EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 798528
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 798528_10-K_2022_0001193125-22-091806.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 deployed 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.
Climate change and the global transition to a lower carbon economy presents opportunities for Odyssey given the increased demand for raw materials for the future green economy including those that will be required for renewable energy generation and storage. Furthermore, 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 ocean 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 seafloor 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: Seafloor 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. Seafloor 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, ocean 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 applying 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, Subpart 1300 of Regulations S-K
outlines the Securities and Exchange 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 on or after January 1, 2021, See Item 2 Properties.
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 standard dredging operation). 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.
We 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 kilometre 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 highly remote.
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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.
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.
Our claim seeks compensation of over $2 billion on the basis that SEMARNAT’s wrongful repeated denial of authorization has destroyed the value of our 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.
We filed First Memorial in the NAFTA case 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.
Odyssey filed its First Memorial in the case on September 4, 2020. Mexico filed its Counter-Memorial on February 23, 2021. On June 29, 2021, we filed our reply to Mexico’s Counter-Memorial. Odyssey’s filings are available at www.odysseymarine.com/nafta. Mexico filed their Rejoinder on October 19, 2021. All filings are available on the ICSID website. The NAFTA’s Tribunal hearing took place from January 24 - January 29, 2022. After this evidentiary phase is closed by the Tribunal, deliberations will begin. Odyssey cannot predict the length of these deliberations or when a ruling will be issued, but we remain confident in the merits of our case.
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 availability increased to $10.0 million. In December 2020, Odyssey announced it secured an additional $10 million from the funder to aid in our NAFTA case. On June 14, 2021, the funder agreed to fund up to an additional $5.0 million for litigation costs. The funder will not have any right of recourse against us unless the environmental permit is awarded or if proceeds are received (See NOTE H - LOANS PAYABLE - Litigation Financing).
LIHIR Gold Project:
The exploration license for the Lihir Gold Project covers a 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 to the location of one of the world’s largest know terrestrial gold deposits. We have an indirect 85.6% interest in 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.
In August 2021, Papua New Guinea (PNG) issued a permit extension allowing Odyssey to continue with our exploration program. We have developed an exploration program for the Lihir Gold Project to validate and quantify the precious and base metal content of the prospective resource. The Company 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 exploration operations in the license area. This offshore work began in late 2021 and will continue, provided there are no constraints from the COVID-19
pandemic or other unexpected impediments. 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.
Offshore survey and mapping operations commenced in December 2021 in the Papua New Guinea, Lihir license area. Raw data is being processed to produce a report and full analysis. The goals of this work include producing a high-resolution acoustic terrain model of the seafloor in the area, as well as acquiring acoustic images of subseafloor sediments and lithology. This will provide a basis for characterizing the geologic setting of the area and essentially creating a “snapshot” of the environment. These activities will help us to further characterize the value of this project and allow informed decision making on how to proceed with environmentally sensitive direct geologic sampling.
Odyssey’s multi-year exploration program will focus on robust environmental surveys and studies that will accrue to environmental permitting in compliance with PNG’s requirements as well as the development of an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment). During the exploration phase, steps to validate and quantify the precious and base metal content of the prospective resource will also be carried out. Once completed, if the data shows extraction can be carried out responsibly, Odyssey will apply for a Mining License.
Further development of this project is dependent on the characterization of any present resources during exploration and license approvals.
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.
In December 2021, the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority’s (SBMA) Licensing Panel evaluated three applications and announced that CIC LIMITED (CIC) met the qualification criteria for an exploration license. On February 23, 2022, CIC was awarded a five-year exploration license by the Cook Islands
Through a wholly owned subsidiary, we have earned and now hold approximately 13.4% of the current outstanding equity units of CIC. We have the ability to earn up to 20.0 million equity units over the next several calendar years, which represents an approximate 16.0% interest in CIC based on the currently outstanding equity units. This means we can earn approximately 3.5 million additional equity units in CIC. We achieved our current equity position through the provision of services related to resource assessment, project planning, research and project management. We receive cash and equity for services rendered to this venture, see NOTE G.
Antigua and Barbuda:
In September 2021, Odyssey entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to determine the feasibility of a sustainable seabed mineral resource program from highly prospective areas in their Exclusive Economic Zone. There is a high probability for polymetallic nodule formation based on legacy data, regional analysis and seafloor conditions which are similar to and adjacent to our target area. Development of an exploration program, which will be the basis for a definitive agreement between the parties, is in late-stage development. Additional information will be released upon execution of the definitive agreement, which is expected in the coming months.
Brazilian Phosphate Project:
Odyssey reached an exclusive agreement early in 2022 with BlueSea Minerals, Ltd. and BlueSea Minerals Brasil Ltda, (collectively BlueSea Group) to create a new joint venture (JV) company in which Odyssey will own a 75% interest. The new company will have exclusive rights to 19 highly prospective phosphate areas in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Brazil. Legacy data and desktop research indicate high-grade phosphate deposits in the concession areas.
Pending execution of the definitive agreement, Odyssey will manage the overall Brazilian Phosphate Project development and BlueSea Group will manage business operations in Brazil. A related party to BlueSea Group, SeaSeep, a Brazilian entity, will provide marine operations services, supervised by Odyssey.
The 19 licenses to be developed by the JV include 366 square kilometres of seabed in the Brazilian EEZ. The geological setting of these licenses is similar to the geology Odyssey identified off the coast of Mexico, which is now known as the ExO Phosphate deposit (“ExO”). The NI 43-101
for the ExO deposit estimated 588 million tonnes of high-grade resource, even though the NI 43-101
only considered 206.5 square kilometres of the 1147 square kilometres covered by the ExO mining concession. Even based on 2016 phosphate pricing, the ExO project had extremely compelling economics that demonstrated that ExO could have been one of the lowest cost producers in the world. Since then, phosphate prices have surged and the need for phosphate to combat world hunger continues to grow. It is anticipated that the Brazilian deposits can be dredged with the standard technology and engineering solutions already identified for the ExO Project, which will allow the phosphate to be recovered in an environmentally responsible manner without the addition of any chemicals into the sea.
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 DSMF (OTCM:NUSMF), Neptune Minerals, Deep Green Resources, Inc., which recently combined with the Sustainable Opportunities Acquisition Corporation to go public as The Metals Company (NASDAQ:TMC), GSR, 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, 2022, are listed below.
Mark D. Gordon (age 61) 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.
Christopher E. Jones (age 48) has served as Chief Financial Officer since June 15, 2021. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Jones served as Vice President of Corporate Finance at Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) since 2017; Managing Director at Buckingham Research Group from 2016 to 2017; Managing Director at Union Gaming from 2014 to 2016 and Managing Director at Telsey Advisory Group (TAG) from 2008 to 2014. He has also held positions at Oppenheimer & Company, Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers.
Jay A. Nudi, CPA (age 58) has served as Principal Accounting Officer since January 2006 and Treasurer since May 2010. Previously, Mr. Nudi served as the Chief Financial Officer from 2016 to 2021. Mr. Nudi joined the Company in May 2005 in the Corporate Controller capacity. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Nudi served as Controller for The Axis Group in Atlanta (2003 to 2004).
John D. Longley, Jr. (age 55) has served as Chief Operating Officer since October 1, 2014 and was appointed President on June 3, 2019. 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. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Longley served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Public Imagery from 2003 to 2005 and Director of Retail Marketing for Office Depot North American stores from 1998 to 2003.
Laura L. Barton (age 59) 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 to 2003).
Human Capital Management
As of December 31, 2021, we had 13 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.
Odyssey has historically experienced low voluntary employee turnover. We believe this is a testament to our culture of treating our employees well, providing them with the tools and flexibility to be productive, and maintaining an environment of mutual trust and respect. We offer competitive compensation and generous health benefits and flexible work schedules which in turn helps foster employee loyalty.
As the company continues to grow, we recognize our continued success will depend on our ability to recruit, develop and retain skilled employees, including those from younger generations, whose backgrounds and skills will be critical to drive innovation and meet future challenges. Enhancing gender and racial/ethnic diversity in management and our broader workforce is among Odyssey’s priorities for the coming years.
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, operating results, or financial 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 when a mineral deposit is discovered and the first extracted minerals are sold, world and local prices for the mineral may fluctuate drastically and thereby adversely affect 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 when a mineral deposit is discovered and 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 or certainty. 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 we work with local governments to define and obtain the necessary permits and to assert our 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 $10.0 million in 2021, $14.8 million in 2020 and $10.4 million in 2019. 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 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 adverse impact on our revenue and operating cash flows. We may take payment for these services in the form of cash, equity in the client’s company, or a financial interest in the tenement areas.
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.
Our failure to maintain compliance with the above-mentioned and other NASDAQ continued listing requirements may lead to the delisting of our common 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.
Mining exploration, development and operating have inherent risks.
Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk. The financing, exploration, development and mining of any of our properties is furthermore subject to a number of macroeconomic, legal and social factors, including commodity prices, laws and regulations, political conditions, currency fluctuations, the ability to hire and retain qualified people, the inability to obtain suitable and adequate machinery, equipment or labor and obtaining necessary services in the jurisdictions in which we may operate. Unfavorable changes to these and other factors have the potential to negatively affect our operations and business. Major expenses may be required to locate and establish mineral reserves and resources, to develop processes and to construct mining and processing facilities at a particular site. Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend, to one degree or another, on adequate infrastructure. Unusual or infrequent weather phenomena, sabotage, government or other interference could adversely affect our operations, financial condition and results of operations. It is impossible to ensure that the exploration or development programs planned by us will result in a profitable commercial mining operation. Whether precious or base metal or mineral deposit will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, some of which are: the particular attributes of the deposit, such as the quantity and quality of mineralization ; mineral prices, which are highly cyclical; and government regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land tenure, land use, importing and exporting minerals and environmental protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot be accurately predicted, but the combination of these factors may result in not receiving an adequate return on invested capital. There is no certainty that the expenditures to be made by us towards the exploration and evaluation of our projects will result in discoveries or production of commercial quantities of the minerals. In addition, once in production, mineral reserves are finite and there can be no assurance that we will be able to locate additional reserves as its existing reserves are depleted.
