Koil Energy Solutions, Inc. - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C., 20549

FORM 10-K

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from __________ to ___________

Commission File No. 0-30351

DEEP DOWN, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (281) 517-5000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.001 par value

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yeso No þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o  Accelerated filer o  Non-accelerated filer þ

Smaller reporting company þ Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  o

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes o No þ

As of June 30, 2020, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, was $4,460,891.40.

At March 30, 2021, the registrant had 12,388,865 outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward-Looking Information

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Deep Down, Inc.”, “Deep Down”, “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to Deep Down, Inc., a Nevada corporation, and its directly and indirectly wholly owned subsidiaries.

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Report”), we may make certain forward-looking statements (“Statements”), including statements regarding our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions, and resources that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We do not undertake to update, revise, or correct any of the Statements. The Statements should also be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

The Statements contained in this Report that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Statements contained herein are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These Statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “intend”, “plan”, “could”, “is likely”, or “anticipates”, or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. We caution the readers that these Statements are only predictions. No assurances can be given that the future results indicated, whether expressed or implied, will be achieved. While sometimes presented with numerical specificity, these projections and other Statements are based upon a variety of assumptions relating to the business of the Company, which, although considered reasonable by us, may not be realized. Because of the number and range of assumptions underlying our projections and Statements, many of which are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are beyond our reasonable control, some of the assumptions inevitably will not materialize, and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur subsequent to the date of this Report. These Statements are based on current expectations and we assume no obligation to update this information. Therefore, our actual experience and the results achieved during the period covered by any projections or Statements may differ substantially from those projected. Consequently, the inclusion of projections and other Statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that these estimates and projections will be realized, and actual results may vary materially. There can be no assurance that any of these expectations will be realized or that any of the Statements contained herein will prove to be accurate.

The risks and uncertainties mentioned previously relate to, among other matters, the following:

PART I

General

Deep Down, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”, “Deep Down”, “we”, “our” and “us”), is a leading oilfield products and services company providing solutions for the world’s energy and offshore industries. Primary operations are conducted under Deep Down, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Deep Down Delaware”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

Deep Down’s website address is www.deepdowninc.com. The Company makes available, free of charge on its website, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Paper or electronic copies of these documents may be obtained upon request by contacting the Company. The SEC maintains an internet website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company, at www.sec.gov.

Business Overview

The Company provides complex deepwater and ultra-deepwater support services and subsea distribution products used between the production facility and the wellhead. Deep Down supports subsea engineering, installation, commissioning, and maintenance projects through specialized, highly experienced service teams and engineered technological solutions. The Company also offers equipment storage, system integration testing, equipment rental, umbilical manufacturing, and more. The Company’s broad line of solutions are engineered and manufactured primarily for major integrated, large independent, and foreign national oil and gas companies in offshore areas throughout the world. These products are often developed in direct response to customer requests for solutions to critical needs in the field.

Deep Down’s goal is to provide superior services and products to its customers in a safe, cost-effective, and timely manner. The Company believes there is significant demand for, and brand name recognition of, its established services and products due to the technical capabilities, reliability, cost-effectiveness, timeliness of delivery and execution, and operational efficiency features of these solutions.

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had only one operating and reporting segment, Deep Down Delaware.

Services

Deep Down supports all aspects of subsea field development with its engineering and project management services, including the design, installation, and retrieval of subsea equipment and systems, connection and termination operations, well-commissioning services, and construction support. The Company works closely with all customers to provide the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective solutions to a variety of complex issues. The Company also serves a range of customers, including oil and gas operators, installation contractors, and subsea equipment manufacturers.

Project Management and Engineering. Deep Down’s project managers and engineers have extensive experience and knowledge with a proven track record to support customers both on and offshore. Particularly, the Company specializes in the design and engineering of steel tube flying leads, umbilicals, flexible and rigid risers, flowlines, and jumpers. Deep Down’s comprehensive subsea engineering services oversee all project requirements from conception to final commissioning, including offshore participation during installation to ensure proper execution and safe completion of projects.

Spooling Services. Deep Down’s engineering teams provide the planning, supervision, specialized equipment, and coordination with offshore installation personnel for a customer’s pull-in and spooling needs. The Company has the ability to manage every stage of the process from terminations, spooling operation, installation, testing, monitoring, and pull-in for umbilicals and flying leads.

Testing and Commissioning Services. The Company is capable of performing all aspects of testing related to connecting the umbilical termination assemblies, performing installations, and completing the commissioning of the system thereafter. This includes initial factory acceptance testing, extended factory acceptance testing, and system integration testing, and offshore installation and commissioning services. The Company also offers a variety of pumping systems to meet industry needs and offer maximum flexibility to ensure a safe and efficient commissioning program.

Storage Management. Deep Down’s facility in Houston, Texas covers more than 255,000 square feet on 23 acres, offering high quality warehousing capacity, external storage, and a strategic location in Houston's Ship Channel area. Among other capabilities, the Company provides long-term specialized contract warehousing, long and short-term storage, material handling equipment, integrated inventory management, packing, and labeling.

The Company also leases a 6,500 square foot shore-based facility located in Mobile, Alabama. The Mobile site is used to store customer products and allows for full system integration testing of equipment prior to deployment offshore.

Equipment Refurbishment and Intervention Services. The Company provides refurbishment and repurposing of recovered subsea equipment and associated support services for offshore interventions. As an emergency or intervention arises, the stored asset is engineered, reconfigured, and tested per customer specifications. Additionally, Deep Down has developed a suite of proprietary equipment and tools available to address the critical offshore needs of its customers and minimize production disruptions due to unplanned events. A Deep Down service technician is then deployed with the equipment to support the offshore campaign.

Products

Deep Down designs, manufactures, fabricates, inspects, assembles, tests, and installs subsea distribution equipment used by major integrated, large independent, and foreign national oil and gas companies in offshore areas throughout the world. The Company’s products are used during exploration, development, and production operations on offshore drilling rigs, installation and intervention vessels, and as part of the permanently installed subsea production infrastructure.

Flying Leads. Deep Down designs, manufactures, and installs flying leads, particularly steel tube flying leads. The Company’s flagship product, the Loose Steel Tube Flying Lead (“LSFL®”), was developed to eliminate the residual memory left in traditional flying leads due to the bundling process. The loose lay of the tubes is more compliant allowing the bundle to lay flat on the sea floor and follow the prescribed lay path precisely. Deep Down employs the patented Moray® termination system on each end of the LSFL®. The Moray® termination is a lightweight, high-strength, configurable, and field serviceable framework used to connect any commercially available Multi-Quick Connect (“MQC”) plate to the LSFL® bundle.  The Moray® termination assembly offers several cost and time saving benefits over traditional competitive solutions that allow the Company to lower the total installed cost of customer projects.

Umbilical Hardware. Deep Down designs and fabricates lightweight and compact umbilical hardware that covers the entire scope of a project’s needs from the topside platform to the subsea connection. The Company’s Umbilical Termination Assembly (“UTA”) and new compliant UTA allows the installation team to terminate the umbilical with a higher degree of quality, place the critical components of the base unit on the reel or on the carousel, and handle it with additional ease and safety. The UTA can then be combined with the mud mat assembly easily and offers both first-end stab and hinge-over features as well as yoke second end landing. Deep Downs’s termination services offer the ability to refurbish existing topside umbilical terminations from multiple manufacturers and provide a completely new connection, thus extending the life of the umbilical and the subsea field. Bend Stiffener Latchers™ (“BSL®”) are designed to secure a dynamic umbilical to an existing or standard flange offering significant cost savings and without the need for modification to the rig interface or the use of divers. The quick-release and locking mechanism allows a single remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”) to engage or disengage the locking mechanism resulting in significant savings to the customer.

Riser Isolation Valves and Subsea Isolation Valve Services. Deep Down's Riser Isolation Valve (“RIV”) and Subsea Isolation Valve (“SSIV”) control systems are unique solutions that provide platform personnel hydraulic control and electrical indication for subsea production valves. These systems provide numerous advantages to the customer including emergency shutdown capabilities, valve positioning monitoring systems, and auxiliary positions for spare and/or future field development.

In addition to fabrication of these systems, Deep Down provides subsea installation engineering, consulting, and service personnel to support customers, installation contractors, valve vendors, and more. The Deep Down team provides commissioning and technical assistance to customers and platform personnel and seeks to ensure that the systems are working properly.

Installation Aids. The Company has developed an extensive array of installation aids, including flying lead installation systems, tensioners, lay chutes, buoyancy modules, clump weights, mud mats, pumping and testing skids, control booths, fluid drum carriers, under-rollers, 200 ton, 400 ton, 3,400 ton, and 3,500 ton carousels, running and parking deployment frames, termination shelters, pipe straighteners, Subsea Deployment Basket System (SDB®), Horizontal Drive Units (“HDU”), and Rapid Deployment Cartridges (“RDC”).

Non-Helical Umbilical®. Deep Down's patented Non-Helical Umbilical (“NHU®”) can be manufactured according to project specifications using super duplex tubes in standard sizes and in any configuration of hydraulic, electrical, or optical elements.  It is intended for long-term infield (static) or short-term dynamic service applications. Multiple tubes may be fed into the patented Deep Down NHU® manufacturing mechanism, bundled, then extruded with a high-density polyethylene outer jacket.

The proprietary NHU® manufacturing concept is fully containerized, portable, and easily transported for setup virtually anywhere in the world. The ability to manufacture in close proximity to subsea fields offers the benefits of reduced lead times, the use of smaller installation vessels, increased local content where applicable, and more favorable economics.

Manufacturing

Our primary operations are located at a 255,000 sq. ft. facility on 23 acres in Houston, Texas, where we have been since 2013. In addition to increasing our production capacity, this facility provided the space to build our steel tube flying lead (“STFL”) overhead tracking system. This system enables us to easily move STFLs from station to station during production for welding, X-ray, and factory acceptance testing. We have also significantly expanded our clean, stainless steel welding and tube bending environment, which is separated from all carbon steel fabrication.

We have a 12’x60’ wet testing tank, adding the capability to test products and rigging with buoyancy scenarios in the water. Featuring filtered water and underwater lighting, this testing tank enables us to launch and test small ROVs and ROV operations.

Our manufacturing plant is ISO 9001 certified. We continue to improve our standards and product quality through the use of quality assurance specialists working with our product manufacturing personnel throughout the manufacturing process. We have the capacity to complete large turn-key projects and still have reserve space for unforeseen emergency projects requiring immediate service and the attention to which our customers are accustomed.

Customers

Demand for our deepwater and ultra-deepwater services, surface equipment and offshore rig equipment is dependent on the condition of the oil and gas industry and its ability and need to make capital expenditures, as well as continual maintenance and improvements on its offshore exploration, drilling, and production operations. The level of these expenditures is generally dependent upon various factors such as expected prices of oil and gas, exploration and production costs of oil and gas, and the level of offshore drilling and production activity. The prevailing view of future oil and gas prices are influenced by numerous factors affecting the supply and demand for oil and gas. These factors include worldwide economic activity, interest rates, cost of capital, environmental regulation, tax policies, and production levels and prices set and maintained by producing nations and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Capital expenditures are also dependent on the cost of exploring for and producing oil and gas, the sale and expiration dates of domestic and international offshore leases, the discovery rate of new oil and gas reserves in offshore areas and technological advances. Oil and gas prices and the level of offshore drilling and production activity have historically been characterized by significant volatility.

Our principal customers are major integrated oil and gas companies, large independent oil and gas companies, foreign national oil and gas companies, subsea equipment manufacturers and subsea equipment installation contractors involved in offshore exploration, development, and production. Offshore drilling contractors, engineering and construction companies, and other companies involved in maritime operations represent a smaller customer base.

We are not dependent on any one customer or group of customers. The amount and variety of our products and services required in a given period by a customer depends upon its capital expenditure budget as well as the results of competitive bids. Consequently, a customer may account for a material portion of revenues in one period and may represent an immaterial portion of revenues in a subsequent period. While we are not dependent on any one customer or group of customers, the loss of one or more of our significant customers could, at least on a short-term basis, have an adverse effect on the results of our operations.

Marketing and Sales

We market our services and products worldwide through our Houston-based sales force. We periodically advertise in trade and technical publications targeting our customer base. We also participate in industry conferences and trade shows to enhance industry awareness of our products and services. Our customers generally order products and services after consultation with us on their project. Orders are typically completed within two weeks to three months depending on the type of product or service. Larger and more complex products may require four to six months to complete, though we have accepted several longer-term projects, requiring significantly more time to complete. Our customers select our products and services based on the quality, reliability and reputation of the product or service, price, timely delivery, and advanced technology. For large production system orders, we engage our project management team to coordinate customer needs with our engineering, manufacturing, and service departments, as well as with subcontractors and vendors. Our profitability on our projects is dependent on performing accurate and cost-effective bids as well as performing efficiently in accordance with bid specifications. Various factors can adversely affect our performance on individual projects that could potentially adversely affect the profitability of a project.

Product Development and Engineering

The technological demands of the oil and gas industry continue to increase as offshore exploration and drilling operations expand into deeper and more hostile environments. Conditions encountered in these environments could soon include well pressures of up to 20,000 psi, mixed flows of oil and gas under high pressure that may also be highly corrosive, and water depths exceeding 10,000 feet. We are continually engaged in product development activities to generate new products and to improve existing products and services to meet our customers’ specific needs. We also focus our activities on reducing the overall cost to the customer, which includes not only the initial capital cost but also operating costs associated with our products.

We have an established track record of introducing new products and product enhancements. Our product development work is conducted at our facility in Houston, Texas, and in the field. Our application engineering staff also provides engineering services to customers in connection with the design and sales of our products. Our ability to develop new products and maintain technological advantages is important to our future success.

We believe that the success of our business depends more on the technical competence, creativity, and marketing abilities of our employees than on any individual patent, trademark, or copyright. Nevertheless, as part of our ongoing product development and manufacturing activities, our policy is to seek patents when appropriate on inventions concerning new products and product improvements. All patent rights for products developed by employees are assigned to us.

Competition

The principal competitive factors in the petroleum drilling, development and production, and maritime equipment markets are quality, reliability, and reputation of the product, price, technology, and timely delivery. We face significant competition from other manufacturers of exploration, production, and maritime equipment. Several of our primary competitors are diversified multinational companies with substantially larger operating staffs and greater capital resources and have a longer history in the manufacturing of these types of equipment.

Employees

At March 30, 2021, we had a total of 45 full-time employees. We also work with a pool of independent contractors who enable us to scale our operations at short notice, as business needs demand. Our employees are not covered by collective bargaining agreements, and we generally consider our employee relations to be good. Our operations depend in part on our ability to attract a skilled labor force. While we believe that our wage rates are competitive and that our relationship with our skilled labor force is good, a significant increase in the wages paid by competing employers could result in a reduction of our skilled labor force and increases in the wage rates that we pay or both.

Governmental Regulations

A significant portion of our business activities are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations and similar agencies of foreign governments. The technical requirements of these laws and regulations are becoming increasingly expensive, complex, and stringent.  These regulations are administered by various federal, state, and local health and safety and environmental agencies and authorities, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. From time to time, we are also subject to a wide range of reporting requirements, certifications and compliance as prescribed by various federal and state governmental agencies. Expenditures relating to such regulations are made in the normal course of our business and are neither material nor place us at any competitive disadvantage. We do not currently expect that compliance with such laws will require us to make material additional expenditures.

We are also affected by tax policies and other laws and regulations generally relating to the oil and gas industry, including those specifically directed to offshore operations. Adoption of laws and regulations that curtail exploration and development drilling for oil and gas could adversely affect our operations by limiting demand for our services or products.

Increased concerns about the environment have resulted in offshore drilling in certain areas being opposed by environmental groups, and certain areas have been restricted. To the extent that new or additional environmental protection laws that prohibit or restrict offshore drilling are enacted and result in increased costs to the oil and gas industry in general, our business could be materially affected. In addition, these laws may provide for “strict liability” for damages to natural resources or threats to public health and safety, rendering a party liable for the environmental damage without regard to negligence or fault on the part of such party. Sanctions for noncompliance may include revocation of permits, corrective action orders, administrative or civil penalties and criminal prosecution. Certain environmental laws provide for joint and several liabilities for remediation of spills and releases of hazardous substances. In addition, companies may be subject to claims alleging personal injury or property damage as a result of alleged exposure to hazardous substances, as well as damage to natural resources. Such laws and regulations may also expose us to liability for the conduct of or conditions caused by others, or for our acts that complied with all applicable laws at the time such acts were performed. Compliance with environmental laws and regulations may require us to obtain permits or other authorizations for certain activities and to comply with various standards or procedural requirements.

We cannot determine to what extent our future operations and earnings may be affected by new legislation, new regulations, or changes in existing regulations. We believe that our facilities are in substantial compliance with current regulatory standards. Based on our experience to date, we do not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on our business or consolidated financial position as a result of future compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into the environment. However, future events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations or their interpretation, more vigorous enforcement policies of regulatory agencies, or stricter or different interpretations of existing laws and regulations, may require additional expenditures which may be material.

Intellectual Property

While we are the holder of various patents, trademarks and licenses relating to our business, we do not consider any individual intellectual property to be material to our business operations.

Not Applicable

None

Our operating facility is located at 18511 Beaumont Highway, Houston, Texas 77049 (“Highway 90”). Our Highway 90 facility consists of approximately 23 acres of land and includes 255,000 sq. ft. of indoor manufacturing and storage space. We have a 10-year lease on our Highway 90 facility, which commenced in June 2013 at a base rate of $90,000 per month, adjustable based on the CPI, for the remainder of the lease term. Additionally, we lease, on a month-to-month basis, 6,500 square feet of storage space in Mobile, AL to house our 3,400-ton carousel system for $5,000 per month.

We believe that our current space is suitable, adequate and of sufficient capacity to support our current operations.

From time to time, the Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company expenses or accrues legal costs as incurred and is involved in only one material legal proceeding as of the date of this Report.

In November 2011, the Company delivered equipment to Aker Solutions, Inc. (“Aker”), but Aker declined to pay the final invoice in the aggregate amount of $270,000 alleging that some warranty items needed to be repaired. The Company made repairs, but Aker continued to claim further work was required. The Company repeatedly attempted to collect on the receivable and ultimately filed suit on November 16, 2012, in the Harris County District Court. Aker subsequently filed a counter claim on March 20, 2013 in the aggregate amount of $1,000,000 for reimbursement of insurance payments allegedly made for repairs. The parties have not reached a resolution on this matter. At this point, it is not clear as to whether an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote, and the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the amount or range of potential loss if the outcome should be unfavorable.

None 

PART II

Market for Common Stock

Our common stock is quoted on the QB Tier of the OTC Markets Group (the “OTCQB”) under the symbol “DPDW.” Quotations for our common stock on the OTCQB represent quotations between dealers without adjustment for retail markup, mark down or commissions, and may not represent actual transactions.

Stockholders of Record

As of March 30, 2021, there were approximately 1,100 stockholders of record of our common stock. All common stock held in street names are recorded in the Company’s stock register as being held by one stockholder.

Dividend Policy

To date, we have not paid any cash dividends and our present policy is to retain earnings for working capital for the growth of our operations.

Not Applicable

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve significant risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements.

General

Deep Down is an oilfield product and services company specializing in complex deepwater and ultra-deepwater support services and subsea distribution products used between the production facility and the wellhead. Our core services and technological solutions include distribution system installation support and engineering services, umbilical terminations, loose-tube steel flying leads, and related services.  Additionally, our highly experienced, specialized service teams can support subsea engineering, installation, commissioning, and maintenance projects located anywhere in the world. 

Industry and Executive Outlook

The oilfield services industry is dependent on the capital and operating expenditure programs of oil and gas companies. The decision for oil and gas operators to cut back or accelerate their exploration, drilling, and production operations is substantially driven by the overall condition of the oil and gas industry. This industry has historically been characterized by fluctuations in oil and gas prices driven by a variety of market forces.

Beginning in March of 2020, the energy industry encountered a significant economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to have an impact globally. The Company acknowledges that the low oil price environment caused by the pandemic triggered exploration and production companies to either significantly reduce, delay, or cancel their operating and capital spending programs, especially when coupled with restricted travel to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19.

Deep Down’s revenues are tied to offshore projects sanctioned by their customers, and these recent events could potentially cause delays for the Company’s existing projects as well as reduce the number of prospective projects awarded to the Company. A decline in offshore drilling and production activity could result in lower contract volumes or delays in significant contracts, which could negatively impact our earnings and cash flows. During 2020, the Company’s operating performance was impacted by lower contract volume, customer project delays, travel restrictions, customer payment delays, and collectability issues. Our earnings and cash flows could also be negatively affected by delays in payments by significant customers or delays in completion of our contracts for any reason.

Oil and gas operators, equipment providers, and services companies had to quickly adapt to overcome the challenges presented by these unprecedented times. Deep Down was no exception. Our primary focus throughout 2020 was to control what we could control, which was our costs and our cash flows. During 2020, we implemented workforce reductions, temporary wage reductions, and rent abatements, and we limited capital expenditures and R&D efforts to only critical items. A key focus area was to streamline our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, which experienced a 30% decline year over year. Our efforts to improve our cost structure helped us generate a profit in the fourth quarter despite the economic environment continuing to slowly recover.

Additionally, the initial loan we received under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) in April 2020 supplemented our cash flows as revenues declined, and our second PPP loan in March 2021 is providing a needed buffer to fund working capital while we continue to strengthen our workforce. In fact, we have been able to benefit from the layoffs that occurred at other organizations and hire high caliber individuals who have a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, and who have already made a positive impact on ongoing operations.

During the first few months of 2021, we are beginning to see travel restrictions ease and have managed to safely send teams to different international locations. We are cautiously optimistic that the prevalence of vaccines will encourage different jurisdictions to continue easing travel requirements.

In addition to the increased ability to travel for projects, we have also seen a progressive increase in bidding activity and execution of contract awards, the most notable of which has been the receipt of an order for the rental of one of our two carousels that are suitable for large umbilical or cable projects. The project will require us to erect the carousel on a barge and assist our customer with the transfer of three large umbilicals from the manufacturer’s facility to a different location where the umbilicals can be transferred to an installation vessel. From there, the umbilicals will be transported and installed offshore South America. Certain aspects of this project have not been performed before, which further solidifies our reputation as a service provider of choice for unique offshore installation projects. We envision a successful execution of this project will provide further opportunities to utilize our carousels in the future.

Looking towards the future, we continue to actively engage with a variety of companies on different aspects of the transition to renewable energy with increasing interest in our installation capabilities, equipment, and knowledge of the subsea environment. There are a number of areas we see as potential growth opportunities, though the timing of these opportunities and associated cash flows is uncertain. As such, we are pursuing different partnerships especially around new technologies as we seek to leverage our core competencies to increase the market potential of our current product and service offerings. We are also working on developing the next generation of our equipment by incorporating designs that utilize a reduced carbon footprint.

While increasing revenue remains our top priority, generating free cash flow and preservation of liquidity remains of critical importance in the current environment. We are keenly focused on the levers within our control, and we are seeing an increase in requests for short-cycle service work, an area where we have a proven track record. We, therefore, see this as an area of further growth for the Company. We also believe customers will continue to be heavily focused on efficiency and shorter lead times, without sacrificing quality and safety. We are confident our streamlined operations and renewed focus on our cost drivers will enable us to be the primary choice for our customers.

We maintain our commitment to ensuring we continuously enhance value for our shareholders, while being an employer of choice in the industry.

All dollar and share amounts in the remainder of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are in thousands of dollars and shares, unless otherwise indicated.

Results of Operations

Revenues

The 31 percent decrease in revenues was primarily the result of fewer projects in process, COVID-19 related travel restrictions, and the recent developments in the global oil and gas markets.

Cost of sales and Gross profit

The decrease in gross profit was due to reduced revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting global economic disruption. The increase in gross profit percentage is due to receiving rent abatements and having a larger proportion of higher margin service work and equipment rental during the year ended December 31, 2020.

The Company records depreciation expense related to revenue-generating property, plant and equipment as cost of sales, which totaled $830 and $1,105 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The year-over-year decrease in depreciation was primarily due to the Company recording increased impairment charges relating to certain idle, long-lived assets during 2020, rather than depreciation.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to workforce reductions and limiting overhead spending and research and development efforts to only critical items in response to a renewed focus on the Company’s core business. In addition, the Company recorded several accruals related to various legal matters for the year ended December 31, 2019 that were not recurrent for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Asset impairment

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded impairment charges of $4,490 for the impairment of certain idle, long-lived assets. The impairment was the result of an analysis of the carrying value of the assets and our inability to objectively project future cash flows from the sale or lease of these assets, particularly in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting global economic disruption. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded impairment charges of $396 related to equipment identified as non-strategic to the core operations of the business.

Interest expense (income), net

Net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $7 compared to net interest income of $12 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease of $19 is due to a lower balance on certain interest-bearing accounts for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Gain on sale of assets

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not record any gains related to vehicles and equipment sold by the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded gains of $7 related to vehicles and equipment sold by the Company.

Modified EBITDA

Deep Down management evaluates company performance based on a non-US GAAP measure which consists of earnings (net income or loss) available to common shareholders before net interest income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash share-based compensation expense, non-cash impairments, non-cash gains or losses on the sale of Property, Plant and Equipment (“PP&E”), other non-cash items and one-time charges (“Modified EBITDA”). This measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies and is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with US GAAP. The measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income or loss, net income or loss, cash flows provided by operating, investing, or financing activities, or other cash flow data prepared in accordance with US GAAP. The amounts included in the Modified EBITDA calculation, however, are derived from amounts included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

We believe Modified EBITDA is a useful measure of a company’s operating performance, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods and book value of assets, financing methods, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired. It helps investors more meaningfully evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest), asset base (primarily depreciation and amortization), and actions that do not affect liquidity (share-based compensation expense) from our operating results. Additionally, it helps investors identify items that are within our operational control. Depreciation and amortization charges, while a component of operating income, are fixed at the time of the asset purchase or acquisition in accordance with the depreciable lives of the related asset and as such are not a directly controllable period operating charge.

The following is a reconciliation of net loss to Modified EBITDA (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

The $618 decrease in Modified EBITDA was due to decreased revenues resulting from the decline in offshore activity triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a net $238 reserve for doubtful accounts receivable due to prolonged customer payment terms and uncertainty around certain customers’ liquidity affected by the pandemic for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As a deepwater service provider, our revenues, profitability, cash flows, and future rate of growth are generally dependent on the condition of the global oil and gas industry and our customers’ ability to invest capital for offshore exploration, drilling and production, and maintenance of offshore drilling and production facilities. Oil and gas prices and the level of offshore drilling and production activity have historically been characterized by significant volatility. At times, we enter into large, fixed-price contracts which may require significant lead time and investment. A decline in offshore drilling and production activity could result in lower contract volume or delays in significant contracts which could negatively impact our earnings and cash flows. Our earnings and cash flows could also be negatively affected by delays in payments by significant customers or delays in completion of our contracts for any reason. We are generally dependent on our cash flows from operations to fund our working capital requirements, and the uncertainties noted above create risks that we may not achieve our planned earnings or cash flow from operations, which may require us to raise additional debt or equity capital. There can be no assurance that we could raise additional debt or equity capital.

As a result of the abrupt decline in oil prices and global economic activity caused by COVID-19, the Company applied for a loan under the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), and on April 29, 2020, the Company received a PPP loan in the amount of $1,111, which was used to finance payroll during the second and third quarters of 2020. The PPP loan is evidenced by a promissory note, dated April 27, 2020, between the Company and the lender. The promissory note matures on April 27, 2022 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.00 percent per annum, payable in 18 monthly payments originally scheduled to commence on November 27, 2020.

Subsequent to the effective date of the Company’s PPP loan, the U.S. Treasury and SBA refined its payment deferral guidance whereby payment of principal, interest, and fees for PPP loans are to be deferred until the amount of forgiveness determined under section 1106 of the CARES Act is remitted to the lender if the loan forgiveness application is submitted within ten months after the end of the loan forgiveness covered period. Additionally, certain conditions detailed in the loan agreement could cause the note to become immediately due and payable at the lender’s option. The Company applied for forgiveness of its PPP loan in its entirety in October 2020, which falls within ten months after the end of the Company’s loan forgiveness covered period. The Company has not received guidance from its lender regarding the timing or ultimate outcome of its forgiveness application.

The principal liquidity needs of the Company are to fund ongoing operations, working capital, and capital expenditures. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the Company reported an increase of $222 in cash.  The Company used $206 of net cash from operating activities primarily from an increase in working capital. The Company also used $158 in net cash for investing activities, primarily for purchases of PP&E. The Company generated $586 of net cash from financing activities, primarily through $1,111 of PPP loan proceeds, which was partially offset by $525 of share repurchases that occurred prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and receipt of the initial PPP loan.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Company reported an increase of $1,508 in cash. The Company generated $237 in net cash provided by operating activities primarily due to improvements in cost containment measures. The Company generated $1,549 in net cash provided by investing activities, primarily from $1,035 received on the maturity of a short-term investment, and $517 received from payment of a note receivable. The Company also used $278 of net cash in financing activities, which included $222 for the repurchase of outstanding stock and $56 for payments on a motor vehicle loan. 

The Company believes it will have adequate liquidity to meet its future operating requirements through a combination of cash on hand, cash expected to be generated from operations, cash received from a second PPP loan, potential opportunistic sales of PP&E, and the pursuit of a disciplined approach to making capital investments. However, given the abrupt decline in oil prices and global economic activity caused by COVID-19 in 2020, the Company cannot predict this with certainty. To mitigate this uncertainty and preserve liquidity, the Company will continue to pursue opportunistic cost containment initiatives, which can include workforce reductions, limiting overhead spending and research and development efforts to only critical items, and actively pursuing further cost reduction opportunities as they become available.

Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that may affect assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition and related allowances, contract assets and liabilities, impairments of long-lived assets, including intangibles, income taxes including the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, contingencies and litigation, and share-based payments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Property, plant and equipment

PP&E is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, amortization, and related impairments. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Replacements and betterments are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. It is our policy to include amortization expense on assets acquired under finance leases with depreciation expense on owned assets. Additionally, we record depreciation and amortization expense related to revenue-generating assets as a component of cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

If circumstances associated with our PP&E have changed or a significant event has occurred that may affect the recoverability of the carrying amount of our PP&E, an impairment indicator exists, and we test the PP&E for impairment. Before testing for impairment, we group PP&E with other finite-lived long-lived assets (“long-lived assets”) at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of cash flows from other assets or groups of assets. Testing long-lived assets for impairment is a two-step process:

Step 1 - We test the long-lived asset group for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group with the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows from use and the eventual disposal of the asset group. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group is determined to be greater than the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows from use and disposal, we would need to perform step 2.

Step 2 - If the long-lived group of assets fails the recoverability test in step 1, we would record an impairment expense for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the long-lived asset group.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded charges of $4,490 for the impairment of certain idle, long-lived assets, which were evaluated at the asset level. The impairment was the result of an analysis of the carrying value of the assets and our inability to objectively project future cash flows from the sale or lease of these assets, particularly in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting global economic disruption.

Prior to performing the impairment analysis of our long-lived assets on a group level as of December 31, 2019, the Company conducted an evaluation of the carrying amount of certain specific long-lived assets that are non-strategic to the core operations of the business and recorded impairment charges of $396. The Company did not record any further impairment of its long-lived assets.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. To determine the proper revenue recognition method for our customer contracts, we evaluate whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined or single contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgment and the decision to combine a group of contracts or separate the combined or single contract into multiple performance obligations could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period.

For most of our fixed price contracts, the customer contracts with us to provide a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single project or capability even if that single project results in the delivery of multiple units. Hence, the entire contract is accounted for as one performance obligation. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable.

Fixed price contracts

For fixed price contracts, we generally recognize revenue over time as we perform because of continuous transfer of control to the customer. This continuous transfer of control to the customer is supported by clauses in the contract that allow the customer to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay us for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of any work in process. In our fixed price contracts, the customer either controls the work in process or we deliver products with no alternative use to the Company and have rights to payment for work performed to date plus a reasonable profit as evidenced by contractual termination clauses.

Because of control transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services to be provided. We generally use the cost-to-cost measure of progress for our contracts because it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer which occurs as we incur costs on our contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Revenues, including estimated fees or profits, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred.

Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. We consider contract modifications to exist when the modification either creates new, or changes the existing, enforceable rights and obligations. Most of our contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integration service provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as if they were part of that existing contract. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price, and our measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis.

We have a company-wide standard and disciplined quarterly estimate at completion process in which management reviews the progress and execution of our performance obligations. As part of this process, management reviews information including, but not limited to, any outstanding key contract matters, progress towards completion and the related program schedule, identified risks and opportunities and the related changes in estimates of revenues and costs. Changes in estimates of net sales, cost of sales and the related impact to operating income are recognized quarterly on a cumulative catch-up basis, which recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods based on a performance obligation’s percentage of completion. A significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of one or more of our performance obligations. When estimates of total costs to be incurred exceed total estimates of revenue to be earned on a performance obligation related to fixed price contracts, a provision for the entire loss on the performance obligation is recognized in the period the loss is estimated.

Service Contracts

We recognize revenue for service contracts measuring progress toward satisfying the performance obligation in a manner that best depicts the transfer of goods or services to the customer. The control over services is transferred over time when the services are rendered to the customer on a daily basis. Specifically, we recognize revenue as the services are provided as we have the right to invoice the customer for the services performed. Services are billed and paid on a monthly basis. Payment terms for services are usually 30 days from invoice receipt but have increased to 45 days during the recent industry downturn.

Contract balances

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts arise when revenues are recorded based on the extent of progress towards completion but cannot be invoiced under the terms of the contract. Such amounts are invoiced upon completion of contractual milestones. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts arise when milestone billings are permissible under the contract, but the related costs have not yet been incurred. All contract costs are recognized currently on jobs formally approved by the customer and contracts are not shown as complete until virtually all anticipated costs have been incurred and the risk of loss has passed to the customer.

Assets related to costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, as well as liabilities related to billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts, have been classified as current. The contract cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year, thus complete collection of amounts related to these contracts may extend beyond one year, though such long-term contracts include contractual milestone billings as discussed above. For the years ending 2020 and 2019, there were no contracts with terms that extended beyond one year.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company provides an allowance on trade receivables based on a specific review of each customer’s accounts receivable balance with respect to its ability to make payments. When specific accounts are determined to require an allowance, they are expensed by a provision for bad debts in that period. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company estimated the allowance for doubtful accounts requirement to be $84 and $50, respectively.  Bad debt expense totaled $238 and $20 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Income Taxes

We follow the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method considers the differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

We record a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of our deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will expire before realization of the benefit or that future deductibility is not probable. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets depends upon our ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future. This requires management to use estimates and make assumptions regarding significant future events such as the taxability of entities operating in the various taxing jurisdictions. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider all reasonably available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years and our forecast of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, we develop assumptions, including the amount of future state, and federal pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment. When the likelihood of the realization of existing deferred tax assets changes, adjustments to the valuation allowance are charged in the period in which the determination is made, either to income or goodwill, depending upon when that portion of the valuation allowance was originally created.

We record an estimated tax liability or tax benefit for income and other taxes based on what we determine will likely be paid in the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. We use our best judgment in the determination of these amounts. However, the liabilities ultimately realized and paid are dependent upon various matters, including resolution of tax audits, and may differ from amounts recorded. An adjustment to the estimated liability would be recorded as a provision or benefit to income tax expense in the period in which it becomes probable that the amount of the actual liability or benefit differs from the recorded amount.

Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities or changes in tax laws or interpretations thereof. If and when our deferred tax assets are no longer fully reserved, we will begin to provide for taxes at the full statutory rate. In addition, we are subject to the examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements are included in Note 1, “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates”, Note 2, “Leases”, and Note 3, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Report.

Inflation and Seasonality

We do not believe that our operations are significantly impacted by inflation. Our business is not seasonal in nature.

Not Applicable

The financial statements are included herewith commencing on page F-1.

None

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that such information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and the principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance that control objectives are attained. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide such reasonable assurance.

The Company’s management, with the participation of the principal executive and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2020, as required by Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the principal executive and the principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Although the internal controls over financial reporting were not audited, the Company’s management, including the principal executive and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on revisions and updates issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) to its report entitled “Internal Control-Integrated Framework.” Upon evaluation, the Company’s management has concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2020.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  The Company’s management, with the participation of the principal executive and principal financial officer, have concluded that there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2020.

Not Applicable

PART III

The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of our directors and executive officer as of December 31, 2020:

Biographical information regarding each of our current directors and executive officer is as follows. The following paragraphs also include specific information about each director’s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills that led the Board of Directors to the conclusion that the individual should serve on the Board as of the time of this filing, in light of our business and structure:

Charles K. Njuguna, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Director. Mr. Njuguna has served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since September 2019. Since September 2017, Mr. Njuguna has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Njuguna joined the Company in early 2012 to manage the Company’s corporate accounting activities, was later appointed to manage all of the Company’s commercial activities, and was subsequently promoted to Business Manager, with oversight for a wide range of financial, operational, and administrative functions. Additionally, Mr. Njuguna has over 20 years of international business experience, including various operational and financial management roles in Africa, the UK, and the US. Mr. Njuguna holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Mr. Njuguna is qualified to serve as a director based on his in-depth knowledge of the Company’s operations and his international business experience.

Mark Carden, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Carden has served as Chairman of the Board since September 30, 2017. Mr. Carden joined the Board as an independent director effective May 1, 2014 and was appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Carden was a Partner at Coopers & Lybrand, LLP, now PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP and held multiple senior-level financial positions specializing in electric and gas utilities from 1981 to 1999; he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, Global Energy Assurance Practice. Additionally, Mr. Carden was one of three CPAs in the US selected to serve a two-year fellowship at the Financial Accounting Standards Board from 1991 to 1993. Mr. Carden holds a BBA from Texas A&M University. He is currently the Executive Pastor and Elder at Clear Creek Community Church, in League City, Texas. Mr. Carden is also a member of the Compensation Committee.

Mr. Carden is qualified for service on the Board based on his experience and expertise in management, notably his knowledge of the energy market and business strategy, and is a financial expert as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

David J. Douglas, Director.

Mr. Douglas joined the Board as an independent director effective April 16, 2019. Mr. Douglas is the Principal of Jamaka Capital Management, LLC, the Company’s largest institutional investor. Mr. Douglas has over 30 years of investment experience as a principal including 25 years in the family office industry. Mr. Douglas is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School earning a BS in Economics, Magna Cum Laude. Mr. Douglas is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees.

Mr. Douglas is qualified to serve as a director based on his significant finance and investment experience.

Neal I. Goldman, Director.

Mr. Goldman joined the Board as an independent director effective April 16, 2019. Mr. Goldman is the President and Founder of Goldman Capital Management, Inc., a family office since 2018, which was previously an investment advisory firm founded in 1985. Mr. Goldman is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Mr. Goldman received his B.A. degree in Economics from The City University of New York (City College). Mr. Goldman is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees.

Mr. Goldman is qualified to serve as a director based on his significant finance and investment background.

Corporate Governance

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted Codes of Ethical Conduct that apply to all its directors, officers (including its chief executive officer, chief operating officer, controller and any person performing such functions) and employees. The Company has previously filed copies of these Codes of Ethical Conduct and they can be located pursuant to the information shown in the Exhibit list items 14.1 and 14.2 to this Report. Copies of the Company’s Codes of Ethical Conduct may also be obtained at the Investors section of the Company’s website, www.deepdowninc.com, or by written request addressed to the Corporate Secretary, Deep Down, Inc., PO Box 1389, Crosby, TX 77532. The Company intends to satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding disclosure of amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of its code of ethics that apply to the Chief Executive Officer, Vice President of Finance or Controller by posting such information on the Company’s website. Information contained on the website is not part of this Report.

The Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations concerning the selection of outside auditors, reviewing the scope, results, and effectiveness of the annual audit of the Company's financial statements and other services provided by the Company’s independent public accountants. The Board of Directors reviews the Company's internal accounting controls, practices, and policies. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Carden qualifies as an independent audit committee financial expert as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of securities ownership and changes in such ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent shareholders also are required by rules promulgated by the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely on the Company’s review of the copies of such forms received by it, the Company believes that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers and directors and greater-than ten percent beneficial owners during the year ended December 31, 2020 were satisfied.

The following table sets forth information concerning total compensation earned in the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 by our Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) during 2020, and our other executive officer during the year ended December 31, 2020 (collectively, our “Named Officers”).

Summary Compensation Tables for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table

On September 18, 2019, the Company amended the existing employment agreement with Mr. Njuguna for a term of three years, effective September 1, 2019, and subject to automatic annual renewals, unless at least 90 days prior to the applicable renewal date, the Company shall give notice that the employment agreement shall not be extended. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Njuguna receive annual cash compensation of $325,000.

On September 12, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Simmons for a term of three years effective September 23, 2019, and subject to automatic annual renewals, unless at least 90 days prior to the applicable renewal date, the Company shall give notice that the employment agreement shall not be extended. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Simmons receive annual cash compensation of $245,000. On April 1, 2020, the Company eliminated the position of Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and relieved Mr. Simmons of his duties pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. In addition to payment of accrued and unpaid salary, vacation time, and other benefits, the Company is required to pay Mr. Simmons one time his contractual annual base salary of $245,000, payable over 12 months.

Outstanding Equity Awards

The following table summarizes information with respect to unexercised options for the Named Officer holding options as of December 31, 2020.

Benefits payable upon change in control

Mr. Njuguna’s employment agreement contains provisions related to change in control.

In the event of termination of Mr. Njuguna’s employment for any reason, he will be entitled to receive all accrued, unpaid salary and vacation time through the date of termination and all benefits to which he is entitled or vested under the terms of all employee benefit and compensation plans, agreements, and arrangements in which he is a participant as of the date of termination. In addition, subject to executing a general release in favor of us, Mr. Njuguna will be entitled to receive certain severance payments in the event his employment is terminated by the Company “other than for cause” or by him with “good reason.” These severance payments include the following:

(i) a lump sum in cash equal to one times his annual base salary (at the rate in effect on the date of termination), provided, however, that if such termination occurs prior to the date that is twelve months following a change of control, then such payment will be equal to two times the Executive’s annual base salary (at the rate in effect on the date of termination);

(ii) a lump sum in cash equal to the average annual bonus paid to him for the prior two full fiscal years preceding the date of termination; provided, however, that if such termination occurs prior to the date that is twelve months following a change of control, then such payment will be equal to two times the average annual bonus paid to him for the prior two full fiscal years preceding the date of termination;

(iii) a lump sum in cash equal to a pro rata portion of the annual bonus payable for the period in which the date of termination occurs based on the actual performance under our annual incentive bonus arrangement; provided, however, that such pro rata portion shall be calculated based on his annual bonus for the previous fiscal year; but if no previous annual bonus has been paid to him, then the lump sum cash payment for this current pro rata annual bonus obligation shall be no less than fifty percent of his annual base salary; and

(iv) if his termination occurs prior to the date that is twelve months following a change of control, then each and every share option, restricted share award and other equity-based award that is outstanding and held by the Executive shall immediately vest and become exercisable.

Mr. Njuguna has agreed to not, during the term of his employment and for a one-year period after his termination, engage in “Competition” (as defined in his employment agreement) with us, solicit business from any of our customers or potential customers, solicit the employment or services of any person employed by or a consultant to us on the date of termination or within six months prior thereto, or otherwise knowingly interfere with our business or accounts or any of our subsidiaries.

Mr. Njuguna’s employment agreement also provides that we, to the extent permitted by applicable law and our by-laws, will defend, indemnify and hold harmless him from any and all claims, demands or causes of action, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, suffered or incurred by him as a result of the assertion or filing of any claim, demand, litigation or other proceedings based upon statements, acts or omissions made by or on behalf of him pursuant to his employment agreement or in the course and scope of his employment with us. We will also maintain and pay all applicable premiums for directors’ and officers’ liability insurance which shall provide full coverage for the defense and indemnification of Mr. Njuguna, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

Compensation of Directors

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors makes all decisions regarding director compensation. Only directors who are not employees, independent contractors, or consultants of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (“Independent Directors”), are entitled to receive a fee, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred to attend Board meetings.

The Company uses equity-based compensation, in the form of restricted stock or stock options, to attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the Board. We believe our compensation arrangement for Independent Directors is comparable to the standards of peer companies within our industry and geographical location.

The following table provides certain information with respect to the 2020 compensation awarded or earned by our Independent Directors who served in such capacity during the year.

Set forth below is certain information with respect to beneficial ownership of Common Stock as of March 30, 2021, except as otherwise noted below, by (i) each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5 percent of the outstanding shares of our common stock; (ii) each Director as of such date; (iii) our “Named Officers” (as determined under Item 402(m) of Regulation S-K); and (iv) all directors and executive officers of Deep Down as a group. To our knowledge, all persons listed in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to their shares, except to the extent that authority is shared with their respective spouse under applicable law.

______________

* Indicates ownership of less than 1% of Common Stock outstanding.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Our Board of Directors and management recognize that related person transactions present a heightened risk of conflicts of interest, and therefore we review all relationships and transactions in which we and our directors, director nominees and executive officers or their immediate family members, as well as holders of more than 5 percent of any class of our voting securities and their family members, have a direct or indirect material interest. As required under SEC rules, transactions that are determined to be directly or indirectly material to us or a related person are disclosed in the appropriate annual and/or quarterly statements filed with the SEC.

Director Independence

We believe that Messrs. Carden, Douglas, and Goldman are “independent” under the requirements of Rule 303A.02 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

The following table sets forth the aggregate payments made to Moss Adams for audit services rendered in connection with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and reports for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for other services rendered during those years on behalf of Deep Down and its subsidiaries:

Audit Fees: Consists of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of Deep Down’s consolidated financial statements, the review of interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports, services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements and attest services, except those not required by statute or regulation.

Audit-Related Fees: Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit and review of Deep Down’s consolidated financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.”

Tax Fees: Consists of tax compliance, tax preparation and other tax services. Tax compliance and tax preparation consists of fees billed for professional services related to assistance with tax returns. Other tax services consist of fees billed for other miscellaneous tax consulting.

All Other Fees: None.

Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors

The Board of Directors pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by Moss Adams. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Board of Directors may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis and may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more directors. If so delegated, the director must report any pre-approval decision to the Board of Directors at its first meeting after the pre-approval was obtained.

PART IV

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Exhibit Index” of this Report.

None

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, thereunto duly authorized.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Charles K. Njuguna and Mark Carden and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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 date indicated:

EXHIBIT INDEX

_________________________

* Filed herewith.

# Furnished herewith.

† Exhibit constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of

Deep Down, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Deep Down, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, 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 consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our 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 to 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 a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Revenue Recognition - Determination of Estimated Costs to Complete for Fixed Price Contracts

As described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, total revenue of approximately $8,664,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 is generated from fixed price contracts. For the Company’s fixed price contracts, because of control transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services to be provided. The Company uses the cost-to-cost measure of progress for its contracts because it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer which occurs as the Company incurs costs on the contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Revenues, including estimated fees or profits, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. Management’s estimation of total cost at completion is subject to many variables and requires significant judgment. There are many factors which impact management’s estimate, including, but not limited to, the ability to properly execute the engineering, design and fabrication phases consistent with customers’ expectations, the availability and costs of labor and materials resources, productivity, weather, and level of success in the installation phase. Each of these factors can affect the accuracy of cost estimates, and ultimately, future profitability.

The principal considerations in our determination that revenue recognition - determination of estimated costs to complete for fixed price contracts is a critical audit matter are the complexity of these estimates and exercise of significant judgment by management when developing these estimates for fixed price contracts. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to the estimates of costs to complete.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

Long-Lived Asset Impairments

As described in Notes 2 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated right-of-use operating lease assets and net property, plant and equipment were approximately $3,174,000 and $2,604,000, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. Management conducts impairment tests on long-lived assets whenever significant events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group. Downturn in the offshore energy sector and its negative financial impact on the Company’s operations led management to conclude the carrying amount of its long-lived assets, which are evaluated as asset groups, required an impairment review to be performed as of June 30, 2020. The Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $4,490,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 2020 related to its certain idle fixed assets, which were evaluated for impairment at the asset level. Impairment review of the remaining long-lived assets resulted in management’s conclusion that those assets were not impaired.

The principal consideration in our determination that long-lived asset impairments is a critical audit matter was the significant judgment used by management when estimating the revenue component of the future undiscounted cash flows of the group of assets. This in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence obtained related to management’s significant assumptions, including the amount and timing of the revenue component of the net future undiscounted cash flows.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

/s/ Moss Adams LLP

Houston, Texas

March 30, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.

DEEP DOWN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

DEEP DOWN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

DEEP DOWN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 and 2019

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

DEEP DOWN, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

DEEP DOWN, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

All dollar and share amounts in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are in thousands of dollars and shares, unless otherwise indicated, except per share amounts.

Description of Business

Deep Down, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“Deep Down Nevada”), and its directly wholly owned subsidiary, Deep Down, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Deep Down Delaware”); (collectively referred to as “Deep Down”, “we”, “us” or the “Company”), is an oilfield services company specializing in complex deepwater and ultra-deepwater oil production distribution system support services and technologies used between the production facility and the wellhead. Our services and technological solutions include distribution system installation support and engineering services, umbilical terminations, loose-tube steel flying leads, and related services. Additionally, our highly experienced, specialized service teams can support subsea engineering, installation, commissioning, and maintenance projects located anywhere in the world.

Liquidity

The Company’s cash on hand was $3,745 and working capital was $4,080 as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, cash on hand and working capital was $3,523 and $4,939, respectively. Other than loans obtained under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), the Company does not have a credit facility in place and depends on cash on hand, cash flows from operations, and the potential opportunistic sales of Property, Plant & Equipment (“PP&E”). See Note 11 and Note 12 for further discussion of the PPP loans.

The Company believes it will have adequate liquidity to meet its future operating requirements through a combination of cash on hand, cash expected to be generated from operations, cash received from a second PPP loan, and potential opportunistic sales of PP&E in addition to pursuing a disciplined approach to making capital investments. However, given the abrupt decline in oil prices and global economic activity caused by COVID-19 in 2020, the Company cannot predict this with certainty. To mitigate this uncertainty and preserve liquidity, the Company will continue to pursue opportunistic cost containment initiatives, which can include workforce reductions, limiting overhead spending and research and development efforts to only critical items, and actively pursuing further cost reduction opportunities as they become available.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Deep Down and its wholly owned subsidiary for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and judgments that may affect assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to revenue recognition and related allowances, contract assets and liabilities, impairments of long-lived assets, income taxes including the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, contingencies and litigation, and share-based payments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Segments

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we only had one operating and reporting segment, Deep Down Delaware.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities from date of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit with domestic banks and, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We utilize a fair value hierarchy, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The fair value hierarchy has three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivables and payables, and notes receivable (included in other assets). The carrying values of cash, accounts receivables, and payables approximated their fair values at December 31, 2020 and 2019 due to their short-term maturities. The carrying values of our notes receivable approximate their fair values at December 31, 2020 and 2019 because the interest rates approximate current market rates.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms. The Company provides an allowance on accounts receivables based on a specific review of each customer’s accounts receivable balance with respect to its ability to make payments. Generally, the Company does not charge interest on past due accounts.  When specific accounts are determined to require an allowance, they are expensed by a provision for bad debts in that period.  At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company estimated the allowance for doubtful accounts requirement to be $84 and $50, respectively.  Bad debt expense totaled $238 and $20 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Concentration of Revenues and Credit Risk

Deep Down’s revenues are derived from the sale of products and services to customers who participate in the offshore sector of the oil and gas industry. Customers may be similarly affected by economic and other changes in the oil and gas industry. For the year ended December 31, 2020, our five largest customers accounted for 43 percent, 10 percent, 8 percent, 8 percent, and 5 percent of total revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2019, our five largest customers accounted for 44 percent, 20 percent, 7 percent, 6 percent, and 5 percent of total revenues. The loss of one or more of these customers could have a material impact on our results of operations and cash flows.

As of December 31, 2020, three of our customers accounted for 52 percent, 12 percent, and 9 percent of total accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2019, three of our customers accounted for 41 percent, 17 percent, and 9 percent of total accounts receivable.

Property, plant and equipment

PP&E is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, amortization, and related impairments. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Replacements and betterments are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. It is our policy to include amortization expense on assets acquired under finance leases with depreciation expense on owned assets. Additionally, we record depreciation and amortization expense related to revenue-generating assets as a component of cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

If circumstances associated with our PP&E have changed or a significant event has occurred that may affect the recoverability of the carrying amount of our PP&E, an impairment indicator exists, and we test the PP&E for impairment. Before testing for impairment, we group PP&E with other finite-lived long-lived assets (“long-lived assets”) at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of cash flows from other assets or groups of assets. Testing long-lived assets for impairment is a two-step process:

Step 1 - We test the long-lived asset group for recoverability by comparing the carrying amount of the asset group with the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows from use and the eventual disposal of the asset group. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group is determined to be greater than the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows from use and disposal, we would need to perform step 2.

Step 2 - If the long-lived group of assets fails the recoverability test in step 1, we would record an impairment expense for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the long-lived asset group.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a charge of $4,490 for the impairment of certain idle, long-lived assets, which were evaluated at the asset level. The impairment was the result of an analysis of the carrying value of the assets and our inability to objectively project future cash flows from the sale or lease of these assets, particularly in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting global economic disruption.

Prior to performing the impairment analysis of our long-lived assets on a group level as of December 31, 2019, the Company conducted an evaluation of the carrying amount of certain specific long-lived assets that are non-strategic to the core operations of the business and recorded impairment charges of $396. The Company did not record any further impairment of its long-lived assets.

The valuation of impaired equipment is a Level 3 non-recurring fair value measurement. Impaired assets discussed above were written down to zero value.

Equity Method Investments

Equity method investments in joint ventures are reported as investments in joint venture on the consolidated balance sheets, and our share of earnings or losses in the joint venture is reported as equity in net income or loss of joint venture in the consolidated statements of operations. We currently have no investments in joint ventures.

Lease Obligations

At the inception of a lease, Deep Down evaluates the agreement to determine whether the lease will be accounted for as an operating or finance lease. The term of the lease used for such an evaluation includes renewal option periods only in instances in which the exercise of the renewal option can be reasonably assured, and if the contract contains a substantial penalty for failure to renew or extend the lease, it could lead the lessee to conclude it has a significant economic incentive to extend the lease beyond the base rental period.

Deep Down leases land, buildings, vehicles, and certain equipment under non-cancellable operating leases. The Company leases office, indoor manufacturing, warehouse, and operating space in Houston, Texas and leases storage space in Mobile, Alabama to house its 3,400 metric ton carousel system.

Lease Concessions

As it relates to lease concessions related to its leases affected by economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company elected to account for the deferred payments as variable lease payments. As such, the Company recorded a reduction to rent expense in the period of the deferral. When the Company later incurs the deferred rent, it will recognize it as variable rent expense.

PPP Loan Payable

The Company elected to account for the PPP loan received as a debt arrangement. This debt is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as a liability, both current and long-term. Interest is accrued over the term of the loan at the effective interest rate. Debt will be derecognized when the debt is extinguished. Debt is extinguished when either the debtor pays the creditor or the debtor is legally released from being the primary obligor.

A PPP loan is forgiven in total or in part only after the SBA has paid the lender the amount of the PPP loan the SBA has determined is eligible for forgiveness, at which point, the lender should notify the borrower of the forgiveness of the PPP loan. When the debt is extinguished, any amount that is forgiven (including accrued but unpaid interest) is recognized in the income statement as a gain upon debt extinguishment; however, there is no guarantee that any portion of the debt balance will be forgiven.

Income Taxes

We follow the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. This method considers the differences between financial statement treatment and tax treatment of certain transactions. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

We record a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of our deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will expire before realization of the benefit or that future deductibility is not probable. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets depends upon our ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future. This requires management to use estimates and make assumptions regarding significant future events such as the taxability of entities operating in the various taxing jurisdictions. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, we consider all reasonably available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent years and our forecast of future taxable income. In estimating future taxable income, we develop assumptions, including the amount of future state and federal pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment. When the likelihood of the realization of existing deferred tax assets changes, adjustments to the valuation allowance are charged in the period in which the determination is made, either to income or goodwill, depending upon when that portion of the valuation allowance was originally created.

We record an estimated tax liability or tax benefit for income and other taxes based on what we determine will likely be paid in the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. We use our best judgment in the determination of these amounts. However, the liabilities ultimately realized and paid are dependent upon various matters, including resolution of tax audits, and may differ from amounts recorded. An adjustment to the estimated liability would be recorded as a provision or benefit to income tax expense in the period in which it becomes probable that the amount of the actual liability or benefit differs from the recorded amount.

Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities or changes in tax laws or interpretations thereof. If and when our deferred tax assets are no longer fully reserved, we will begin to provide for taxes at the full statutory rate. In addition, we are subject to the examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.

Share-Based Compensation

We record share-based awards exchanged for employee service at fair value on the date of grant and expense the awards in the consolidated statements of operations over the requisite employee service period. Share-based compensation expense includes an estimate for forfeitures and is generally recognized over the expected term of the award on a straight-line basis. At December 31, 2020 and 2019 we had two types of share-based compensation: stock options and restricted stock. See further discussion in Note 6.

Earnings or Loss per Common Share

Basic earnings or loss per common share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net earnings or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net earnings or loss by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents (stock options) outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options and warrants to purchase common stock were exercised for shares of common stock. In periods where losses are reported, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents, because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12 “Income Taxes (Topic 740).” Topic 740 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. This update simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions such as the exception to the incremental approach for intra-period tax allocation, the exception to the requirement to recognize a deferred tax liability for equity method investments, the exception to the ability not to recognize a deferred tax liability for a foreign subsidiary and the exception to the general methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period. The adoption of ASU No. 2019-12 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” as modified by subsequently issued ASU No. 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses.” The guidance introduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model, which is based on expected losses, and differs significantly from the incurred loss approach used today. The CECL model requires estimating all expected credit losses for certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables, held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. These ASUs affect an entity to varying degrees depending on the credit quality for the assets held by the entity, their duration and how the entity applies current US GAAP. These ASUs were initially effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020.

In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10 “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates.” The FASB issued this update to extend and simplify how effective dates are staggered between larger public companies and all other entities for the aforementioned major updates.  Topic 326 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022 for smaller reporting companies. We are currently evaluating the impact of these updates on our financial statements and related disclosures, but at this time, we do not expect a material impact on our financial statements and disclosures.

NOTE 2: LEASES

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASC Topic 842”). Under this guidance, lessees are required to recognize on the balance sheet a lease liability and a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset for all leases, except for short-term leases with terms of twelve months or less. The lease liability represents the lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease and will initially be measured as the present value of the lease payments. The ROU asset represents the lessee’s right to use a specified asset for the lease term, and will be measured at the lease liability amount, adjusted for lease prepayment, lease incentives received and the lessee’s initial direct costs.

ASC Topic 842 provides for certain practical expedients when adopting the guidance. The Company elected the package of practical expedients allowing the Company, for all leases that commenced prior to the adoption date, to not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are, or contain, leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, or initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases.

The Company utilizes the land easements practical expedient allowing the Company to not assess whether any expired or existing land easements are, or contain, leases if they were not previously accounted for as leases under the existing leasing guidance. Instead, the Company will continue to apply its existing accounting policies to historical land easements. The Company elects to apply the short-term lease exception; therefore, the Company will not record an ROU asset or corresponding lease liability for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less that are not reasonably certain of being renewed and instead will recognize a single lease cost allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. The Company elects to apply the practical expedient to not separate lease components from non-lease components and instead account for both as a single lease component for all asset classes.

The Company elects to not capitalize any lease in which the estimated value of the underlying asset at the commencement date is less than the Company’s capitalization threshold. A lease would need to qualify for the low value exception based on various criteria.

ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term and include options to extend or terminate the lease when they are reasonably certain to be exercised. The present value of lease payments is determined primarily using the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. Lease agreements with lease and non-lease components are generally accounted for as a single lease component. The Company’s operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and a portion is recorded in cost of sales, and the remainder is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. The accounting for some leases may require significant judgment, which includes determining whether a contract contains a lease, determining the incremental borrowing rate to utilize in our net present value calculation of lease payments for lease agreements which do not provide an implicit rate, and assessing the likelihood of renewal or termination options.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company removed $164 in lease liabilities and ROU assets associated with a related party lease that was on a month-to-month basis.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company does not have any finance lease assets or liabilities, nor does the Company have any subleases.

The following tables present information about our operating leases:

The components of our lease expense were as follows:

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not have any sale/leaseback transactions.

Present value of lease liabilities:

NOTE 3: REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. To determine the proper revenue recognition method for our customer contracts, we evaluate whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined or single contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgment and the decision to combine a group of contracts or separate the combined or single contract into multiple performance obligations could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period.

For most of our fixed price contracts, the customer contracts with us to provide a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single project or capability even if that single project results in the delivery of multiple units. Hence, the entire contract is accounted for as one performance obligation. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance and collectability of consideration is probable.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by fixed price and service contracts. Sales taxes are excluded from revenues.

Fixed price contracts

For fixed price contracts, we generally recognize revenue over time as we perform because of continuous transfer of control to the customer. This continuous transfer of control to the customer is supported by clauses in the contract that allow the customer to unilaterally terminate the contract for convenience, pay us for costs incurred plus a reasonable profit and take control of any work in process. In our fixed price contracts, the customer either controls the work in process or we deliver products with no alternative use to the Company and have rights to payment for work performed to date plus a reasonable profit as evidenced by contractual termination clauses.

Because of control transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services to be provided. We generally use the cost-to-cost measure of progress for our contracts because it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer which occurs as we incur costs on our contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Revenues, including estimated fees or profits, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred.

Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. We consider contract modifications to exist when the modification either creates new, or changes the existing, enforceable rights and obligations. Most of our contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct from the existing contract due to the significant integration service provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as if they were part of that existing contract. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price, and our measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis.

We have a company-wide standard and disciplined quarterly estimate at completion process in which management reviews the progress and execution of our performance obligations. As part of this process, management reviews information including, but not limited to, any outstanding key contract matters, progress towards completion and the related program schedule, identified risks and opportunities and the related changes in estimates of revenues and costs. Changes in estimates of net sales, cost of sales and the related impact to operating income are recognized quarterly on a cumulative catch-up basis, which recognizes in the current period the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods based on a performance obligation’s percentage of completion. A significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of one or more of our performance obligations. When estimates of total costs to be incurred exceed total estimates of revenue to be earned on a performance obligation related to fixed price contracts, a provision for the entire loss on the performance obligation is recognized in the period the loss is estimated.

Service Contracts

We recognize revenue for service contracts measuring progress toward satisfying the performance obligation in a manner that best depicts the transfer of goods or services to the customer. The control over services is transferred over time when the services are rendered to the customer on a daily basis. Specifically, we recognize revenue as the services are provided as we have the right to invoice the customer for the services performed. Services are billed and paid on a monthly basis. Payment terms for services are usually 30 days from invoice receipt but have increased to 45 days during the recent industry downturn.

Contract balances

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts arise when revenues are recorded based on the extent of progress towards completion but cannot be invoiced under the terms of the contract. Such amounts are invoiced upon completion of contractual milestones. Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts arise when milestone billings are permissible under the contract, but the related costs have not yet been incurred. All contract costs are recognized currently on jobs formally approved by the customer and contracts are not shown as complete until virtually all anticipated costs have been incurred and the risk of loss has passed to the customer.

Assets related to costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts, as well as liabilities related to billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts, have been classified as current. The contract cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year; thus, complete collection of amounts related to these contracts may extend beyond one year though such long-term contracts include contractual milestone billings as discussed above. For the years ending 2020 and 2019, there were no contracts with terms that extended beyond one year.

The following table summarizes our contract assets, which are “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts” and our contract liabilities, which are “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts”.

The contract asset and liability balances at December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted primarily of revenue related to fixed-price projects.

Remaining Performance Obligations

Remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price of firm orders for which work has not been performed and excludes unexercised contract options, potential orders, and any remaining performance obligations for any sales arrangements that had not fully satisfied the criteria to be considered a contract with a customer pursuant to the requirements of ASC 606.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

We generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses.

Many of our services contracts are short-term in nature with a contract term of one year or less. For those contracts, we have utilized the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-50-14 exempting the Company from disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less.

Additionally, our payment terms are short-term in nature with settlements of one year or less. We have, therefore, utilized the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-32-18 exempting the Company from adjusting the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component given that the period between when the entity transfers a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.

Further, in many of our service contracts, we have a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customer of our performance completed to date (for example, a service contract in which we bill a fixed amount for each hour of service provided). For those contracts, we have utilized the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-55-18, which allows us to recognize revenue in the amount for which we have the right to invoice.

Accordingly, we do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and (ii) contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed.

