mainly attributable to legal fees and other professional services in support of operations. Compensation and incentives at December 31, 2020 includes $0.8 million accrued incentive awards for the company employees at December 31, 2019 and prior and $0.3 million additional for 2020. The Board of Directors will only approve incentives to be paid when and if there is sufficient excess cash above and beyond normal operating requirements. Other operating at December 31, 2020 contains general expense items resulting from general operations. The primary expense in Other operating $0.9 million is for accrued exploration permits. Accrued interest is due to several lenders per debt agreements described in NOTE H. During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we received an earnest money deposit of $450,000 from a company controlled by Greg Stemm, our past Chairman of the Board (see NOTE J for further information). The earnest money deposit relates to a draft agreement related to potential sale of a stake of our equity in CIC. This transaction has not yet been consummated. Accrued insurance obligations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 primarily consisted of directors and officers insurance obligations.
NOTE J - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During 2018 we entered into a services agreement with and continue to provide services to a deep-sea mineral exploration company, CIC, which was organized and is majority owned and controlled by Greg Stemm, the past Chairman of the Board for Odyssey. Mr. Stemm’s involvement with this company was disclosed to, and approved by, the Odyssey Board of Directors and legal counsel pursuant to the terms of his consulting agreement. We are providing these services pursuant to a Master Services Agreement that provides for back office services in exchange for a recurring monthly fee as well as other mineral related services on a cost-plus profit basis and will be compensated for these services with a combination of cash and equity in CIC. For the 2020 year to date, we invoiced CIC a total of $848,588, which was for back office technical and support services. We have the option to accept equity in payment of the amounts due from CIC. See NOTE C for related accounts receivable at December 31, 2020 and NOTE G for our investment in an unconsolidated entity.
During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we received an earnest money deposit of $450,000 from a company controlled by Greg Stemm, our past Chairman of the Board. The earnest money deposit relates to a draft agreement related to potential sell of a stake of our equity in CIC. As of this report date, this transaction has not been consummated. The deposit is included in accrued expenses (NOTE I) in our statement of consolidated balance sheets.
During September 2019, we entered into an arrangement with a company controlled by one of our directors relating to its possible participation in a pending financing arrangement. Upon entering the arrangement, we received an earnest deposit of $150,000. If the company’s participation was not required, the arrangement called for the return of the $150,000 deposit plus a 10% break-up-fee. The company’s participation was not required. $145,000 remained payable to the director at December 31, 2019 and is included in accounts payable and other in our statement of consolidated balance sheets. This amount was paid in full subsequent to December 31, 2019.
The above terms and amounts are not necessarily indicative of the terms and amounts that would have been incurred had comparable transactions been entered into with independent parties.
NOTE K - DEFERRED INCOME AND REVENUE PARTICIPATION RIGHTS
The Company’s participating revenue rights and deferred revenue consisted of the following for the respective year end:
December 31,
December 31,
“Seattle” project
62,500
62,500
Galt Resources, LLC (HMS Victory)
3,756,250
3,756,250
Total revenue participation rights
$ 3,818,750
$ 3,818,750
“Seattle” project
In a private placement that closed in September 2000, we sold “units” consisting of “Republic” Revenue Participation Certificates and Common Stock. Each $50,000 “unit” entitled the holder to 1% of the gross revenue generated by the now named “Seattle” project (formerly referred to as the “Republic” project), and 100,000 shares of Common Stock. Gross revenue is defined as all cash proceeds payable to us as a result of the “Seattle” project, excluding funds received by us to finance the project.
The participating rights balance will be amortized under the units of revenue method once management can reasonably estimate potential revenue for each of these projects. The RPCs for the above projects do not have a termination date; therefore, these liabilities will be carried on the books until revenue is recognized from these projects or we permanently abandon either project.