We are subject to significant governmental regulations, which affect our operations and costs of conducting our business.
Our exploration operations are subject to government legislation, policies and controls relating to prospecting, development, production, environmental protection, mining taxes and labor standards. In order for us to carry out our activities, various licenses and permits must be obtained and kept current. There is no guarantee that the Company’s licenses and permits will be granted, or that once granted will be maintained and extended. In addition, the terms and conditions of such licenses or permits could be changed and there can be no assurances that any application to renew any existing licenses will be approved. There can be no assurance that all permits that we require will be obtainable on reasonable terms, or at all. Delays or a failure to obtain such permits, or a failure to comply with the terms of any such permits that we have obtained, could have a material adverse impact on our operations. We may be required to contribute to the cost of providing the required infrastructure to facilitate the development of our properties and will also have to obtain and comply with permits and licenses that may contain
specific conditions concerning operating procedures, water use, waste disposal, spills, environmental studies and financial assurances. There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with any such conditions and non-compliance
with such conditions may result in the loss of certain of our permits and licenses on properties, which may have a material adverse effect on us. Future taxation of mining operators cannot be predicted with certainty so planning must be undertaken using present conditions and best estimates of any potential future changes. There is no certainty that such planning will be effective to mitigate adverse consequences of future taxation on us.
We may not be able to obtain all required permits and licenses to place any of our properties into production.
Our current and future operations, including development activities and commencement of production, if warranted, require permits from governmental authorities and such operations are and will be governed by laws and regulations governing prospecting, development, mining, production, exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic substances, environmental protection, mine safety and other matters. Companies engaged in mineral property exploration and the development or operation of mines and related facilities generally experience increased costs, and delays in production and other schedules as a result of the need to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permits. We cannot predict if all permits which we may require for continued exploration, development or construction of mining facilities and conduct of mining operations will be obtainable on reasonable terms, if at all. Costs related to applying for and obtaining permits and licenses may be prohibitive and could delay our planned exploration and development activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements may result in enforcement actions, including orders issued by regulatory or judicial authorities causing operations to cease or be curtailed, and may include corrective measures requiring capital expenditures, installation of additional equipment, or remedial actions. Parties engaged in mining operations may be required to compensate those suffering loss or damage by reason of the mining activities and may have civil or criminal fines or penalties imposed for violations of applicable laws or regulations. Amendments to current laws, regulations and permits governing operations and activities of mining companies, or more stringent implementation thereof, could have a material adverse impact on our operations and cause increases in capital expenditures or production costs or reduction in levels of production at producing properties or require abandonment or delays in development of new mining properties
Calculations of mineral resources and mineral reserves are estimates only and subject to uncertainty.
The estimating of mineral resources and mineral reserves is an imprecise process and the accuracy of such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, the assumptions used and judgments made in interpreting engineering and geological information and estimating future capital and operating costs. There is significant uncertainty in any reserve or resource estimate, and the economic results of mining a mineral deposit may differ materially from the estimates as additional data are developed or interpretations change.
Estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves may be materially affected by other factors.
In addition to uncertainties inherent in estimating mineral resources and mineral reserves, other factors may adversely affect estimated mineral resources and mineral reserves. Such factors may include but are not limited to metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, gold prices, and capital and operating costs. Any of these or other adverse factors may reduce or eliminate estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and corporate reputation.

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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
Corporate Office
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.
Don Diego Phosphorite Project
Summary
We have one material mining project, the Don Diego Phosphorite Project, which is located in the Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone (the “Mexican EEZ”) offshore Baja California Sur, Mexico in the Pacific Ocean. The exclusive mining concessions for the Don Diego Phosphorite Project are held by Exploraciones Oceánicas S. de R.L. de CV (“ExO”), a Mexican company in which we hold, through other subsidiaries, a 56.3% interest. The Don Diego Phosphorite Project is classified as an exploration stage property because it currently has no mineral reserves disclosed. The primary concession (Don Diego West Phosphorite Deposit) was granted in 2012, and rights for the two additional adjacent concessions (Don Diego Norte and Don Diego Sur) were acquired in 2014.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical disclosures about the Don Diego Phosphorite Project in this annual report on Form 10-K
have been reviewed and approved by Henry J. Lamb of Mineral Resource Associates. Mr. Lamb is a professional geologist with 40 years’ experience in the exploration, evaluation, development, maintenance, and operation of phosphate rock mines and beneficiation plants in multiple countries. Mr. Lamb is a “qualified person” as defined by Regulation S-K
Subpart 1300 and NI 43-101.
For a description of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate mineral resources included in this Form 10-K,
as well as data verification procedures and a general discussion of the extent to which the estimates may be affected by any known environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political or other relevant factors, please review the 43-101
Technical Report for the Don Diego Phosphorite Project attached as Exhibit 96.01 to this annual report on Form 10-K.
Technical Report
The information that follows relating to the Don Diego Phosphorite Project is, for the most part, derived from, and, in some instances, may be extracted from, the 43-101
technical report entitled “Technical Report: Revised Assessment of the Don Diego West Phosphorite Deposit, Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)” (the “Don Diego Technical Report”), with an effective date of June 30, 2014. Readers should consult the Don Diego Technical Report to obtain further information regarding the Don Diego Phosphorite Project, which is available at www.sec.gov and attached as Exhibit 96.01 to this annual report on Form 10-K.
The Don Diego Technical Report is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K.
Following the submission of the 2014 Technical Report, additional samples from the newly acquired Don Diego Norte concession were analyzed by Mr. Lamb and results were provided to us. No analysis has been done on the Don Diego Sur concession. The NI 43-101
Technical Report and additional updates pertaining to the Norte concession were completed using standard guidelines and protocols.
Location and Brief Description
The Don Diego Phosphorite Project concession area is a sedimentary marine phosphorite deposit located in the Mexican EEZ offshore Baja California Sur, Mexico in the Pacific Ocean. The property is located using a multi-point polygonal property demarcation bounded by latitudes 26.1°, 25.60°, and longitudes -112.12°,
-112.80°
WGS 1984. The property is roughly 20 to 45 kilometers from shore. Following is a map denoting the three concessions in Don Diego in relation to Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Infrastructure and Access
There is no material infrastructure located on the property where the concessions are located. Access to the site is by sea-going
vessels dispatched from various nearby ports of opportunity.
Project engineering anticipates use of existing dredging technology to recover the phosphorite ore, including a trailer suction hopper dredger, and on-site
mechanical beneficiation using a floating production and storage platform to produce phosphate rock concentrate.
Description of Concessions
Total concessions encompass 1,147 km2
of seafloor at a water depth of approximately 80 meters and consist of three concessions in total (see the previous map). The concessions were granted to ExO by the Mexican Secretary of Economy, General Coordination of Mining, and are valid for 50 years, with an option for a 50-year
extension. The primary concession was granted in 2012, and rights for the other two concessions (Norte and Sur) were acquired thereafter in 2014. To commence further operations on the Don Diego Phosphorite Project, ExO must obtain approval of its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (“ESAI”) from the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources. See ExO Phosphate Project in the above ITEM 1. BUSINESS for additional information.
The property is subject to rents, fees and other payments to the Government of Mexico or its designated government ministry or agency. The anticipated annual obligations for each of the years in the three-year period ending December 31, 2024 are set forth in the table below.
Primary Concession
Year
Area
(Hectares)
Annual Rent, MxN Pesos, owed semesterly
80,050.5
30,236,658
80,050.5
The above is based on 188.86 MxN per hectare per semester. 2023 will be a similar rate but increase by some inflationary factor e.g. increase the rate per hectare by about 5%
80,050.5
The above is based on 188.86 MxN per hectare per semester. 2024 will be a similar rate but increase by some inflationary factor e.g. increase the rate per hectare by about 5%
Norte Concession
Year
Area
(Hectares)
Annual Rent, Mx Pesos, owed semesterly
14,300
3,069,352
14,300
Will be based on 107.32 MxN per hectare per semester, with an increase in this rate from inflation
14,300
Will be based on 188.86 MxN per hectare per semester, with an increase in this rate from inflation
Sur Concession
Year
Area
(Hectares)
Annual Rent, Mx Pesos, owed semesterly
20,425
4,384,022
20,425
Will be based on 107.32 MxN per hectare per semester, with an increase in this rate from inflation
20,425
Will be based on 188.86 MxN per hectare per semester, with an increase in this rate from inflation
Work Completed
The Don Diego Phosphorite Project is in the exploration stage with sufficient data to confirm the geological continuity of the deposit and the estimation of measured, indicated and inferred resource tonnes of resource. ExO, through exploration operations conducted by Odyssey, explored the area, characterized the environmental baseline to enable drafting of the ESAI, and acquired approximately 200 vibracore samples for assay. These cores were split into over 800 individual strata core units each of approximately 1 meter length. The cores were assayed at Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute in Bartow, Florida under the guidance of Mr. Lamb.
