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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION INC - Quarter Report: 2005 June (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

x Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005

 

or

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission File Number 1-31895

 


 

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Nevada   84-1018684

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

5215 W. Laurel Street, Tampa, Florida 33607

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

(813) 876-1776

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 


 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    YES  x    NO  ¨

 

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.0001 par value, as of July 25, 2005 was 42,468,724.

 



LOGO

 

          Page No.

Part I:    Financial Information     
Item 1.    Financial Statements:     
     Consolidated Balance Sheets - as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004    3
     Consolidated Statements of Operations, Three Months Ended June 30, 2005 and August 31, 2004    4
     Consolidated Statements of Operations, Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and August 31, 2004    5
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and August 31, 2004    6
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    7 - 14
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion & Analysis    14 - 18
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    18
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures    19
Part II:    Other Information     
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings    19
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities    19
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities    19
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    19
Item 5.    Other Information    19
Item 6.    Exhibits    20
Signatures    21

 

2


PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    

(Unaudited)
June 30,

2005


    December 31,
2004


 

ASSETS

                

CURRENT ASSETS

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,417,027     $ 3,050,721  

Accounts receivable

     1,841,111       2,104,914  

Inventory

     3,644,401       3,759,552  

Deferred tax asset

     —         1,651,604  

Other current assets

     596,089       640,150  
    


 


Total current assets

     10,498,628       11,206,941  

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

                

Equipment and office fixtures

     7,482,265       6,612,764  

Building and land

     3,501,513       3,333,481  

Accumulated depreciation

     (1,845,431 )     (1,328,202 )
    


 


Total property and equipment

     9,138,347       8,618,043  

OTHER ASSETS

                

Inventory (non current)

     6,777,607       5,945,177  

Deferred tax asset

     5,608,953       1,176,796  

Attraction development

     3,199,561       569,634  

Other non current assets

     459,321       404,209  
    


 


Total other assets

     16,045,442       8,095,816  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 35,682,417     $ 27,920,800  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

CURRENT LIABILITIES

                

Accounts payable

   $ 726,105     $ 591,138  

Accrued expenses

     815,078       2,024,882  

Mortgage and loans payable

     111,433       173,700  

Deposits

     8,580       19,098  

Deferred tax liability

     1,740,427       —    
    


 


Total current liabilities

     3,401,623       2,808,818  

LONG TERM LIABILITIES

                

Mortgage payable

     1,808,333       1,858,333  

Deferred income from Revenue Participation Certificates

     887,500       887,500  
    


 


Total long term liabilities

     2,695,833       2,745,833  
    


 


Total liabilities

     6,097,456       5,554,651  
    


 


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Preferred stock - $.0001 par value; 9,300,000 shares authorized; none outstanding

     —         —    

Preferred stock series A convertible - $.0001 par value; 510,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock - $.0001 par value; 100,000,000 Shares authorized; 42,128,099 and 38,530,599 issued and outstanding

     4,213       3,853  

Additional paid-in capital

     34,742,512       26,430,934  

Unrealized gain on investments, net of tax

     —         554  

Accumulated deficit

     (5,161,764 )     (4,069,192 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     29,584,961       22,366,149  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 35,682,417     $ 27,920,800  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

3


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - Unaudited

 

     Three Months Ended

 
    

June 30,

2005


   

August 31,

2004


 

REVENUE

   $ 3,825,818     $ 6,141,068  

OPERATING EXPENSES

                

Cost of sales

     353,809       577,236  

Marketing, general & administrative

     2,386,394       1,117,086  

Operations & research

     2,737,795       492,610  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     5,477,998       2,186,932  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

     (1,652,180 )     3,954,136  

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

                

Interest income

     6,969       722  

Interest expense

     (28,236 )     (16,240 )

Other

     28,312       28,704  
    


 


Total other income (expense)

     7,045       13,186  
    


 


INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     (1,645,135 )     3,967,323  

Income tax benefit (provision)

     564,468       (1,559,312 )
    


 


NET INCOME (LOSS)

     (1,080,667 )     2,408,009  
    


 


EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

                

Basic

   $ (.03 )   $ .06  

Diluted

   $ (.03 )   $ .06  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

                

Basic

     41,686,862       38,467,012  

Diluted

     41,686,862       39,719,740  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

4


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - Unaudited

 

     Six Months Ended

 
    

June 30,

2005


   

August 31,

2004


 

REVENUE

   $ 7,175,334     $ 9,578,629  

OPERATING EXPENSES

                

Cost of sales

     570,097       1,528,717  

Marketing, general & administrative

     4,307,321       2,235,983  

Operations & research

     4,050,250       983,083  
    


 


Total operating expenses

     8,927,668       4,747,783  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS

     (1,752,334 )     4,830,846  

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

                

Interest income

     15,497       1,601  

Interest expense

     (56,746 )     (16,240 )

Other

     41,823       26,740  
    


 


Total other income (expense)

     574       12,101  
    


 


INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     (1,751,760 )     4,842,947  

Income tax benefit (provision)

     659,188       (1,968,104 )
    


 


NET INCOME (LOSS)

     (1,092,572 )     2,874,843  
    


 


EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

                

Basic

   $ (.03 )   $ .08  

Diluted

   $ (.03 )   $ .07  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

                

Basic

     40,488,485       38,313,955  

Diluted

     40,488,485       40,715,763  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

5


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited

 

     Six Months Ended

 
    

June 30,

2005


   

August 31,

2004


 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                

Net Income (Loss)

   $ (1,092,572 )   $ 2,874,843  

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activity:

                

Deferred income taxes

     (1,040,126 )     1,968,104  

Depreciation

     554,058       177,238  

(Gain) Loss on disposal of equipment

     40,451       —    

Tax benefit related to exercise of employee Stock options

     380,938       —    

(Increase) decrease in:

                

Accounts receivable

     214,156       (2,095,203 )

Inventory

     (644,367 )     (3,796,129 )

Other current assets

     (11,050 )     (63,659 )

Increase (decrease) in:

                

Accounts payable

     134,967       (81,567 )

Customer deposits

     (10,518 )     19,098  

Accrued expenses

     (1,111,883 )     966,460  
    


 


NET CASH (USED) IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (2,585,946 )     (30,815 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                

Purchase of property and equipment

     (1,018,169 )     (1,325,776 )

Proceeds from sale of equipment

     49,647       —    

Attraction development

     (2,629,927 )     (238,104 )

Purchase of building improvements

     (168,032 )     (1,140,802 )
    


 


NET CASH (USED) IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (3,766,481 )     (2,704,682 )
    


 


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     8,276,000       1,030,313  

Sale of marketable securities

     —         1,991,555  

Broker commission and fees on private offering

     (445,000 )     —    

Loan payable

     —         1,523,700  

Repayment of mortgage payable

     (112,267 )     (8,333 )
    


 


NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     7,718,733       4,537,235  
    


 


NET INCREASE IN CASH

     1,366,306       1,801,738  

CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     3,050,721       1,351,340  
    


 


CASH AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 4,417,027     $ 3,153,078  
    


 


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

                

Interest paid

   $ 51,484     $ 8,607  

Income taxes paid

   $ —       $ —    

NON CASH TRANSACTIONS:

                

Depreciation reclassified as inventory

   $ 72,912     $ 202,235  

Accrued compensation paid by common stock

   $ 100,000     $ —    

 

Summary of Significant Non-Cash Transactions

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, warrants to purchase a total of 470,000 shares were issued to two persons associated with the placement agent as part of the commission paid in connection with a private placement of securities during the period. These warrants are exercisable at a price of $3.50 per share for a period of two years. The fair value of these warrants as computed by the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $.72 per warrant, or $336,504. Due to the high volatility of our stock we do not believe that the Black-Scholes model provides a realistic fair value for the warrants. These warrants do not have the characteristics of traded warrants, therefore, the warrant valuation models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value. By agreement between the parties at the time of the offering, the Company used a fair value of $.50 per warrant, or $235,000.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

6


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. was incorporated March 5, 1986, as a Colorado corporation named Universal Capital Corporation, Inc. On August 8, 1997 Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (the “Company”), completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding Common Stock of Remarc International, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed May 20, 1994, (“Remarc”) in exchange for the Company’s Common Stock in a reverse acquisition. On September 7, 1997, we changed our domicile to Nevada and our name was changed to Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., is engaged in the archaeologically sensitive exploration and recovery of deep-water shipwrecks and the marketing and sales of shipwreck related items. The corporate headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We suggest that these interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Due to a change of fiscal year, which became effective as of December 31, 2004, the second quarter of our current fiscal year ends on June 30, 2005, as compared to a second quarter which ended on August 31, 2004, during our prior fiscal year. Our presentations compare these periods. We have chosen not to recast the prior period because of implementation of a new accounting system in 2005 and limited available resources. Also, we believe this period to period comparison is reasonable since our current business plan is not subject to seasonality or other major factors affecting the comparison of information.

 

In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position as of June 30, 2005, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.

 

NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

This summary of significant accounting policies of the Company is presented to assist in understanding our financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Company’s management who are responsible for their integrity and objectivity and have prepared them in accordance with our customary accounting practices.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Odyssey Marine, Inc., Odyssey Marine Services, Inc., OVH, Inc, Odyssey Retriever, Inc. and Odyssey Marine Entertainment, Inc. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain operating expense amounts for the three-month and six-month periods ended August 31, 2004 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of the June 30, 2005 amounts. The reclassifications have no effect on net income for the period ended August 31, 2004.

 

Use of Estimates

 

Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could vary from the estimates that were used.

 

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

 

Revenue from sales is recognized at the point of sale when legal title transfers. Legal title transfers when product is shipped or is available for shipment to customers. Bad debts are recorded as identified. We have not experienced any bad debts and no allowance for bad debts has been recorded.

 

7


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

 

Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents include cash on hand and cash in banks. We also consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, prepaid expense, investments, accounts payable, accrued expense, loan payable and mortgage payable approximate fair value. Considerable judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value, and, accordingly, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange.

 

Inventory

 

Our inventory consists primarily of artifacts from the SS Republic shipwreck. The Company has accounted for its inventory at the lower of cost or market.

 

Long-Lived Assets

 

Our policy is to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” based on several factors, including, but not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows. To date no such impairment has been indicated.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

United States Treasury bills owned by us during the period ending June 30, 2005, were deemed available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities were excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

 

Depreciation

 

Property and equipment is stated at historical cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method at rates based on the assets’ estimated useful lives. Depreciation related to our vessel “Odyssey Explorer” was capitalized as inventory during the SS Republic project.

 

Depreciation expense is summarized as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended

   Three Months Ended

     June 30
2005


   August 31
2004


   June 30
2005


   August 31
2004


Depreciation expense

   626,970    379,473    326,787    211,576

Less depreciation capitalized to inventory

   72,912    202,235    —      108,594
    
  
  
  

Net depreciation expense

   554,058    177,238    326,787    102,981
    
  
  
  

 

8


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive securities and other contracts to issue Common Stock were exercised or converted into Common Stock or resulted in the issuance of Common Stock that then shared in our earnings. Incurring a net loss during the three and six month periods ending June 30, 2005 causes the potential common shares to have an anti-dilutive effect for the periods and therefore such shares are excluded from the EPS calculation as detailed below.

 

Potential common shares, calculated using the treasury stock method, for the three month and six month periods affected the computation of diluted EPS as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended

   Three Months Ended

    

June 30

2005


   August 31
2004


  

June 30

2005


   August 31
2004


Weighted average common shares outstanding basic

   40,488,485    38,313,955    41,686,862    38,467,012

Effect of potential common shares

   —      2,401,808    —      1,252,728
    
  
  
  

Weighted average common shares basic and diluted

   40,488,485    40,715,763    41,686,862    39,719,740
    
  
  
  

 

Potential common shares were also excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of including the potential shares in the computation would have been anti-dilutive as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended

   Three Months Ended

    

June 30

2005


   August 31
2004


  

June 30

2005


   August 31
2004


Average market price during the period

   $ 3.51    $ 2.79    $ 4.32    $ 3.72

In the money potential common shares excluded

     1,744,312      —        2,526,603      —  

Stock Options with an exercise price of $4.00 per share

     5,000      —        —        —  

Stock Options with an exercise price of $5.00 per share

     595,000      535,000      595,000      535,000

Warrants with an exercise price of $3.00 per share

     —        11,000      —        —  
    

  

  

  

Anti dilutive warrants and options excluded from EPS

     2,344,312      546,000      3,121,603      535,000
    

  

  

  

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and have adopted the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” Under APB No. 25, when the exercise price of our employee stock options equals or exceeds the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized in the consolidated financial statements in connection with employee stock option grants.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share had we applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to stock-based employee compensation.

 

9


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – continued

 

     3 Month Period Ended

 
    

June 30,

2005


    August 31,
2004


 

Net income (loss):

                

As reported

   $ (1,080,667 )   $ 2,408,009  

Pro forma adjustment for compensation, net of tax

     (130,822 )     (206,589 )
    


 


Pro forma

   $ (1,211,489 )   $ 2,201,420  
    


 


Basic income (loss) per share:

                

As reported

   $ (.03 )   $ .06  

Pro forma

   $ (.03 )   $ .06  

Diluted income (loss) per share:

                

As reported

   $ (.03 )   $ .06  

Pro forma

   $ (.03 )   $ .06  
     6 Month Period Ended

 
    

June 30,

2005


    August 31,
2004


 

Net income (loss):

                

As reported

   $ (1,092,572 )   $ 2,874,843  

Pro forma adjustment for compensation, net of tax

     (448,509 )     (464,614 )
    


 


Pro forma

   $ (1,541,081 )   $ 2,410,229  
    


 


Basic income (loss) per share:

                

As reported

   $ (.03 )   $ .08  

Pro forma

   $ (.04 )   $ .06  

Diluted income (loss) per share:

                

As reported

   $ (.03 )   $ .07  

Pro forma

   $ (.04 )   $ .06  

 

The weighted average estimated fair value of stock options granted during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and August 31, 2004 were $2.18 and $2.75 respectively. These amounts were determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which values options based on the stock price at the grant date, the expected life of the option, the estimated volatility of the stock, the expected dividend payments, and the risk-free interest rate over the life of the option. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model were as follows:

 

     3 Month Period Ended

 
     June 30,
2005


    August 31,
2004


 

Risk-free interest rate

   3.7 %   3.4 %

Expected volatility of common stock

   62.5 %   475 %

Dividend Yield

   0 %   0 %

Expected life of options

   4 years     5 years  

 

10


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

 

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Because option valuation models require the use of subjective assumptions, changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value of the options. Our options do not have the characteristics of traded options, therefore, the option valuation models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of our options.

 

Equity instruments issued, if any, to non-employees in exchange for goods, fees and services are accounted for under the fair value-based method of SFAS No. 123.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized.

 

NOTE C - INVENTORY

 

Our inventory consisted of the following:

 

    

June 30,

2005


  

Dec 31,

2004


Artifact capitalized recovery costs

   $ 7,920,735    $ 7,521,431

Artifact grading & conservation costs

     1,603,246      1,698,687

Packaging & merchandise

     898,387      484,611
    

  

Total Inventory

   $ 10,422,008    $ 9,704,729
    

  

 

Of these amounts $3,644,401 and $3,759,552 are classified as current as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 respectively.

 

NOTE D - INCOME TAXES

 

As of June 30, 2005, the Company had consolidated income tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for federal tax purposes of approximately $22 million. The NOL will expire in various years ending through the year 2025.

 

For the six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and August 31, 2004, the components of the provision for income taxes (benefit) are attributable to continuing operations as follows:

 

     June 30,
2005


    August 31,
2004


Current

              

Federal

   $ 0     $ 0

State

     0       0
    


 

     $ 0     $ 0

Deferred

              

Federal

   $ (562,841 )   $ 1,696,133

State

     (96,347 )     271,971
    


 

     $ (659,188 )   $ 1,968,104
    


 

 

11


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE D - INCOME TAXES - continued

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of the temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

Deferred tax assets:

      

Net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards

   $ 8,260,899

Accrued expenses

     7,526

Capital loss carryforward

     7,328

Less: valuation allowance

     —  
    

     $ 8,275,753

Deferred tax liability:

      

Fixed asset basis

   $ 74,494

Prepaid expenses

     48,427

Excess of tax over book depreciation

     672,510

Artifacts recovery costs

     3,611,796
    

     $ 4,407,227
    

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 3,868,526

Plus: current net deferred tax liability

     1,740,427
    

Net non-current deferred tax asset

   $ 5,608,953
    

 

As reflected above, the Company has recorded a net deferred tax asset of $3,868,526 at June 30, 2005. No valuation allowance is provided for its net operating loss carryforwards since management believes the Company will be profitable from sales and will generate taxable income sufficient to utilize the loss carryforwards. The amount of the net deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could change in the near future if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are changed.

 

The change in the valuation allowance is as follow:

 

June 30, 2005

   $ —    

December 31, 2004

   $ 10,993  
    


Change in valuation allowance

   $ (10,993 )
    


 

Income taxes for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and August 31, 2004 differ from the amounts computed by applying the effective federal income tax rate of 34% to income before income taxes as a result of the following:

 

     June 30,
2005


    August 31,
2004


 

Expected provision (benefit)

   $ (595,598 )   $ 1,646,602  

State income taxes net of federal benefits

     (100,241 )     173,798  

Nontaxable income ( net)

     8,845       5,223  

Change in valuation allowance

     (10,993 )     10,993  

Effects of:

                

Change in rate estimate

     39,099       —    

Estimate of net operating loss

     —         87,031  

Other, net

     —         (57,078 )
    


 


     $ (659,188 )   $ 1,968,104  
    


 


 

12


ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE D - INCOME TAXES - continued

 

During the six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and August 31, 2004, the Company recognized certain tax benefits related to stock option plans in the amount of $380,938 and $0 respectively. Such benefits were recorded as an increase in the deferred tax asset and an increase in additional paid-in capital.

 

NOTE E - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Commitments

 

We have committed for the fabrication of two shipwreck exhibits for $3.2 million, which are expected to open during 2005 and 2006. As of June 30, 2005 our remaining commitment is approximately $600,000.

 

The Time Charter Party Agreement for the charter of a vessel which is conducting operations on the Atlas project has been extended from the original expiration date of July 15, 2005, for an additional 60 days at a cost of approximately $330,000.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

On or about December 14, 2004 a complaint was filed against seven defendants including the Company in the Court of Common Pleas in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, County of Charleston, in the State of South Carolina. The complaint was filed by Republic & Eagle Associates, Inc. and Sea Miners, Inc. against John Morris, Greg Stemm, John Lawrence, John Balch, Daniel Bagley, Seahawk Deep Sea Technologies, Inc.(“Seahawk”) and the Company. The plaintiffs allegations include breach of fiduciary duty, civil conspiracy and breach of contract based primarily upon an alleged contract(s) between the plaintiffs and Seahawk dated May 16, 1995 dealing with the search for the S.S. Republic. The plaintiffs allege that their research which was provided to Seahawk led to the discovery of the S.S. Republic and they seek an unspecified amount of damages and public recognition of their contribution. On February 18, 2005, John Morris, Greg Stemm, Daniel Bagley, and the Company filed their Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss Defendants John Morris, Greg Stemm, Daniel Bagley and Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (the “Motion”). In the Motion, the defendants allege that the complaint should be dismissed because, among other things, the South Carolina court does not have jurisdiction over them, the action was filed in an improper venue, plaintiffs lack the capacity to maintain the action, and the action should be barred based on the Doctrine of Forum Non Conveniens. The parties are engaging in discovery on the issue of personal jurisdiction. The South Carolina court has not yet heard nor ruled on the Motion. Management believes that the lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.

 

The Company may be subject to a variety of claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Management currently believes that these claims and suits will not have a material adverse impact on its financial position or its results of operations.

 

NOTE F – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, a construction company, owned by the stepson of an officer of the Company was paid for renovation services on our corporate headquarters building amounting to $23,314 and $100,475, respectively. Also, the spouse of a Company officer performed logo design services for the same period amounting to $1,725 and $3,525, respectively.

 

NOTE G – LOAN PAYABLE

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

On April 21, 2005, we entered into a $6 million revolving credit facility from the Mercantile Bank (the “Bank”). The credit facility replaces the Company’s prior credit facility with The Bank of Tampa. The credit facility has a floating interest rate equal to the “LIBOR 30-Day Index Rate” plus two hundred sixty-five basis points (2.65%), requires monthly payments of interest only and is due in full on April 21, 2008. The Company will also be required to pay the Bank an unused line fee equal to 0.25% per annum of the unused portion of the credit line, payable quarterly. The line of credit is secured by $4 million of numismatic quality gold coins and 10,000 silver coins recovered by the Company from the SS Republic shipwreck. The Company’s custodian will hold the coins used as collateral until released by the Bank. Additionally, the Company granted a first lien position on all corporate assets, including a provision not to pledge as collateral our Company-owned vessels. The Company is required to comply with a number of covenants including maintaining a minimum stockholders’ equity of $20,000,000, which amount may be increased after the first year.

 

13


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

The following discussion will assist in the understanding of our financial position and results of operations. The information below should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, the related notes to the financial statements and our form 10-KSB/A for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

This discussion contains both historical and forward-looking information. We assess the risks and uncertainties about our business, long-term strategy, and financial condition before we make any forward-looking statements, but we cannot guarantee that our assessment is accurate or that our goals and projections can or will be met. Statements concerning results of future search operations, recovery operations, attraction openings, marketing strategies and similar events are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Securities laws and regulations.

 

Overview

 

Generally, we are engaged in the archaeologically sensitive exploration and recovery of deep-water shipwrecks throughout the world, and the exhibition and/or sales of the items recovered from our various wreck sites, including replicas and other shipwreck related items, through themed attractions, retail and wholesale sales channels.

 

Our business is organized as follows:

 

    Administration

 

    Marine operations

 

    Archaeology, research and conservation

 

    Sales and marketing

 

    Themed attractions

 

Our administrative department oversees all aspects of our business management and reporting including compliance. They are also responsible for our public and investor relations, accounting, information technology, legal and human resources.

 

Marine operations is tasked with the discovery and recovery of deep-ocean shipwrecks utilizing state-of-the-art technology, including side scan sonar, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and other advanced technology. They oversee all ships, offshore technology, and ship and technical crews. The marine operations team has also developed proprietary procedures, software and equipment to improve the quality and speed of deep-ocean shipwreck operations.

 

Our archaeology and research department supports marine operations by providing target information as well as conducting historical research on artifacts recovered from unknown shipwrecks. After recovered items are returned to shore, our conservation department stabilizes the artifacts and ultimately brings them to their final state of conservation. This department also provides the curation of company owned artifacts.

 

Our marketing includes our sales and marketing support functions for the promotion and distribution of our products through both retail and wholesale channels. Our direct retail sales call center provides an alternative distribution channel for our shipwreck products. In addition to obtaining retail pricing through direct channels, the marketing team is building a client base of customers interested in shipwreck collectibles. We continue to sell mostly graded gold coins through wholesale channels consisting of selected independent coin dealers.

 

Our themed attractions group is responsible for interactive attractions and exhibits that will entertain and educate multi-generational audiences, and present Odyssey’s unique shipwreck stories and artifacts. The exhibits will showcase our proprietary technology and the excitement of deep ocean archeological shipwreck search and recovery. On June 8, 2005, we announced that a newly formed subsidiary, Odyssey Marine Entertainment, Inc., will open an interactive shipwreck and treasure attraction in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Located in the Jax Brewery, Odyssey’s Shipwreck & Treasure Adventure is expected to appeal to the public fascination with shipwrecks and sunken treasure. The attraction will tell the stories behind some of the world’s most famous shipwrecks, their treasure and historical artifacts, and will allow visitors to experience the adventure and excitement of deep-ocean shipwreck exploration through multiple hands-on exhibits. The grand opening of the attraction is scheduled for August 27, 2005. Our second attraction is currently being planned for opening later in 2005 or in early 2006.

 

14


Operational Update

 

Atlas Project

 

On May 4, 2005, we announced that search operations had begun on our 2005 shipwreck search program, code-named the “Atlas” project, with our chartered side-scan survey vessel. The “Atlas” project is the result of an extensive target development program and consists of five target shipwrecks.

 

The Odyssey Explorer joined the Company’s chartered side-scan survey vessel in June to work in the 2005 “Atlas” search area. Since announcing the start of the “Atlas” project, we have identified approximately 410 targets and inspected 252 targets with ZEUS, one of the Company’s Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV).

 

For this project, we employed a new side-scan sonar system which we believe will allow us to map the seafloor twice as fast as previous searches. Having a deep-water ROV on a second ship to visually inspect targets will result in a more efficient search process.

 

Western Mediterranean Project

 

In April 2005, the Odyssey Explorer began performing survey and archaeological work in the western Mediterranean. We located 23 shipwreck sites, produced 14 pre-disturbance photomosaics, and completed preliminary excavations on 7 sites. The archaeological work resulted in the recovery of approximately 400 artifacts plus a substantial number of trading beads which are undergoing conservation and study by Odyssey’s research department.

 

HMS Sussex Project

 

The discussions between Odyssey, the Kingdom of Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the regional government of Andalucia, regarding the British warship HMS Sussex, as well as cultural interests and underwater archaeology in the region, are ongoing. We believe these issues will be resolved prior to commencement of work at the Sussex location later in 2005.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Changes to Accounting Policies

 

There have been no material changes in our critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2004, nor have we adopted any accounting policy that has or will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three months ended June 30, 2005 compared to three months ended August 31, 2004

 

During the last year we changed our fiscal year to a calendar year which means that our quarter to quarter comparison will be for the periods of April 1 – June 30, 2005 compared to June 1, 2004 – August 31, 2004. We have chosen not to recast the prior period because of implementation of a new accounting system in 2005 and limited available resources. Also, we believe this period to period comparison is reasonable since our current business plan is not subject to seasonality or other major factors affecting the comparison of information. The dollar values discussed below, except as otherwise indicated, are approximations to the nearest $100,000.

 

     (Unaudited)

 
               Incr/(Decr)

 
     2005

   2004

   $ Var

    % Var

 

Revenue

   $ 3.8    $ 6.1    $ (2.3 )   (38 )%
    

  

  


     

Cost of sales

     .4      .6      (.2 )   (39 )%

Marketing, general & administrative

     2.4      1.1      1.3     114 %

Operations & research

     2.7      .5      2.2     455 %
    

  

  


 

Total cost and expenses

   $ 5.5    $ 2.2    $ 3.3     148 %

 

15


Revenue

 

Revenues are generated primarily through the sale of gold and silver coins, but also include other artifacts and merchandise. Revenues for 2005 and 2004 were $3.8 million and $6.1 million, respectively. In 2005 sales were made through independent coin dealers at wholesale prices as well as through our direct retail sales telemarketing area. In 2004 sales were made only through independent coin dealers. Revenues were lower in 2005 versus 2004 primarily due to the lower volume of silver coins distributed through independent coin dealers. As we transition the distribution of silver coins from wholesale to retail sales channels, our gross margins will be much higher. We are continuing to build a solid client base in our telemarketing direct sales area and we believe sales volumes will increase as we continue to expand our direct response advertising, marketing efforts, and Attractions.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of sales consists of shipwreck recovery costs, grading, conservation and packaging, and shipping costs associated with artifact sales. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue for 2005 and 2004 was 9% and 9%, respectively.

 

The major factors that contribute to cost of sales as a percentage of revenue include capitalized ship recovery costs, number of artifacts recovered, and revenue per artifact sold. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue will change depending on the sales mix because of the significantly higher unit sales prices for gold than silver coins.

 

As of June 30, 2005 the SS Republic capitalized cost of recovery per artifact, excluding grading, conservation, packaging and shipping costs, was approximately $147. Approximately 65,000 artifacts were recovered from the SS Republic.

 

Marketing, general and administrative expenses were $2.4 million in 2005 as compared to $1.1 million in 2004. We continued expansion of our corporate support functions due to execution of our business plan primarily associated with continued development of our search and recovery projects, expansion of our marketing and sales function primarily associated with development of a telemarketing call center, and expansion of our corporate support functions. Of the $1.3 million increase, $.7 million resulted from expansion of our marketing and sales function primarily associated with development of a telemarketing call center and $.2 million related to our attraction development activities. Additionally, $.4 million was attributable to general and administration expenses consisting primarily of personnel-related, information technology and professional services and corporate communications.

 

Operations and research expenses were $2.7 million in 2005, compared to $.5 million in 2004. The $2.2 million increase in 2005 was primarily because vessel recovery costs were not capitalized during 2005. Vessel recovery costs of $1.7 million were capitalized in 2004. Also, in 2005 we chartered a vessel to conduct search operations for $.3 million, and incurred additional expenses associated with the build up of our Western Mediterranean and Atlas search projects.

 

Six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to six months ended August 31, 2004

 

During the last year we changed our fiscal year to a calendar year which means that our year-to-date comparison will be for the periods of January 1 – June 30, 2005 compared to March 1, 2004 – August 31, 2004. We have chosen not to recast the prior period because of implementation of a new accounting system in 2005 and limited available resources. Also, we believe this period to period comparison is reasonable since our current business plan is not subject to seasonality or other major factors affecting the comparison of information. The dollar values discussed below, except as otherwise indicated, are approximations to the nearest $100,000.

 

     (Unaudited)

 
               Incr/(Decr)

 
     2005

   2004

   $ Var

    % Var

 

Revenue

   $ 7.2    $ 9.6    $ (2.4 )   (25 )%
    

  

  


     

Cost of sales

     .6      1.5      (.9 )   (63 )%

Marketing, general & administrative

     4.3      2.2      2.1     93 %

Operations & research

     4.0      1.0      3.0     312 %
    

  

  


 

Total cost and expenses

   $ 8.9    $ 4.7    $ 4.2     87 %

 

16


Revenue

 

Revenues are generated primarily through the sale of gold and silver coins, but also include other artifacts and merchandise. Revenues for 2005 and 2004 were $7.2 million and $9.6 million, respectively. In 2005 sales were made through independent coin dealers at wholesale prices as well as through our direct retail sales telemarketing area. In 2004 sales were made only through independent coin dealers. Revenues were lower in 2005 versus 2004 primarily due to the lower volume of silver coins distributed through independent coin dealers. As we transition the distribution of silver coins from wholesale to retail sales channels, our gross margins will be much higher. We are continuing to build a solid client base in our telemarketing direct sales area and we believe sales volumes will increase as we continue to expand our direct response advertising and marketing efforts.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of sales consists of shipwreck recovery costs, grading, conservation and packaging, and shipping costs associated with artifact sales. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue for 2005 and 2004 was 8% and 16%, respectively. The higher cost of sales for 2004 was attributable to a higher mix of silver coin sales.

 

The major factors that contribute to cost of sales as a percentage of revenue include capitalized ship recovery costs, number of artifacts recovered, and revenue per artifact sold. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue will change depending on the sales mix because of the significantly higher unit sales prices for gold than silver coins.

 

As of June 30, 2005 the capitalized cost of recovery per artifact, excluding grading, conservation, packaging and shipping costs, was approximately $147. Approximately 65,000 artifacts were recovered from the SS Republic.

 

Marketing, general and administrative expenses were $4.3 million in 2005 as compared to $2.2 million in 2004. We continued expansion of our corporate support functions due to execution of our business plan primarily associated with continued development of our search and recovery projects, expansion of our marketing and sales function primarily associated with development of a telemarketing call center, and expansion of our corporate support functions. Of the $2.1 million increase, $1.0 million resulted from expansion of our marketing and sales function primarily associated with development of a telemarketing call center and $.4 million related to our attraction development and publishing activities. Additionally, $.7 million was attributable to general and administration expenses consisting primarily of personnel-related, information technology, professional and audit services, sales commissions and corporate expenses.

 

Operations and research expenses were $4.0 million in 2005, compared to $1.0 million in 2004. Of the $3.0 million increase in 2005, $2.3 million was because vessel recovery costs were not capitalized in 2005 since our recovery vessel left the SS Republic site in mid-February. Vessel recovery costs of $2.9 million were capitalized in 2004 versus $.6 million in 2005. Additionally, $.3 million was attributable to chartering a vessel to conduct search operations for the Atlas project. We also incurred additional expenses associated with the build up of our Western Mediterranean and Atlas search projects including personnel-related expenses, fuel and supplies.

 

Provision for Income Taxes (Benefit)

 

Federal and state income taxes for 2005 and 2004 have been provided for at an estimated annual effective rate of 37.6%.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Shareholders’ equity was $29.6 million at June 30, 2005, compared to $22.4 million at December 31, 2004. The increase in shareholder’s equity was primarily the result of the sale of 2.7 million shares of common stock on March 10, 2005. The net proceeds from the offering of $6.35 million raised in the private placement is being used to acquire additional equipment and technology to expand the company’s search and recovery capabilities, to fund upcoming search operations, to fund new attractions and for general business purposes.

 

At June 30, 2005, we had cash and cash equivalents of $4.4 million, an increase of $1.4 million from the December 31, 2004 balance of $3.0 million. Working capital and the ratio of current assets to current liabilities were $7.1 million and 3.0 to 1, respectively at June 30, 2005, compared with $8.4 million and 4.0 to 1, respectively, at December 31, 2004.

 

We believe the value of our artifact inventory as of June 30, 2005, as shown in the financial statements, is worth significantly more than it’s cost.

 

17


Net cash used in operating activities in the six months 2005 was $2.6 million. Cash used in operating activities for the six months of 2005 primarily reflected an operating loss of $1.1 million, a decrease in accrued expenses of $1.1 million, and an increase in inventory of $.5 million offset by a decrease in accounts receivable. The net cash used in operating activities for the six months of 2004 primarily reflected positive operating results and deferred income taxes offset by an increase in inventory and accounts receivable.

 

Cash flows used in investing activities were $3.8 million and $2.7 million for the six months periods in 2005 and 2004, respectively. Cash used in investing activities for the six months of 2005 primarily reflected $2.6 million for capital expenditures for our new shipwreck attraction exhibits, $1.0 million used for the capital expenditures for property and equipment and $.2 million for building improvements. Cash used in investing activities for the six months of 2004 primarily reflected the cash purchase of our office building, property and equipment and capital expenditures related to attraction development and property and equipment.

 

Cash flows provided by financing activities were $7.7 million and $4.5 million for the six months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. In the six months of 2005, the cash provided by financing activities included $8.2 million of proceeds received from the issuance of common stock offset by $.4 million in brokerage commissions and fees on the private offering and $.1 million mortgage repayment. Cash provided by financing activities in the six months of 2004 included the net proceeds from the sale of marketable securities of $2.0 million, $1.0 million from the proceeds of sale of common stock and $1.5 million proceeds from a loan payable.

 

On April 21, 2005 we entered into a $6 million revolving credit facility with the Mercantile Bank. The credit facility replaces the Company’s prior credit facility with The Bank of Tampa. The line of credit is secured by $4 million of numismatic quality gold and 10,000 silver coins recovered by the Company from the SS Republic shipwreck. The Company intends to use the line of credit as a means to fund ongoing operations and equipment acquisitions as the need arises.

 

We currently have two exhibit attractions under development in which we have committed over $3.2 million. The planned exhibits will showcase the history of shipwrecks featuring the SS Republic. Our first attraction is scheduled to open on August 27, 2005 in New Orleans. We are expected to open a second attraction later in 2005 or early 2006. We anticipate the funding for the exhibits will come from bank financing or through revenue generated from the sale of recovered cargoes.

 

Based upon past performance and current expectations, we believe that our cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations, bank credit facility, and recent equity private placement will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, investment requirements, and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations through at least year end.

 

Off Balance Sheet Requirements

 

We do not engage in off-balance sheet financing arrangements. In particular, we do not have any interest in so-called limited purpose entities, which include special purpose entities (SPEs) and structured finance entities.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Currently Effective

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“FAS No. 123”). FAS No.123 establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods and services. FAS No. 123 focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. Under FAS No. 123, Odyssey, beginning in the first quarter of 2006, will be required to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award (with limited exceptions). The cost will be recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide services in exchange for the award.

 

Currently, the Company discloses the estimated effect on net income of these share-based payments in the footnotes to the financial statements. The estimated fair value (cost) of the share-based payments has historically been determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model. As of the date of this report, the Company has not determined which method to use upon implementation of this standard. The actual compensation cost resulting from share-based payments to be included in the Company’s future results of operations may vary from the amounts currently disclosed in the footnotes to the financial statements.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. We do not believe we have material market risk exposure and have not entered into any market risk sensitive instruments to mitigate these risks or for trading or speculative purposes.

 

18


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Odyssey maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. As of the end of the period covered by this report, based on an evaluation carried out under the supervision and with the participation of Odyssey’s management, including the chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, the CEO and CFO have concluded that Odyssey’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the second quarter of 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

On or about December 14, 2004 a complaint was filed against seven defendants including the Company in the Court of Common Pleas in the Ninth Judicial Circuit, County of Charleston, in the State of South Carolina. The complaint was filed by Republic & Eagle Associates, Inc. and Sea Miners, Inc. against John Morris, Greg Stemm, John Lawrence, John Balch, Daniel Bagley, Seahawk Deep Sea Technologies, Inc. (“Seahawk”) and the Company. The plaintiffs allegations include breach of fiduciary duty, civil conspiracy and breach of contract based primarily upon an alleged contract(s) between the plaintiffs and Seahawk dated May 16, 1995 dealing with the search for the S.S. Republic. The plaintiffs allege that their research which was provided to Seahawk led to the discovery of the S.S. Republic and they seek an unspecified amount of damages and public recognition of their contribution. On February 18, 2005, John Morris, Greg Stemm, Daniel Bagley, and the Company filed their Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss Defendants John Morris, Greg Stemm, Daniel Bagley and Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (the “Motion”). In the Motion, the defendants allege that the complaint should be dismissed because, among other things, the South Carolina court does not have jurisdiction over them, the action was filed in an improper venue, plaintiffs lack the capacity to maintain the action, and the action should be barred based on the Doctrine of Forum Non Conveniens. The parties are engaging in discovery on the issue of personal jurisdiction. The South Carolina court has not yet heard nor ruled on the Motion.

 

Management believes that the lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously defend the action.

 

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the three months ended June 30, 2005, that have not been reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K, except as follows:

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2005, we issued 440,000 shares of our common stock to seven individuals who exercised warrants. The Company received a total of $1,100,000 in cash from these investors. The securities were issued pursuant to the exemption provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933. The purchasers of these securities are accredited investors who made an informed investment decision and had access to material information regarding the Company. The certificates representing the common shares bear an appropriate legend restricting the transfer of such securities, and stop transfer instructions have been provided to our transfer agent in accordance therewith.

 

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

None.

 

ITEM 5. Other Information.

 

None.

 

19


ITEM 6. Exhibits.

 

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    Filed herewith electronically
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    Filed herewith electronically
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350    Filed herewith electronically
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350    Filed herewith electronically

 

20


SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

    ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
Date: August 9, 2005   By:  

/s/ Michael J. Holmes


        Michael J. Holmes, Chief Financial
        Officer and Authorized Officer

 

21