Galt Resources, LLC
In February 2011, we entered into a project syndication deal with Galt Resources LLC (“Galt”) for which they invested $7,512,500 representing rights to future revenues of any one project Galt selected prior to December 31, 2011. If the project is
successful and generates sufficient proceeds, Galt will recoup their investment plus three times the investment. Galt’s investment return will be paid out of project proceeds. Galt will receive 50% of project proceeds until this amount is recouped. Thereafter, they will share in additional net proceeds of the project at the rate of 1% for every million invested. Subsequent to the original syndication deal, we reached an agreement permitting Galt to bifurcate their selection between two projects, the SS Gairsoppa and HMS Victory with the residual 1% on additional net proceeds assigned to the HMS Victory project only. The bifurcation resulted in $3,756,250 being allocated to each of the two projects. Therefore, Galt will receive 7.5125% of net proceeds from the HMS Victory project after they recoup their investment of $3,756,250 plus three times the investment. Galt has been paid in full for their share of the Gairsoppa project investment. There are no future payments remaining due to Galt for the Gairsoppa project. Based on the timing of the proceeds earmarked for Galt, the relative corresponding amount of Galt’s revenue participation right of $3,756,250 was amortized into revenue in 2012 based upon the percent of Galt-related proceeds from the sale of silver as a percentage of total proceeds that Galt earned under the revenue participation agreement ($15.0 million). There is no expiration date on the Galt deal for the HMS Victory project. If the archaeological excavation of the shipwreck is performed and insufficient proceeds are obtained, then the deferred income balance will be recognized as other income. If the archaeological excavation of the shipwreck is performed and sufficient proceeds are obtained, then the deferred income balance will be recognized as revenue.
NOTE L - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)
Common Stock
On October 31, 2018, we sold in the aggregate 700,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to 700,000 shares of our common stock. The common stock and warrants were sold in units, with each unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase one shares of common stock. The purchase price for each unit is $7.155. The warrants have an exercise price of $7.155 per share of common stock and are exercisable in accordance with their terms at any time on or before the close of business on November 2, 2023.
On July 9, 2019, we acquired a 79.9% interest in Bismarck Mining Corporation (PNG) Limited (“Bismarck”), a Papua New Guinea company (see NOTE F). The consideration we paid to the seller for Bismarck was 249,584 shares of our common stock.
On August 21, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 2,553,314 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to 1,901,989 shares of our common stock. The net proceeds received from sale, after offering expenses of $0.3 million, of which $0.2 million were withheld to cover fees, were $11.2 million. The shares of common stock and warrants were sold in units, with each unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase up to 0.6 shares of common stock. The purchase price for each unit was $4.543. The warrants have an exercise price of $4.75 per share of common stock and are exercisable at any time during the three-year period commencing six months after issuance.
Warrants
In conjunction with the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement related to Note 8 - Operating loan 2018 in NOTE H, we originally issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 65,625 shares of common stock in connection with the notes that were issued. These warrants had an expiration date of July 21, 2021, an exercise price of $12.00 and were exercisable to purchase 65,625 shares of our common stock. On July 8, 2019 we entered into a Second Amendment to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement and Warrant Modification Agreement. As a result, the lenders now hold warrants to purchase an aggregate of 196,135 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.756 per share. These warrants are exercisable at any time until July 12, 2024. On August 14, 2020, this loan was modified and extended to July 12, 2021. In conjunction with the extension, the lenders received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 131,996 shares of our common stock at 4.67 per share. These warrants expire on August 14, 2023.
Included in the Restated Agreement as described in NOTE I, Note 9 - Litigation financing, during the twelve-months ended December 31, 2020, we issued a warrant allowing the lender to purchase up to 551,378 shares of our common stock at $3.99. The warrant is contingently exercisable and will become exercisable on the date on which we cease the Subject Claim for any reason other than (i) a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or (ii) a full and final monetary settlement of the claims or the date on which Proceeds are deposited into the Escrow Account. The warrant has a five-year life that commences on the date it becomes exercisable.
In conjunction with our sale of shares common stock and warrants on August 21, 2020 as described above, we issued warrants to purchase up to 1,901,989 shares of our common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $4.75 per share and are exercisable at any time during the three-year period commencing six months after issuance.