NOTE 4: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

Depreciation expense included in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations was $830 and $1,105 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Depreciation expense excluded from cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations was $252 and $276 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Construction in progress represents assets that are not ready for service or are in the construction stage. Assets are depreciated once they are placed in service.

See discussion in Note 1 for any impairment charges related to these assets.

NOTE 5: INCOME OR LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares used in the basic and diluted net income or loss per common share calculation:

At December 31, 2020, there were outstanding options that were vested and exercisable into 300 shares of common stock; however, they have been excluded from the calculation of EPS because their exercise would be anti-dilutive. At December 31, 2019, there were outstanding options that were vested and exercisable into 225 shares of common stock; however, they have been excluded from the calculation of EPS because their exercise would be anti-dilutive.

NOTE 6: SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The following table summarizes the activity of our nonvested restricted shares for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

The following table summarizes the activity of our nonvested stock options for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we recognized a total of $117 and $250, respectively, of share-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and stock options, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The unamortized estimated fair value of nonvested shares of restricted stock awards and stock options was $48 and $134 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These costs are expected to be recognized as expense over a weighted-average period of 0.35 years.

NOTE 7: TREASURY STOCK

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 588 shares of common stock at a total cost of $218 under a repurchase program authorized on March 26, 2018 and repurchased 6 shares of common stock at a total cost of $4 under the 2019 Repurchase Program. The average price per share of treasury stock purchased in 2019 was $0.37.

On December 31, 2019, the Company had 2,621 shares of common stock held in treasury.

On December 23, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program (the “2019 Repurchase Program”) under which the Company could repurchase up to 500 shares of outstanding stock. The 2019 Repurchase Program was funded from cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 743 shares of common stock at a total cost of $524 under the 2019 Repurchase Program and in a privately negotiated transaction. 495 shares were purchased under the 2019 Repurchase Program, and the remaining 248 shares were separately authorized by the Board. The 2019 Repurchase Program was exhausted at the conclusion of this transaction.

Additionally, the Company purchased 3 shares of common stock at an average price of approximately $0.43 per share totaling $1 in a privately negotiated transaction during the year ended December 31, 2020.

On December 31, 2020, the Company had 3,367 shares of common stock held in treasury.

Treasury shares are accounted for using the cost method.

NOTE 8: INCOME TAXES

Income tax (benefit) expense is comprised of the following:

Income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S. statutory income tax rate to loss before income taxes for the reasons set forth below.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards.  The tax effects of the temporary differences and carry forwards are as follows:

We have $25,017 of federal and $1,148 of state NOL carry forwards and $650 in research and development and other credits available to offset future taxable income. These federal and state NOLs will expire at various dates through 2034, except for federal NOLs generated in 2018 and subsequent years. Management analyzed its current operating results and future projections and determined that a full valuation allowance was needed due to our cumulative losses in recent years. We have no uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2020. Accordingly, we do not have any accruals for penalties or interest related to our tax returns. Should an examination or audit arise, we would evaluate the need for an accrual and record one, if necessary. Our federal tax returns from the tax years ended December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2019 are open to examination by the IRS.

NOTE 9: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Letters of Credit

Certain customers could require us to issue standby letters of credit in the normal course of business to ensure performance under terms of contracts or as a form of product warranty. The beneficiary of a letter of credit could demand payment from the issuing bank for the amount of the outstanding letter of credit. We had no outstanding letters of credit at December 31, 2020 or 2019.

Employment Agreement

Our Chief Executive Officer is employed under an employment agreement containing severance provisions. In the event of termination of the CEO’s employment for any reason, the CEO will be entitled to receive all accrued, unpaid salary and vacation time through the date of termination and all benefits to which the CEO is entitled or vested under the terms of all employee benefit and compensation plans, agreements, and arrangements in which the CEO participants as of the date of termination.

In addition, subject to executing a general release in favor of the Company, the CEO will be entitled to receive certain severance payments in the event his employment is terminated by the Company “other than for cause” or by the CEO with “good reason.” These severance payments include: (i) a lump sum in cash equal to one to two times the CEO’s annual base salary; (ii) a lump sum in cash equal to one to two times the average annual bonus paid to the CEO for the prior two full fiscal years preceding the date of termination; (iii) a lump sum in cash equal to a pro rata portion of the annual bonus payable for the period in which the date of termination occurs based on the actual performance under the Company’s annual incentive bonus arrangement, but no less than fifty percent of the CEO’s annual base salary; and (iv) if the CEO’s termination occurs prior to the date that is twelve months following a change of control, then each and every share option, restricted share award and other equity-based award that is outstanding and held by the CEO shall immediately vest and become exercisable.

On April 1, 2020, the Company eliminated the position of Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) and relieved the COO of his duties pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement. In addition to payment of accrued and unpaid salary, vacation time, and other benefits referred to above, the Company is required to pay the former COO one time his contractual annual base salary of $245, payable over 12 months. This amount is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.

Litigation

From time to time, the Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company expenses or accrues legal costs as incurred and is involved in only one material legal proceeding as of the date of this Report.

In November 2011, the Company delivered equipment to Aker Solutions, Inc. (“Aker”), but Aker declined to pay the final invoice in the aggregate amount of $270 alleging some warranty items needed to be repaired. The Company made repairs, but Aker continued to claim further work was required. The Company repeatedly attempted to collect on the receivable and ultimately filed suit on November 16, 2012, in the Harris County District Court. Aker subsequently filed a counter claim on March 20, 2013 in the aggregate amount of $1,000 for reimbursement of insurance payments allegedly made for repairs. The parties have not reached a resolution on this matter. At this point, it is not clear as to whether an unfavorable outcome is either probable or remote, and the Company is unable to determine the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or the amount or range of potential loss if the outcome should be unfavorable.

On August 6, 2018, GE Oil and Gas UK Ltd. (“GE”) requested that the Company mediate a dispute between the parties in the ICC International Centre for ADR (“ICC”). The dispute involved alleged delays and defects in products manufactured by the Company for GE dating back to 2013. During the second quarter of 2020, the parties finalized the terms of a definitive settlement agreement which is now final and binding. Per the terms of the settlement, the Company shall pay GE $750 in total, which shall be paid on a monthly basis through December 2021. The Company accrued a liability related to this matter in the amount of $750 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The remaining liability was $420 at December 31, 2020.

NOTE 10: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On August 15, 2019, Mr. Ronald E. Smith, the Company's Founder, resigned as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board, effective as of August 31, 2019.

In connection with Mr. Smith's resignation, the Company entered into a Transition Agreement with him, effective as of September 1, 2019 (the “Transition Agreement”). The Transition Agreement provides for Mr. Smith to serve as an independent consultant to the Company from September 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021. The Company agreed to pay Mr. Smith $42 per month, from September 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019, and $15 per month, from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021, in exchange for his future services.

Under the terms of the Transition Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Mr. Smith a severance payment of $250, which was fully accrued during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2019 and was paid in structured payments through December 31, 2019.

Additionally, under the terms of the Transition Agreement, the Company accepted 300 of Mr. Smith's shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for certain previously impaired Company equipment ($0 carrying value at the time of the exchange). Because the assets had an approximate fair value of $0 at the time of the exchange no value was recorded to treasury stock. The Transition Agreement also provides for the Company to transfer a Company truck to Mr. Smith with the associated liability assumed by Mr. Smith. We recognized a $7 loss on this transaction.

In addition to the other payments provided for under the Transition Agreement, the Company also agreed to pay Mr. Smith 1.5% of the net sale or lease value of two carousels owned by Company, if such sale or lease occurs prior to December 31, 2021, unless those assets are sold or leased in conjunction with a sale of all or substantially all of the assets or stock of Deep Down, in which case no commission is due.

As part of the Transition Agreement, Mr. Smith is bound by certain non-disclosure and confidentiality provisions, and a non-compete and non-hire agreement.

NOTE 11. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION’S PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN

As a result of the abrupt decline in oil prices and global economic activity caused by COVID-19, the Company applied for a loan under the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program, and on April 29, 2020, the Company received a loan (“April 2020 PPP loan”) in the amount of $1,111, which was used to finance payroll during the second and third quarters of 2020. The April 2020 PPP loan is evidenced by a promissory note, dated to be effective as of April 27, 2020, between the Company and the lender. The promissory note matures on April 27, 2022 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.00 percent per annum, payable in 18 monthly payments commencing on November 27, 2020.

Subsequent to the effective date of the April 2020 PPP loan, the U.S. Treasury and SBA refined its payment deferral guidance whereby payment of principal, interest, and fees for PPP loans are to be deferred until the amount of forgiveness determined under section 1106 of the CARES Act is remitted to the lender if the loan forgiveness application is submitted within ten months after the end of the loan forgiveness covered period. Additionally, certain conditions detailed in the loan agreement could cause the note to become immediately due and payable at the lender’s option. The Company applied for forgiveness of the April 2020 PPP loan in its entirety in October 2020, which falls within ten months after the end of the Company’s loan forgiveness covered period. The Company has not received guidance from its lender regarding the timing or ultimate outcome of its forgiveness application.

NOTE 12: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

We have evaluated subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company applied for a second loan under the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, and on March 1, 2021, the Company received a potentially forgivable loan (“March 2021 PPP loan”) in the amount of $1,111. The March 2021 PPP loan is evidenced by a promissory note, dated to be effective as of March 1, 2021, between the Company and the lender. The promissory note matures on March 1, 2026 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.00 percent per annum, beginning on the date of advance until the loan maturity date.