Previous Operations
The mineral concession granted by the Government of Mexico to ExO is believed to be the first for the subject property. Nearby concessions have been granted to Innophos Holdings, Inc. (“Innophos”) and PhosMex Corporation (“PhosMex”) that are adjacent to and are a window within the Don Diego mineral concession. Innophos may have conducted an exploration program on its adjacent property of an estimated 13,474 hectares. However, the details and any findings have not been distributed in the public domain. There is no evidence of significant mineral exploration activities within the concession area held by PhosMex.
Assessment Results
The Don Diego Technical Report describes the exploration program for the Don Diego Mineral Concession as the most detailed phosphorite production-based exploration program to be executed in the Offshore Baja California Phosphorite District. The exploration concept was to explore the area using known technologies applied to the marine environment to locate a suitable phosphorite deposit capable of sustaining the production of 3.0 to 3.5 million tonnes per year of phosphate rock concentrates with suitable chemical characteristics for the production of phosphoric acid using one of the established wet processes for a period of not less than 20 years.
The keys conclusions of the Don Diego Technical Report, which covered a portion of the original primary concession area granted in 2012 are:
•
The Don Diego Mineral Concession contains an enriched, sedimentary marine phosphorite with the potential to yield a commercial phosphate rock concentrate using known procedures for mining (dredging) and mineral processing (washing, sizing, attrition, flotation and density separation).
•
The measured phosphorite resource for the Don Diego West Phosphorite Deposit is estimated at 106.9 million tonnes at 18.44% P2
O5
contained within an area of 27.83 km2
. The average overburden thickness is 1.04 meters overlying an average of 2.75 meters of phosphorite.
•
The indicated phosphorite resource for the Don Diego West Phosphorite Deposit is estimated at 220.3 million ore tonnes at 18.71% P2
O5
contained within an area of 55.49 km2
. The average overburden thickness is 1.16 meters overlying an average of 2.82 meters of phosphorite.
•
The inferred phosphorite resource for the Don Diego West Phosphorite Deposit is estimated at 166.4 million ore tonnes at 18.89% P2
O5
contained within an area of 40.74 km2
. The average overburden thickness is 1.34 meters overlying an average of 2.97 meters of phosphorite.
•
The geologic boundaries of the Don Diego West Phosphorite Deposit appear to be open to the northwest, to the southeast, at depth and to the west. Future drilling results coupled with appropriate sampling and laboratory testing have the potential to further define the geologic continuity of the deposit and increase the mineral resource estimate.
•
Preliminary assaying and metallurgical testing of the core samples at approximately one-meter
intervals indicates the potential to produce a phosphate rock concentrate at 28% to 30% P2
O5
with a favorable CaO/P2
O5
ratio of 1.5 to 1.55 and a Minor Element Ratio (MER) of 0.07 to 0.08. The chemical analysis suggests that the concentrate would be suitable for the production of phosphoric acid using the wet process methods.
•
Additional analysis was performed by the qualified person on the Norte concession. Conclusions were reported as below and are in addition to the Technical Report; the table reported in the Phosphorite Resources
subsection considers the overall reported resource statistics in the primary concession plus the Norte concession.
•
The measured phosphorite resource for the Don Diego Norte Concession is estimated at 8 million tonnes at 14.95% P2
O5
contained within an area of 2.25 km2
. The average overburden thickness is 0.89 meters overlying an average of 2.51 meters of phosphorite.
•
The indicated phosphorite resource for the Don Diego Norte Concession is estimated at 23.3 million ore tonnes at 15.04% P2
O5
contained within an area of 6.58 km2
. The average overburden thickness is 0.89 meters overlying an average of 2.49 meters of phosphorite.
•
The inferred phosphorite resource for the Don Diego Norte Concession is estimated at 63.4 million ore tonnes at 14.94% P2
O5
contained within an area of 17.89 km2
. The average overburden thickness is 0.87 meters overlying an average of 2.53 meters of phosphorite.
Material Assumptions, Parameters, and Methods
The Don Diego Technical Report (Section 17.3) sets forth the material assumptions, parameters, and methods used to estimate phosphorite resources as follows:
•
The category estimates are based on 199 drill holes representing 746.6 meters of drilling and 761 sample intervals. Based on laboratory physical and chemical tests results, the raw data was calculated for each sample interval (strata) and the quantity and quality of each component was reported. Detailed size distribution data was summarized into coarse waste (+20 mesh), flotation feed (-20+150
mesh) and fine waste (-150
mesh) and the estimated quantity and quality for each was reported.
•
Flotation tests have established certain parameters (concentrate %P2
O5
and insol, tailings % P2
O5
and insol, and recovery factors) from a broad geographic range of sample locations at various depths and ore grades. These parameters were used to establish formulae for estimating the concentrate tonnes, % P2
O5
and insol for each strata containing an acceptable ore quantity and quality. [Based on critical physical and chemical characteristics that are directly correlated with Capital Investment and Operating Cost, each strata was classified as waste, marginal and mineable. Waste strata having a high Ore to Concentrate tonnage Ratio, a high Flotation Feed to Concentrate tonnage Ratio, or a low Concentrate P2
O5
content and lying above a marginal or mineable strata is identified as overburden. The overburden could be removed and discarded in a non-mineralized
(sterile) area prior to mining and processing the underlying phosphorite strata. The marginal strata will have a lower economic value but when blended with the mineable strata in a well-defined mine plan could make a positive economic contribution. The mineral strata have favorable physical, chemical and economic characteristics.
•
The resource calculation procedure is based on the geologic data and laboratory testing of the core samples obtained from the drilling program, the reduction of the data into strata calculation reports and compilation of the marginal and mineable strata into mineable hole composites.
•
Using a conventional polygonal area of influence to weight each mineable hole, the measured, indicated and inferred phosphorite resources were calculated. The chemical characteristics are weight averaged with the tonnes as the weighting factor.
•
Measured resources are based on those holes within the transverse cross-sections where the distance between drill holes is approximately 500 meters and the geologic continuity along the primary axis is considered to be 500 meters. Thus, the area of influence is 0.25 km2
.
•
Indicated resources have an area of influence for each drill hole equal to 1.0 km2
(500 meters by 2,000 meters). The area of influence for the inferred resources is variable and typically extends midway between transect lines.
•
The resources have been estimated as if the final product is to be a feedstock for a wet process phosphoric acid plant to produce end product phosphoric acid for the fertilizer market. The resources are subject to modification based on the requirements of the end user process such as direct application or SSP (single superphosphate).
Description of Sampling Methods
Piston Core and One-Pass
Samples.
For each location two piston cores were collected, one was archived while the other was split, photographed and described. The one-pass
core barrel did not have liners; therefore, the material was hydraulically extruded into a core tray. For each one-pass
core, the core was photographed and described. For both types of samples, visual descriptions used a 10-power
hand lens and grain size card to determine grain size, sorting, roundness, presence of pelletal phosphorite, and shell fragment size. Colors were determined using Munsell soil color charts. Benthic infauna found within the samples were photographed, measured and identified. The archived core liner was capped and secured on both ends and labeled with appropriate identification. The archived piston core tubes, containing the undisturbed samples, were stored until returning to port (San Diego, California) where the samples were securely packaged, with a chain of custody identifying the contents of each package, and shipped by a commercial carrier to the Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR) laboratory in Bartow, Florida.
Rossfelder Core Samples.
Due to the recovery length, the Rossfelder core liners, containing the recovered samples, were cut into 1.0 to 1.2-m
sections and point sampled. Visual descriptions used a 10-power
hand lens and grain size card to determine grain size, sorting, roundness, presence of pelletal phosphorite, and shell fragment size. Colors were determined using Munsell soil color charts. Benthic infauna found within the samples were photographed, measured and identified. The 1-m
core liner sections were capped and secured on both ends, labeled with appropriate identifiers, and shipped by a commercial carrier to the FIPR laboratory. Only the samples from the Rossfelder Vibracore were used in the preparation of the Don Diego West Phosphorite Deposit resource estimate.
ROV Samples.
Visual descriptions used a 10-power
hand lens and grain size card to determine grain size, sorting, roundness, presence of pelletal phosphorite, and shell fragment size. Colors were determined using a Munsell soil color chart. Any benthic infauna found within the samples were photographed, measured and identified. No ROV samples were archived.
Phosphorite Resources
The table below sets forth, as of December 31, 2021, information regarding the measured, indicated, and inferred phosphorite resources associated with the Don Diego Phosphorite Project.. The 588 million tonnes is comprised of about 494 million ore tonnes from the main concession and about 94 million ore tonnes from the Norte concession. No assay has been conducted on samples from the Sur concession.
Phosphorite Resources
Ore
(in millions
of tonnes)
Average
P2
O5
%
Average
Overburden
Thickness
(meters)
Average
Phosphorite
(meters)
Area
(km2
)
Area of
Drill Hole
Influence (max
m2
)
Measured phosphorite
114.9
18.2 %
1.03
2.73
30.08
500 by 500
Indicated phosphorite
243.6
18.4 %
1.13
2.19
62.07
500 by 2,000
Total measured and indicated
358.4
18.3 %
1.10
2.77
92.15
Inferred phosphorite
229.9
17.8 %
1.20
2.84
58.63
>500 by 2,000
Total deposit
588.3
18.1 %
1.14
2.80
150.80
Internal Controls
Assay was overseen by a qualified person and performed in line with the procedures of the Association of Fertilizer and Phosphate Chemists (AFPC) at an experienced laboratory. Quality assurance and control measures included duplicate assays and the use of both blank and reference materials at select intervals. Uniform sample preparation, digestion, and spectral analysis procedures were followed. Measures are detailed is sections 13 and 14 and Appendix G in the attached 43-101
Technical Report for the Don Diego Phosphorite Project as Exhibit 96.01 to this annual report on Form 10-K.