Convertible Preferred Stock
On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Penelope Mining LLC (the “Investor”), and, solely with respect to certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement, Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (the “Lender”). The Purchase Agreement provides for the Company to issue and sell to the Investor shares of the Company’s preferred stock in the amounts set forth in the following table (numbers have been adjusted for the February 2016 reverse stock split):
Convertible
Preferred Stock
Shares
Price Per Share
Total
Investment
Series AA-1
8,427,004
$ 12.00
$ 101,124,048
Series AA-2
7,223,145
$ 6.00
43,338,870
15,650,149
$ 144,462,918
The Investor’s option to purchase the Series AA-2 shares is subject to the closing price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ market having been greater than or equal to $15.12 per share for a period of twenty (20) consecutive business days on which the NASDAQ market is open.
The closing of the sale and issuance of shares of the Company’s preferred stock to the Investor is subject to certain conditions, including the Company’s receipt of required approvals from the Company’s stockholders, the receipt of regulatory approval, performance by the Company of its obligations under the Stock Purchase Agreement, the listing of the underlying common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market and the Investor’s satisfaction, in its sole discretion, with the viability of certain undersea mining projects of the Company. This transaction received stockholders’ approval on June 9, 2015. Completion of the transaction requires amending the Company’s articles of incorporation to (a) effect a reverse stock split, which was done on February 19, 2016, (b) adjusting the Company’s authorized capitalization, which was also done on February 19, 2016, and (c) establishing a classified board of directors (collectively, the “Amendments”). The Amendments have been or will be set forth in certificates of amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation filed or to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State.
Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock Designation
The Purchase Agreement provides for the issuance of up to 8,427,004 shares of Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series AA-1 Preferred”) and 7,223,145 shares of Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series AA-2 Preferred”), subject to stockholder approval which was received on June 9, 2015 and satisfaction of other conditions. Significant terms and conditions of the Series AA Preferred are as follows:
Dividends. If and when the Company declares a dividend and any other distribution (including, without limitation, in cash, in capital stock (which shall include, without limitation, any options, warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock) of the Company, then the holders of each share of Series AA Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the amount of dividend or distribution received by the holders of common stock for which such share of Series AA Preferred Stock is convertible.
Liquidation Preference. The Liquidation Preference on each share of Series AA Preferred Stock is its Stated Value plus accretion at the rate of 8% per annum compounded on each December 31 from the date of issue of such share until the date such share is converted. For any accretion period which is less than a full year, the Liquidation Preference shall accrete in an amount to be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and the actual number of days elapsed.
Voting Rights. The holders of Series AA Preferred will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock into which the Series AA Preferred is convertible and will be entitled to notice of meetings of stockholders.
Conversion Rights. At any time after the Preferred Shares have been issued, any holder of shares of Series AA Preferred may convert any or all of the shares of preferred stock into one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock.
Adjustments to Conversion Rights. If Odyssey pays a dividend or makes a distribution on its common stock in shares of common stock, subdivides its outstanding common stock into a greater number of shares, or combines its outstanding common stock into a smaller number of shares, or if there is a reorganization, or a merger or consolidation of Odyssey with or into any other entity which results in a conversion, exchange, or cancellation of the common stock, or a sale of all or substantially all of Odyssey’s assets, then the conversion rights described above will be adjusted appropriately so that each holder of Series AA Preferred will receive the securities or other consideration the holder would have received if the holder’s Series AA Preferred had been converted before the happening of the event. The conversion price in effect from time to time is also subject to downward adjustment if we issue or sell shares of common stock for a purchase price less than the conversion price or if we issue or sell shares convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock with a conversion price or exercise price less than the conversion price for the Series AA Preferred.
Accounting considerations
As stated above the issuance of the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock is based on certain contingencies. No accounting treatment determination is required until these contingencies are met and the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock has been issued. However, we have analyzed the instrument to determine the proper accounting treatment that will be necessary once the instruments have been issued.
ASC 480 generally requires liability classification for financial instruments that are certain to be redeemed, represent obligations to purchase shares of stock or represent obligations to issue a variable number of common shares. We concluded that the Series AA Preferred was not within the scope of ASC 480 because none of the three conditions for liability classification was present.
ASC 815 generally requires the analysis of embedded terms and features that have characteristics of derivatives to be evaluated for bifurcation and separate accounting in instances where their economic risks and characteristics are not clearly and closely related to the risks of the host contract. However, in order to perform this analysis, we were first required to evaluate the economic risks and characteristics of the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock in its entirety as being either akin to equity or akin to debt. Our evaluation concluded that the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock was more akin to an equity-like contract largely due to the fact that most of its features were participatory in nature. As a result, we concluded that the embedded conversion feature is clearly and closely related to the host equity contract and will not require bifurcation and liability classification.
The option to purchase the Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock was analyzed as a freestanding financial instrument and has terms and features of derivative financial instruments. However, in analyzing this instrument under applicable guidance it was determined that it is both (i) indexed to the Company’s stock and (ii) meet the conditions for equity classification.
Stock-Based Compensation
We have three stock incentive plans. The first is the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan that expired in August 2015. After the expiration of this plan, equity instruments cannot be granted but this plan will continue in effect until all outstanding awards have been exercised in full or are no longer exercisable and all equity instruments have vested or been forfeited.
On June 9, 2015, our stockholders approved our 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) that was adopted by our Board of Directors (the “Board”) on January 2, 2015, which is the effective date. The plan expires on the tenth anniversary of the effective date. The Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights. This plan was initially capitalized with 450,000 shares that may be granted. The Plan is intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which stipulates that the maximum aggregate number of Shares with respect to one or more Awards that may be granted to any one person during any calendar year shall be 83,333, and the maximum aggregate amount of cash that may be paid in cash to any person during any calendar year with respect to one or more Awards payable in cash shall be $2,000,000. The original maximum number of shares that were to be used for Incentive Stock Options (“ISO”) under the Plan was 450,000. During our June 2016 stockholders meeting, the stockholders approved the addition of 200,000 incremental shares to the Plan. With respect to each grant of an ISO to a participant who is not a ten percent stockholder, the exercise price shall not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date the ISO is granted. With respect to each grant of an ISO to a participant who is a ten percent stockholder, the exercise price shall not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of a share on the date the ISO is granted. If an award is a non-qualified stock option (“NQSO”), the exercise price for each share shall be no less than (1) the minimum price required by applicable state law, or (2) the fair market value of a share on the date the NQSO is granted, whichever price is greatest. Any award intended to meet the performance based exception must be granted with an exercise price not less than the fair market value of a share determined as of the date of such grant.
On March 26, 2019, our Board of Directors adopted and approved the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”), which was approved by our stockholders on June 3, 2019. The 2019 Plan expires on June 3, 2029. The 2019 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights. The 2019 Plan is capitalized with 800,000 shares that may be granted. No awards were made from the Plan prior to the effective date. The 2019 Plan includes the following features: no “evergreen” share reserve, prohibits liberal share recycling, no repricing permitted without stockholder approval, no stock option reload features, no transfers of awards for value and dividends and dividends equivalent shall accrue and be paid only if and to the extent the common stock underlying the award become vested or payable.
Share-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the statement of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it can be reduced for estimated forfeitures. The ASC topic Stock Compensation requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The share-based compensation charged against income for the periods ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $420,648, $756,596 and $415,615, respectively. The 2019 amount includes $675,000 of equity-based compensation issued from a subsidiary for director fees.
We did not grant stock options to employees or outside directors in 2020, 2019 or 2018. If options were granted, their values would be determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, which values options based on the stock price at the grant date, the expected life of the option, the estimated volatility of the stock, the expected dividend payments, and the risk-free interest rate over the life of the option.
The Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model was developed for estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Because option valuation models require the use of subjective assumptions, changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value of the options. Our options do not have the characteristics of traded options; therefore, the option valuation models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of our options.
Additional information with respect to both plans stock option activity is as follows:
Number of
Shares
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
247,817
$ 16.76
Granted
-
$ -
Exercised
-
$ -
Cancelled
(9,166 )
$ 36.52
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
238,651
$ 15.95
Granted
-
$ -
Exercised
-
$ -
Cancelled
-
$ -
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
238,651
$ 15.95
Granted
-
$ -
Exercised
-
$ -
Cancelled
-
$ -
Outstanding at December 31, 2020
238,651
$ 15.95
Options exercisable at December 31, 2018
238,651
$ 15.95
Options exercisable at December 31, 2019
238,651
$ 15.95
Options exercisable at December 31, 2020
238,651
$ 15.95
The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercisable for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $98,129, $15,564 and $15,564, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $98,129, $15,564 and $15,564, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of
options exercised during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are $0, $0 and $0, respectively, determined as of the date of the option exercise. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the positive difference between our closing stock price at the end of a respective period and the exercise price multiplied by the number of relative options. The total fair value of options vested during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $0, $0 and $231,952, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, there was no remaining amount of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation awards granted to employees related to granted stock options.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2020:
Stock Options Outstanding
Range of Exercise
Prices
Number of Shares
Outstanding
Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life in Years
Weighted Average Exercise
Price
$26.40 -$26.40
75,158
3.00
$26.40
$12.48 - $12.84
141,000
4.00
$12.48
$2.02 - $3.59
22,493
5.65
$2.74
238,651
3.84
$15.95
The estimated fair value of each restricted stock award is calculated using the share price at the date of the grant. A summary of the status of the restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2020 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2020 is presented as follows:
Number of
Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Unvested at December 31, 2019
41,667
$ 11.04
Granted
366,126
$ 4.00
Vested
(158,402 )
$ 4.00
Cancelled
-
$ -
Unvested at December 31, 2020
249,391
$ 5.18
The fair value of restricted stock units vested during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $653,653, $0 and $323,614, respectively. The fair value of unvested restricted stock units remaining at the periods ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is $1,770,676, $132,917 and $460,000, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the periods ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $4.00, $0 and $0, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual term of these restricted stock units at the periods ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are 2.0, 0.8 and 0.8 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, there was a total of $804,496 unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards.
The following table summarizes our common stock warrants outstanding at December 31, 2020:
Common Stock Warrants
Exercise Price
Termination Date
196,135
$5.76
07/08/2024
700,000
$7.16
11/02/2023
551,378
$3.99
**
131,816
$4.67
08/14/2023
1,901,985
$4.75
02/25/2024
3,481,314
** A five-year term commences upon the earliest occurrence of either Trigger Date A or Trigger Date B. Trigger Date A is the date on which the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim for any reason other than (i) a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or (ii) a full and final monetary settlement of the claim, see NOTE H - Note 9 - Litigation financing.
Cuota Appreciation Rights
On August 4, 2017, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) adopted the Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. Key Employee Cuota Appreciation Rights (the “Key Employee Plan”) and the Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. Nonemployee Director Cuota Appreciation Rights (the “Director Plan” and, together with the Key Employee Plan, the “Cuota Plans”). The Cuota Plans provide for the award of cuota appreciation rights (“CARs”) to eligible participants. A “cuota” is a unit of equity interest under Panamanian law, and the value of the CARs will be determined based upon the appreciation, if any, in the value of the cuotas of Oceanica Resources, S. de R.L., a Panamanian sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (“Oceanica”), after the award of such CARs. The Company indirectly holds a majority stake in Oceanica.
The Board authorized the award of up to 750,000 CARs under the Key Employee Plan and the award of up to 600,000 CARs under the Director Plan. The terms of any CARs awarded under the Cuota Plans will be set forth in an award agreement between the Company and each participant, and the award agreement will set forth a vesting schedule for the CARs. In general, unvested CARs will be forfeited upon a participant’s separation of service from the Company, and all vested and unvested CARs will be forfeited upon a participant’s separation of service from the Company for “cause” (as defined in the Cuota Plans).
Each participant in the Cuota Plans will be entitled to be paid the value of such participant’s CARs upon the occurrence of a “payment event.” As used in the Cuota Plans, payment events consist of a change in control of the Company or the date specified in the applicable award agreement and, in the case of the Key Employee Plan, a separation of service without cause and the participant’s continuous employment with the Company until the date specified in the applicable award agreement. The value of CARs liability will be based upon the difference between the basis in the cuotas of Oceanica on the date of the award of the CARs, which is $3.00, and the fair value of the cuotas on the date used for the payment event, in each case as determined by the Board in accordance with the provisions of the Cuota Plans. The fair value of the cuota as of August 31, 2019 was $1.00. There is no active market for Oceanica’s securities, and there was no activity that would have materially changed the valuation at December 31, 2020.
The following is an analysis of activity in the CARs balances as of December 31, 2020:
Number of CARs
Key Employee
Plan
Nonemployee
Director Plan
Unvested at December 31, 2019
135,701
-
Granted
-
-
Vested
(135,701 )
-
Cancelled
-
-
Unvested at December 31, 2020
-
-
At December 31, 2020, there was no liability or associated compensation cost associated with these CARs. At December 31, 2020, there were 635,450 vested CARs outstanding and there were no excercisable CARs outstanding related to the Key Employee Plan. The CARs in the Nonemployee Director Plan are utilized as compensation for services, therefore these CARs vest upon grant. At December 31, 2020, the Nonemployee Director Plan had 492,665 CARs vested and outstanding.
NOTE M - INCOME TAXES
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had consolidated income tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for federal tax purposes of approximately $196,960,000 and net operating loss carryforwards for foreign income tax purposes of approximately $61,781,635. The federal NOL carryforwards from 2005 through 2017 will expire in various years beginning 2025 and ending through the year 2036. From 2025 through 2027, approximately $47 million of the NOL will expire, and from 2028 through 2037, approximately $126 million of the NOL will expire. The NOL generated in 2018 through 2020 of approximately $24M will be carried forward indefinitely.
The components of the provision for income tax (benefits) are attributable to continuing operations as follows:
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Current
Federal
$ -
$ -
$ -
State
-
-
-
$ -
$ -
$ -
Deferred
Federal
$ -
$ -
$ -
State
-
-
-
$ -
$ -
$ -
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
$ 66,867,637
Capital loss carryforward
5,683
Accrued expenses
253,374
Start-up costs
5,837
Excess of book over tax depreciation
394,649
Stock option and restricted stock award expense
1,464,210
Debt Extinguishment
59,934
Less: valuation allowance
(68,859,984 )
$ 191,340
Deferred tax liability:
Property and equipment basis
$ 48,545
Prepaid expenses
142,795
$ 191,340
Net deferred tax asset
$ -
As reflected above, we have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0 at December 31, 2020. As required by the Accounting for Income Taxes topic in the ASC, we have evaluated whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on the available evidence, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that those assets would not be realized without the recovery and rights of ownership or salvage rights of high-value shipwrecks or other forms of taxable income, thus a valuation allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2020.
The change in the valuation allowance is as follows:
December 31, 2020
$ 68,859,984
December 31, 2019
56,819,522
Change in valuation allowance
$ 12,040,462
The federal and state income tax provision (benefit) is summarized as follows for the years ended:
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Expected (benefit)
$ (4,429,419 )
$ (3,254,942 )
$ (1,923,757 )
Effects of:
U.S. income tax expense at the AMT 20% rate
-
-
-
State income taxes net of federal benefits
(940,302 )
(156,858 )
(92,707 )
Nondeductible expense
150,238
262,776
29,670
Subpart F Income
345,006
-
-
Debt Extinguishment
91,266
-
-
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
Litigation funding
2,482,252
-
-
Change in valuation allowance
4,815,784
5,170,161
3,765,560
Foreign Rate Differential
(2,514,825 )
(2,021,137 )
(1,778,766 )
$ -
$ -
$ -
The Company’s effective income tax rate is lower than what would be expected if the federal statutory rate were applied to income before income taxes primarily because of certain expenses deductible for financial reporting purposes that are not deductible for tax purposes, research and development tax credits and operating loss carryforwards.
We have not recognized a material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and have not recorded any provisions for accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
The earliest tax year still subject to examination by a major taxing jurisdiction is 2017.
NOTE N - MAJOR CUSTOMERS
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, we had two customers that accounted for 71.0% of our total revenue. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, we had two customers that accounted for 91.0% of our total revenue.
NOTE O - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Rights to Future Revenues, If Any
We have sold the rights to share in future revenues, if any, with respect to the “Seattle” project and have recorded $62,500 as Deferred Income from Revenue Participation Rights (See NOTE K). We are contingently liable to share the future revenue of this project only if revenue is derived from this specific project.
In February 2011, we entered into a project syndication deal with Galt Resources LLC (“Galt”) for which they invested $7,512,500 representing rights to future revenues of any project of Galt’s choosing. This amount has been bifurcated equally between the SS Gairsoppa and HMS Victory projects. The SS Gairsoppa has been paid in full. See NOTE K for further detail.
Legal Proceedings
The Company may be subject to a variety of other claims and lawsuits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. We are currently not a party to any pending litigation.
Contingency
During March 2016, our Board of Directors approved the grant and issuance of 3.0 million new equity shares of Oceanica Resources, S.R.L. (“Oceanica”) to two attorneys for their future services. This equity would only be issuable upon the Mexican’s government approval and issuance of the Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) for our Mexican subsidiary. All possible grants of new equity shares were approved by the Administrators of Oceanica. We also owe consultants contingent success fees of up to $700,000 upon the approval and issuance of the EIA. The EIA has not been approved as of the date of this report.
Going Concern Consideration
We have experienced several years of net losses and may continue to do so. Our ability to generate net income or positive cash flows for the following twelve months is dependent upon financings, our success in developing and monetizing our interests in mineral exploration entities, generating income from exploration charters, collecting on amounts owed to us, and completing the MINOSA/Penelope equity financing transaction approved by our stockholders on June 9, 2015.
Our 2020 business plan required us to generate new cash inflows to effectively allow us to perform our planned projects. We continually plan to generate new cash inflows through the monetization of our receivables and equity stakes in seabed mineral companies, financings, syndications or other partnership opportunities. If cash inflow ever becomes insufficient
to meet our desired projected business plan requirements, we would be required to follow a contingency business plan which is based on curtailed expenses and fewer cash requirements. On August 21, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 2,553,314 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to 1,901,989 shares of our common stock. The net proceeds received from this sale, after offering expenses of $0.3 million, of which $0.2 million was withheld to cover fees, were $11.3 million (See NOTE L). These proceeds, coupled with the anticipated cash inflows, were expected to provide operating funds through early 2022.
On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Minera del Norte S.A. de c.v. (“MINOSA”) and Penelope Mining LLC (“Penelope”), an affiliate of MINOSA, pursuant to which (a) MINOSA agreed to extend short-term, debt financing to Odyssey of up to $14.75 million, and (b) Penelope agreed to invest up to $101 million over three years in convertible preferred stock of Odyssey. The equity financing is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of our stockholders which occurred on June 9, 2015, and MINOSA and Penelope are currently under no obligation to make the preferred share equity investments.
Our consolidated non-restricted cash balance at December 31, 2020 was $6.2 million. We have a working capital deficit at December 31, 2020 of $47.0 million. Our largest loan of $14.75 million from MINOSA had a due date of December 31, 2017 which is now linked to other stipulations, see NOTE H for further detail. The majority of our remaining assets have been pledged to MINOSA, and its affiliates, and to Monaco Financial LLC, leaving us with few opportunities to raise additional funds from our balance sheet. The total consolidated book value of our assets was approximately $11.8 million at December 31, 2020, which includes cash of $6.2 million, and the fair market value of these assets may differ from their net carrying book value. Even though we executed the above noted financing arrangement with Penelope, Penelope must purchase the shares for us to be able to complete the equity component of the transaction. The Penelope equity transaction is heavily dependent on the outcome of our subsidiary’s application approval process for an environmental permit (EIA) to commercially develop a mineralized phosphate deposit off the coast of Mexico. The factors noted above raise doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
Lease commitment
In August 2019, we entered into an operating lease for our corporate office space under a non-cancellable lease through August 2024 with monthly payments ranging from $11,789 to $13,269, not including sales tax. The lease provides for annual increases of base rent of 3% until the expiration date. Pursuant to ASC 842, an operating lease right of usage (ROU) asset and liability were recognized in the amount of $590,612 at inception of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the remaining lease term. The ROU asset represents the Company’s right to use the underlying office space asset for the lease term, and the lease liability represents the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Since the implicit rate of interest in the arrangement was not readily determinable, we utilized our incremental borrowing rate of 10% in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives.
At December 31, 2020 the ROU asset and lease obligation were, $447,702 and $458,325, respectively.
The remaining lease payment obligations are as follows:
Year ending December 31,
Annual payment
obligation
147,539
151,965
156,524
92,884
$ 548,912
During the third quarter of 2019, we entered into a five-year lease at the location of our corporate office space in Tampa, Florida to support our marine operations. The lease was effective October 1, 2019 and has monthly lease payments ranging from $4,040 to $4,547, not including sales tax, over the five-year term. We are accounting for this lease under ASC 842 which resulted in a right of use asset and lease obligation of $202,424. The discount used in determining the right of use asset was 10%.
At December 31, 2020 the ROU asset and lease obligation were, $159,337 and $162,721, respectively.
The remaining lease payment obligations are as follows:
Year ending December 31,
Annual payment
obligation
50,317
51,827
53,382
40,930
$ 196,456
We have recognized approximately $194,000 and $171,000 in rent expense associated with these leases for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
NOTE P - QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA - UNAUDITED
The following tables present certain unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information for each of the past eight quarters ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. This quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the Consolidated Financial Statements and includes all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information for the periods presented.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020
Quarter Ending
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Revenue - net
$ 1,005,511
$ 519,969
$ 211,538
$ 301,314
Gross profit
1,005,511
519,969
211,538
301,314
Net income (loss)
(2,897,976 )
(4,098,623 )
(5,448,046 )
(2,367,511 )
Basic and diluted net income per share
$ (0.30 )
$ (0.43 )
$ (0.51 )
$ (0.17 )
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019
Quarter Ending
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Revenue - net
$ 794,927
$ 774,436
$ 762,175
$ 741,449
Gross profit
794,927
774,436
762,175
741,449
Net income (loss)
(1,167,886 )
(2,774,282 )
(4,229,833 )
(2,267,960 )
Basic and diluted net income per share
$ (0.13 )
$ (0.30 )
$ (0.45 )
$ (0.24 )
NOTE Q - OTHER DEBT
We currently owe a vendor approximately $0.7 million as a trade payable. This trade payable bears a simple annual interest rate of 12%. As collateral, they were granted a primary lien on certain items of our marine equipment. The carrying value of this equipment is zero. This agreement matured in August of 2018. During the three-months ended June 30, 2018, we sold various marine equipment to Magellan for $1.0 million and the assumption of this vendor’s trade payable and accrued interest, however, we remain as guarantor on this trade payable. We recorded a gain of approximately $0.9 million from the cash proceeds alone. Included in this equipment is the equipment noted above the vendor has a primary lien on. The vendor has consented to Magellan’s assumption of this debt but did not release us from our obligations. If Magellan defaults and the vendor forecloses on this equipment currently in possession of Magellan, we then have a contingent liability to Magellan in the amount of $0.5 million for two of the key assets.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION and QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Fiscal Years of 2018, 2019 and 2020
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
Charged
(Credited)
to Expenses
Charged
(Credited)
to Other
Accounts
Deductions
Balance at
End of
Year
Inventory reserve
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Accounts receivable reserve
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunder duly authorized.
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
Dated: March 31, 2021
By:
/S/ Mark D. Gordon
Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated: