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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION INC - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)

Form 10Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

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 September 30, 2009

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 001-31895

 

 

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer:   ¨    Accelerated filer:   x
Non-accelerated filer:   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller Reporting company)    Smaller reporting company:   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $.0001 par value, as of October 27, 2009 was 59,326,194.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

          Page No.
Part I:    Financial Information   
Item 1.    Financial Statements:   
   Consolidated Balance Sheets    3
   Consolidated Statements of Operations    4
   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    5
   Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements    6 – 13
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    13 – 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 1A.    Risk Factors    19
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    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    20

 

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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     (Unaudited)
September 30,

2009
    December 31,
2008
 

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,127,676      $ 10,740,358   

Restricted cash

     621,401        841,791   

Accounts receivable, net

     177,819        468,796   

Inventory

     306,269        792,812   

Other current assets

     224,506        312,698   
                

Total current assets

     5,457,671        13,156,455   

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

    

Equipment and office fixtures

     14,376,454        14,239,354   

Building and land

     4,730,493        4,702,173   

Accumulated depreciation

     (10,508,857     (9,156,023
                

Total property and equipment, net

     8,598,090        9,785,504   

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

    

Restricted cash

     231,865        —     

Inventory

     6,400,963        6,400,963   

Other non-current assets

     1,112,297        1,119,539   
                

Total other assets

     7,745,125        7,520,502   
                

Total assets

   $ 21,800,886      $ 30,462,461   
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable

   $ 477,268      $ 988,406   

Accrued expenses and other

     1,254,874        2,166,315   

Mortgage and loans payable

     5,100,491        5,172,331   
                

Total current liabilities

     6,832,633        8,327,052   

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Mortgage and loans payable

     2,987,453        3,123,233   

Deferred income from Revenue Participation Certificates

     887,500        887,500   
                

Total long term liabilities

     3,874,953        4,010,733   
                

Total liabilities

     10,707,586        12,337,785   
                

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Preferred stock - $.0001 par value; 6,961,180 and 2,469,972 shares authorized at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively; none outstanding

     —          —     

Preferred stock series D convertible - $.0001 par value; 2,848,800 and 7,340,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively; 2,606,400 and 6,900,000 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively

     261        690   

Preferred stock series E convertible - $.0001 par value; 20 shares authorized at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008; 13 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008

     —          —     

Preferred stock series F convertible - $.0001 par value; 0 and 8 shares authorized at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively: none outstanding

     —          —     

Common stock - $.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 58,626,194 and 52,410,248 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively

     5,863        5,241   

Additional paid-in capital

     114,065,112        106,425,370   

Accumulated deficit

     (102,977,936     (88,306,625
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     11,093,300        18,124,676   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 21,800,886      $ 30,462,461   
                

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

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - Unaudited

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
 

REVENUE

        

Artifact sales and other

   $ 648,388      $ 681,469      $ 1,296,248      $ 1,527,652   

Exhibit

     180,000        143,332        419,798        396,356   

Expedition

     17,000        1,394,125        162,710        1,696,500   
                                

Total revenue

     845,388        2,218,926        1,878,756        3,620,508   
                                

OPERATING EXPENSES

        

Cost of sales – artifacts and other

     227,685        177,512        548,420        504,261   

Marketing, general and administrative

     2,069,624        2,515,737        6,911,517        8,211,067   

Operations and research

     2,879,497        6,076,031        8,936,755        13,840,322   
                                

Total operating expenses

     5,176,806        8,769,280        16,396,692        22,555,650   

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

     (4,331,418     (6,550,354     (14,517,936     (18,935,142

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

        

Interest income

     6,194        31,826        36,460        174,586   

Interest expense

     (84,512     (53,945     (250,976     (102,154

Other

     13,484        23,789        61,140        93,285   
                                

Total other income (expense)

     (64,834     1,670        (153,376     165,717   
                                

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     (4,396,252     (6,548,684     (14,671,312     (18,769,425

Income tax benefit (provision)

     —          —          —          —     
                                

NET LOSS

   $ (4,396,252   $ (6,548,684   $ (14,671,312   $ (18,769,425
                                

NET LOSS PER SHARE

        

Basic and diluted

   $ (.07   $ (.13   $ (.27   $ (.39

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

        

Basic and diluted

     58,626,194        49,085,641        55,159,192        48,362,638   

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

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net loss

   $ (14,671,312   $ (18,769,425

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     1,717,549        2,039,639   

Financing costs

     —          73,294   

Loss on disposal of equipment

     —          28,386   

Share-based compensation

     1,629,182        1,526,756   

(Increase) decrease in:

    

Restricted cash

     (11,475     (936,509

Accounts receivable

     290,977        (123,758

Inventory

     486,543        468,310   

Other assets

     88,878        113,492   

Increase (decrease) in:

    

Accounts payable

     (511,138     17,223   

Accrued expenses and other

     (797,339     (1,394,796
                

NET CASH (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (11,778,135     (16,957,388
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Purchase of property and equipment

     (523,577     (1,239,749

Proceeds from sale of equipment

     —          12,000   
                

NET CASH (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (523,577     (1,227,749
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     5,106,250        10,623,120   

Proceeds from warrants exercise

     790,400        200,000   

Proceeds from issuance of loan payable

     —          5,040,500   

Repayment of mortgage and loans payable

     (207,620     (5,611,007
                

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     5,689,030        10,252,613   
                

NET (DECREASE) IN CASH

     (6,612,682     (7,932,524

CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     10,740,358        18,321,349   
                

CASH AT END OF PERIOD

   $ 4,127,676      $ 10,388,825   
                

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    

Interest paid

   $ 255,506      $ 98,645   

Income taxes paid

   $ —        $ —     

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS:

    

Settlement of outstanding debt with line of credit

   $ —        $ 3,018,310   

Building and equipment purchased with financing

   $ —        $ 779,000   

Compensation paid by equity instruments

   $ 117,803      $ 165,051   

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

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company,” “Odyssey,” “us,” “we” or “our”) 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. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

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 September 30, 2009, and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Operating results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure through the date this Form 10-Q is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission

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 Services, Inc., OVH, Inc., Odyssey Retriever, Inc. and Odyssey Marine Entertainment, Inc. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Shipwreck Heritage Press, LLC was organized during 2005 to publish and distribute print media. The entity does not have activity and has not been capitalized, and therefore, it is not consolidated.

Use of Estimates

Management used 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 product 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. Exhibit or expedition revenue is recognized based upon the accrual method of accounting supported by contractual terms of an agreement. Bad debts are recorded as identified, and no allowance for bad debts has been recorded. A return allowance is established for sales which have a right of return. Accounts receivable is stated net of any recorded allowance for returns, if any.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

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

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expense, 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 of artifacts recovered from the SS Republic shipwreck, general branded merchandise and related packaging material. The value of recovered artifacts in inventory includes the costs of recovery and conservation. The recovery

 

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costs also include the fee paid to an insurer to relinquish the insurer’s claim to the artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. The capitalized costs include direct costs of recovery such as vessel and related equipment operations and maintenance, crew and technical labor, fuel, provisions and supplies, port fees and depreciation. Conservation costs include fees paid to conservators for cleaning and preparing the artifacts for sale. We continually monitor the recorded aggregate costs of the artifacts in inventory to ensure these costs do not exceed the net realizable value. Historical sales, publications or available public market data are used to assess market value.

Packaging materials and merchandise are recorded at average cost. We record our 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 the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) topic for Property, Plant and Equipment. Decisions are based on several factors, including, but not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows.

Comprehensive Income

Securities with a maturity greater than three months from purchase date are deemed available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. At September 30, 2009, we did not own securities with a maturity greater than three months.

Property and Equipment and 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 which are normally between three and ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over their estimated useful lives or lease term, if shorter. Major overhaul items (such as engines or generators) that enhance or extend the useful life of vessel related assets qualify to be capitalized and depreciated over the useful life or remaining life of that asset, whichever is shorter. Certain major repair items required by industry standards to ensure a vessel’s seaworthiness also qualify to be capitalized and depreciated over the period of time until the next scheduled planned major maintenance for that item. All other repairs and maintenance are accounted for under the direct-expensing method and are expensed when incurred.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive securities and other contracts to issue Common Stock were exercised or converted into Common Stock or resulted in the issuance of Common Stock that then shared in our earnings. We use the treasury stock method to compute potential common shares from stock options and warrants and the as-if-converted method to compute potential common shares from Preferred Stock or other convertible securities.

When a net loss occurs, potential common shares have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share and such shares are excluded from the diluted EPS calculation.

At September 30, 2009 and 2008, weighted average common shares outstanding year-to-date was 55,159,192 and 48,362,638, respectively. For the periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, in which net losses occurred, all potential common shares were excluded from diluted EPS because the effect of including such shares would be anti-dilutive.

The potential common shares in the following table represent potential common shares calculated using the treasury stock method from outstanding options, stock awards and warrants that were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS:

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     September 30,
2009
   September 30,
2008
   September 30,
2009
   September 30,
2008

Average market price during the period

   $ 1.85    $ 4.61    $ 2.79    $ 4.90

In the money potential common shares excluded

     175,164      398,055      177,850      490,718

 

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Potential common shares from out of the money options and warrants were also excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because calculation of the associated potential common shares has an anti-dilutive effect on EPS. The following table lists options and warrants that were excluded from diluted EPS:

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     September 30,
2009
   September 30,
2008
   September 30,
2009
   September 30,
2008

Out of the money options and warrants excluded:

           

Stock options with an exercise price of $2.50 per share

   33,000    —      33,000    —  

Stock options with an exercise price of $3.50 per share

   1,417,916    —      1,417,916    —  

Stock options with an exercise price of $3.51 per share

   1,003,170    —      1,003,170    —  

Stock options with an exercise price of $3.53 per share

   214,300    —      214,300    —  

Stock options with an exercise price of $4.00 per share

   315,250    —      315,250    —  

Stock options with an exercise price of $5.00 per share

   650,000    955,000    650,000    955,000

Stock options with an exercise price of $7.00 per share

   100,000    100,000    100,000    100,000

Warrants with an exercise price of $5.25 per share

   100,000    100,000    100,000    100,000
                   

Total anti-dilutive warrants and options excluded from EPS

   3,833,636    1,155,000    3,833,636    1,155,000
                   

Weighted average potential common shares from outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock calculated on an as-if-converted basis having an anti-dilutive effect on diluted EPS were excluded from potential common shares as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended    Nine Months Ended
     September 30
2009
   September 30,
2008
   September 30
2009
   September 30,
2008

Potential common shares from Preferred Stock excluded from EPS

   3,906,400    10,400,000    3,903,789    10,400,000

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in computing basic and diluted net income per share:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
    September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
 

Net loss

   $ (4,396,252   $ (6,548,684   $ (14,671,312   $ (18,769,425
                                

Numerator, basic and diluted net income (loss) available to stockholders

   $ (4,396,252   $ (6,548,684   $ (14,671,312   $ (18,769,425
                                

Denominator:

        

Shares used in computation – basic:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     58,626,194        49,085,641        55,159,192        48,362,638   
                                

Shares used in computation – diluted:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     58,626,194        49,085,641        55,159,192        48,362,638   

Dilutive effect of options and warrants outstanding

     —          —          —          —     
                                

Shares used in computing diluted net income per share

     58,626,194        49,085,641        55,159,192        48,362,638   
                                

Net loss per share – basic

   $ (0.07   $ (0.13   $ (0.27   $ (0.39

Net loss per share – diluted

   $ (0.07   $ (0.13   $ (0.27   $ (0.39

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.

Segment reporting

The ASC topic for Segment Reporting requires segment reporting when certain conditions are achieved. We previously reported our themed attractions as a segment. Since January 1, 2008, we no longer have a reportable segment.

 

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NOTE C – RESTRICTED CASH

As required by the revolving credit facility entered into with Fifth Third Bank (the “Bank”) on February 7, 2008, $500,000 was deposited into an interest-bearing account from which interest payments were made for the first one-year period. Upon the anniversary of the facility, we deposited into the account an amount sufficient to restore the balance to $500,000 for interest payments during the second year of the facility. The balance in this restricted cash account is held as additional collateral by the Bank and is not available for operations. Any funds remaining in this account at the end of the facility term will be returned to the Company. The balance in this account at September 30, 2009, was $391,247.

As required by the mortgage loan entered into with the Bank on July 11, 2008, $500,000 was deposited into an additional interest-bearing account from which principal and interest payments were made for the first one-year period. On each anniversary of the mortgage, we deposited or will deposit into the account an amount sufficient to ensure a balance of $500,000 for principal and interest payments during the subsequent year of the mortgage. The balance in this restricted cash account is held as additional collateral by the Bank and is not available for operations. Any funds remaining in this account at the end of the mortgage term will be returned to the Company. The balance in this account at September 30, 2009, was $462,019.

NOTE D – INVENTORY

Our inventory consisted of the following:

 

     September 30,
2009
    December 31,
2008
 

Artifacts

   $ 6,442,248      $ 6,874,394   

Packaging

     250,633        319,381   

Merchandise

     551,734        598,273   

Merchandise reserve

     (537,383     (598,273
                

Total inventory

   $ 6,707,232      $ 7,193,775   
                

Of these amounts, $6,400,963 is classified as non-current as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

In the event we secure ownership rights to the recovered artifacts from the “Black Swan” project, we will capitalize into inventory all related costs to recover and conserve these artifacts. Recovery costs include operating costs to recover, legal fees to defend and secure ownership rights and other costs associated with bringing the artifacts into an appropriate archaeological state. We have capitalized costs of approximately $2.5 million related to recovery and conservation that have been reserved for at 100%. When and if ownership rights are secured, these deferred costs will be allocated to inventory and the reserve eliminated.

NOTE E – INCOME TAXES

As of September 30, 2009, the Company had consolidated income tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for federal tax purposes of approximately $99 million. The NOL will expire in various years ending through the year 2029.

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

   $ 35,657,332   

Accrued expenses

     231,855   

Reserve for inventory

     190,513   

Start-up costs

     108,499   

Excess of book over tax depreciation

     697,791   

Stock option expense

     1,754,923   

Less: valuation allowance

     (38,305,580
        
   $ 335,333   
        

Deferred tax liability:

  

Property and equipment basis

   $ 70,182   

Prepaid expenses

     58,636   

Inventory capitalization

     206,515   
        
   $ 335,333   
        

Net deferred tax asset

   $ —     
        

 

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As reflected above, we have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0 at September 30, 2009. As required by the Accounting for Income Taxes topic in the ASC, we have evaluated whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on the available evidence, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that those assets would not be realizable without the recovery and rights of ownership or salvage rights of high value shipwrecks and thus a valuation allowance has been recorded as of September 30, 2009. While we have recovered more than 17 tons of silver and hundreds of gold coins and other artifacts from the “Black Swan” project, we do not have the ability to immediately monetize the recovered cargo unless and until we are awarded title or a salvage award by the U.S. District Court.

The change in the valuation allowance is as follows:

 

September 30, 2009

   $ 38,305,580

December 31, 2008

     33,209,323
      

Change in valuation allowance

   $ 5,096,257
      

Income taxes for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 differ from the amounts computed by applying the effective federal income tax rate of 34% to income (loss) before income taxes as a result of the following:

 

     September 30,
2009
    September 30,
2008
 

Expected (benefit)

   $ (4,988,246   $ (6,381,605

State income taxes net of federal benefits

     (212,304     (243,044

Nondeductible expense

     12,630        11,107   

Stock options exercised

     4,285        (130,201

Change in valuation allowance

     5,096,257        6,803,315   

Change in estimate of net operating loss

     —          (898

Effects of:

    

Change in apportionment estimate

     87,471        (58,765

Other, net

     (93     91   
                
   $ —        $ —     
                

During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company recognized certain tax benefits, prior to any valuation allowances, related to stock option plans in the amount of ($4,467) and $135,068, respectively. If we did not have a full valuation allowance, such benefits would be recorded as an increase in the deferred tax asset and an increase in additional paid-in capital.

Effective January 1, 2006, we were required to capitalize inventory costs under Internal Revenue Code Section 263A. This adjustment created a deferred tax liability in the amount of $3,314,407 on January 1, 2006, and will be recognized over the four year period beginning January 1, 2006. The remaining deferred tax liability as of September 30, 2009, is $206,515.

We have not recognized a material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and have not recorded any provisions for accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

The Company’s tax years 2006 through 2008 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions.

NOTE F – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

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

Material Trends and Uncertainties

At September 30, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million, a decrease of $6.6 million from the December 31, 2008, balance of $10.7 million. Based upon our current expectations, we believe our cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and existing credit facility will be sufficient to fund working capital requirements through the remainder of 2009. Our capacity to generate net income in future periods is dependent upon our success in recovering and monetizing high-value shipwrecks as well as the coins and artifacts from previous operations including the SS Republic and our ability to generate income from marketing products from other companies’ projects. While we have recovered more than 17 tons of silver coins and hundreds of gold coins and other artifacts from the “Black Swan” project, we will not have the ability to immediately monetize any

 

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recovered cargo until or if we receive title or a salvage award from the U.S. District Court. At the present time, we cannot determine how long that process may take. We have also identified at least one additional potential high value target, however until we successfully recover and acquire title to coins and artifacts, we will not be able to monetize any of this cargo in the short term. If cash flow is not sufficient to meet our projected business plan requirements, we will be required to raise additional capital in 2009 and beyond and/or curtail expenses. While we have been successful in raising the necessary funds in the past, there can be no assurance that we can continue to do so.

NOTE G – MORTGAGE AND LOANS PAYABLE

The Company’s consolidated debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

     September 30,
2009
   December 31,
2008

Revolving credit facility

   $ 4,927,286    $ 5,000,000

Mortgage payable

     3,160,658      3,295,564
             
   $ 8,087,944    $ 8,295,564
             

Revolving Credit Facility

On February 7, 2008, we entered into a $5 million revolving credit facility with Fifth Third Bank (the “Bank”). We used a portion of this credit facility to pay off all amounts owed to Mercantile Bank under our prior credit facility, which has been terminated. The new credit facility has a floating interest rate equal to the “Prime Rate” plus fifty basis points (.50%), requires monthly payments of interest only and is due in full February 7, 2010. Odyssey is also required to pay the Bank an unused line fee commencing in the second year of the agreement equal to 0.50% per annum of the unused portion of the credit line, payable quarterly in the second year. The line of credit is secured by a restricted cash balance (See NOTE C) as well as approximately 29,400 coins recovered from the SS Republic shipwreck, which amount will be reduced over the term by the amount of coins sold. The borrowing base is equal to thirty percent (30%) of the eligible coin inventory calculated on a rolling twelve-month wholesale average value. Odyssey is required to comply with a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants. The significant covenants include: maintaining insurance on the inventory; ensuring the collateral is free from encumbrances and without the consent of the Bank, the Company cannot merge or consolidate with or into any other corporation or entity nor can the Company enter into a material debt agreement with a third party.

Mortgage Payable

On July 11, 2008, we entered into a mortgage loan with Fifth Third Bank. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, we borrowed $2,580,000. The loan bears interest at a variable rate equal to the prime rate plus three-fourths of one percent (0.75%) per annum. The loan matures on July 11, 2013, and requires us to make monthly principal payments in the amount of $10,750 plus accrued interest. This loan is secured by a restricted cash balance (See NOTE C) as well as a first mortgage on our corporate office building. This loan contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, conditions, and other provisions.

During May 2008, we entered into a mortgage loan in the principal amount of $679,000 with The Bank of Tampa to purchase our conservation lab and storage facility. This obligation has a monthly payment of $5,080 and a maturity date of May 14, 2015. Principal and interest payments are payable monthly. Interest is at a fixed annual rate of 6.45%. This debt is secured by the related mortgaged real property. The seller is carrying a second mortgage for $100,000 with interest due monthly and $25,000 of principal due each May commencing in May 2009. The interest is at a variable rate of 1.0% above the prime interest rate stated by BB&T, formerly Colonial Bank of Tampa. This obligation has a maturity date of May 14, 2012, and is secured by the related mortgaged real property.

NOTE H – STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

Common Stock

On May 22, 2009, we issued and sold 1,720,000 shares of common stock at a price of $2.965 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $5,100,000 in cash, pursuant to a Common Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and three funds managed by two accredited investors. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2009, we issued 4,241,200 shares of common stock to two accredited investors upon conversion of 4,241,200 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

On January 28, 2009, we issued 250,000 shares of common stock to one accredited investor upon conversion of 250,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

On August 19, 2008, we issued and sold 1,970,000 shares of common stock at a price of $4.90 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $9,653,000 in cash, pursuant to a Common Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and six funds managed by three accredited investors. On October 28, 2008, we issued 2,200,000 shares of common stock upon conversion of 22 shares of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

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Preferred Stock

During January 2009, three accredited investors exercised warrants for the purchase of 197,600 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock for an aggregate exercise price of $790,400.

Stock-Based Compensation

We have two active stock incentive plans, the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. The 1997 Stock Incentive Plan expired on August 17, 2007. As of that date, options cannot be granted from that Plan but any granted and unexercised options will continue to exist until exercised or they expire. The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights. We initially reserved 2,500,000 of our authorized but unissued shares of common stock for issuance under the Plan, and, at the time the Plan was adopted, not more than 500,000 of these shares could be used for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. On January 16, 2008, the Board of Directors approved amendments to the Plan to add 2,500,000 shares of common stock to the Plan, to allow any number of shares to be used for restricted stock awards, to clarify certain other provisions in the Plan and to submit the amended Plan for stockholder approval. The amended Plan was approved at the annual meeting of stockholders on May 7, 2008. Any incentive option and non-qualified option granted under the Plan must provide for an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant, but the exercise price of any incentive option granted to an eligible employee owning more than 10% of our outstanding common stock must not be less than 110% of fair market value on the date of the grant.

Share-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the statement of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it will be reduced for forfeitures. The ASC topic Stock Compensation requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The share based compensation charged against income for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was $1,629,182 and $1,526,756, respectively, and for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 was $414,091 and $277,085, respectively.

We did not grant options during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. The weighted average fair value of stock options granted is 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 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.

NOTE I – CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

We maintain our cash in three financial institutions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures up to $250,000 per legal entity per financial institution through December 31, 2013. At September 30, 2009, our uninsured cash balance was approximately $4,600,000.

Our revolving credit facility and primary mortgage bear interest at variable rates and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the principal amount of such indebtedness remained the same. Interest on both of these debt instruments are equal to prime plus basis points as described in NOTE G. An increase in the prime rate could have an adverse effect on our operating cash flows and financial condition but we believe it would not be material.

NOTE J – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events. SFAS No. 165, now incorporated in the ASC topic Subsequent Events, is intended to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Specifically, this standard sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. SFAS No. 165 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after June 15, 2009 and will be applied prospectively. SFAS No. 165 is consistent with current practice and does not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. See Note A for required disclosure.

 

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In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The “FASB Accounting Standards Codification” and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles which is now incorporated in the ASC topic Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This standard replaces SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and establishes only two levels of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), authoritative and nonauthoritative. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) will become the source of authoritative, nongovernmental GAAP, except for rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All other nongrandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become nonauthoritative. This standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods ending after September 15, 2009. As the Codification was not intended to change or alter existing GAAP, it will not have any impact on Odyssey’s consolidated financial statements.

NOTE K – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 6, 2009, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC which, when declared effective by the SEC, will enable us to sell common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, and/or warrants in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $50,000,000.

During October 2009, we committed approximately $425,000 to purchase advanced vessel search equipment to be utilized on one of our search vessels in the immediate future.

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 regarding the Company’s expectations concerning its future operations, earnings and prospects. On the date the forward-looking statements are made, the statements represent the Company’s expectations, but the expectations concerning its future operations, earnings and prospects may change. The Company’s expectations involve risks and uncertainties (both favorable and unfavorable) and are based on many assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, but such assumptions may ultimately prove to be inaccurate or incomplete, in whole or in part. Accordingly, there can be no assurances that the Company’s expectations and the forward-looking statements will be correct. Please refer to the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ (favorably or unfavorably) from the expectations stated in this discussion. Odyssey disclaims any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Operational Update

We have numerous shipwreck projects in various stages of development around the world. In order to protect the targets of our planned search or recovery operations, in some cases we will defer disclosing specific information relating to our projects until we have located a shipwreck or shipwrecks of interest and determined a course of action to protect our property rights.

Additional information regarding projects discussed herein may be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Projects with status updates since that report was filed are discussed below. We may have other projects in various stages of planning or execution that may not be disclosed for security or legal reasons until considered appropriate by management.

“Atlas” Search Project

The Atlas project encompasses a minimum of five high-value targets within a search area covering more than 6,000 square miles. Based on work completed during past “Atlas” seasons, two sites within the “Atlas” search area are the subject of Admiralty arrests filed by Odyssey. In addition, HMS Victory was discovered within this search area.

Operations for the 2009 Atlas season commenced in February 2009 with the 251-foot Odyssey Explorer conducting search and inspection operations. In addition to search and inspection technology used in the past, our teams have integrated new technologies into the ZEUS platform that have significantly enhanced its inspection capabilities.

The Ocean Alert was utilized for some search operations in the “Atlas” search area in 2009 and after recently undergoing equipment upgrades, has recently left the “Atlas” area to begin work on the “Enigma” project (see “Enigma” Project).

 

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Between February 2009 and October 2009, approximately 1,000 square miles of seabed were mapped with side scan sonar and magnetometer. Odyssey’s Remotely Operated Vehicle ZEUS completed 141 dives spending approximately 380 hours on the seabed. Of the 238 targets inspected to date in 2009, 11 shipwrecks were discovered. Additional work in the area continued into November.

HMS Victory Project

We discovered and conducted a preliminary investigation of the shipwreck of Admiral Balchin’s HMS Victory (which sank in 1744) during our 2008 Atlas season. HMS Victory was the inspiration for and direct predecessor to Nelson’s Victory and was the mightiest and most technically advanced vessel of her age.

Odyssey has been cooperating closely with the United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defence (the “MOD”) on the HMS Victory project. All activities at the site, including the recovery of two bronze cannon, have been conducted in accordance with protocols agreed to by the UK Government and Royal Navy officials. On September 18, 2009, Odyssey announced it reached an agreement with the UK Government on an 80% salvage award for the cannon recovered from the site. Odyssey will be participating in the ongoing process of consultation with the UK Government to determine what approaches should be adopted towards the wreck. Terms of the collaboration between Odyssey and the UK MOD on the project are currently being negotiated. Pursuant to the agreement, Odyssey dismissed without prejudice the admiralty arrest on this site.

Although the UK is not a signatory to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (“CPUCH”) and therefore not bound by CPUCH, Odyssey’s proposed agreement is consistent with the archaeological principles of CPUCH.

North Carolina Project

Operations were conducted in August and September 2009 in the area covered by the exploration permit issued by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources to Odyssey’s partner, Intersal, Inc. Odyssey has an agreement with Intersal, Inc. to pursue operations under this permit and to share in substantial research and data acquired by Intersal over the years relating to the target shipwreck and the work completed to date in the permit area.

The 2009 operations included remote sensing in two search blocks with side scan sonar and magnetometer which identified multiple targets requiring additional inspection. A preliminary report has been submitted to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.

The area covered by this permit and the arrest are located near Odyssey’s current “Firefly” project, which was acquired by Odyssey from BDJ Discovery Group in 2007 and includes one arrested site that has already produced a small number of gold and silver artifacts. The Intersal site and permit area may also be related to a high-value, Colonial-era merchant vessel believed to be located in the area. The agreements with BDJ and Intersal are similar but separate, and the areas do not overlap.

Symphony” Project

Odyssey completed the first phase of survey in a new search area code named “Symphony.” The work was conducted under a government permit in an exclusive claim area and in conjunction with a project partner. Results of the survey are being analyzed and compiled into a report that will be provided to the government before the next phase of work is commenced. Preliminary review of the data suggests that four shipwrecks have been located in the phase-one search area, but at this point, none of the sites have been conclusively identified. Research suggests the search area contains at least two commercial vessels with significant cargoes of gold coins.

The expedition was conducted by the Odyssey search team on a chartered vessel. To protect the security of the search area, specific location details are not being released at this time. Proceeds of any recoveries from this search area will be split with the government and project partner with an anticipated 88% of the net proceeds of the project retained by Odyssey.

Enigma” Project

Odyssey and our wholly owned subsidiary, OVH, Inc. have executed agreements to provide project research and shipwreck search and survey services to Robert Fraser Marine Ltd and client companies of Robert Fraser & Partners LLP in return for cash payments and a significant back end interest in the project. Search operations on “Enigma” are expected to commence in November 2009.

To protect the security of the search area, specific location details are not being released at this time.

 

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Admiralty Legal Proceedings

An Admiralty arrest is a legal process in which Odyssey seeks recognition from the Court of Odyssey’s salvor-in-possession status for a specific shipwreck, site or cargo. It is the first legal step in establishing Odyssey’s rights to ownership or to a salvage award. Odyssey currently has six pending Admiralty arrest cases: two in the “Atlas” search area, one in the north Atlantic, the “Black Swan,” the “Firefly” and a 20th century passenger liner in the Mediterranean.

Additional information regarding the admiralty legal proceedings for these arrests may be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Only arrests with status updates since that report was filed are discussed below.

In the “Black Swan” case, on June 3, 2009, a Report and Recommendation (R&R) was filed by the Magistrate which recommended that Spain’s Motion to Dismiss the case be granted. Objections to the R & R could be made until July 21, 2009. Six separate Objections were filed before the deadline, including an Objection from Odyssey, Peru, and many claiming to be descendants of merchants who owned the private cargo on the Mercedes. Odyssey’s objection included arguments that:

 

   

The applied legal standard of review is incorrect (i.e., the motion must be denied because the factual questions regarding jurisdiction are intertwined with the merits of the case).

 

   

There is no coherent vessel located at the “Black Swan” site.

 

   

There is clear and convincing evidence of the commercial nature of the Mercedes’ mission at the time of her demise which Odyssey believes legally nullifies the claim to sovereign immunity of that vessel.

 

   

A distinction between cargo and vessel is allowed and even required by settled admiralty law.

 

   

The majority of the coins aboard the Mercedes were merchant-owned, commercial cargo being shipped as freight for a fee and were never owned by Spain.

Spain filed a response to the Objections on August 31, 2009. Odyssey filed a reply to that response on October 15, 2009 reiterating that the R&R had applied the wrong legal standard of review and had incorrectly interpreted factual and legal issues. On October 14, 2009 Odyssey filed a response to a statement of interest filed in the case by the United States Department of Justice which, while not addressing the specific jurisdictional issue before the court, supported Spain’s argument that the Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes, would have been considered a sovereign vessel. The court denied Odyssey’s motion to file a declaration signed by the primary drafter of relevant legislation. A motion to file an amicus brief by members of Congress purporting to counter the DOJ filing was also denied. Filings on the jurisdictional issue are complete and the parties await a ruling from the Court.

In case number 8:06-cv-01685 (unidentified “Atlas” Arrest), on June 23, 2009, the court ordered Odyssey to file a brief report informing the court as to the status of Odyssey’s investigation of the site by November 6, 2009. All parties are to appear for a status conference in the case on November 9, 2009.

After reaching an agreement with the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Transportation, Odyssey filed a request on July 17, 2009, to dismiss without prejudice the Admiralty arrest action on the shipwreck believed to be Laconia (case number 8:08-cv-02219), and the case was closed on July 20, 2009. Also, Odyssey filed an Amended Arrest complaint on July 16, 2009, on the shipwreck believed to be Cairn Hill (case number 8:08-cv-02220) to exclude from the arrest any property on the vessel that was the property of the United Kingdom.

As part of a larger agreement with the United Kingdom including a salvage award for the cannon recovered to date from the site, on September 17, 2009, Odyssey filed a Motion for Leave to Dismiss the Admiralty Arrest Without Prejudice in the Victory admiralty action (case number 8:08-cv-01045). Although the admiralty case is U.S. Court has been closed, Odyssey continues discussions with the Ministry of Defence regarding future efforts at the site.

On June 25, 2009, Odyssey filed a motion to stay the proceedings on the shipwreck site believed to be SS Ancona (case number 8:07-cv-00616). The court had previously entered a default in the case, but rather than proceeding to judgment, Odyssey requested a stay of the proceedings to discuss with Italy any potential interests they may have in the wreck. Odyssey asked the court to stay the proceedings until the parties have concluded negotiations. The court has agreed to stay the proceedings until December 31, 2009, with a report due before January 6, 2010, and has administratively closed the case until that time.

On July 30, 2009, the Clerk of the Court entered a notice of default on the shipwreck believed to be the Marqise de Tornay (case number 8:08-cv-01044). This closes the time for claimants to come forward allowing us to proceed to a final judgment in the case.

We will continue to pursue prompt resolutions of all claims. If we are able to confirm that any entity has a potential legitimate legal claim to any of the materials recovered from these sites, we intend to provide legal notice to any and all potential claimants. Even if another entity is able to prove that it has an ownership interest in the shipwreck and/or cargo and that they had not legally abandoned the shipwreck, Odyssey would seek a salvage award from the Admiralty Court. In cases such as this, salvors are typically awarded up to 90% of the recovery.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Changes to Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes in our critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2008, nor have we adopted any accounting policy that has or will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

The dollar values discussed in the following tables, except as otherwise indicated, are approximations to the nearest $100,000 and therefore do not necessarily sum in columns or rows. For more detail refer to the Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1.

Three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to three months ended September 30, 2008

 

               2009 vs. 2008
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   2009    2008    $     %  

Revenue

   $ .8    $ 2.2    $ (1.4   (62 )% 
                            

Cost of sales

     .2      .2      .1      28

Marketing, general and administrative

     2.1      2.5      (.4   (18 )% 

Operations and research

     2.9      6.1      (3.2   (53 )% 
                            

Total cost and expenses

   $ 5.2    $ 8.8    $ (3.6   (41 )% 

The explanations that follow are for the three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2008.

Revenue

Revenue is generated through the sale of artifacts (including coins, artifacts and merchandise), exhibits, and beginning in the second quarter of 2008, expedition revenue associated with the production of a shipwreck exploration television series. The decrease in revenue of $1.4 million was primarily related to a decrease in expedition revenue associated with the production of the Treasure Quest television series. In April 2009, JWM Productions notified Odyssey that they wished to exercise their option for a second contract year on the “Expedition Agreement” which applied to Discovery’s Treasure Quest series. Filming for this second contract year is being focused on following our core operational schedule, which leaves Odyssey in sole control over operations. Consequently, the schedule has primarily consisted of “Tag Along Days” (as defined in the Expedition Agreement), therefore we expect to generate less expedition revenue associated with the production of the television series in 2009 than comparable periods of 2008.

While overall artifact and other sales were relatively flat over the period, the quantity of silver coins sold in 2009 increased by more than 50 percent versus the prior period primarily due to an increase in demand for SS Republic silver sets and Civil War era coins. Actual coin sales increased $.3 million in 2009. In 2008 artifact and other sales included a $.3 million non-coin sale.

Our exhibit sales were up 26 percent in 2009 due to the continued success of our SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure exhibit which opened at Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC, on July 4, 2009 and will run through January 31, 2010, in the museum’s newly renovated exhibition hall.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of sales consists of shipwreck recovery costs, grading, conservation, packaging, and shipping costs associated with artifact and other sales. The primary cost component is from the sale of coins. Cost of sales for coins increased 28 percent during 2009 versus 2008 primarily because of more coins sold in 2009.

Marketing, general and administrative expenses primarily include all costs within the following departments: Executive, Finance & Accounting, Legal, Information Technology, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Sales and Business Development. Marketing, general and administrative expenses were $2.1 million in 2009 as compared to $2.5 million in 2008. The decrease of $.4 million was primarily attributable to lower outside professional service and legal expenses ($.2 million) and lower employee-related expenses ($.2 million) primarily related to accrued bonus expenses.

Operations and research expenses primarily include all costs within the following departments: Archaeology, Conservation, Research, and Marine Operations which include all vessel operations. Operations and research expenses were $2.9 million in 2009 as compared to $6.1 million in 2008. The $3.2 million decrease was primarily due to lower vessel operating expenses in 2009 versus 2008 ($3.1 million) and lower exhibit expenses ($.1 million). The lower vessel operating expenses were primarily attributable to not chartering additional vessels in 2009 ($1.7 million) and other favorable expenses including repairs and maintenance expenses for existing vessels ($.7 million), fuel costs ($.4 million) and other vessel operating expenses ($.3 million).

 

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Nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to nine months ended September 30, 2008

 

               2009 vs. 2008
Increase/(Decrease)
 
     2009    2008    $     %  

Revenue

   $ 1.9    $ 3.6    $ (1.7   (48 )% 
                            

Cost of sales

     .5      .5      —        9

Marketing, general and administrative

     6.9      8.2      (1.3   (16 )% 

Operations and research

     8.9      13.8      (4.9   (35 )% 
                            

Total cost and expenses

   $ 16.4    $ 22.6    $ (6.2   (27 )% 

The explanations that follow are for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Revenue

The decrease in revenue of $1.7 million was primarily related to a decrease in expedition revenue ($1.5 million) associated with the production of the Treasure Quest television series. In April 2009, JWM Productions notified Odyssey that they wished to exercise their option for a second contract year on the “Expedition Agreement” which applied to Discovery’s Treasure Quest series. Filming for this second contract year is being focused on following our core operational schedule, which leaves Odyssey in sole control over operations. Consequently, the schedule has primarily consisted of “Tag Along Days” (as defined in the Expedition Agreement), therefore we expect to generate less expedition revenue associated with the production of the television series in 2009 than comparable periods of 2008.

While overall artifact and other sales were down $.2 million in 2009 versus 2008, the quantity of silver coins sold in 2009 increased by more than 27 percent versus 2008 primarily due to the release of limited edition, numbered sets of SS Republic silver half dollars coupled with the continued roll out of sales programs across multiple distributors. Actual coin sales increased $.2 million in 2009. The decrease in artifact and other sales was attributable to $.3 million of non-coin other sales which occurred in 2008.

Costs and Expenses

Marketing, general and administrative expenses were $6.9 million in 2009 as compared to $8.2 million in 2008. The decrease of $1.3 million was primarily attributable to lower employee-related expenses ($.9 million) including contract labor and bonus accruals, lower outside professional services and legal expenses ($.2 million) and lower depreciation expenses ($.2 million).

Operations and research expenses were $8.9 million in 2009 as compared to $13.8 million in 2008. The $4.9 million decrease was primarily due to lower vessel operating expenses in 2009 versus 2008 primarily attributable to not chartering additional vessels in 2009 ($2.0 million) and other favorable expenses including repairs and maintenance expenses for existing vessels ($1.4 million), fuel costs ($.6 million) and other vessel operating expenses ($.9 million).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Discussion of Cash Flows

Net cash used in operating activities for the first nine months of 2009 was $11.8 million. This amount primarily reflected an operating loss of $14.7 million and non-cash items including depreciation and amortization ($1.7 million) and share-based compensation ($1.6 million), a decrease in inventory, accounts receivable and other assets ($.9 million), offset in part by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses ($1.3 million). Net cash used in operating activities for the first nine months of 2008 was $17.0 million. This amount primarily reflected an operating loss of $18.8 million offset in part by non-cash items including depreciation and amortization ($2.0 million) and share-based compensation ($1.5 million), a decrease in accrued expenses ($1.4 million) and inventory ($.5 million) and an increase in restricted cash ($.9 million) required by our credit facility and building mortgage with Fifth Third Bank.

Cash flows used in investing activities was $.5 million for the first nine months in 2009 which primarily reflected the purchase of property and equipment for our marine operations group which included extensive capitalized upgrades to the Ocean Alert ($.3 million). Cash used in investing activities in 2008 of $1.2 million primarily reflected purchase of property and equipment which included capitalized maintenance for extensive engine repairs and upgrades to the Ocean Alert ($.5 million), the purchase of a building (used primarily as a conservation lab and storage facility) for $1.0 million of which we financed $.8 million (net $.2 million), and $.5 million for property and equipment primarily vessel-related.

Cash flows provided by financing activities for the first nine months of 2009 were $5.7 million which included $5.1 million proceeds from the issuance and sale of common stock in May 2009 and $.8 million proceeds from the exercise of warrants to purchase preferred stock in the first quarter. Cash proceeds were offset in part by repayments of mortgage and loans payable of

 

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$.2 million. Cash flows provided by financing activities for the first nine months of 2008 were $10.2 million which primarily included $10.8 million from the issuance of common stock and exercise of warrants offset by net loan repayments of $.6 million. Loan proceeds of $5.0 million included $2.5 million from our line of credit and $2.5 million due to refinancing our corporate building with Fifth Third Bank in July 2008. The loan proceeds were offset by $5.6 million loan repayments which included $3.1 million for the prior building mortgage and equipment loan with Mercantile Bank in February 2008, and $2.5 million repayment of our line of credit.

Material Trends and Uncertainties

At September 30, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million, a decrease of $6.6 million from the December 31, 2008, balance of $10.7 million. Based upon our current expectations, we believe our cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and existing credit facility will be sufficient to fund working capital requirements through the remainder of 2009. Our capacity to generate net income in future periods is dependent upon our success in recovering and monetizing high-value shipwrecks as well as the coins and artifacts from previous operations including the SS Republic and our ability to generate income from marketing products from other companies’ projects. While we have recovered more than 17 tons of silver coins and hundreds of gold coins and other artifacts from the “Black Swan” project, we will not have the ability to immediately monetize any recovered cargo until or if we receive title or a salvage award from the U.S. District Court. At the present time, we cannot determine how long that process may take. We have also identified at least one additional potential high value target, however until we successfully recover and acquire title to coins and artifacts, we will not be able to monetize any of this cargo in the short term. If cash flow is not sufficient to meet our projected business plan requirements, we will be required to raise additional capital in 2009 and beyond and/or curtail expenses. While we have been successful in raising the necessary funds in the past, there can be no assurance that we can continue to do so.

On November 6, 2009, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC which, when declared effective by the SEC, will enable us to sell common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, and/or warrants in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $50,000,000.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events. SFAS No. 165, now incorporated in the ASC Topic Subsequent Events, is intended to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Specifically, this standard sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. SFAS No. 165 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after June 15, 2009 and will be applied prospectively. SFAS No. 165 is consistent with current practice and does not have any impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. See Note A for required disclosure.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The “FASB Accounting Standards Codification” and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This standard replaces SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and establishes only two levels of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), authoritative and nonauthoritative. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) will become the source of authoritative, nongovernmental GAAP, except for rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All other nongrandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become nonauthoritative. This standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods ending after September 15, 2009. As the Codification was not intended to change or alter existing GAAP, it will not have any impact on Odyssey’s consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

 

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. Our revolving credit facility and primary mortgage bear interest at variable rates and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the principal amount of such indebtedness remained the same. Interest on both of these debt instruments are equal to prime plus basis points as described in NOTE G. An increase in the prime rate could have an adverse effect on our operating cash flows and financial condition, but we believe it would not be material. We do not believe we have other material market risk exposure and have not entered into any market risk sensitive instruments to mitigate these risks or for trading or speculative purposes.

 

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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 third quarter of 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is not currently a party to any material litigation other than the admiralty proceedings described in this report. From time to time in the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject to or may assert a variety of claims or lawsuits.

See the information set forth under the heading “Operational Update – Admiralty Legal Proceedings” in Part I, Item 2 of this report for disclosure regarding certain admiralty legal proceedings in which Odyssey is involved. Such information is hereby incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

For information regarding risk factors, please refer to Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Except as set forth below, there are no material changes from the disclosure provided in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, with respect to the Risk Factors. Investors should consider the Risk Factors prior to making an investment decision with respect to the Company’s securities.

 

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

On January 28, 2009, we issued 250,000 shares of common stock to one accredited investor upon conversion of 250,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. During the three-month period ended June 30, 2009, we issued 4,241,200 shares of common stock to two accredited investors upon conversion of 4,241,200 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. On October 1, 2009, we issued 700,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor upon conversion of 700,000 outstanding shares of the Odyssey’s Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

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

None.

 

ITEM 5. Other Information

Appointment of Board of Director

On November 3, 2009, Odyssey’s board of directors appointed Jon D. Sawyer to the board, filling the vacancy created by the unexpected passing of George A. Knuttson in July 2009. Mr. Sawyer, age 63, has been of counsel to Jin, Schauer & Saad, LLC, a Denver, Colorado law firm, since March 2009. From January 1996 to March 2009, he was a co-owner of Professional Recovery Systems, LLC, a privately held financial services firm, where he was employed in various capacities, including president and general counsel. From November 1996 to June 2007, Mr. Sawyer was a partner in Krys Boyle P.C., a Denver, Colorado law firm. In prior years, Mr. Sawyer served as a trial attorney with the Denver regional office of the SEC where he handled enforcement cases and reviewed registration statements. Mr. Sawyer holds a B.S. degree in Statistics and a J.D. degree from the University of Wyoming. Mr. Sawyer will serve on Odyssey’s audit, compensation and governance committees.

 

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ITEM 6. Exhibits

 

10.1    Sale of Research File Relating to the Project Enigma dated November 5, 2009 between the Company and the purchaser (Filed herewith electronically)
10.2    Uniform Time Charter Party For Offshore Service Vessels dated November 5, 2009, between OVH, Inc. and the Charterer (Filed herewith electronically)
10.3    Enigma Completion Agreement dated November 5, 2009, between the Company and the other parties thereto (Filed herewith electronically)
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)

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: November 6, 2009   By:  

/s/ Michael J. Holmes

    Michael J. Holmes, Chief Financial
    Officer and Authorized Officer

 

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