Other exploration projects
In Part 1 - Item 1 Business
, we include projects: LIHIR Subsea Gold (Lihir), CIC Project and Antigua and Barbuda (Antigua) as active projects. These are exploration targets that are in the early stages of validation. As discussed in NOTE G, we are investors in the CIC Project. Even though we have an investment position in CIC LTD (CIC), CIC is not consolidated into our consolidated financial statements of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries. Indicated and referred mineral resources have not been identified for the LIHIR and Antigua projects. A qualified person has not been engaged for the LIHIR
and Antigua projects since they would be unable to issue any type of accurate technical report based on the limited data available. Therefore, we are of the position LIHIR, CIC and Antigua projects do not fall within the scope of the New Final Rule requiring mining disclosures as adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31, 2018.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company may be subject to a variety of claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. 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, 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
Quarter Ended
March 31, 2021
$ 8.69
$ 6.35
June 30, 2021
$ 7.40
$ 5.72
September 30, 2021
$ 7.94
$ 5.11
December 31, 2021
$ 7.00
$ 4.93
Approximate Number of Holders of Common Stock
The number of record holders of our common stock at January 18, 2022 was approximately 150. This does not include approximately 7,100 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, 2021.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
There were no repurchases of shares of the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2021.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]

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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 results of operations and financial condition. 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 2021, 2020 and 2019, all of which included a twelve-month period ended December 31.
2021 Compared to 2020
Increase/(Decrease)
2021 vs. 2020
(Dollars in millions)
$
%
Total revenue
$ 0.9
$ 2.0
$ (1.1 )
54.8 %
Operations and research
9.6
10.9
(1.4 )
12.6 %
Marketing, general and administrative
6.3
3.7
2.6
68.6 %
Total operating expenses
$ 15.9
$ 14.7
$ 1.2
8.2 %
Total other income (expense)
$ (1.2 )
$ (8.5 )
$ (7.3 )
86.1 %
Income tax benefit (provision)
$ 0.0
$ 0.0
$ 0.0
0.0 %
Non-controlling
interest
$ 6.2
$ 6.3
$ (0.1 )
1.7 %
Net income (loss)
$ (10.0 )
$ (14.8 )
$ (4.9 )
32.8 %
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 in the current year was $0.9 million, a $1.1 million decrease compared to the same period a year ago. One company to which we provided these services in both years was a deep-sea
mineral exploration company, CIC, which we consider to be a related party since it is owned and controlled by our past Chairman of the Board (see NOTE J). The primary reason for the $1.1 million reduction was that we were no longer engaged on another project since the latter half of 2020. This project accounts for $0.6 million of the reduction. In 2020 we had other marine search engagements for which we earned $0.5 million in revenue. These other marine engagements did not recur in this current year.
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. Costs increased $2.6 million to $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $3.7 million from the same period in the prior year. The items contributing to this $2.6 million increase were an increase of $0.2 million in employee benefits and compensation related, and an increase of non-cash
long term incentive share-based compensation of $0.8 million. Legal fees increased by $0.2 million which is primarily related to supporting the expansion of our seafloor minerals portfolio. The remaining $1.4 million was due to a reduction in the discretionary incentive reserve during the prior year resulting from management’s decision to not pay certain discretionary incentives.
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 decreased by $1.4 million from 2020 to 2021 primarily as a result of the following items: (i) a $0.3 million decrease in litigation financed costs directly associated with our NAFTA litigation and (ii) a $0.8 million decrease in marine services technical contracted labor in direct correlation with the reduction in revenue contracts that are nonrecurring in 2021 and (iii) the current year ended December 31, 2021 includes a gain on sale of equipment of $0.3 million.
Other Income or Expense
Other income and expense was $1.2 million in net expenses and $8.5 million in net expenses for 2021 and 2020, respectively, resulting in a net expense decrease of $7.3 million. This variance was attributable to a $1.2 million decrease from a $0.8 million prior year loss on debt extinguishment to a current year gain of $0.4 million on debt extinguishment. The prior year $0.8 million loss was due to fair value accounting on a refinancing of a loan with a creditor and the current year gain was due to the Small Business Administration forgiving our $0.4 million Payroll Protection Program loan. The other items were a
decrease of $0.7 million in derivative fair value expense of our hybrid debt instrument that only existed in 2020, a $3.9 million increase in interest expense mainly attributable to our NAFTA litigation funding, a $4.1 million increase in other income due to removing the balance of our deferred income items from our balance sheet (see NOTE K) and a gain of $5.2 million related to a debt settlement agreement with a creditor that occurred in October 2021, see NOTE H - LOANS PAYABLE (Note 13 - Monaco) for further detail.
Income Taxes and Non-Controlling
Interest
We did not incur any taxes in 2021, 2020 or 2019.
Starting in 2013, we became the controlling shareholder of Oceanica. Our financial statements thus include the financial results of Oceanica and its subsidiary, ExO. Except for intercompany transactions that are fully 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 in the year ended December 31, 2021 was $6.2 million as compared to $6.3 million for the same period in 2021. The substance of these amounts is primarily due to the compounding of interest on intercompany debt and other standard operating costs.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
(Dollars in thousands)
Summary of Cash Flows:
Net cash (used) by operating activities
$ (5,303 )
$ (9,287 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
-
Net cash provided by financing activities
1,092
15,237
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$ (3,888 )
$ 5,950
Beginning cash and cash equivalents
6,163
Ending cash and cash equivalents
$ 2,275
$ 6,163
Discussion of Cash Flows
Net cash used by operating activities for the calendar year of 2021 was $5.3 million. This represents an approximate $3.5 million decrease in use of funds when compared to the use of $9.3 million in the same period of 2020. The current year net cash used by operating activities reflected a net loss before non-controlling
interest of $16.1 million and is adjusted primarily by non-cash
or non-operating
items of $8.8 million, which primarily includes an investment in unconsolidated entity of $0.9 million, share-based compensation of $1.2 million, debt forgiveness of $0.4 million, a gain on sale of equipment of $0.3 million, an adjustment to deferred income of $3.8 million and a gain on the debt settlement agreement of $5.2 million. Other operating activities resulted in an increase in working capital of $19.7 million. This $19.7 million increase includes a $13.7 million increase to accrued expenses, an increase of $6.3 million to accounts payable and a decrease of $0.3 million to other assets and accounts receivable in 2021. The increase to accrued expenses and accounts payable is predominantly related to our NAFTA financed litigation as it pertains to standard litigation payables and accrued interest associated with the litigation financing.
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: a) $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, b) $0.5 million for our NAFTA litigation and will be funded from our litigation financing facility and c) $0.3 million of standard operating payables that will be settled in the normal course of business.
Cash flows provided by investing activities for the calendar year 2021 were $322,988, which is net of $19,137 of equipment purchases of a marine asset and computer and cash proceeds from the sale of equipment of $342,125.
There were no cash flows from investing activities in 2020.
Cash flows provided by financing activities for the calendar year 2021 were $1.0 million. The $1.0 million is comprised of $0.7 million received from the sale of equity in our subsidiary offset by outflows of $0.5 million for our lease obligation payments and other debt obligation payments. We were reimbursed $1.4 million from our funder related to our NAFTA litigation financed expenses. A $500,000 termination fee was paid in relation to our Termination Agreement (See NOTE H - Note 13).
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 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.
General Discussion 2021
At December 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 million, a decrease of $3.9 million from the December 31, 2020 balance of $6.2 million. During March 2021, Epsilon Acquisitions LLC converted its indebtedness comprised of $1.0 million of principal and $0.4 million of accrued interest into 411,562 shares of our common stock, and during July 2021, certain creditors converted $1.1 million of our convertible debt and accrued interest of $0.3 million into 283,850 shares of our common stock (See NOTE H). Our litigation funder paid, on our behalf, $5.6 million of amounts due to vendors who are supporting our NAFTA litigation as well as directly reimbursing the Company $1.4 million for expended costs related directly to our NAFTA litigation.
Financial debt of the company, excluding any derivative, discounts, hybrid-debt fair value accounting or beneficial conversion feature components of such, was $42.2 million at December 31, 2021 and $43.2 million at December 31, 2020. During October 2021 we entered into a Termination and Settlement Agreement with Monaco and SMOM which removed $14.5 million of debt principal and accrued interest from our balance sheet. See NOTE H - LOANS PAYABLE (Note 13 - Monaco) for further detail.
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. Mexico filed its counter-memorial, which is available on the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) website, on February 23, 2021. On June 29, 2021, we filed our reply to Mexico’s counter-memorial. Odyssey’s filings are available at www.odysseymarine.com/nafta. The NAFTA’s Tribunal hearing took place from January 24 - January 29, 2022. After this evidentiary phase is closed by the Tribunal, deliberations will begin. Odyssey cannot predict the length of these deliberations or when a ruling will be issued, but we remain confident in the merits of our case. See Litigation Financing below regarding the funding of this litigation, see ITEM 1. BUSINESS for further detail.
2020 Compared to 2019
Increase/(Decrease)
2020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)
$
%
Total revenue
$ 2.0
$ 3.1
$ (1.0 )
33.7 %
Operations and research
10.9
7.9
3.0
37.8 %
Marketing, general and administrative
3.6
5.5
(1.7 )
31.7 %
Total operating expenses
$ 14.7
$ 13.4
$ 1.3
9.3 %
Increase/(Decrease)
2020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)
$
%
Total other income (expense)
$ (8.5 )
$ (5.2 )
$ 3.3
64.1 %
Income tax benefit (provision)
$ 0.0
$ 0.0
$ 0.0
0.0 %
Non-controlling
interest
$ 6.3
$ 5.1
$ 1.2
24.1 %
Net income (loss)
$ (14.8 )
$ (10.4 )
$ 4.4
41.9 %
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 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 increased by $3.0 million from 2019 to 2020 primarily as a result of the following items: (a) a $4.3 million increase in financed professional fees, legal fees, and other expenses directly associated with our NAFTA litigation pursuit, (b) a $1.3 million decrease in marine services operating technical labor costs, (c) a $0.4 million increase in our concession permit fees for our Mexican subsidiary and (d) 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 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: a) $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, b) $0.5 million for our NAFTA litigation and will be funded from our litigation financing facility and c) $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 Ltd (“Magellan”) for the purchase of certain marine assets.
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 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 1,901,985 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. Mexico filed its counter-memorial, which is available on the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) website, on February 23, 2021. On June 29, 2021, we filed our reply to Mexico’s counter-memorial. Odyssey’s filings are available at www.odysseymarine.com/nafta. The NAFTA’s Tribunal hearing took place from January 24 - January 29, 2022. After this evidentiary phase is closed by the Tribunal, deliberations will begin. Odyssey cannot predict the length of these deliberations or when a ruling will be issued, but we remain confident in the merits of our case. See Litigation Financing below regarding the funding of this litigation, see ITEM 1. BUSINESS for further detail.
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 and financing
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 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.
Third Amendment and Restatement (June 14, 2021)
On June 14, 2021, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into a Third Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the “Third Restated Agreement”) relating to the Subject Claim. Under the terms of the Third Restated Agreement, the Funder has made and agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000, an increase of $5.0 million (the “Incremental Amount”). The Third Restated Agreement requires the Claimholder to request $2.5 million of the Incremental Amount (the “First $2.5 Million”). Within 15 days after exhaustion of the First $2.5 Million, the Claimholder may either (a) request the remaining $2.5 million (the “Second $2.5 Million”) of the Incremental Amount or (b) notify the Funder that the Claimholder has decided to self-fund the Second $2.5 Million. We also incurred $80,000 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.
The December 31, 2021 carrying value of the obligation is $18,323,097 and is net of unamortized debt fees of $293,793 as well as the net unamortized debt discount of $649,928 associated with the fair value of the warrants. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the expense related to debt discount and fee amortization was $241,034 and $133,993, respectively. The total face value of this obligation at December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $19,266,818 and $12,207,477, respectively.
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, or completing the MINOSA/Penelope equity financing transaction approved by our stockholders on June 9, 2015.
Our 2022 business plan requires 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 that 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 1,901,985 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 L). These proceeds, coupled with other anticipated cash inflows, provided 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, 2021 was $2.3 million. We have a working capital deficit at December 31, 2021 of $49.3 million. In the fourth quarter of 2021, we executed a Termination and Settlement Agreement with Monaco and SMOM that removed approximately $14.5 million of indebtedness from our balance sheet (see NOTE H). 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, leaving us with few opportunities to raise additional funds from our balance sheet. The total consolidated book value of our assets was
approximately $8.9 million at December 31, 2021, which includes cash of $2.3 million. 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), as well as the current NAFTA litigation, 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. Our 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, 2021.
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, 2021, we had approximately $0.5 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, 2021. 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 $74.1 million has been recorded as of December 31, 2021.
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, 2021, 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, 2021 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.

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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 13, 2022.
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 37.
(b)
Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules
See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 37.
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, 2021, and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year periods ended December 31, 2021, 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, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year periods ended December 31, 2021, 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 evaluation of the events and conditions and 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. Our opinion is not modified with respect to that matter.
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, 2021 and 2020. 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 and approved.
•
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 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, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 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 to the consolidated financial statements.
•
We recalculated the fair value of the warrants issued in 2020.
Termination and Settlement Agreement
As discussed in Note H to the consolidated financial statements, the Company entered into a Termination and Settlement Agreement (the “Agreement”) with a lender, whereby the Company issued common stock and paid cash to the lender, and the lender agreed to forgive all outstanding notes payable and related accrued interest for this consideration. The Company paid $500,000 in cash and agreed to pay an additional $2.5 million. The agreement gave the lender the option to receive additional shares of common stock in-lieu
of the $2.5 million cash payment. The Company recorded in the consolidated statements of income, under the caption “Gain (loss) on debt settlement, net”, a gain of approximately $5.2 million. We identified the accounting of the conversion option and the gain on debt settlement as described in Note H to the consolidated financial statements, as a critical audit matter. The interpretation of the accounting as it relates to the conversion option is complex.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following:
•
We obtained and reviewed the terms of the Agreement and agreed the terms to the calculation of the gain on the debt settlement.
•
We confirmed the principal amount of the debt forgiven, and recalculated the accrued interest forgiven.
•
We reviewed the accounting of the conversion option based on the terms in the agreement and determined the conversion option should be classified as equity as a beneficial conversion feature.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020
/s/ Warren Averett, LLC
PCAOB ID#: 2226
Tampa, Florida
March 31, 2022
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
December 31,
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 2,274,751
$ 6,163,205
Accounts receivable and other, net
268,867
160,257
Other current assets
776,630
587,394
Total current assets
3,320,248
6,910,856
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Equipment and office fixtures
5,602,915
7,295,717
Right to use - operating lease, net
461,109
607,039
Accumulated depreciation
(5,584,881 )
(7,287,999 )
Total property and equipment
479,143
614,757
NON-CURRENT
ASSETS
Investment in unconsolidated entity
3,253,950
2,370,794
Exploration license
1,821,251
1,821,251
Other non-current
assets
34,295
41,806
Total non-current
assets
5,109,496
4,233,851
Total assets
$ 8,908,887
$ 11,759,464
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
$ 1,817,445
$ 1,463,669
Accrued expenses
27,844,107
21,174,005
Operating lease obligation
163,171
142,080
Loans payable
22,784,010
31,104,239
Total current liabilities
52,608,733
53,883,993
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Loans payable
18,472,997
11,489,029
Operating lease obligation
315,795
478,966
Deferred income and revenue participation rights
-
3,818,750
Total long-term liabilities
18,788,792
15,786,745
Total liabilities
71,397,525
69,670,738
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; 14,309,315 and 12,591,084 issued and outstanding
1,431
1,259
Additional paid-in
capital
249,055,600
237,505,357
Accumulated (deficit)
(275,090,857 )
(265,134,463 )
Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit) before non-controlling
interest
(26,033,826 )
(27,627,847 )
Non-controlling
interest
(36,454,812 )
(30,283,427 )
Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit)
(62,488,638 )
(57,911,274 )
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity/(deficit)
$ 8,908,887
$ 11,759,464
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
883,790
1,087,669
1,984,316
Other services
$ 37,448
$ 950,663
$ 1,088,671
Total revenue
921,238
2,038,332
3,072,987
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operations and research
9,550,619
10,923,819
7,927,831
Marketing, general and administrative
6,321,798
3,749,912
5,491,849
Total operating expenses
15,872,417
14,673,731
13,419,680
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS
(14,951,179 )
(12,635,399 )
(10,346,693 )
OTHER INCOME OR (EXPENSE)
Interest income
4,036
5,121
Interest expense
(10,829,464 )
(6,915,535 )
(5,360,192 )
Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment
374,835
(777,484 )
(290,024 )
Gain on debt settlement, net
5,212,902
-
-
Change in derivative liabilities fair value
-
(732,958 )
(322,485 )
Other
4,061,090
(36,214 )
819,517
Total other income or (expense)
(1,176,601 )
(8,457,070 )
(5,153,033 )
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
(16,127,780 )
(21,092,469 )
(15,499,726 )
Income tax benefit (provision)
-
-
-
NET (LOSS) BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING
INTEREST
(16,127,780 )
(21,092,469 )
(15,499,726 )
Non-controlling
interest
6,171,385
6,280,313
5,059,765
NET (LOSS)
$ (9,956,395 )
$ (14,812,156 )
$ (10,439,961 )
LOSS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted
$ (0.75 )
$ (1.41 )
$ (1.12 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic and diluted
13,296,687
10,538,114
9,346,213
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
12,591,084
9,478,009
9,222,199
Common stock issued for cash
-
2,553,315
-
Common stock issued for conversion and settlement of convertible debt and accounts payable
695,412
380,223
-
Common stock issued to settle outstanding indebtedness
984,848
-
-
Common stock issued for asset acquisition
-
-
249,584
Common stock issued for exercise of warrant
-
56,228
-
Common stock issued for services
37,971
123,309
6,226
At end of year
14,309,315
12,591,084
9,478,009
Preferred Stock
At beginning of year
$ -
$ -
$ -
Preferred stock converted to common
-
-
-
At end of year
$ -
$ -
$ -
Common Stock
At beginning of year
$ 1,259
$
$
Common stock issued for cash
-
-
Common stock issued for conversion and settlement of convertible debt and accounts payable
-
Common stock issued to settle outstanding indebtedness
-
-
Common stock issued for asset acquisition
-
-
Common stock issued for exercise of warrant
-
-
Common stock issued for services
At end of year
$ 1,431
$ 1,259
$
Additional Paid-in
Capital
At beginning of year
$ 237,505,357
$ 221,027,057
$ 217,993,953
Common stock issued for conversion and settlement of convertible debt and accounts payable
2,774,209
2,449,284
-
Common stock issued to settle outstanding indebtedness
6,499,902
-
-
Beneficial conversion feature on convertible obligation
232,175
-
-
Share-based compensation
1,330,078
471,121
756,599
Fair value of warrants attached convertible debt
-
4,095,780
-
Asset acquisition
-
-
1,407,627
Debt modification
-
418,987
868,878
Common stock issued for cash, net
-
8,243,128
-
Subsidiary equity issued for cash
713,879
800,000
-
At end of year
$ 249,055,600
$ 237,505,357
$ 221,027,057
Accumulated Deficit
At beginning of year
$ (265,134,462 )
$ (250,322,306 )
$ (239,882,345 )
Net (loss)
(9,956,395 )
(14,812,156 )
(10,439,961 )
At end of year
$ (275,090,857 )
$ (265,134,462 )
$ (250,322,306 )
Non-controlling
Interest
At beginning of year
$ (30,283,427 )
$ (24,003,114 )
$ (19,309,066 )
Asset acquisition
-
-
365,717
Net (loss)
(6,171,385 )
(6,280,313 )
(5,059,765 )
At end of year
(36,454,812 )
(30,283,427 )
(24,003,114 )
Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit)
$ (62,488,638 )
$ (57,911,274 )
$ (53,297,416 )
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
$ (16,127,780 )
$ (21,092,469 )
$ (15,499,726 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used) in operating activities:
Note payable interest accretion
45,171
(150,322 )
845,892
Accrued non-cash
interest related to convertible debt
-
121,398
-
Share-based compensation
1,230,082
192,532
55,200
Depreciation and amortization
8,821
9,322
116,434
(Gain) loss on debt extinguishment
(374,835 )
777,484
290,024
(Gain) on sale of equipment
(342,125 )
-
-
Beneficial conversion feature on convertible debt, interest expense
232,175
-
-
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
145,930
132,764
53,233
Financing
fees amortization
133,993
52,213
-
Investment in unconsolidated entity
(883,156 )
(870,794 )
(747,333 )
(Gain) on debt settlement, net
(5,212,902 )
-
-
Deferred revenue
(3,818,750 )
-
(825,000 )
(Increase) decrease in:
Accounts receivable
(108,610 )
261,336
367,828
Other assets
(181,725 )
399,082
355,126
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable
6,292,180
4,563,544
3,690,481
Accrued expenses and other
13,658,052
5,583,783
3,960,783
NET CASH (USED) IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
(5,303,479 )
(9,287,169 )
(5,444,299 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of equipment
342,125
-
-
Purchase of property and equipment
(19,137 )
-
(15,492 )
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES
322,988
-
(15,492 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of loans payable
1,375,511
3,620,977
3,271,181
Debt termination fee
(500,000 )
-
-
Proceeds from sale of common stock
-
11,315,000
-
Offering costs paid on sale of common stock
-
(89,642 )
-
Proceeds from sale of equity of subsidiary
713,879
800,000
-
Payment of operating lease liability
(142,080 )
(123,152 )
(48,838 )
Repayment of loan and debt obligations
(355,273 )
(286,198 )
(346,130 )
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
1,092,037
15,236,985
2,876,213
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(3,888,454 )
5,949,816
(2,583,578 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
6,163,205
213,389
2,796,967
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
$ 2,274,751
$ 6,163,205
$ 213,389
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Interest paid
$ -
$ 1,275,269
$ 1,544,663
Income taxes paid
$ -
$ -
$ -
Director fees paid with equity
$ 100,000
$ 278,602
$ -
Accounts payable settled with equity
$ -
$ 50,000
$ -
Gain on debt forgiveness
$
370,400
$
-
$
-
NON-CASH
INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:
During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, we entered into 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.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we received $5,603,831 in non-cash
financing associated with our litigation financing as described in Note H
: Note 9 - Litigation financing. The funder paid this amount directly to vendors used in our NAFTA litigation support.
On March 30, 2021, Epsilon Acquisitions LLC converted $1,000,000 of its convertible note payable and
$448,697 of accrued interest at a conversion price of
$
3.52
per share into
411,562 shares of our common stock.
On July 12, 2021, certain creditors converted $1,050,000 of their convertible note payable and $275,582 of accrued interest at a conversion price of
$4.67 per share
into 283,850 shares of our common stock.
On October 14, 2021, we entered into a Termination and Settlement Agreement with a lender, whereby we issued $6,500,000 of our common stock, paid $500,000 in cash and agreed to pay $2,500,000, which is included in loans payable short-term. In return, the lender forgave $8,574,366 in principal debt, $5,905,993 in accrued interest and $232,543 in accounts payable, see NOTE H (Note 13) for further detail.
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 adopted
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. We have adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2022.
Accounting standards adopted
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. We adopted this New Final Rule on January 1, 2021.
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 used
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.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2020 consolidated financial statements in order to conform to the classifications used in 2021. The reclassifications had no impact to operations or working capital.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable
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 service contracts with customers. Currently, there are two sources of revenue, marine services and other services. The contracts for these 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 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 (see NOTE F). 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 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 2021, 2020 or 2019.
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 marine equipment) that enhance or extend the useful life of these assets qualify to be capitalized and depreciated over the useful life or remaining life of that asset, whichever was shorter. 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, 2021, 2020 and 2019 the weighted average common shares outstanding were 13,296,687, 10,538,114 and 9,346,213, respectively. For the periods ending December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 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
$ 6.50
$ 5.06
$ 4.93
In the money potential common shares from options excluded
22,493
22,493
22,493
In the money potential common shares from warrants excluded
2,781,314
2,585,179
120,000
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
Total excluded
916,158
1,112,293
1,112,293
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
476,341
249,391
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
$ (9,956,395 )
$ (14,812,156 )
$ (10,439,961 )
Numerator, basic and diluted net loss available to stockholders
$ (9,656,395 )
$ (14,812,156 )
$ (10,439,961 )
Denominator:
Shares used in computation - basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding
13,296,687
10,538,114
9,346,213
Shares used in computation - diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding
13,296,687
10,538,114
9,346,213
Net loss per share - basic and diluted
$ (0.75 )
$ (1.41 )
$ (1.12 )
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.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not have any financial instruments measured on a recurring basis.
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,
Related party
268,867
160,220
Other
-
Accounts receivable, net
$ 268,867
$ 160,257
During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, we began providing services for a deep-sea mineral exploration company, CIC Limited (“CIC”), 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, 2021 and 2020, respectively, the company owed us
$268,867 and $134,452, respectively.
NOTE D - OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Our other current assets consist of the following:
December 31, 2021
December 31,
Prepaid expenses
$ 732,562
$ 582,319
Deposits
44,068
5,075
Total other current assets
$ 776,630
$ 587,394
All prepaid expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying agreements. Prepaid expenses are predominantly insurance related. Deposits may be 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, 2021
December 31, 2020
Computers and peripherals
535,807
612,286
Furniture and office equipment
1,009,238
1,267,281
Marine equipment
4,057,870
5,416,150
Right to use asset, net
461,109
607,039
6,064,024
7,902,756
Less: Accumulated depreciation
(5,584,881 )
(7,287,999 )
Property and equipment, net
$ 479,143
$ 614,757
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 i
ts 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, 2021 and 2020.
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 we
re 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. The 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, 2021
, 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, 2021, 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
Limited
In 2018, we began providing services to CIC (see NOTE C). This company is pursuing deep water exploration permits in foreign waters. Due to the initial structure of the company, we determined this venture to be a variable interest entity (VIE) consistent with ASU 2015-2. We have determined 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, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the accumulated investment in the entity was $3,253,950 and $2,370,794, respectively, which is classified as an investment in unconsolidated entity in our consolidated balance sheets. We reviewed the following items to assist in determining CIC’s composition.
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. This type of legal entity is referred to as a VIE.
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 our 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
Note 2 - Monaco 2016
-
1,175,000
Note 3 - MINOSA 1
14,750,001
14,750,001
Note 4 - Epsilon
-
1,000,000
Note 5 - SMOM
-
3,500,000
Note 6 - MINOSA 2
5,050,000
5,050,000
Note 7 - Monaco 2018
-
1,099,367
Note 8 - Promissory note
-
1,245,862
Note 9 - Litigation financing
18,323,097
10,968,729
Note 10 - Payroll Protection Program
-
370,400
Note 11 - EIDL
149,900
149,900
Note 12 - Vendor note payable
484,009
484,009
Note 13 - Monaco
2,500,000
-
$ 41,257,007
$ 42,593,268
Note 1 - Monaco 2014
On August 14, 2014, we entered into a Loan Agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC (“Monaco”) 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 contained an option whereby Monaco could 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. In October 2018, the parties executed a Forbearance Agreement that extended the period of this Share Purchase Option to a period of one year after this indebtedness is repaid in full. This indebtedness has matured, but Monaco has not demanded payment because we were 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, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $434,934 and $574,680, respectively, was recorded. The outstanding interest-bearing balance of these Notes was zero at December 31, 2021 and $2.8 million at December 31, 2020, respectively.
On October 4, 2021 we entered into a Termination and Settlement agreement with Monaco that cancelled the entire indebtedness of approximately $5.2
million of principal and accrued interest related to this arrangement. This agreement also terminated all conversion options. See Note 13 below.
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 were due on April 15, 2018. This indebtedness has matured, but Monaco has not demanded payment because we were 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 was zero at December 31, 2021 and $1,175,000 at December 31, 2020. The indebtedness was 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 was 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 was exercisable at any time before the earlier of (a) the date that is 30 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. In October 2018, both parties executed a Forbearance Agreement that extended the Option’s 30-day
period following a loan payoff to seven (7) months. 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. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $203,096 and $268,350, 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 2014 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 2014 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.
On October 4, 2021 we entered into a Termination and Settlement agreement with Monaco that cancelled the entire indebtedness of approximately $2.4 million of principal and accrued interest related to this arrangement. This agreement also terminated all conversion options
. See Note 13 below.
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, 2021 and 2020, 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, 2021 and
2020, interest expense in the amount of $1,179,998 and $1,183,230, 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
$ 1,750,001
$ 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. On March 30, 2021, Epsilon converted the aggregate indebtedness related to Tranche 3 totaling $1,448,697 into 411,562 shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $3.52 per share.
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 exercised 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 the Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) pricing model. The aggregate fair value of the Warrant totaled $303,712. Because 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, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $34,520 and $90,136, 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 were
classified as short-term. T
he principal indebtedness at December 31, 2021 was zero and at December 31, 2020 was $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 2021, this Loan Agreement was amended by increasing the interest rate to 18%, effective January 1, 2021. On April 20, 2018, the loan was amended, and the principal amount of the Loan was increased to $3.5 million. The loan balance was zero at December 31, 2021 and $3.5
million at December 31, 2020. The holder had 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 elected to acquire the entire 50% of the equity interest, the Holder had 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 was also able to extend the expiration date annually by paying $500,000 for each year extended. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $478,111 and $350,958, 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.
On October 4, 2021 we entered into a Termination and Settlement agreement with Monaco that cancelled the entire indebtedness of approximately $5.2 million of principal and accrued interest related to this arrangement. This agreement also terminated all conversion options. See Note 13 below.
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, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal balance, including the Epsilon assignment, was $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 $4.35 per share. During December 2017, MINOSA transferred this indebtedness to its parent company. On July 15, 2021, $404,633 of this indebtedness with accumulated interest of $159,082 was transferred to a director of the Company under the same terms as the original agreement, and that indebtedness continues to be convertible at a conversion price of $4.35
per share. This transaction was reviewed and approved by the independent members of the Company’s board of directors.
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, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $504,998 and $506,381, 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 included in 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 $1,099,366 at December 31, 2020. The indebtedness bears interest at 10.0% percent per year. During January 2021, this loan agreement was amended by increasing the interest rate to 18%, effective January 1, 2021. All principal and any unpaid interest are 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, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $209,229 and $138,333, respectively, was recorded.
On October 4, 2021 we entered into a Termination and Settlement agreement with Monaco that cancelled the entire indebtedness of approximately $1.6 million of principal and accrued interest related to this arrangement. This agreement also terminated all conversion options. As a result, the principal amount is zero at December 31, 2021. See Note 13 below.
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. See “Term Extension (July 8, 2019)” below.
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
65,625 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 zero at December 31 2021 and $1.05 million at December 31, 2020. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $54,734 and $97,652, 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:
•
the maturity date of the Notes was extended by one year, to July 12, 2020 (the parties are currently in discussions to further extend the maturity date of the Notes);
•
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;
•
the Notes are unsecured;
•
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 was amortized over the remaining life of the debt. The related amortization for the years ended December 31, 2021 and
was $195,863 and $323,171, respectively. The unamortized premium at December 31, 2021 was zero and at December 31, 2020 it was $195,863. Upon maturity of this indebtedness on July 12, 2021, the Lenders converted the Note and interest totaling $1,325,582 into 283,850 shares of our common stock. The conversion price was $4.67 per share of common stock.
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:
•
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 retained 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. This Second Restated Agreement includes the same representations and warranties, covenants, conditions, termination and indemnification provisions, and other provisions as in the original agreement.
Third Amendment and Restatement (June 14, 2021)
On June 14, 2021, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into a Third Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the “Third Restated Agreement”) relating to the Subject Claim. Under the terms of the Third Restated Agreement, the Funder agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000, an increase of $5.0 million (the “Incremental Amount”). The Third Restated Agreement requires the Claimholder to request $2.5 million of the Incremental Amount (the “First $2.5 Million”). Within 15 days after exhaustion of the First $2.5 Million, the Claimholder may either (a) request the remaining $2.5 million (the “Second $2.5 Million”) of the Incremental Amount or (b) notify the Funder that the Claimholder has decided to self-fund the Second $2.5 Million. We also incurred $80,000 in related fees which were treated as an additional advance. This Third
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, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $7,354,940 and $3,668,242, respectively, was recorded. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded $241,034 and $172,849, respectively, of interest expense from the amortization of the debt discount and $133,993 and $52,214 interest from the fee amortization, respectively. The December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 carrying value of the debt is $18,323,097 and $10,968,729, respectively, and is net of unamortized debt fees of $293,793 and $347,786, respectively, as well as the net unamortized debt discount of $649,928 and $890,962, respectively, associated with the fair value of the warrant. The total face value of this obligation at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $19,266,818 and 12,207,477, respectively.
Note 10 - 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, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $1,788 and $936, respectively, was recorded. At December 31, 2021, the outstanding principal was zero and at December 31, 2020, was $370,400. We applied for 100% forgiveness with Fifth Third Bank during March 2021. In July 2021, we received communication from Fifth Third Bank and the SBA confirming 100% of this Loan was forgiven and paid in full effective July 1, 2021. The forgiven amount was included in Other income in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Note 11 - 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 12 months from the date of the EIDL Loan. In early 2021, the SBA extended this 12 month period to 24 months setting the first payment due date in May 2022. 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. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $10,102 and $0, respectively, was recorded. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the outstanding principal balance was $149,900.
Note 12 - Vendor note payable
We currently owe a vendor $484,009 as an interest-bearing trade payable. This trade payable bears simple annual interest at a rate of 12%. The balance due was $484,009 at December 31, 2021 and 2020. As collateral, we granted the vendor a primary lien on certain of our equipment. The carrying value of this equipment is zero. This agreement matured in August 2018. During the period 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. Included in this equipment is the equipment noted above the vendor has a primary lien on. The vendor 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 Magellan’s possession, we would then have a contingent liability to Magellan in the amount of $0.5 million for two of the key assets. The Company subsequently received back one of the two key assets thus reducing the contingent liability to $0.3 million. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $58,083 and $58,240, respectively, was recorded.
Note 13 - Monaco
On October 4, 2021, we and Monaco Financial, LLC and certain associated entities (collectively with Monaco, the “Monaco Parties”) entered into a Termination and Settlement Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”). We were parties to various loan arrangements and other commercial contractual relationships, and the purposes of the Termination Agreement were to terminate the loan agreements and contractual relationships and to settle the outstanding obligations thereunder between us and the Monaco Parties. As for loan arrangements that relate to this transaction, see above notes: Note 1 Monaco - 2014, Note 2 Monaco - 2016, Note 5 SMOM and Note 7 Monaco - 2018.
Pursuant to the Termination Agreement, the loan agreements and contractual relationships were terminated, and we agreed to (a) issue 984,848 shares of our common stock (the “Settlement Shares”) to Monaco and (b) pay Monaco an aggregate amount of $3.0 million (the “Settlement Cash”) no later than December 1, 2021. The Settlement Shares were issued at a price equal to $6.60 per share, totaling $6.5 million, which was negotiated by the parties with reference to the recent market prices of our common stock and the other terms of the Termination Agreement. We delivered $500,000 of the Settlement Cash to Monaco upon execution and delivery of the Termination Agreement. At Monaco’s option, Monaco has the right, but not the obligation, to receive the remaining $2.5 million in shares of our common stock rather than in cash. This amount was to be settled December 1, 2021 but remained
outstanding at December 31, 2021. This indebtedness does not carry an interest rate. If Monaco exercises the right, Odyssey will issue to Monaco the number of shares determined by dividing $2.5 million by the greater of $4.95 or 90% of the then-applicable five-day volume-weighted
average price per share of common stock. Under the terms of the Termination Agreement, (a) the Monaco Parties agreed that approximately $14.5 million of indebtedness, which includes accrued interest, owed by us to the Monaco Parties was satisfied in full and (b) certain of the Monaco Parties assigned to us all of their right, title, and interest in a portion of the proceeds from a specified shipwreck project. If received by us, these proceeds will be applied to the $2.5 million obligation. As a result of the termination of the loan agreements and contractual relationships, (x) our right to receive a percentage of the proceeds derived by the Monaco Parties from certain shipwreck projects was terminated, and (y) Monaco’s option to convert certain indebtedness held by it into shares of Oceanica Resources, S. de R.L. held indirectly by us was terminated. The Termination Agreement also sets forth mutual releases and other customary representations, warranties, and covenants of the parties. The Company determined that the embedded conversion feature was clearly and closely related to the host contract and met the scope exception under FASB ASC 815-40. Thus,
it did not require derivative liability classification under ASC 815. The Company then evaluated the conversion feature under FASB ASC 470-20,
“Debt with conversion and other options” for consideration of any beneficial conversion features (“BCF”). Based on the market price of the common stock on the date of the agreement as compared to the conversion price, they determined there was a BCF of 232,175 which was recorded in additional paid-in
capital. A BCF results in a debt discount which should be amortized over the stated maturity of the convertible instrument, or the earliest potential conversion date. Since the contract was convertible upon issuance, the discount was immediately accreted and charged to interest expense.
As a result of the Termination Agreement, we recognized a gain on debt settlement of approximately $5.2 million, which represented the difference between the loan principal, accrued interest and accounts payable forgiven of approximately $14.7 million and total consideration given of approximately $9.5 million.
The shares of common stock issuable under the Termination Agreement were offered and sold pursuant to a base prospectus and a prospectus supplement, both filed pursuant to Odyssey’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3
(File No. 0333-227666).
Accrued interest
Total accrued interest associated with our financings was $21,875,753 and $18,002,386 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
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 and Note 11
- Emergency Injury Disaster Loan for further detail regarding the repayment and maturity on the December 31, 2021 debt balances totaling $18,472,997.
NOTE I - ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
Compensation and incentives
$ 1,655,761
$ 1,136,754
Professional services
1,475,522
243,995
Deposit
450,000
450,000
Interest
21,875,753
18,002,386
Accrued insurance obligations
621,770
355,814
Other operating
1,765,301
985,056
Total accrued expenses
$ 27,844,107
$ 21,174,005
Professional fees are mainly attributable to legal fees and other professional services in support of operations and the NAFTA litigation. Compensation and incentives at December 31, 2021 includes $0.9 million accrued incentive awards for the company employees at December 31, 2020 and prior and $0.7 million additional for 2021. Payment of the incentives is subject to Board approval. Other operating at December 31, 2021 contains general expense items resulting from general operations. The primary expense in Other operating is
$1.8 million for 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, 2021 and 2020 primarily consisted of directors and officers insurance obligations.
NOTE J - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We currently provide services to a deep-sea
mineral exploration company, CIC, which was organized and is majority owned and controlled by Greg Stemm, Odyssey’s past Chairman of the Board. 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 Mr. Stemm’s consulting agreement in effect
at that time. 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 deep-sea
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 2021, we invoiced CIC a total of $921,238, which was for 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, 2021 and 2020 and NOTE G for our investment in an unconsolidated entity.
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.
On July 15, 2021, MINOSA assigned $404,633 of its indebtedness with accumulated accrued interest of
$159,082 to a director of the Company under the same terms as the original agreement, and that indebtedness continues to be convertible at a conversion price of $4.35. This transaction was reviewed and approved by the independent members of the Company’s board of directors
, see NOTE H - LOANS PAYABLE (Note 6 - MINOSA 2) for detail.
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
Galt Resources, LLC (HMS Victory
)
-
3,756,250
Total revenue participation rights
$ -
$ 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 participation rights balance was to be amortized under the units of revenue method once management was able to reasonably estimate potential revenue for this project. The RPCs for the “Seattle
”
project do not have a termination date; therefore, these liabilities were to be carried on the books until revenue is recognized from the project or we permanently abandon the project, which was confirmed by management in June 2021. Therefore, the amount was written off and is included in Other income (expense) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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 was entitled to 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 was no expiration date on the Galt deal for the HMS Victory
project. If the archaeological excavation of the shipwreck is performed and insufficient proceeds obtained, then the deferred income balance would be recognized as other income. If the archaeological excavation of the shipwreck was performed and sufficient proceeds obtained, then the deferred income balance would be recognized as revenue. This project syndication agreement was mutually terminated in June 2021. Therefore, the carrying amount was written off to Other income (expense) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
NOTE L - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)
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 1,901,985 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 - Promissory note 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 H, Note 9 - Litigation financing, during 2019, 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 1,901,985 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 the August 21, 2020 sale of our common stock, which is February 21, 2021.
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, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $1,330,078, $471,121 and $756,599, 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 2021, 2020 or 2019. 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, 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
Granted
-
$ -
Exercised
-
$ -
Cancelled
-
$ -
Outstanding at December 31, 2021
238,651
$ 15.95
Options exercisable at December 31, 2019
238,651
$ 15.95
Options exercisable at December 31, 2020
238,651
$ 15.95
Options exercisable at December 31, 2021
238,651
$ 15.95
The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercisable for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $55,392, $98,129 and $15,564, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $55,392, $98,129 and $15,564, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 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, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $0, $0 and $0, respectively.
As of December 31, 2021, 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, 2021:
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
2.00
$ 26.40
$12.48 - $12.84
141,000
3.00
$ 12.48
$2.02 - $3.59
22,493
4.65
$ 2.74
238,651
2.84
$ 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, 2021 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2021 is presented as follows:
Number of
Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Unvested at December 31, 2020
249,391
$ 5.18
Granted
254,559
$ 7.05
Vested
(227,241 )
$ 5.62
Cancelled
-
$ -
Unvested at December 31, 2021
276,709
$ 6.54
The fair value of restricted stock units vested during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $1,213,525, $653,653 and $0, respectively. The fair value of unvested restricted stock units remaining at the periods ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 is $1,438,887, $1,770,676 and $132,917, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the periods ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $7.05, $4.0 and $0, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual term of these restricted stock units at the periods ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are 1.1, 2.0 and 0.8 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, there was a total of $1,349,419 unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards.
The following table summarizes our common stock warrants outstanding at December 31, 2021:
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, 2021.
At December 31, 2021, there was no liability or associated compensation cost associated with these CARs. At December 31, 2021, there were 385,580 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, 2021, the Nonemployee Director Plan had 292,663 CARs vested and outstanding.
NOTE M - INCOME TAXES
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had consolidated income tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for federal tax purposes of approximately $208,889,722 and net operating loss carryforwards for foreign income tax purposes of approximately $74,888,328. The federal NOL carryforwards from 2005 and
forward will expire in various years beginning 2025 and ending through the year 2035. From 2025 through 2027, approximately $47 million of the NOL will expire, and from 2028 through 2037, approximately $128 million of the NOL will expire. The NOL generated in 2018 through 2021 of approximately $34M will be carried forward indefinitely.
The components of the provision for income tax (benefits) are attributable to continuing operations as follows:
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
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:
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
$ 72,201,754
$
66,867,637
Capital loss carryforward
5,514
5,683
Accrued expenses
363,149
253,374
Start-up
costs
5,664
5,837
Excess of book over tax depreciation
259,667
394,649
Stock option and restricted stock award expense
1,429,488
1,464,210
Debt Extinguishment
58,161
59,934
Less: valuation allowance
(74,138,667 )
(68,859,984
)
$ 184,730
$
191,340
Deferred tax liability:
Property and equipment basis
$ 10,434
$
48,545
Prepaid expenses
174,296
142,795
$ 184,730
$
191,340
Net deferred tax asset
$ -
$
-
As reflected above, we have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0 at December 31, 2021. 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, 2021.
The change in the valuation allowance is as follows:
December 31, 2021
$ 74,138,667
December 31, 2020
68,859,984
Change in valuation allowance
$ 5,278,683
The federal and state income tax provision (benefit) is summarized as follows for the years ended:
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Expected (benefit)
$ (3,386,834 )
$ (4,429,419 )
$ (3,254,942 )
Effects of:
State income taxes net of federal benefits
(570,116 )
(940,302 )
(156,858 )
Nondeductible expense
(56,839 )
150,238
262,776
Subpart F Income
735,229
345,006
-
Debt Extinguishment
-
91,266
-
Funder
Loan Proceeds
-
2,482,252
-
Change in valuation allowance
6,229,371
4,815,784
5,170,161
Foreign Rate Differential
(2,950,811 )
(2,514,825 )
(2,021,137 )
$ -
$ -
$ -
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, operating loss carryforwards, and adjustments to previously-recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
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, 2021, we had one
customer, CIC, which is a related party (See NOTE J), that accounted for
100.0% of our total revenue. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, we had two
customers, one of which was CIC, that accounted for
71.0% of our total revenue.
NOTE O - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Rights to Future Revenues, If Any
We previously sold the rights to share in future revenues, if any, with respect to the “Seattle
” project and previously recorded $62,500 as Deferred Income from Revenue Participation Rights (See NOTE K). We were contingently liable to share the future revenue of this project only if revenue is derived from this specific project but, during 2021 management permanently abandoned this 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 was previously bifurcated equally between the SS Gairsoppa
and HMS Victory
projects. The SS Gairsoppa
has been paid in full. This project syndication agreement was mutually terminated in June 2021. See NOTE K for further detail.
Legal Proceedings
The Company may be subject to a variety of claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. 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.
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, or completing the MINOSA/Penelope equity financing transaction approved by our stockholders on June 9, 2015.
Our 2021 business plan requires 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 that 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 1,901,985 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 L). These proceeds, coupled with other anticipated cash inflows, provided 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, 2021 was $2.3 million. We have a working capital deficit at December 31, 2021 of $49.3 million. In the fourth quarter of 2021, we executed a Termination and Settlement Agreement with Monaco and SMOM that removed approximately $14.5 million of indebtedness from our balance sheet (see NOTE H). 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, leaving us with few opportunities to raise additional funds from our balance sheet. The total consolidated book value of our assets was approximately $8.9 million at December 31, 2021, which includes cash of $2.3 million. 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), as well as the current NAFTA litigation, 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, 2021, the ROU asset and lease obligation were, $338,577 and $351,881, respectively.
The remaining lease payment obligations are as follows:
Year ending December 31,
Annual payment
obligation
151,965
156,524
92,884
$ 401,373
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, 2021, the ROU asset and lease obligation were, $122,532 and $127,085, respectively.
The remaining lease payment obligations are as follows:
Year ending December 31,
Annual payment
obligation
51,827
53,382
40,930
$ 146,139
We have recognized approximately $216,000 and $194,000 in rent expense associated with these leases for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, 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, 2021 and 2021. 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, 2021
Quarter Ending
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
Revenue - net
$ 291,676
$ 182,334
$ 197,051
$ 250,177
Gross profit
291,676
182,334
197,051
250,177
Net income (loss)
(3,720,218 )
(2,227,499 )
(4,085,297 )
76,619
Basic and diluted net income per share
$ (0.29 )
$ (0.17 )
$ (0.31 )
$ 0.02
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 )
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION and QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Fiscal Years of 2019, 2020 and 2021
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, 2022
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: