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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION INC - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

(Mark one)

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

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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)

(813) 876-1776

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

Securities registered pursuant Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, $.0001 par value   NASDAQ Capital Market
(Title of each class)   (Name of each exchange on which registered)

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

 

 

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

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

Indicate by 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 such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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 definitions 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    ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company    x

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

The aggregate market value of the 7.1 million shares of voting stock held by non-affiliates of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. as of June 30, 2015 was approximately $40.0 million. As of February 25, 2016, the Registrant had 7,541,111 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The information required by Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of the Shareholders to be held on June 7, 2016.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
    PART I       

Item 1.

 

Business

     1   

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

     7   

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

     11   

Item 2.

 

Properties

     11   

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

     12   

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

     12   
 

PART II

  

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     13   

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

     13   

Item 7.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     14   

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     26   

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     27   

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     27   

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

     27   

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

     27   
 

PART III

  

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

     27   

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

     27   

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     28   

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     28   

Item 14.

 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

     28   
 

PART IV

  

Item 15.

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     29   

SIGNATURES

     69   

EXHIBITS INDEX

     70   


Table of Contents

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, “we,” “us,” “our company” and “Odyssey” mean Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and our subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. The statements regarding Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and its subsidiaries contained in this report that are not historical in nature, particularly those that utilize terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” or comparable terminology, are forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions, and entail various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements.

Important factors known to us that could cause such material differences are identified and in our “RISK FACTORS” in Item 1A and elsewhere in this report. Accordingly, readers of this Annual Report on Form 10-K should consider these factors in evaluating, and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events unless otherwise specifically indicated.

All information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been retroactively adjusted to give effect to a 1-for-12 reverse stock split that was effective on February 29, 2016 or otherwise, except as required by law.

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. is a world leader in deep-ocean exploration. Our innovative techniques are currently applied to mineral exploration, shipwreck cargo recovery and other marine survey and exploration charter services.

We have extensive experience discovering shipwreck sites in the deep ocean and conducting archaeological excavations with remotely operated vehicles (“ROVs”). Our historic shipwreck discoveries include the SS Republic, HMS Victory, “Black Swan,” La Marquise de Tourny, and many other unidentified shipwrecks. We have we set records for the deepest and heaviest cargo recoveries from a shipwreck during our commodity salvage work on the SS Gairsoppa. A total of nearly 110 tons of silver, representing more than 99% of the insured silver on board, was recovered from the Gairsoppa shipwreck, which is over 15,000 feet deep.

In 2010, we began to leverage our core business expertise and technology for deep-ocean mineral exploration. Our expeditions conducted for Neptune Minerals, Inc. and Chatham Rock Phosphate, Ltd. resulted in the assessment of significant mineral deposits. We have also begun to explore other deep-ocean mineral projects on our own behalf. Via our majority stake in Oceanica Resources S. de. R.L. (“Oceanica”), a Panamanian company, we control Exploraciones Oceanicas, S. De R.L. De C.V. (“ExO”), a Mexican company that has exclusive mining permits for an area (known as the “Don Diego” deposit) that contains large amounts of mineralized phosphate material. We performed all the off-shore exploration to find and validate the mineralized phosphate deposit and are managing the environmental studies and environmental permit application process. The deposit is one of the largest to be identified and is expected to be important to the regional and international fertilizer markets. The Don Diego deposit is currently our main mineral project. In order to move to the next phase of development of the deposit, Odyssey and its subsidiaries need to obtain approval of its environmental permit application (“EIA”). A decision on this application is expected in the course of 2016.

Deep-Ocean Mineral Exploration

We have leveraged the expertise of our team of some of the industry’s most experienced ocean explorers and geologists, along with our extensive array of advanced deep-ocean technology, for cost efficient exploration and assessment of seabed mineralized material.

Utilizing the chartered RV Dorado Discovery or similar ships with our customized and specialized equipment, our team has the ability to perform precision geophysical and geotechnical surveys, detailed mapping, sampling, environmental assessments and resource evaluations. While we discontinued the long-term lease of the RV Dorado Discovery vessel in 2014, we still own and maintain equipment on board the vessel and may re-charter the vessel for future projects.

 

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We offer exploration services including geophysical and geotechnical assessments of seabed mineral deposits to companies, including our subsidiaries and companies in which we hold an equity position, as a resource development partner. When performing mineral exploration services, we may receive payments in the form of cash, equity interests in the contracting company, or financial interests in the tenement.

There are three economically significant types of seabed mineral deposits being evaluated or explored by Odyssey:

Phosphorites - Phosphorite deposits are mineral occurrences that are recovered primarily for their phosphate material. Phosphorites may be present on the seabed or in the stratigraphic column. Phosphate is an agriculturally important mineral used primarily for crop fertilization, though a variety of uses exist for phosphate and phosphorus, the significant element in phosphate. Phosphorites exist in a wide range of depositional environments. Several factors contribute to the formation of phosphorites, including a supply of phosphorus, present or pre-existing complex oceanographic circulation patterns, and a proper sedimentological setting. Generally, phosphorites are targeted on continental shelves and slopes, though phosphorites do occur on oceanic seabed features such as guyots (flat-topped seamounts).

Polymetallic nodules - These nodular concretions are found on the seabed and consist of concentric layers of iron and manganese hydroxides. Nodules generally consist primarily of either manganese or iron. Manganese nodules can contain up to 30% manganese as well as other valuable metals and minerals, while iron nodules generally contain a mixture of iron, silicon, and aluminum ore. Polymetallic nodules are found at the seabed interface in oceans worldwide. Nodules must exhibit proper metal content and exist in sufficient concentration to be of potential economic interest. Some areas hosting economically viable nodules include the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone between Hawaii and Mexico, the Peru Basin, and the northern Indian Ocean.

Seafloor Massive Sulphides (SMS) – SMS deposits are found on the ocean floor and contain copper, zinc, gold, silver and other trace metals. SMS deposits are found in areas of active or complex tectonic or volcanogenic activity, such as near oceanic spreading centers (such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and East Pacific Rise), back-arc basins (such as the Manus Basin in Papua New Guinea waters) and submarine arc volcanic chains (such as Kermadec Arc in New Zealand waters).

Deep-Ocean Shipwreck Exploration

For many years, we conducted shipwreck search and cargo recovery work on our own behalf and under contract to third parties. During the past 20 years, we amassed a large private database and research library of target shipwrecks, developed and acquired proprietary deep-ocean equipment and tools, and built a team of knowledgeable experts to execute off-shore projects. On December 10, 2015, we sold the shipwreck database and research library to Magellan Offshore Services, Ltd. (“Magellan”), while still retaining our vessel, equipment, tools, and specialized offshore team members. As part of the Acquisition Agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC., Magellan agreed to exclusively hire us on a “cost plus” basis for any shipwreck search and recovery projects conducted in the next five years. We agreed not to pursue the shipwrecks included in the data base sold to Magellan. Magellan will also pay 21.25% of the net proceeds from any monetization of recovered cargo to us. As part of the Acquisition Agreement, four pre-existing projects including the HMS Victory 1744 and HMS Sussex were retained by us. Magellan may participate in funding the recovery costs of these projects in the future, and will have the right to receive up to 50% of our net proceeds, if any.

Shipwreck search operations typically begin with a side-scan sonar survey of a target area, which is sometimes coupled with a magnetometer survey, multi-beam bathymetric survey or other acoustic or geophysical survey technologies. The most interesting anomalies on the ocean floor are then inspected visually with an ROV that sends real-time video images to monitors on the survey vessel for observation by the scientific and technical teams. These images are also downloaded and saved for additional evaluation onshore. Sometimes, it is immediately obvious whether the inspected site is of interest (identifiable artifacts are apparent on the site) or not - (geology, modern debris). In other instances, it may take additional research and return visits to a site to arrive at probable or positive identification of the vessel and to determine the next step forward. Even when a shipwreck’s identity is confirmed or an area of geological interest is identified, a detailed reconnaissance inspection or pre-disturbance survey may be required prior to commencing any recovery or resource assessment operations.

If and when historic target sites are identified, we undertake an archaeological pre-disturbance survey and archaeological excavation subjected to stringent archaeological standards, thus adding to the body of knowledge of the people, the history and culture of the vessel’s time. Archaeological excavation and recovery operations are conducted on historic shipwreck sites and combine ROVs with sophisticated positioning systems, cameras and specialized computer hardware and software to carefully record the location of artifacts in situ and to document the entire archaeological process as

 

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the artifacts are recovered from a shipwreck site. As they conduct robotic archaeological operations at sites hundreds and sometimes thousands of feet below the ocean surface, our ROV pilots are directed by marine archaeologists aboard the recovery vessel. The archaeological excavation of cargo is followed by conservation, recording, documentation, and publication/exhibition. If and when a modern commodity shipwreck target is identified, removal of deck plates or ship’s structure may be necessary to obtain access to the cargo to be salvaged.

We have extensive experience in other phases of the shipwreck discovery business, such as conservation, documentation and exhibit of rare artifacts and publication of archaeological excavation. We will continue to conduct these services for the four projects that we have retained. We expect to conduct these services under contract to Magellan or its affiliates for their projects.

Operational Projects and Status

We have numerous deep-ocean 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 may defer disclosing specific information relating to our projects until we have located a shipwreck or other potentially valuable sources of interest and determined a course of action to protect our property rights. With respect to mineral deposits, SEC Industry Guide 7 outlines the Commission’s basic mining disclosure policy and what information may be disclosed in public filings. With respect to shipwrecks, the identity of the ship may be indeterminable and the nature and amount of cargo may be uncertain, thus before completing any recovery, specific information about the project may be unavailable. Although Odyssey has a variety of projects in various stages of development, only projects with operational activity in the past 12 months are included below.

Subsea Mineral Mining Exploration Projects

Oceanica Resources, S. de R.L.

In February 2013, we disclosed Odyssey’s ownership interest, through Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd., a wholly owned Bahamian company (“Enterprises”), in Oceanica Resources, S. de R.L., a Panamanian company (“Oceanica”) and Exploraciones Oceanicas, S. De R.L. De C.V. (“ExO”), a subsidiary of Oceanica. ExO is in the business of mineral exploration and controls exclusive permits in an area in Mexican waters that contains a large amount of phosphate mineralized material (known as the “Don Diego” deposit). Phosphate is a key ingredient of fertilizers. In March 2014, Odyssey completed a first NI 43-101 compliant report on the deposit and periodically updates this report. The Don Diego deposit is currently our main mineral project and is important to Odyssey’s future. Odyssey believes that the Don Diego deposit contains a large amount of high-grade phosphate rock that can be extracted on a financially attractive basis (essentially a dredging operation) and that the product will be attractive to Mexican and other world producers of fertilizers.

ExO has conducted extensive scientific testing of the mineralized phosphate material and of the environmental impact of recovering the mineralized material from the seafloor. Oceanica has been working with leading environmental experts on the impact assessment and permitting process, with Royal Boskalis on the extraction and processing program, and with JPMorgan and the AHMSA group of companies on the strategic growth alternatives.

ExO applied for and was granted additional mining concession areas by the Mexican government. These additional areas are adjacent to the zones with the highest concentration of mineralization in the original mining concession area. ExO also relinquished certain parts of the granted concession areas where the mineral concentration levels were less attractive for mining purposes.

In September 2014, ExO reported that the Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) for proposed dredging and recovery of phosphate sands from the Don Diego deposit had been filed with the Mexican Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). This EIA application is needed in order to obtain an environmental permit to begin the commercial extraction of phosphate from the tenement area. In November 2014, SEMARNAT held a public hearing on the EIA in Mexico and asked supplemental questions to Oceanica on its EIA application. In full compliance with the SEMARNAT process, a response to the questions was filed in March 2015. In addition to providing supplemental scientific information and studies, the response included additional mitigation and economic considerations to reinforce ExO’s commitment to being good corporate citizens and stewards of the environment. In June 2015, ExO withdrew its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) application to allow additional time for review and regional briefings. The EIA was re-submitted in June 2015 and additional information was filed in August 2015. A public hearing on this application was conducted by SEMARNAT on October 8, 2015, additional questions were received from SEMARNAT in November 2015, and ExO’s responses to the questions were filed and stamped confirming receipt by SEMARNAT on December 3, 2015. In order to move to the next phase of development of the deposit, Odyssey and its subsidiaries need the approval of this environmental permit application. A decision on this application is expected in the course of 2016.

 

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Enterprise initially held 77.6 million of Oceanica’s 100.0 million outstanding shares. Subsequently, Enterprises sold and transferred to Mako Resources, LLC (“Mako”) 15.0 million shares for a purchase price of $1.00 per share, or $15.0 million, and granted Mako options to purchase an additional 15.0 million shares at the purchase price of $2.50 per share before December 31, 2013.

In June 2013, Mako agreed to exercise of a portion of these options to purchase 8 million shares at a reduced exercise price of $1.25 per share. As part of Odyssey’s strategy to maintain a control position in Oceanica, in parallel with the early exercise, Enterprise purchased one million shares of Oceanica from another Oceanica shareholder at $1.25 per share. This transaction also granted Odyssey voting rights on an additional three million shares of Oceanica held by such other Oceanica shareholder so long as there is no change in control of Odyssey.

An option to purchase an additional one million shares was exercised by Mako on December 30, 2013 for a total amount of $2.5 million. The options on the remaining 6.0 million shares were extended in 2014 and 2015. On March 11, 2015, these options were terminated in exchange for the issuance of 4.0 million shares of our common stock to Mako. This termination was a requirement of the March 11, 2015 financing deal. In August 2014, we entered into a loan agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC, a marketing partner. Under terms of that agreement, Monaco may convert all or part of the loan balance into Oceanica shares held by us or purchase some Oceanica shares from us at a pre-defined price (See NOTE K). This loan was amended on December 10, 2015, extending the maturity date of the loan to December 31, 2017 and allowing Monaco to retain the call option on the $10 million worth of Oceanica shares held by Odyssey until December 31, 2017. In March 2015, Odyssey entered into a loan arrangement with Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (“MINOSA”) whereby Odyssey pledged all of its shares in Oceanica as collateral for a $14.75 million loan from MINOSA. The MINOSA loan has been amended several times and recently had a maturity date of March 30, 2016. The maturity date is now March 18, 2017, see NOTE U for further information.

Shipwreck Exploration Projects

SS Central America Project

In March 2014, we were awarded an exclusive contract to conduct an archaeological excavation and recover the remaining valuable cargo from the SS Central America (“SSCA”) shipwreck located approximately 160 miles off the coast of South Carolina.

Odyssey was selected for the project by Ira Owen Kane, the court-appointed receiver for Recovery Limited Partnership (RLP) and Columbus Exploration, LLC. The service contract was approved by the Common Pleas Court of Franklin County, Ohio, which has jurisdiction over the receivership for RLP and Columbus Exploration, LLC. The shipwreck itself is under the admiralty jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division, which ruled in July 2014 that RLP had the exclusive shipwreck salvage rights. Monetization of the cargo recovered in 2014 has not yet occurred because the District Court has not yet released the cargo recovered from the SS Central America. Under the agreement with RLP, Odyssey will receive 80% of the proceeds of monetization of cargo until a fixed mobilization fee and a negotiated day rate are paid (the “Priority Recoupment”). Thereafter, Odyssey will receive 45% of the proceeds of monetization.

Odyssey conducted survey and archaeological recovery work on the shipwreck site from mid-April through mid-September 2014. Over 15,500 silver and gold coins as well as 45 gold ingots, dust, nuggets, jewelry and other artifacts were recovered from the shipwreck. Odyssey has exclusive rights to perform future recovery work on this shipwreck site under contract with RLP through the first quarter of 2019. RLP and Odyssey will continue to analyze the data obtained in 2014 to determine whether to conduct work on the site in future seasons.

No revenues from this project have been recognized to date because the recovered items have not been monetized yet and thus the realized value cannot be fully measured at this time. However, we recognized the Priority Recoupment as a benefit (credit to expense) in the second and third quarters of 2014 because the potential monetization value of the already-recovered cargo is well in excess of the project costs. The Priority Recoupment in the second and third quarter of 2014 was $3.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Tens of millions of dollars’ worth of valuable cargo was recovered from the shipwreck in 2014, but the exact value will only be determined by a monetization event. Odyssey has a right to a share of the proceeds from this monetization but is not the owner of the recovered cargo and, that being the case, none of the recovered cargo is carried as inventory on the balance sheet of Odyssey.

 

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On December 10, 2015, Odyssey sold all of its financial interests in the SSCA project to Monaco Financial, LLC and its affiliates (See NOTE S). As a result, at December 31, 2015, Odyssey no longer carries a receivable on its books for the SSCA project and will not receive any further proceeds from the eventual monetization of the cargo that was recovered in 2014. All other contractual terms and conditions of the March 2014 agreement between Odyssey and RLP remain in place.

HMS Victory Project

In 2008, Odyssey discovered the shipwreck of HMS Victory (lost 1744) and, with the permission of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), recovered two cannons to aid in positive identification of the shipwreck. In 2010, the MOD and the UK Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) held a joint public consultation on options for the management of the site. In January 2012, a deed of gift transferred the Victory (1744) and associated materials belonging to the Crown to the Maritime Heritage Foundation (MHF), a UK charity whose mission is to promote knowledge and understanding of Britain’s maritime heritage. Odyssey is recognized as the salvor-in-possession of the wreck by the MHF and under maritime law. The MHF has now assumed responsibility for the future management of the wreck site and has contracted with Odyssey to provide a full range of archaeological, recovery, conservation and other services.

The MHF is awaiting the go-ahead from the UK government to begin archaeological recovery of at-risk artifacts from the HMS Victory shipwreck site. On December 10, 2015, Odyssey gave Monaco Financial, LLC and its affiliates (“Monaco”) the right to purchase the ability to participate in up to 50% of the economic benefits, if any, of the HMS Victory project (See NOTE S).

Gairsoppa” Project

On January 25, 2010, Odyssey was awarded the exclusive salvage contract for the cargo of the SS Gairsoppa by the United Kingdom Government (UKG) Department for Transport. Odyssey recovered cargo from this shipwreck in 2012 and 2013 and monetized most of the cargo in those years and through the start of 2014. A total of nearly 110 tons of silver, representing more than 99% of the insured silver on board, was recovered from the Gairsoppa shipwreck, which is over 15,000 feet deep. Odyssey paid $10.0 million to the UK government as its share of the proceeds from the monetization of the recovered cargo from the Gairsoppa.

Other Projects

In the fourth quarter of 2015, Odyssey was contracted by a third party to recover cargo from a shipwreck located in the Mediterranean sea. Odyssey recognized $3.0 million of revenue in 2015 for these services. The recovered cargo is the property of the contracting party.

Odyssey offers its marine exploration services to third party companies. This may be for mineral exploration, environmental studies, shipwreck search and recovery, subsea surveys, and other off-shore work requiring specialized vessels, equipment and personnel.

Legal and Political Issues

Odyssey works with a number of leading international maritime lawyers and policy experts to constantly monitor international legal initiatives that might affect our projects.

To the extent that we engage in mineral exploration or shipwreck search and recovery activities in the territorial, contiguous or exclusive economic zones of countries, Odyssey works to comply with verifiable applicable regulations and treaties.

We believe there will be increased interest in the protection of underwater cultural heritage throughout the oceans of the world. We are uniquely qualified to provide governments and international agencies with knowledge and skills to help manage these resources. As related to mineral exploration, we will determine the political climate and specific legal requirements of any areas in which we are working. We may partner with third parties who have unique industry experience in specific geographical areas to assist with navigation of the regulatory landscape.

 

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Competition

Odyssey mineral exploration is conducted on both shallow and deep sea terrains. There are a number of companies that publicly identify themselves as engaged in aspects of deep-ocean mineral exploration or mining including Nautilus Minerals (NUS.TO), Neptune Minerals, and Chatham Rock Phosphate (CRP.NZ) as well as countries that are exploring options to utilize deep-ocean mineralized materials. As our mineral exploration business plan includes partnering with others in the industry, we view these entities as potential partners rather than pure competitors. As mineral rights are generally granted on an exclusive basis for a specific area or tenement, once licenses are granted we do not anticipate any competitive intrusion on those areas. It is possible that one of these companies or some currently unknown group may secure licenses on an area desired by Odyssey or one of our partners; but since exploration work does not start until licenses are secured, we do not believe that competition from one or more of these entities, known or unknown, would materially affect our operating plan or alter our current business strategy. For offshore mineral exploration, there are providers of vessels and equipment that could be competitors or partners for certain projects. These include companies such as Fugro NV and Royal Boskalis Westminster NV.

Odyssey shipwreck recovery projects are focused on deep-sea sites where competition is limited due to the expertise and specialized equipment needed to operate at such depths. There are a number of companies that publicly identify themselves as engaged in aspects of the shipwreck business, but they do not compete directly with us as an established deep-ocean archaeological shipwreck exploration company. These entities include, but are not limited to Blue Water Ventures, Mel Fisher’s Treasures, Deep Blue Marine, Marine Exploration, Inc., Oceanic Research and Recovery, Seafarer Exploration, Sub Sea Research, Earth Dragon Resources, Endurance Exploration Group and UnderSea Recovery Corporation. Some companies such as Phoenix International Holdings Inc. and Oceaneering International Inc. may provide deep-sea services to groups seeking to pursue deep sea projects. It is possible that one of these companies or some currently unknown group may locate and recover a shipwreck on our project roster; however, we do not believe that competition from one or more of these entities, known or unknown, would materially affect our operating plan or alter our current business strategy.

Cost of Environmental Compliance

With the exception of vessel operations and conservation activities, our general business operations do not expose us to environmental risks or hazards. We carry insurance that provides a layer of protection in the event of an environmental exposure resulting from the operation of our vessels. The cost of such coverage is minimal on an annual basis. Our seabed mineral business is currently in the exploration and validation phase and has thus not exposed us to environmental risks or hazards.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The names, ages and positions of all the executive officers of the Company as of March 1, 2016 are listed below.

Mark D. Gordon (age 55) has served as Chief Executive Officer since October 1, 2014, as President since October 2007 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in January 2008. Previously, Mr. Gordon served as Chief Operating Officer since October 2007 and as Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development since January 2007 after joining Odyssey as Director of Business Development in June 2005. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Gordon owned and managed four different ventures (1987-2003).

Philip S. Devine (age 49) joined the Company in September 2013 from which time he has served as the Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Devine served as CFO of several publicly listed companies in Europe, as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche.

Jay A. Nudi, CPA (age 52) has served as Principal Accounting Officer since January 2006 and joined Odyssey as Controller in May 2005. Mr. Nudi assumed the additional responsibilities of Treasurer in May 2010. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Nudi served as Controller for The Axis Group in Atlanta (2003-2004).

Laura L. Barton (age 53) was appointed as Executive Vice President and Director of Communications in June 2012 and formerly served at Vice President and Director of Corporate Communications from November 2007 to June 2012. She was appointed Corporate Secretary in June 2015. Ms. Barton previously served as Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing for Odyssey since July 2003. Ms. Barton was previously President of LLB Communications, a marketing and communications consulting company whose customers included a variety of television networks, stations and distributors and the Company (1994-2003).

 

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John D. Longley, Jr. (age 49) has served as Chief Operating Officer since October 1, 2014. Previously Mr. Longley served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development since February 2012. Mr. Longley was originally the Director of Sales and Business Operations when he joined the Company in May 2006.

Employees

As of December 31, 2015, we had 22 full-time employees, most working from our corporate offices in Tampa, Florida. Additionally, we contract with companies to operate our vessels and with specialized technicians who perform marine survey and recovery operations on our vessels and from time to time we hire subcontractors and consultants to perform specific services.

Internet Access

Odyssey’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available without charge through Odyssey’s web site on the Internet as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. They may be accessed as follows: www.odysseymarine.com (Investors/Financial Information Link).

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following factors, in addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in evaluating our company and our business. Our business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks. The material risks are described below, and should be carefully considered in evaluating Odyssey or any investment decision relating to our securities. This section is intended only as a summary of the principal risks. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, or operating results could suffer. If this occurs, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of the money you paid to buy our common stock.

Our business involves a high degree of risk.

An investment in Odyssey is extremely speculative and of exceptionally high risk. The quality and reliability of research and data obtained could be uncertain. Even if we are able to plan and obtain permits for our various projects, there is a possibility that the shipwrecks may have already been salvaged or may not be found, or may not have had anything valuable on board at the time of the sinking. Even if objects of value are located and recovered, there is the possibility that the excavation cost will exceed the value of the objects recovered or that others, including both private parties and governmental entities, will assert conflicting claims and challenge our rights to the recovered objects. Finally, even if we are successful in locating and retrieving objects from a shipwreck and establishing title to them, there are no assurances as to the value that such objects will bring at their sale, as the market for such objects is uncertain. Depending on the type of cargo recovered, maximizing the value of the cargo may necessitate an extended sales cycle to convert the cargo into cash. With respect to mineral exploration projects, there are uncertainties with respect to the quality and quantity of the material and their economic feasibility, the price we can obtain for the sale of the deposit or the ore extracted from the deposit, the granting of the necessary permits to operate, environmental safety, technology for extraction and processing, distribution of the eventual ore product, and funding of necessary equipment and facilities. In projects where Odyssey takes a minority shareholding in the company holding the mining rights, there may be uncertainty as to this company’s ability to move the project forward. Starting on December 10, 2015, future work by us on shipwreck projects will be done as a contractor to another party. This will limit the upside for us on such projects. The contracting party may encounter many of the same risks listed above with respect to obtaining permits, retaining ownership of any recovered cargo, and monetizing the cargo. As a contractor, we are also dependent on the contracting party’s ability to commence the project in a timely manner and to pay our invoices.

The research and data we use may not be reliable.

The success of a shipwreck project is dependent to a substantial degree upon the research and data we or the contracting party has obtained. By its very nature, research and data regarding shipwrecks can be imprecise, incomplete, outdated, and unreliable. It is often composed of or affected by numerous assumptions, rumors, legends, historical and scientific inaccuracies and misinterpretations which have become a part of such research and data over time. For mineral exploration, data is collected based on a sampling technique and available data may not be representative of the entire ore body or tenement area. Prior to conducting off-shore exploration, we typically conduct on-shore research. There is no guarantee that the models and research conducted on-shore will be representative of actual results on the seafloor. Off-shore exploration typically requires significant expenditures, with no guarantee that the results will be useful or financially rewarding.

 

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Operations may be affected by natural hazards.

Underwater exploration and recovery operations are inherently difficult and dangerous and may be delayed or suspended by weather, sea conditions or other natural hazards. Further, such operations may be undertaken more safely during certain months of the year than others. We cannot guarantee that we, or the entities we are affiliated with, will be able to conduct search and recovery operations during favorable periods. In addition, even though sea conditions in a particular search location may be somewhat predictable, the possibility exists that unexpected conditions may occur that adversely affect our operations. It is also possible that natural hazards may prevent or significantly delay search and recovery operations. Seabed mineral extraction work may be subject to interruptions resulting from storms that impact the extraction operations or the ports of delivery.

We may be unable to establish our rights to resources or items we discover or recover.

Persons and entities other than Odyssey and entities we are affiliated with (both private and governmental) may claim title to the shipwrecks and/or valuable cargo that we may recover. Even if we are successful in locating and recovering shipwrecks and/or valuable cargo, we or our client may not be able to establish our rights to property recovered if challenged by governmental entities, prior owners, or other attempted salvors claiming an interest therein. In such an event we may not receive our share of anticipated proceeds although we would still be paid for our work when conducting operations for a client. We may discover potentially valuable seabed mineral deposits, but we may be unable to get title to the deposits or get the necessary governmental permits to commercially extract the minerals. Shipwrecks or mineral deposits may be in controlled waters where the policies and laws of a certain government may change abruptly, thereby impacting our ability to operate in those zones.

The market for any objects or minerals we recover is uncertain.

Even if valuable items can be located and recovered in the future, it is difficult to predict the price that might be realized for such items. The value of certain recovered items will fluctuate with the precious metals market, which has been highly volatile in past years. In addition, the entrance on the market of a large supply of similar items from shipwrecks and/or valuable cargo located and recovered by others could depress the market. During the time between the date a mineral deposit is discovered and the date the first extracted minerals are sold, world and local prices for the mineral may fluctuate drastically and thereby change the economics of the mineral project.

We could experience delays in the disposition or sale of recovered objects or minerals.

The methods and channels that may be used in the disposition or sale of recovered items are uncertain at present and may include several alternatives. Ready access to buyers for valuable items recovered cannot be guaranteed. Delays in the disposition of such items could adversely affect our profit participation in the projects or cash flow. It may take significant time between the date a mineral deposit is discovered and the date the first extracted minerals are sold. Stakes in the mineral deposits can potentially be sold at an earlier date, but there is no guarantee that there will be readily available buyers at favorable competitive prices.

Legal, political or civil issues could interfere with our marine operations.

Legal, political or civil issues of countries and/or major maritime governments could restrict access to our operational marine sites or interfere with our marine operations or rights to seabed mineral deposits. In many countries, the legislation covering ocean exploration lacks clarity. As a result, when we are conducting projects in certain areas of the world on its own behalf or on the behalf of a contracting party, we may be subjected to unexpected delays, requests, and outcomes as it works with local governments to define and obtain the necessary permits and to assert its claims over assets on the seafloor bottom. Our vessel, equipment, personnel and or cargo could be seized or detained by government authorities. We may have to work with different units of a government and there may be a change of government representatives over time. This may result in unexpected changes or interpretations in government contracts and legislation.

 

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Objects we recover could be stolen from us.

If we locate a shipwreck and assert a valid claim to items of value on our behalf or other behalf of a contracting party, there is a risk of theft of such items at sea by “pirates” or poachers before or after the recovery or while in transit to a safe destination as well as when stored in a secured location. Such thefts may not be adequately covered by insurance.

We may be unable to get permission to conduct salvage operations, conduct exploration, or perform extraction operations.

It is possible we will not be successful in obtaining title or permission to excavate certain wrecks, conduct exploration work, or conduct extraction operations. In addition, permits that are sought for the projects may never be issued, and if issued, may be revoked or not honored by the entities that issued them. In addition, certain governments may develop new permit requirements that could delay new operations or interrupt existing operations.

Changes in our business strategy or restructuring of our businesses may increase our costs or otherwise affect the profitability of our businesses.

As changes in our business environment occur we may need to adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we may otherwise find it necessary to restructure our operations or particular businesses or assets. When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and may need to write down the value of assets or sell certain assets. In any of these events our costs may increase, and we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets. Discontinuing the use of a multi-year charter of a ship may result in large one-time costs to cover any penalties or charges to put the ship back into its original condition. In December 2015, we sold our shipwreck related assets in an agreement which will limit our up-side on certain future shipwrecks and limit our ability to conduct new shipwreck projects. In March 2015, we entered into various agreements with a strategic investor. These March 2015 arrangements may have a material impact on our future operations and strategic alternative options.

We may be unsuccessful in raising the necessary capital to fund operations and capital expenditures.

Our ability to generate cash inflows is dependent upon our ability to recover and monetize high-value shipwrecks, large quantities of minerals or mineral rights. However, we cannot guarantee that the sales of our products and other available cash sources will generate sufficient cash inflows to meet our overall cash requirements. If cash inflows are not sufficient to meet our business requirements, we will be required to raise additional capital through other financing activities. While we have been successful in raising the necessary funds in the past, there can be no assurance we can continue to do so in the future.

We depend on key employees and face competition in hiring and retaining qualified employees.

Our employees are vital to our success, and our key management and other employees are difficult to replace. We currently do not have employment contracts with the majority of our key employees. We may not be able to retain highly qualified employees in the future which could adversely affect our business.

We may continue to experience significant losses from operations.

We have experienced a net loss in every fiscal year since our inception except for 2004. Our net losses were $19.0 million in 2015, $26.5 million in 2014 and $10.7 million in 2013. Even if we do generate operating income in one or more quarters in the future, subsequent developments in our industry, customer base, business or cost structure or an event such as significant litigation or a significant transaction may cause us to again experience operating losses. We may not become profitable for the long-term, or even for any quarter.

Technological obsolescence of our marine assets or failure of critical equipment could put a strain on our capital requirements or operational capabilities.

We employ state-of-the-art technology including side-scan sonar, magnetometer, ROVs, and other advanced science and technology to locate and recover shipwrecks at depths previously unreachable and perform seabed mineral exploration in an economically feasible manner. Although we try to maintain back-ups on critical equipment and components, equipment failures may require us to delay or suspend operations. Also, while we endeavor to keep marine equipment in excellent working condition and current with all available upgrades, technological advances in new equipment may provide superior efficiencies compared to the capabilities of our existing equipment and this could require us to purchase new equipment which could require additional capital.

 

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We may not be able to contract with clients or customers for marine services or syndicated projects.

In the past, from time to time, we have earned revenue by chartering out vessels, equipment and crew and providing marine services to clients or customers. Marine services provided the majority of our revenue in 2015, but did not provide any revenue in 2014. While the results of these syndicated projects were generally successful, the clients or customers may not be willing or financially able to continue with syndicated projects of this type in the future. Failure to secure such revenue producing contracts in the future may have a material impact on our revenue and operating cash flows. We may take payment for these services in the form of cash, shares in the client’s company, or financial interest in the tenement areas. There is no guarantee that the non-cash payment for our services will ever be able to be monetized or be used by Odyssey.

The issuance of shares at conversion prices lower than the market price at the time of conversion and the sale of such shares could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

Some of our outstanding shares may have been acquired from time to time upon conversion of outstanding senior convertible notes at conversion prices that are lower than the market price of our common stock at the time of conversion. In the past, Odyssey has issued debt obligations that could be converted into common shares at prices below the market price. Although no such debt instruments are currently outstanding, Odyssey may issue similar debt obligations in the future. Conversion of the notes at conversion prices that are lower than the market price at the time of conversion and the sale of the shares issued upon conversion could have an adverse effect upon the market price of our common stock.

Investments in subsea mineral exploration companies may prove unsuccessful.

We have invested in marine mineral companies that to date are still in the exploration phase, and have not begun to earn revenue from operations. Depending on the entity, we may or may not have control or input on the future development of these businesses. There can be no assurance that these companies will achieve profitability or otherwise be successful in capitalizing on the mineralized materials they intend to exploit.

We may be subject to short selling strategies.

Short sellers of our stock may be manipulative and may drive down the market price of our common stock. Short selling is the practice of selling securities that the seller does not own but rather has, supposedly, borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identical securities back at a later date to return to the lender. The short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase than it received in the sale. As it is therefore in the short seller’s best interests for the price of the stock to decline, many short sellers (sometime known as “disclosed shorts”) publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a stock short. Although traditionally these disclosed shorts were limited in their ability to access mainstream business media or to otherwise create negative market rumors, the rise of the Internet and technological advancements regarding document creation, videotaping and publication by weblog (“blogging”) have allowed many disclosed shorts to publicly attack a company’s credibility, strategy and veracity by means of so-called “research reports” that mimic the type of investment analysis performed by large Wall Street firms and independent research analysts. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market, on occasion in large scale and broad base. Issuers, who have limited trading volumes and are susceptible to higher volatility levels than large-cap stocks, can be particularly vulnerable to such short seller attacks. These short seller publications are not regulated by any governmental, self-regulatory organization or other official authority in the U.S., are not subject to certification requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission and, accordingly, the opinions they express may be based on distortions or omissions of actual facts or, in some cases, fabrications of facts. In light of the limited risks involved in publishing such information, and the enormous profit that can be made from running just one successful short attack, unless the short sellers become subject to significant penalties, it is more likely than not that disclosed short sellers will continue to issue such reports.

Some of our equipment or assets could be seized or we may be forced to sell certain assets

We have pledged certain assets, such as equipment and shares of subsidiaries as collateral under our loan agreements. Some suppliers have the ability to seize some of our assets if we do not make timely payments for the services, supplies, or equipment that they have provided to us. If we were unable to make payments on these obligations, the lender or supplier may seize the asset or force the sale of the asset. The loss of such assets could interrupt our operations. The sale of the asset may be done in a manner and under circumstances that do not provide the highest cash value for the sale of the asset.

 

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We could be delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, which imposes, among other requirements, a minimum bid requirement. The closing bid price for our common stock must remain at or above $1.00 per share to comply with NASDAQ’s minimum bid requirement for continued listing. If the closing bid price for our common stock is less than $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days, NASDAQ may send us a notice stating we will be provided a period of 180 days to regain compliance with the minimum bid requirement or else NASDAQ may make a determination to delist our common stock. Our stock traded for less than $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days and we received notice of this from the NASDAQ Capital Market on March 9, 2015. We were unable to cure this situation in the course of 2015 and the Nasdaq Hearings Panel gave us until March 7, 2016 to cure the situation. On February 19, 2016, Odyssey implemented a 1-for-12 reverse stock split to raise the market price per share. As of March 7, 2016 we regained compliance with NASDAQ’s minimum bid requirement.

Another requirement for continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market is to maintain our market capitalization above $35 million. On December 29, 2015, we were notified that we had failed to satisfy the minimum $35 million market value of listed securities for the previous 30 consecutive trading days. NASDAQ granted the Company a 180-day period within which to regain compliance with the market capitalization requirement, through June 27, 2016. In order to achieve compliance, the Company must evidence a market value of listed securities of at least $35 million for a minimum of ten consecutive business days. As of March 18, 2016, we regained compliance with NASDAQ’s minimum market capitalization requirement.

Failure by the company to maintain compliance with or regain compliance with the above-mentioned and other NASDAQ continued listing requirements may lead to the de-listing of the company from the NASDAQ Capital Market. Delisting from the NASDAQ Capital Market could make trading our common stock more difficult for investors, potentially leading to declines in our share price and liquidity. If our common stock is delisted by NASDAQ, our common stock may be eligible to trade on an over-the-counter quotation system, where an investor may find it more difficult to sell our stock or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock. We cannot assure you that our common stock, if delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market, will be listed on another national securities exchange or quoted on an over-the counter quotation system.

Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover all of our business risks.

Although we seek to obtain insurance for some of our main operational risks, there is no guarantee that the insurance policies that we have are sufficient, that they will be in place when needed, that we will be able to obtain insurance coverage when desired, that insurance will be available on commercially attractive terms, or that we will be able to anticipate the risks that need to be insured. For example, although we may be able to obtain War Risk coverage for a project at a specific date and location, such insurance may be unavailable at other times and locations. Although we may be able to insure the vessel and equipment for certain risks such as certain possible loss or damage scenarios, we may lack insurance to cover against government seizure or detention of our vessel and equipment. Permanent loss or temporary loss of our vessel and equipment and the associated business interruption without commensurate compensation from an insurance policy could severely impact the financial results and operational capabilities of the company.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We maintain our offices in Tampa, Florida where we lease 11,772 square feet of office space. This corporate office space is located in a building that we previously owned. On December 10, 2015, we sold the building to Monaco Financial, LLC (See NOTE S). We currently do not own any buildings or land. We believe our current leased facility is sufficient for our foreseeable needs.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See the information set forth under the heading “Admiralty Legal Proceedings” in Part I, Item 1 of this report for disclosure regarding certain admiralty legal proceedings in which Odyssey has been involved. Such information is hereby incorporated by reference into this Part I, Item 3.

The Company is not currently a party to any material litigation.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

 

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Price Range of Common Stock

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol OMEX. The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our common stock during each quarter presented.

 

     Price (1)  
     High      Low  

Quarter Ended

     

March 31, 2014

   $ 32.88       $ 20.64   

June 30, 2014

   $ 28.32       $ 14.16   

September 30, 2014

   $ 22.20       $ 10.20   

December 31, 2014

   $ 16.68       $ 10.20   

Quarter Ended

     

March 31, 2015

   $ 12.84       $ 6.12   

June 30, 2015

   $ 9.24       $ 4.80   

September 30, 2015

   $ 5.88       $ 3.12   

December 31, 2015

   $ 7.80       $ 2.76   

 

(1) These prices have been adjusted to reflect a 1-for-12 reverse stock split that became effective on February 29, 2016.

Approximate Number of Holders of Common Stock

The approximate number of record holders of our common stock at February 23, 2016 was 265. This does not include stockholders that hold their stock in accounts included in street name with broker/dealers which approximates 12,700 stockholders.

Dividends

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors. No dividends have been declared with respect to our common stock and none are anticipated in the foreseeable future.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities of the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

There were no repurchases of shares of the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected financial data, which should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes to those statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected financial data have been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
Dollars in thousands except per share amounts    2015     2014     2013     2012     2011  

Results of Operations

          

Revenue

   $ 5,330      $ 1,323      $ 23,914      $ 13,198      $ 15,727   

Net income (loss)

     (18,207     (26,473     (10,741     (18,184     (16,225

Earnings (loss) per share – basic

     (2.46     (3.74     (1.61     (3.00     (3.36

Earnings (loss) per share – diluted

     (2.46     (3.74     (1.61     (3.00     (3.36

Cash dividends per share

     —         —         —         —         —    

Financial Position

          

Assets

   $ 6,913      $ 25,090      $ 51,461      $ 26,897      $ 23,414   

Long-term obligations

     3,141        11,808        5,662        4,011        5,690   

Shareholder’s equity (deficit)

     (25,549     (10,404     13,207        (20,759     (9,775

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis is intended to provide a narrative of our financial results and an evaluation of our financial condition and results of operations. The discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. A description of our business is discussed in Item 1 of this report which contains an overview of our business as well as the status of our ongoing project operations.

See NOTE O regarding our 1-for-12 reverse stock split. Share related amounts have been retroactively adjusted in this report to reflect this reverse stock-split.

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 and Supplementary Data in Item 8. The tables identify years 2015, 2014 and 2013, all of which included a twelve-month period ended December 31.

2015 Compared to 2014

 

Increase/(Decrease)                  2015 vs. 2014  
(Dollars in millions)    2015      2014      $      %  

Total revenue

   $ 5.3       $ 1.3       $ 4.7         303
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cost of sales

   $ 1.4       $ 0.2       $ 1.2         486   

Marketing, general and administrative

     11.5         9.8         1.7         17   

Operations and research

     11.4         19.5         (8.0      (41

Common stock issued for subsidiary stock option settlement

     2.5         0.0         2.5         100   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   $ 26.8       $ 29.5       $ (2.6      (9 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

   $ 0.3       $ (1.0    $ 1.2         (129 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

   $ 0.0       $ 0.5       $ (0.5      (100 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

   $ 3.0       $ 2.2       $ 0.9         39
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ (18.2    $ (26.5    $ 8.3         (31 %) 

Revenue

Revenue is generated through the sale of recovered cargo such as coins, bullion, and merchandise and from chartering or leasing our marine exploration equipment, vessel and services. Total revenue increased by $4.0 million from $1.3 million in 2014 to $5.3 million in 2015. $3.3 million of the revenue in 2015 resulted from providing marine exploration services to third parties, primarily for a shipwreck recovery project in the fourth quarter, and $1.9 million of the 2015 revenue resulted from the sale of inventory items such as coins. The 2014 revenue was primarily the product of coin sales and a sale of gold obtained from refining the silver bullion recovered from the Gairsoppa shipwreck.

Although significant quantities of gold and silver cargo items were recovered from the SS Central America shipwreck in 2014, the recovered cargo remains the property of RLP, and no revenues were recognized in 2014 or 2015 from this project because any amounts can only be measured upon monetization of the recovered cargo. Our financial interests in

 

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the eventual net proceeds from the monetization of the recovered cargo from the SS Central America shipwreck were sold to Monaco Financial, LLC in December 2015 (See NOTE S), thus no revenue is expected to be recognized from the recovered cargo in the future. Several other assets and inventory items were sold to Monaco as part of the transaction with Monaco. The sales of these other assets were not recorded as revenues.

Cost and Expenses

Cost of sales consists of shipwreck recovery costs, grading, conservation, packaging, and shipping costs associated with recovered cargo and merchandise sales. Cost of sales is recorded for the sale of each Republic coin or the sale of merchandise and other items owned by us. We acquired non-refined Gairsoppa silver bars from the UK government. Cost of sales increased from $0.2 million in 2014 to $1.4 million in 2015. The increase in 2015 is due to a write-down on our inventory of SS Gairsoppa silver bars in line with a decline in world silver prices and to increased unit sales of SS Republic coins from our inventory.

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 increased from $9.8 million in 2014 to $11.5 million in 2015. This variance of $1.7 million is primarily due to (i) a reversal of a bad debt provision of $0.5 million in 2014, (ii) higher legal and transaction costs in 2015 related to the Stock Purchase Agreement with MINOSA, (iii) the accelerated vesting of restricted stock units related to the retirement of the Company’s General Counsel in June 2015, and (iv) the accrual of additional compensation expenses in 2015.

Operations and research expenses primarily include all costs within Archaeology, Conservation, Exhibits, Research, and Marine Operations, which include all vessel and charter operations. Operations and research expenses were $11.4 million in 2015 as compared to $19.5 million 2014. The decrease of $8.0 million in 2015 is primarily due to (a) lower costs in 2015 associated with the Dorado Discovery vessel that came off a long term lease in August 2014, (b) our Odyssey Explorer vessel was operating offshore for most of 2014 whereas in 2015 it only operated offshore for part of the year, and (c) the 2014 period included a credit to expenses of $6.3 million for the Priority Cost Recoupment on the SS Central America shipwreck project. Excluding this credit of $6.3 million of 2014, operations and research expenses actually decreased by $14.3 million.

Common stock issued for subsidiary stock option settlement was $2.5 million in 2015 compared to nil in 2014. This represents the cost of exchanging 4.0 million newly issued shares of our common stock for cancelling MAKO Resources’ call option on 6 million shares of Oceanica held by us. This transaction ensured that we maintained majority control over Oceanica.

Other Income or Expense

Other income and expense generally consists of interest income on investments, if any, offset by interest expense on our financial debt obligations. It can also include the change in fair value of the derivatives related to our issuance of certain convertible warrants and notes. Total other income or expense changed from net other expense of $1.0 million in 2014 to net other income of $0.3 million in 2015 primarily as a result of a gain on the extinguishment of debt in 2015. On December 10, 2015, we extinguished a significant amount of debt in connection with a transaction with Monaco Financial, LLC (See NOTE S). This debt extinguishment resulted in a one-time gain of $5.6 million. This 2015 gain was largely off-set by (a) interest expenses of $4.6 million, which increased in 2015 as a result of a larger interest-bearing debt balance throughout the year and to a higher average interest rate on the loans, and (b) to a $1.2 million expense resulting from the change in the fair value of the derivative liabilities ($0.5 million related to the change in the stock price/volatility and $0.7 million related to other changes such as the interest rate). The major new debt obligations impacting the interest expense in 2015 are the $10 million loan advanced from Monaco in the second half of 2014, and the $14.75 million loan from MINOSA in the first half of 2015. These loans carry an interest rate ranging between 8-11%. We retired all the Bank loans ($11.7 million) as part of the Monaco transaction on December 10, 2015. In 2014, there was an expense of $0.5 million related to an increased investment in Neptune. No further investment in Neptune has been made since then.

Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest

We did not incur any taxes in 2015 or 2014. Although the Company has significant tax loss carryforwards, we incurred alternative minimum taxes related to the sale of subsidiary stock in 2013. As a result of an IRS private letter ruling to the Company, in 2014 we reversed a $0.5 million provision for income taxes made in 2013.

 

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Starting in 2013, we became the controlling shareholder of Oceanica. Our financial statements thus include the financial results of Oceanica. Except for intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation, Oceanica’s revenues and expenses, in their entirety, are shown in our consolidated financial statements. The share of Oceanica’s net losses corresponding to the equity of Oceanica not owned by us is subsequently shown as the “Non-Controlling Interest” in the consolidated statements of operations. The non-controlling interest adjustment in 2015 was $3.0 million compared to $2.2 million in the same period in 2014. In both years, our subsea mineral exploration subsidiary was engaged in environmental studies and preparation of the Don Diego EIA. In 2015, there were extra fees paid for a third-party vessel as compared to 2014.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2015      2014  

Summary of Cash Flows:

     

Net cash (used) by operating activities

   $ (17,164    $ (28,555

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

     800         (2,968

Net cash provided by financing activities

     15,462         13,344   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (902    $ (18,179

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

     3,144         21,322   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,241       $ 3,144   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Discussion of Cash Flows

Net cash used by operating activities in 2015 was $17.2 million, or an improvement of $11.4 million compared to 2014, primarily as a result of an improvement in the net result before adjustment for the non-controlling interest. The 2015 operating cash flows primarily reflected a net loss before non-controlling interest of $21.3 million offset by non-cash items of $4.7 million including common stock issued for subsidiary stock option settlement ($2.5 million, see NOTE J), depreciation and amortization ($1.4 million), share-based compensation ($2.7 million), notes payable interest accretion ($2.3 million), and the change in the fair value of derivative liabilities ($1.2 million, see NOTE J), a gain on the transfer of assets and settlement of debt ($5.6 million, see NOTE S). Other working capital changes (including non-current assets) resulted in a decrease in working capital of $0.6 million. This primarily included a decrease in accounts payable in 2015 of $3.5 million and an increase in accrued expenses and other of $2.0 million which were in turn partially offset by a decrease in inventory of $1.2 million from increased coin sales, and increase in accounts receivable of $0.6 million, and a decrease in other assets of $0.3 million.

Net cash used by operating activities for 2014 was $28.6 million. The 2014 operating cash flows primarily reflected a net loss before non-controlling interest of $28.7 million offset in part by non-cash items of $7.4 million including depreciation and amortization of $5.5 million ($3.0 million of which was an asset impairment charge to depreciation resulting from the termination of the Dorado Discovery charter), share-based compensation ($2.2 million), notes payable interest accretion ($0.6 million), and increased by non-cash items such as fees/interest paid with stock ($0.1 million), and the change in the fair value of derivative liabilities ($1.0 million, see NOTE J). Other working capital changes (including non-current assets) resulted in a decrease in working capital of $5.7 million. This primarily included an increase in accounts receivable in 2014 of $6.3 million mainly due to the recoupment of SS Central America project costs. A $2.5 million decrease in accrued expenses in 2014 resulted primarily from the payment of $1.3 million to the UK on the Gairsoppa project and the payment of other 2013 accruals, including the 2013 employee bonus. Other changes in working capital in 2014 included a $2.0 million decrease in other assets including prepaid expenses and deposits on equipment, a $0.03 million increase in inventory and a $0.2 million increase in accounts payable.

Cash flows from investing activities in 2015 were $0.8 million as the result of the sale of our Nassau Street building in March 2015. No major equipment purchases were made in 2015.

Cash flows used in investing activities for 2014 were $3.0 million. The major equipment purchases in 2014 included $1.1 million for a deep tow system, $0.7 million for new mineral exploration equipment and $0.7 million for the Odyssey Explorer which included steelwork, an umbilical cable and a control system for the ROV.

Cash flows provided by financing activities in 2015 were $15.5 million. During this period, we borrowed $14.75 million from MINOSA (see NOTE K) and $2.0 million from Monaco (See NOTE S). On December 10, 2015, we settled all

 

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of the Bank loans which resulted in the release of $0.5 million that had been required to be maintained in a restricted bank account to service these Bank loans. These cash inflows were partially offset by repayment of debt obligations which included $0.7 million in mortgage payable reductions after the sale of our Nassau Street building and an additional $1.1 million in payments on the term loan from Fifth Third Bank.

Cash flows provided by financing activities for 2014 were $13.3 million. In 2014, we received $10.0 million from a loan from our marketing partner, Monaco Financial, LLC., a related party (see Note K). In 2014, we also received $7.7 million of cash advances on a new $10.0 million credit facility with Fifth Third Bank related to recovered cargo from shipwrecks. These cash inflows were offset by repayment of debt obligations which included $3.1 million in short term convertible notes payable reductions and an additional $1.0 million in payments on the term loan from Fifth Third Bank. The 2013 $10.0 million Gairsoppa project loan was paid off in 2014 using $10.0 million in restricted cash held at Fifth Third Bank. The remaining cash flows used for financing activities were mortgage and financed asset payments.

General Discussion 2015

At December 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2.2 million, a decrease of $0.9 million from the December 31, 2014 balance of $3.1 million. This decrease was mainly the result of cash used in operations. Although there were significant cash inflows from financing activities ($15.5 million), operating activities consumed $16.4 million of cash.

In March 2015, we entered into a $14.75 million loan agreement with Minera del Norte S.A. de c.v. (“MINOSA”) and into a Stock Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) with its affiliate, Penelope Mining LLC (“Penelope”) (See NOTE K). This agreement was subsequently approved by our stockholders at the June 9, 2015 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. The SPA is subject to many terms and conditions that have not been fulfilled yet, thus at the date of this report, Penelope has not yet made any of the equity investments under the SPA. The loan agreement was amended in 2015 and subsequently in 2016. The maturity date has been extended several times with a current maturity date of March 18, 2017, see NOTE U for further information. Two representatives of affiliates of MINOSA were elected to the Odyssey Board of Directors on June 9, 2015 and various Mexican representatives of affiliates of MINOSA have been assisting us and our subsidiaries with the development and environmental permitting process for the mineralized phosphate concession area held in Mexico by one of our subsidiaries.

In 2015, we continued to advance the development of our subsidiary in Mexico that holds exclusive rights to a mineralized phosphate deposit (known as the “Don Diego” deposit). Additional studies and reports were prepared for the Mexican government’s review of the company’s application for an environmental permit to begin extraction of the phosphate rock from the concession area. A public hearing was held, questions from the government’s SEMARNAT agency were answered, and numerous meetings were held with local and regional parties who have an interest in the project. During the course of 2015, we evaluated other mineral deposits and filed for concession rights to a new potential mineralized deposit unrelated to phosphate and unrelated the company’s existing Don Diego deposit.

Due to delays in obtaining government permits for specific projects in 2015, the Odyssey Explorer was kept at a reduced operational and cost level for much of 2015. The main operational activity of the vessel occurred in the fourth quarter of 2015 when it worked under contract on the recovery of shipwreck cargo for a third-party client in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. On December 10, 2015, we sold our shipwreck database, our exhibit activity, our merchandise and recovered cargo inventory, our headquarters building, 50% of our ownership in and 50% its receivables from Neptune Minerals, Inc, and our financial interest in the recovered cargo from the SS Central America shipwreck in exchange for cash and a reduction of our financial debt obligations (see NOTE S). We retained all our marine exploration tools and equipment (vessel, equipment, trained personnel, etc.). With the exception of a few shipwreck projects that we retained (such as the HMS Victory project), our role in the shipwreck business going forward is to primarily be a contractor providing search and recovery services on a cost plus basis while earning a pre-defined share of net proceeds from the monetization of cargo by the client. This one client is Magellan Offshore Services (“Magellan”), an affiliate of Monaco. As part of this agreement, Magellan has agreed to exclusively hire us on a “cost plus” basis for any shipwreck search and recovery projects conducted in the next five years. In turn, we agreed not to pursue the shipwrecks included in the data base sold to Magellan. Magellan will also pay us 21.25% of the net proceeds from any monetization of recovered cargo. If Magellan elects to participate in funding the recovery costs of the few shipwreck projects we retained for ourselves, then it will have the right to receive up to 50% of our net proceeds from these projects, if any.

Financial debt of the company, excluding the derivative component of such debt, decreased by $3.0 million in 2015, from a balance of $21.2 million at December 31, 2014 to a balance of $18.2 million at December 31, 2015. From March 11, 2015, through June 30, 2015, we received loans from MINOSA for a total amount of $14.75 million. On December 10, 2015,

 

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we settled all remaining Bank debt in the amount of $11.7 million and we reduced the amount of the loans due to Monaco (see NOTE S). Additional financial debt reductions resulted from $1.0 million in scheduled semi-annual payments on our Term Loan with Fifth Third Bank in January and July 2015, and $0.7 million of mortgage payments, the bulk of which paid off our Nassau street building mortgage upon the sale of that building in March 2015.

Financings

Stock Purchase Agreement

On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Penelope Mining LLC (the “Investor”), and, solely with respect to certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement, Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (the “Lender”). The Purchase Agreement provides for us to issue and sell to the Investor shares of the our preferred stock in the amounts and at the prices set forth below (the numbers set forth below have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-12 reverse stock split of February 19, 2016):

 

Series

   No. of Shares      Price per Share  

Series AA-1

     8,427,004       $ 12.00   

Series AA-2

     7,223,142       $ 6.00   

The closing of the sale and issuance of shares of the Company’s preferred stock to the Investor is subject to certain conditions, including the Company’s receipt of required approvals from the Company’s stockholders (received on June 9, 2015), the receipt of regulatory approval, performance by the Company of its obligations under the Purchase Agreement, receipt of certain third party consents, the listing of the underlying common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market and the Investor’s satisfaction, in its sole discretion, with the viability of certain undersea mining projects of the Company. Completion of the transaction requires amending the Company’s articles of incorporation to (a) effect a reverse stock split, which was done on February 19, 2016, (b) adjusting the Company’s authorized capitalization, which was also done on February 19, 2016, and (c) establishing a classified board of directors (collectively, the “Amendments”). The Amendments have been or will be set forth in certificates of amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation filed or to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State.

The purchase and sale of 2,916,667 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock at an initial closing and for the purchase and sale of the remaining 5,510,337 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock according to the following schedule, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement:

 

Date

   No. Series AA-
1 Shares
     Total Purchase
Price
 

March 1, 2016

     1,806,989       $ 21,683,868   

September 1, 2016

     1,806,989       $ 21,683,868   

March 1, 2017

     1,517,871       $ 18,214,446   

March 1, 2018

     378,488       $ 4,541,856   

The Investor may elect to purchase all or a portion of the Series AA-1 Preferred Stock before the other dates set forth above. The initial closing and the closing scheduled for March 1, 2016, have not yet occurred because certain conditions to closing have not yet been satisfied or waived. After completing the purchase of all AA-1 Preferred Stock, the Investor has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase all or a portion the 7,223,145 shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock at any time after the closing price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market has been $15.12 or more for 20 consecutive trading days. The Investor’s right to purchase the shares of Series AA-2 Preferred Stock will terminate on the fifth anniversary of the initial closing under the Purchase Agreement.

The Purchase Agreement contains certain restrictions, subject to certain exceptions described below, on the Company’s ability to initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate an alternative acquisition proposal, to participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding an alternative acquisition proposal, or to enter into any acquisition agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement, or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle, or any other agreement relating to an alternative acquisition proposal. These restrictions will continue until the earlier to occur of the termination of the Purchase Agreement pursuant to its terms and the time at which the initial closing occurs.

 

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The Purchase Agreement also includes customary termination rights for both the Company and the Investor and provides that, in connection with the termination of the Purchase Agreement under specified circumstances, including in the event of a termination by the Company in order to accept a Superior Proposal, the Company will be required to pay to the Investor a termination fee of $4.0 million.

The Purchase Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of the parties customary for a transaction of this type.

Subject to the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the Lender agreed to provide the Company, through a subsidiary of the Company, with loans of up to $14.75 million, the outstanding amount of which, plus accrued interest, will be repaid from the proceeds from the sale of the shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock at the initial closing. The Lender loaned the Company the full $14.75 million during the period March 11 through June 30, 2015. The outstanding principal balance of the loan at December 31, 2015 was $14.75 million.

The obligation to repay the loans is evidenced by a promissory note (the “Note”) in the amount of up to $14.75 million and bears interest at the rate of 8.0% per annum, and, pursuant to a pledge agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”) between the Lender and Odyssey Marine Enterprises Ltd., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“OME”), is secured by a pledge of 54.0 million shares of Oceanica Resources S. de R.L., a Panamanian limitada (“Oceanica”), held by OME. In addition, OME and the Lender entered into a call option agreement (the “Oceanica Call”), pursuant to which OME granted the Lender an option to purchase the 54.0 million shares of Oceanica held by OME for an exercise price of $40.0 million at any time during the one-year period after the Oceanica Call was executed and delivered by the parties. The Oceanica Call option expired on March 11, 2016 without being executed or extended. The Oceanica Call was to also terminate if the Investor elected to terminate the Purchase Agreement under specified circumstances. On December 15, 2015, the Promissory Note was amended to provide that, unless otherwise converted as provided in the Note, the adjusted principal balance shall be due and payable in full upon written demand by MINOSA; provided that MINOSA agrees that it shall not demand payment of the adjusted principal balance earlier than the first to occur of: (i) 30 days after the date on which (x) SEMARNAT makes a determination with respect to the current application for the Manifestacion de Impacto Ambiental relating to the Don Diego Project, which determination is other than an approval or (y) Enterprises or any of its affiliates withdraws such application without MINOSA’s prior written consent; (ii) termination by Odyssey of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 11, 2015 (the “Purchase Agreement”), among Odyssey, MINOSA, and Penelope Mining, LLC (the “Investor”); (iii) the occurrence of an event of default under the Promissory Note; (iv) March 30, 2016; or (v) if and only if the Investor shall have terminated the Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(iii) thereof, March 30, 2016. On March 18, 2016 the agreements with MINOSA and Penelope were further amended (see NOTE U).

Class AA Convertible Preferred Stock

Pursuant to a certificate of designation (the “Designation”) to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State, each share of Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock and Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Class AA Preferred Stock”) will be convertible into one share of Common Stock at any time and from time to time at the election of the holder. Each share of Class AA Preferred Stock will rank pari passu with all other shares of Class AA Preferred Stock and senior to shares of Common Stock and all other classes and series of junior stock. If the Company declares a dividend or makes a distribution to the holders of Common Stock, the holders of the Class AA Preferred Stock will be entitled to participate in the dividend or distribution on an as-converted basis. Each share of Class AA Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to vote, in person or by proxy, at any special or annual meeting of stockholders, on all matters voted on by holders of Common Stock, voting together as a single class with other shares entitled to vote thereon. So long as a majority of the shares of the Class AA Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company will be prohibited from taking specified extraordinary actions without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock. In the event of the liquidation of the Company, each holder of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid, out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, an amount in cash equal to the greater of (a) the amount paid to the Company for such holder’s shares of Class AA Preferred Stock, plus an accretion thereon of 8.0% per annum, compounded annually, and (b) the amount such holder would be entitled to receive had such holder converted such shares of Class AA Preferred into Common Stock immediately prior to such time at which payment will be made or any assets distributed.

 

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Stockholder Agreement

The Purchase Agreement provides that, at the initial closing, the Company and the Investor will enter into a stockholder agreement (the “Stockholder Agreement”). The Stockholder Agreement will provide that (a) in connection with each meeting of the Company’s stockholders at which directors are to be elected, the Company will (i) nominate for election as members of the Company’s board of directors a number of individuals designated by the Investor (“Investor Designees”) equivalent to the Investor’s proportionate ownership of the Company’s voting securities (rounded up to the next highest integer) less the number of Investor Designees who are members of the board of directors and not subject to election at such meeting, and (ii) use its reasonable best efforts to cause such nominees to be elected to the board of directors; (b) the Company will cause one of the Investor Designees to serve as a member of (or at such Investor Designee’s election, as an observer to) each committee of the Company’s board of directors; and (c) each Investor Designee shall have the right to enter into an indemnification agreement with the Company (an “Indemnification Agreement”) pursuant to which such Investor Designee is indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent allowed by Nevada law if, by reason of his or her serving as a director of the Company, such Investor Designee is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding or by reason of anything done or not done by such Investor Designee in his or her capacity as a director of the Company.

The Stockholder Agreement will provide the Investor with pre-emptive rights with respect to certain equity offerings of the Company and restricts the Company from selling equity securities until the Investor has purchased all the Class AA Preferred Stock or no longer has the right or obligation to purchase any of the Class AA Preferred Stock. The Stockholder Agreement will also provide the Investor with certain “first look” rights with respect to certain mineral deposits discovered by the Company or its subsidiaries. Pursuant to the Stockholder Agreement, the Company will grant the Investor certain demand and piggy-back registration rights, including for shelf registrations, with respect to the resale of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Class AA Preferred Stock.

Other Loans

During October 2015 we entered into a loan agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC (“Monaco”) to provide up to $2.0 million. We received the initial advance of $1.0 million on October 30, 2015. The second $1.0 million was conditional upon entering into a definitive agreement relating to their acquisition of certain assets from us, subject to their obligation to satisfy certain of our indebtedness. On December 10, 2015, Odyssey, Monaco, and certain affiliates of Monaco entered into and completed the transactions contemplated by an acquisition agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, we sold certain assets to Monaco and its affiliates, and Monaco (a) repaid our indebtedness for borrowed money owed to a bank, (b) reduced the amount of indebtedness owed by us to Monaco and agreed to certain modifications regarding the remaining indebtedness, and (c) applied the amount of advances previously made by Monaco to us, as well as additional cash, to the consideration paid to us for the transaction. More significantly, Monaco advanced the additional $1.0 million to us, extinguished the $2.0 million loan it had made to us in the fourth quarter of 2015, settled in full all of our three bank loans ($11.7 million), and amended or extinguished certain loans made in 2014 by Monaco to us (extinguished $2.2 million of the loans, ceased interest on $5.0 million of the loans and made it only repayable under certain circumstances, and extended the maturity of the remaining $2.8 million of loans to December 31, 2017 (See NOTE K).

In August 2015, we amended our term loan with Fifth Third Bank (the “Bank”) setting the maturity date on the loan at December 17, 2015. In January and July 2014 and 2015 we made required semi-annual principal payments of $500,000 on the loan. This loan was settled in full on December 10, 2015 in connection with the transaction with Monaco. The balance of this loan at December 31, 2015 was $0.

On May 7, 2014, we entered into a new $10.0 million credit facility with Fifth Third bank similar to the loans obtained in 2012 and 2013 for the Gairsoppa project. By December 31, 2014, we had received advances of $7.7 million on this new credit facility based on recoveries of gold bars and gold $20 coins from the SS Central America shipwreck. This loan agreement was amended in May and September 2015, so that the maturity of the loan was changed to December 17, 2015. This loan was settled in full on December 10, 2015 in connection with the transaction with Monaco. The balance of this loan at December 31, 2015 was $0.

On August 14, 2014, we entered into a loan agreement with Monaco that provided for loans of up to an aggregate amount of $10.0 million. The full amount was loaned to us in the second half of 2014. On December 1, 2014, we received the third tranche of $2.5 million on this loan facility. Advances under the loan agreement bear interest at a rate of 8.0% for the first year and 11.0% thereafter. The credit facility provides for monthly payments of interest only, with the principal amount and all accrued interest due and payable on August 14, 2016. As further consideration for the credit facility, we agreed to assign to the lender 100,000 shares Odyssey owns in Oceanica Resources and granted the lender the right to convert the outstanding loan balance into shares of Oceanica Resources or to purchase additional shares of Oceanica Resources from Odyssey if the loan is repaid. Odyssey’s obligations under the credit facility are secured by specified assets,

 

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including a portion of Odyssey’s shares in Oceanica Resources, and by any residual in Odyssey’s financial interest in the proceeds from the monetization of SS Central America cargo after repayment of the Bank loan. Our obligation to repay the principal and accrued interest may be accelerated at the option of the lender if an event of default, as specified in the loan agreement, occurs. We may prepay the outstanding loan balance before the maturity date. In connection with the transaction we completed with Monaco on December 10, 2015, the parties extinguished $2.2 million of the Monaco loan, ceased interest on $5.0 million of the loans and made them only repayable under certain circumstances, and extended the maturity of the remaining $2.8 million of loans to December 31, 2017 (See NOTE K and NOTE S). As of December 31, 2015, the loan balance outstanding was $2.8 million.

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 had an initial maturity date of July 11, 2013, and requires monthly principal payments in the amount of $10,750 plus accrued interest. This loan is secured by a restricted cash balance 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. In July 2013 when the above noted mortgage was scheduled to mature, we extended it on substantially the same terms that previously existed. This loan was again amended in September 2015 whereby the new maturity date was set at December 17, 2015. This loan was settled in full on December 10, 2015 in connection with the transaction with Monaco. The balance of this loan at December 31, 2015 was $0.

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 with 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. In March 2015 we sold the building covered by this mortgage and simultaneously prepaid the entire balance of this loan and terminated the loan.

Going Concern Consideration

We have experienced several years of net losses and may continue to do so. Our ability to generate net income or positive cash flows in 2016 or the following twelve months is dependent upon our success in developing and monetizing our interests in mineral exploration entities, generating income from exploration charters, collecting on amounts owed to us, and completing the MINOSA/Penelope equity financing transaction approved by our stockholders on June 9, 2015. During 2015 we received notices from NASDAQ of a possible de-listing for not being compliant with their continued listing requirements. In the first quarter of 2016, we regained compliance with these continued listing requirements. Our 2016 business plan requires us to generate new cash inflows during 2016 to effectively allow us to perform our planned projects. We plan to generate new cash inflows through the monetization of our receivables and equity stakes in seabed mineral companies, financings, syndications or other partnership opportunities. One or more of the planned opportunities for raising cash may not be realized to the extent needed which may require us to curtail our desired business plan until we generate additional cash. On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Minera del Norte S.A. de c.v. (“MINOSA”) and Penelope Mining LLC (“Penelope”), an affiliate of MINOSA, pursuant to which (a) MINOSA agreed to extend short-term, debt financing to Odyssey of up to $14.75 million, and (b) Penelope agreed to invest up to $101 million over three years in convertible preferred stock of Odyssey. The equity financing is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of our stockholders which occurred on June 9, 2015, and MINOSA and Penelope are currently under no obligation to make the preferred share equity investments. (See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—General Discussion 2015—Financings.) If cash inflow is not sufficient to meet our desired projected business plan requirements, we will be required to follow our contingency business plan which is based on curtailed expenses and requires less cash inflows. Our consolidated non-restricted cash balance at December 31, 2015 was $2.2 million which is insufficient to support operations through the end of 2016. We have a working capital deficit at December 31, 2015 of $21.1 million. Our largest loan of $14.75 million from MINOSA has a maturity date of March 18, 2017. We sold a substantial part of our assets to Monaco and its affiliates on December 10, 2015 and we have pledged the majority of our remaining assets to MINOSA, and its affiliates, and to Monaco, leaving us with few opportunities to raise additional funds from our balance sheet. The total consolidated book value of our assets was $6.9 million at December 31, 2015 and the fair market value of these assets may differ from their net carrying book value. Even though we executed the above noted financing arrangements, Penelope must purchase the shares for us to be able to complete the equity component of the transaction. The Penelope equity transaction is heavily dependent on the outcome of our subsidiary’s application approval process for an environmental permit to commercially develop a mineralized phosphate deposit in Mexico. Therefore, the factors noted above raise doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

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2014 Compared to 2013

 

Increase/(Decrease)                  2014 vs. 2013  
(Dollars in millions)    2014      2013      $      %  

Total revenue

   $ 1.3       $ 23.9       $ (22.6      (94 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cost of sales

   $ 0.2       $ 0.7       $ (0.4      (64

Marketing, general and administrative

     9.8         14.2         (4.4      (31

Operations and research

     19.5         26.0         (6.5      (25
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   $ 29.5       $ 40.9       $ (11.4      (28 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other income (expense)

   $ (1.0    $ 2.6       $ (3.6      (137 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax benefit (provision)

   $ 0.5       $ (0.5    $ 1.0         197
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

   $ 2.2       $ 4.1       $ (1.9      (47 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ (26.5    $ (10.7    $ (15.7      (146 %) 

Revenue

Although significant quantities of gold and silver cargo items were recovered from the SS Central America shipwreck in 2014, no revenues were recognized in 2014 from this project because the exact amount can only be measured upon monetization of the recovered cargo. The ability to monetize cargo from this project is dependent on a final judicial ruling from the United States Federal Court. As a result, none of the cargo recovered in 2014 from SS Central America shipwreck has been monetized so far.

The decrease in total revenue of $22.6 million (from $23.9 million in 2013 to $1.3 million in 2014) was primarily due to the fact that a large quantity of valuable shipwreck cargo was both recovered and monetized in 2013 from the Gairsoppa shipwreck, whereas none of the shipwreck cargo recovered in 2014 from the SS Central America shipwreck was monetized in the same year. Significant quantities of gold and silver cargo items were recovered from the SS Central America shipwreck in 2014, but they have not been monetized because the US Federal Court for the District of Virginia that oversees the rights to the shipwreck and cargo has not yet released the cargo for monetization. Since the cargo has not yet been monetized, we are unable to measure the exact proceeds from an eventual sale of the recovered cargo and have thus not recognized any revenue from this project in 2014. In 2014, $0.3 million of revenue was recognized from the Gairsoppa project whereas $20.8 million of revenue was recognized in 2013 from this same project. Licensing and royalties related to Gairsoppa project provided a further $1.5 million in revenue in 2013 as compared to 2014. Sales of coins held in inventory from other shipwrecks were also lower in 2014 as compared to 2013.

Cost and Expenses

Cost of sales decreased by $0.4 million in 2014 versus 2013, or in roughly the same proportion as the decrease in Recovered cargo sales and other revenues (excluding Gairsoppa), which decreased by 55%.

Marketing, general and administrative expenses were $9.8 million in 2014 as compared to $14.2 million in 2013. The decrease of $4.4 million is mainly due to a $2.1 million reduction in employee-related costs and one-time costs in 2013, such as the $1.1 million payment of the Spanish government legal fees for the Black Swan case, the $0.4 million cost to hedge silver bullion, the one-time retirement costs of the former Chief Financial Officer, and the $0.5 million provision for a loan made by the Company in 2013. The provision for the loan was reversed in 2014.

Operations and research expenses were $19.5 million in 2014 as compared to $26.0 million in 2013. The decrease in operating and research expenses of $6.5 million primarily represented a net decrease in the total cost to operate the Odyssey vessels. The $3.3 million increase in the full year Odyssey Explorer vessel operating costs related to the SS Central America shipwreck project were offset by a cost recoupment agreement with the owners of the SS Central America shipwreck for an amount of $6.2 million, resulting in a net decrease of $2.9 million on the full year expenses of the Odyssey Explorer vessel as compared to 2013. The Gairsoppa project in 2013 generated expenses of $11.0 million, primarily for the charter of the Seabed Worker vessel, but the terms with the UK government also provided for a $9.2 million cost recoupment on the project, resulting in a net consolidated project cost in 2013 of $1.8 million. Odyssey did not work on the Gairsoppa project in 2014. Odyssey ceased the multi-year charter of the Dorado Discovery vessel in September 2014, resulting in a reduction

 

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of $1.2 million in operating costs for this vessel for the full year as compared to 2013. Included in this net variance of $1.2 million is a $3.0 million asset impairment charge to depreciation in 2014. In 2013, Odyssey performed off-shore drilling and validation work on Don Diego concession areas off the coast of Mexico. In 2014, no offshore work was needed on this concession area, thereby resulting in a reduction of $0.5 million in Operations and research costs related to mineral exploration. Excluding the amounts credited to operating expenses in 2014 and 2013 from the two shipwreck projects (Gairsoppa and SS Central America), total operations and research expenses decreased by $9.5 million from 2013 to 2014, or a reduction of 27%.

Other Income or Expense

Net other income or expense swung from net other income of $2.6 million in 2013 to net other expense of $1.0 million in 2014 as a result of (i) a drop in gains on hedging instruments ($1.2 million gain on silver hedging in 2013, none in 2014), and (ii) a drop in other income in 2014 related to the change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments as compared to the previous year (see NOTE J), offset in part by lower financial debt interest expense in 2014 (lower balance of interest-bearing debt in 2014). Other income in 2014 consisted of $1.0 million in income from the change in the fair value of derivative financial instruments ($0.9 million related to the change in the stock price/volatility and $0.1 million related to other changes in assumptions and adjustments), and $0.1 million other income from sale of equipment, offset by $1.6 million of expense from interest on our financial debt and $0.5 million expense from the reduction in the value of an investment in NMI. In 2013, Odyssey had a net other income result of $2.6 million. This was comprised of a positive amount of $4.4 million from the change in the fair value of derivative liabilities ($1.4 million related to the change in the stock price volatility, $1.6 million related to the redemption of certain outstanding instruments, $0.5 million related to the change in the volatility of certain instruments, and $0.9 million of other changes), a gain of $1.2 million on hedging instruments linked to silver prices in 2013, and $0.6 million in other miscellaneous income, offset by an interest expense of $3.5 million.

Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest

Although the Company has significant tax loss carryforwards, the Company accrued alternative minimum taxes related to the sale of subsidiary stock in 2013 for an amount of $0.5 million. As a result of an IRS private letter ruling to the Company in 2014, we reversed the $0.5 million provision for income taxes made in 2013.

Starting in 2013, we became the controlling shareholder of Oceanica. Our financial statements thus include the financial results of Oceanica. Except for intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation, Oceanica’s revenues and expenses, in their entirety, are shown in our consolidated financial statements. The share of Oceanica’s net losses corresponding to the equity of Oceanica not owned by us is subsequently shown as the “Non-Controlling Interest” in the consolidated statements of operations. The non-controlling interest adjustment in 2014 was $1.9 million lower than in 2013 due to lower expenses in our subsidiaries in 2014 as compared to 2013. In 2013, our subsea mineral exploration subsidiary was engaged in offshore work for the phosphate deposit exploration and validation whereas in 2014 most of the work involved on-shore work.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2014      2013  

Summary of Cash Flows:

     

Net cash (used) by operating activities

   $ (28,555    $ (19,658

Net cash (used) by investing activities

     (2,968      (4,505

Net cash provided by financing activities

     13,344         35,388   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (18,179    $ 11,226   

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

     21,322         10,096   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,144       $ 21,322   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Discussion of Cash Flows

Net cash used by operating activities for 2014 was $28.6 million, or an increase of $8.9 million compared to the previous year, primarily due to the increase in accounts receivable related to the SS Central America project. The 2014 operating cash flows primarily reflected a net loss before non-controlling interest of $28.7 million offset in part by non-cash items of $7.4 million including depreciation and amortization of $5.5 million ($3.0 million of which was an asset impairment charge to depreciation resulting from the termination of the Dorado Discovery charter), share-based compensation ($2.2 million),

 

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notes payable interest accretion ($0.6 million), and increased by non-cash items such as fees/interest paid with stock ($0.1 million), and the change in the fair value of derivative liabilities ($1.0 million, see NOTE J). Other working capital changes (including non-current assets) resulted in a decrease in working capital of $5.7 million. This primarily included an increase in accounts receivable in 2014 of $6.3 million mainly due to the recoupment of SS Central America project costs. A $2.5 million decrease in accrued expenses in 2014 resulted primarily from the payment of $1.3 million to the UK on the Gairsoppa project and the payment of other 2013 accruals, including the 2013 employee bonus. Other changes in working capital in 2014 included a $2.0 million decrease in other assets including prepaid expenses and deposits on equipment, a $0. 3 million increase in inventory and a $0.2 million increase in accounts payable.

Net cash used in operating activities in 2013 was $19.7 million. This amount primarily reflected an operating loss of $14.9 million and a $4.4 million adjustment to this loss for the non-cash change in the fair value of derivative liabilities offset in part by non-cash items including interest accretion on notes payable ($2.0 million), depreciation and amortization ($1.9 million), share-based compensation ($2.5 million), and debt interest settled with common stock ($0.7 million). Other working capital related changes included an increase in accounts payable of $1.5 million, a decrease in accrued expenses of $8.7 million primarily relating to the Galt Resources payable of $12.5 million at year end 2012, a decrease in accounts receivable of $1.8 million, and an increase in other assets of $ 2.0 million. Other assets increased primarily as a result of prepayments and deposits on equipment ordered for the ships at the end of 2013.

Cash flows used in investing activities for 2014 were $3.0 million. The major equipment purchases in 2014 included $1.1 million for a deep tow system, $0.7 million for new mineral exploration equipment and $0.7 million for the Odyssey Explorer which included steelwork, an umbilical cable and a control system for the ROV.

Net cash used in 2013 for investing activities amounted to $4.5 million. This cash was used for the purchase of equipment, primarily for ship-based operations, including $.7 million on a 6,000 meter ROV, $3.1 million for equipment and improvements on the mineral exploration ship (such as a new winch and a deep-sea drill), and most of the remainder on improvements and equipment on the Odyssey Explorer ship. Cash flow used in investing activities for 2012 of $.9 million primarily represented marine property and equipment purchases.

Cash flows provided by financing activities for 2014 were $13.3 million. In 2014, we received $10.0 million from a loan from a marketing partner (see NOTE K). In 2014, we also received $7.7 million of cash advances on a new $10.0 million credit facility with Fifth Third Bank related to recovered cargo from shipwrecks. These cash inflows were offset by repayment of debt obligations which included $3.1 million in short term convertible notes payable reductions and an additional $1.0 million in payments on the term loan from Fifth Third Bank. The 2013 $10.0 million Gairsoppa project loan was paid off in 2014 using $10.0 million in restricted cash held at Fifth Third Bank. The remaining cash flows used for financing activities were mortgage and financed asset payments.

Cash flows provided by financing activities for 2013 were $35.4 million which primarily represented $27.5 million from the sale of a 24% interest in Oceanica Resources, S. de. R.L., a Panamanian company (“Oceanica”), a majority owned subsidiary (see General Discussion under Other Cash Flow and Equity Areas). Oceanica is in the business of mineral exploration and controls exclusive mining licenses for offshore mineral deposits. The licenses include areas which, based upon extensive exploration and analysis undertaken by us, are believed to feature valuable mineralized materials. Preliminary resource assessments indicate that the licenses, or concessions, which have been granted for a 50-year period to a wholly owned subsidiary of Oceanica, may prove to have significant economic and strategic value. $10.4 million of additional cash flow was provided from the issuance of new common shares of ours, offset by the purchase 1 million shares in our subsidiary, Oceanica, for $1.25 million and $0.8 million repayment of debt obligations.

General Discussion 2014

At December 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents of $3.1 million, a decrease of $18.2 million from the December 31, 2013 balance of $21.3 million. This reduction was mainly the result of cash used in operations during 2014. The Odyssey Explorer began the 2014 year in port in the UK for its five-year inspection work then re-positioned to South Carolina and conducted work on the SS Central America shipwreck project from April through September 15, 2014 and conducted sea trials of the new DeepTow system at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2014 prior to a transit to the UK for the annual repair and maintenance period in order to prepare for 2015 operations. We recovered a significant amount of valuable cargo from the SS Central America shipwreck in 2014, but we have not yet monetized any of the cargo, thus no revenues from the project or cash inflows from the project have been recognized in 2014. The long-term lease of the Dorado Discovery vessel came to an end in 2014 and we continued to lease the vessel on a short term basis for a few months in 2014 before deciding to terminate the lease effective August 31, 2014. Some of our equipment has remained on board the Dorado Discovery vessel for potential future use; however, for most of the equipment left on board the vessel, depreciation was accelerated for 2014 due to impairment.

 

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Interest-bearing financial debt of the company was reduced by $0.8 million in 2014, from a balance of $22.0 million at December 31, 2013 to a balance of $21.2 million at December 31, 2014. The $10.0 million project loan for the Gairsoppa project that was entered into in July 2013 and which had a maturity date of July 24, 2014, was paid off in full in March 2014. The convertible debt notes issued in 2011 and 2012 for a total amount of $18.0 million were fully retired in the first half of 2014. On May 7, 2014, we entered into a new $10.0 million credit facility with Fifth Third Bank similar to the loans obtained in 2012 and 2013 for the Gairsoppa project (see discussion below under “Financings”). By December 31, 2014, we had received advances of $7.7 million on this new credit facility based on recoveries of gold bars and gold $20 coins from the SS Central America shipwreck. Between August and December 2014, we borrowed $10 million on two-year notes on a loan obtained from Monaco Financial, LLC, a strategic marketing partner that is a leading coin dealer, increasing our financial debt by $7.8 million. Additional debt reductions resulted from $1.0 million in scheduled semi-annual payments on our Term Loan with Fifth Third, and $0.2 million of mortgage payments.

In 2014, we continued to develop our mineral exploration activities. Our majority-owned subsidiary active in validating and developing a phosphate deposit in Mexico obtained its first NI 43-101 compliant technical reports, obtained extensions to its tenement areas, conducted numerous environmental studies, and filed its application for a Mexican environmental permit (Environmental Impact Assessment). At the end of 2014, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) gave us the go-ahead to commence the salvage work on the HMS Victory shipwreck, pending an environmental permit to be applied for from the UK Marine Management Organization. In March 2015, the MOD withdrew this permission to address issues raised in an application for Judicial Review of the original consent. The MHF has informed us they expect the MOD to promptly issue a new consent taking into account the issues raised in the Judicial Review application. An application to the UK Marine Management Organisation (“MMO”) was submitted in December 2014 seeking a permit for regulated activities related to the Victory Project. Approval of the application is expected late first quarter or early second quarter of 2015.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Indemnification Provisions

Under our bylaws and certain consulting agreements, we have agreed to indemnify our officers and directors for certain events arising as a result of the officer’s or director’s serving in such capacity. Separate agreements may provide indemnification after term of service. The term of the indemnification agreement is as long as the officer or director remains in the employment of the company. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. However, our director and officer liability insurance policy limits its exposure and enables us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of our insurance policy coverage, we believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal and no liabilities are recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2015.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial position and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our financial position and results of operations. See NOTE A to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our significant accounting policies. Critical accounting estimates are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgment and uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We have identified the following critical accounting estimates. We have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these policies with our audit committee.

Long-Lived Assets

On December 10, 2015, we sold a significant amount of our long-lived assets (See NOTE S). As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $2.8 million of net property and equipment and related assets. Our policy is to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with the ASC topic for Property, Plant and Equipment. Impairment decisions are based on several factors, including, but not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows.

 

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Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets

We have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0 at December 31, 2015. As required by the ASC topic for Accounting for Income Taxes, we have evaluated whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on the available evidence, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that those assets would not be realizable without the recovery and rights of ownership or salvage rights of high value shipwrecks or the monetization of our mineral exploration stakes and thus a valuation allowance of $64.6 million has been recorded as of December 31, 2015.

Artifact Inventory

The value of recovered artifacts in inventory includes the costs of recovery and conservation. The capitalized costs include direct costs of recovery such as vessel and related equipment operations and maintenance, crew and technical labor, fuel, provisions, supplies, port fees, depreciation and may even include fees paid to an insurer to relinquish the insurer’s claim to the recovered artifacts. Conservation costs include fees paid to conservators for cleaning and preserving the artifacts. We continually monitor the recorded aggregate costs of the artifacts in inventory to ensure these costs do not exceed the net realizable value. We use historical sales, publications or available public market data to assess market value. On December 10, 2015, we sold all items that had previously been part of our artifact inventory (See NOTE S).

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

In determining the collectability of our accounts receivable, we need to make certain assumptions and estimates. Specifically, we may examine accounts and assess the likelihood of collection of particular accounts. On December 10, 2015, we sold a significant part of our accounts receivable (See NOTE S).

Derivative Financial Instruments

In evaluating fair value of derivative financial instruments, there are numerous assumptions which management must make that may influence the valuation of the derivatives as included in the financial statements.

Contractual Obligations

At December 31, 2015, the Company’s contractual obligations including estimated payments due by period are as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    Payments due by period  

Contractual Obligations

   Total      Less than
1 year
     1-3 years      3-5 years      More than
5 years
 

Long-term obligations

   $ 2,800       $ —        $ 2,800       $ —        $ —    

Operating lease

     723         241         482         

Interest on long-term obligations

     617         309         308         —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

   $ 4,140       $ 550       $ 3,590       $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term obligations represent the amount due on our existing loans as described above. With the cessation of the Dorado Discovery vessel lease in September 2014, operating lease obligations have been eliminated.

We entered into a three year operating lease for our headquarter offices with Monaco Financial, LLC, a related party. This is pursuant to the acquisition agreement we entered into with them on December 10, 2015. The operating lease is cancellable upon nine months’ notice. See NOTE K and NOTE S.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

 

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On December 10, 2015, we settled all of our loans that carried variable interest rates, thus we currently do not have any debt obligations or instruments that expose us to interest rate risk.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The information required by this item appears beginning on page 30.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC. An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that we are able to collect process and disclose the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC within required time periods.

Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

Management’s report on our internal controls over financial reporting can be found in the financial statement section of this report. The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting can also be found in the financial statement section of this report.

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information concerning Directors and Executive Officers is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the headings “Election of Directors” and “Executive Officers and Directors of the Company” in the Company’s Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 7, 2016.

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of its employees, including the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics and all committee charters are posted on the Company’s website (www.odysseymarine.com). We will provide a copy of any of these documents to stockholders free of charge upon request to the Company.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement.

 

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

A portion of the information required by this Item pursuant to Item 403 of Regulation S-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement. The information required pursuant to Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Proxy Statement.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Independent Public Accounting Firm’s Fees” in the Proxy Statement.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

1.    (a)   

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 30.

   ( b)   

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

 

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 30.

   All other schedules have been omitted because the required information is not significant or is included in the financial statements or notes thereto, or is not applicable.
2.    Exhibits
   The Exhibits listed in the Exhibits Index, which appears immediately following the signature page and is incorporated herein by reference, are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.

 

     PAGE  

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     31   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     32   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     33   

Consolidated Financial Statements:

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     34   

Consolidated Statements of Income

     35   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit)

     36   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     37   

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     39   

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules:

  

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     68   

 

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MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

The Company’s independent auditor, Ferlita, Walsh, Gonzalez & Rodriguez, P.A., a registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note R to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred significant losses and they may be unsuccessful in raising the necessary capital to fund operations and capital expenditures. These conditions raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans regarding those matters are also described in Note R. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our report is not modified with respect to that matter.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 24, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

/s/ Ferlita, Walsh, Gonzalez & Rodriguez, P.A.

FERLITA, WALSH, GONZALEZ & RODRIGUEZ, P.A.
Certified Public Accountants
Tampa, Florida
March 24, 2016

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries

We have audited Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries, and our report dated March 24, 2106 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon and included an explanatory paragraph concerning matters related to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

/s/ Ferlita, Walsh, Gonzalez & Rodriguez, P.A.

Ferlita, Walsh, Gonzalez & Rodriguez, P.A.
Certified Public Accountants
Tampa, Florida
March 24, 2016

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
 

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,241,317      $ 3,143,550   

Restricted cash

     —         520,728   

Accounts receivable and other, net

     801,575        6,476,049   

Inventory

     —         674,992   

Other current assets

     502,698        655,662   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     3,545,590        11,470,981   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

    

Equipment and office fixtures

     22,460,256        24,895,343   

Building and land

     —         3,758,688   

Building and land held for sale

     —         1,024,999   

Accumulated depreciation

     (19,633,420     (22,443,492
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property and equipment

     2,826,836        7,235,538   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

    

Inventory

     —         5,110,967   

Other non-current assets

     540,590        1,272,053   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

     540,590        6,383,020   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 6,913,016      $ 25,089,539   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable

   $ 1,567,620      $ 5,070,973   

Accrued expenses and other

     4,265,456        2,387,962   

Deferred income and revenue participation rights

     383,148        —    

Derivative liabilities

     3,402,416        2,226,445   

Mortgage and loans payable

     15,058,845        9,356,724   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     24,677,485        19,042,104   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

    

Mortgage and loans payable

     3,140,787        11,808,157   

Deferred income and revenue participation rights

     4,643,750        4,643,750   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

     7,784,537        16,451,907   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     32,462,022        35,494,011   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (NOTE R)

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)

    

Preferred stock - $.0001 par value; 806,267 shares authorized; none outstanding

     —         —    

Preferred stock series D convertible - $.0001 par value; 11,233 shares authorized; 0 and 2,700 issued and outstanding, respectively

     —         3   

Common stock – $.0001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 7,541,111 and; 7,131,875 issued and outstanding

     754        8,558   

Additional paid-in capital

     204,438,148        198,323,630   

Accumulated deficit

     (220,634,415     (202,427,252
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit) before non-controlling interest

     (16,195,513     (4,095,061

Non-controlling interest

     (9,353,493     (6,309,411
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit)

     (25,549,006     (10,404,472
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity/(deficit)

   $ 6,913,016      $ 25,089,539   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2015
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2014
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2013
 

REVENUE

      

Recovered cargo sales and other

   $ 1,943,709      $ 1,271,398      $ 23,670,264   

Exhibit

     58,352        51,484        112,129   

Expedition

     3,328,190        —         131,556   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     5,330,251        1,322,882        23,913,949   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

      

Cost of sales – recovered cargo and other

     1,447,331        247,087        694,787   

Operations and research

     11,428,506        19,477,227        26,024,548   

Marketing, general and administrative

     11,458,528        9,791,260        14,161,465   

Common stock issued for subsidiary stock option settlement

     2,520,000        —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     26,854,365        29,515,574        40,880,800   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

     (21,524,114     (28,192,692     (16,966,851

OTHER INCOME OR (EXPENSE)

      

Interest income

     137        25,302        9,966   

Interest expense

     (4,551,799     (1,560,254     (3,581,642

Change in derivative liabilities fair value

     (1,175,971     1,001,679        4,385,380   

Gain on silver fixed price swap

     —         —         1,206,350   

(Loss) from unconsolidated entity

     —         (522,500     —    

Gain on debt extinguishment

     5,611,907        —         —    

Other

     388,595        104,922        581,543   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income or (expense)

     272,869        (950,851     2,601,597   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     (21,251,245     (29,143,543     (14,365,254

Income tax benefit (provision)

     —         481,055        (496,055
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET (LOSS) BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST

     (21,251,245     (28,662,488     (14,861,309

Non-controlling interest

     3,044,082        2,189,374        4,120,037   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET (LOSS)

   $ (18,207,163   $ (26,473,114   $ (10,741,272
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

LOSS PER SHARE

      

Basic and diluted

   $ (2.46   $ (3.74   $ (1.61

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

      

Basic and diluted

     7,413,602        7,072,553        6,677,402   

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

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY / (DEFICIT)

 

     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2015
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2014
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Preferred Stock, Series D – Shares

      

At beginning of year

     2,700        2,700        17,200   

Preferred stock converted to common

     (2,700     —         (14,500
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At end of year

     —         2,700        2,700   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Stock – Shares

      

At beginning of year

     7,131,875        6,990,215        6,284,684   

Preferred stock converted to common

     2,700        —         14,500   

Common stock issued for cash

     —         —         366,045   

Common stock issued for subsidiary stock option settlement

     333,333        —         —    

Common stock issued for settlement of senior convertible notes

     —         107,512        296,030   

Common stock issued for services

     66,525        34,148        28,956   

1 for 12 reverse stock split share round up

     6,678        —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At end of year

     7,541,111        7,131,875        6,990,215   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Preferred Stock, Series D

      

At beginning of year

   $ 3      $ 3      $ 21   

Preferred stock converted to common

     (3     —         (18
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At end of year

   $ —       $ 3      $ 3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Stock

      

At beginning of year

   $ 8,558      $ 8,388      $ 7,542   

Preferred stock converted to common

     3        —         18   

Common stock issued for subsidiary stock option settlement

     400        —         —    

Common stock issued for cash

     —         —         438   

Common stock issued for settlement of senior convertible notes

     —         129        355   

Common stock issued for services

     80        41        35   

Effect of 1 for 12 reverse stock split

     (8,287     —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At end of year

   $ 754      $ 8,558      $ 8,388   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Paid-in Capital

      

At beginning of year

   $ 198,323,630      $ 193,272,576      $ 144,446,574   

Common stock issued for settlement of senior convertible notes

     —         2,420,734        9,279,887   

Common stock issued for services

     98,534        —         —    

Common stock issued for cash

     —         —         10,360,896   

Share-based compensation

     2,348,751        2,380,320        2,617,278   

Sale of subsidiary stock

     —         —         27,500,000   

Purchase of subsidiary stock

     —         —         (1,250,000

Settlement of financing fee with subsidiary stock

     —         250,000        —    

Settlement of vendor payable with subsidiary stock

     —         —         625,000   

Retained earnings of subsidiary acquisition

     —         —         (307,059

Gain on debt restructuring from asset purchase agreement

     891,346        —         —    

Common stock issued for subsidiary stock option settlement

     2,519,600        —         —    

Subsidiary shares issued for services

     250,000        —         —    

Subsidiary acquisition

     (2,000     —         —    

Effect of 1 for 12 reverse stock split

     8,287        —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At end of year

   $ 204,438,148      $ 198,323,630      $ 193,272,576   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated Deficit

      

At beginning of year

   $ (202,427,252   $ (175,954,138   $ (165,212,866

Net (loss)

     (18,207,163     (26,473,114     (10,741,272
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At end of year

   $ (220,634,415   $ (202,427,252   $ (175,954,138
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-controlling Interest

      

At beginning of year

   $ (6,309,411   $ (4,120,037   $ —    

Net (loss)

     (3,044,082     (2,189,374     (4,120,037
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At end of year

     (9,353,493     (6,309,411     (4,120,037
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit)

   $ (25,549,006   $ (10,404,472   $ 13,206,790   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2015
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2014
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2013
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

     

Net (loss) before non-controlling interest

  $ (21,251,245   $ (28,662,488   $ (14,861,309

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used) in operating activities:

     

Loan fee amortization

    —          15,046        185,113   

Note payable interest accretion

    2,278,411        587,948        1,961,069   

Senior convertible debt interest settled with common stock issuance

    —          73,037        671,548   

Share-based compensation

    2,697,365        2,227,235        2,451,565   

Depreciation and amortization

    1,419,295        5,510,909        1,937,641   

Reversal of bad debt provision

    —          (522,500     —     

Investment in consolidated entity

    —          —          (301,093

Deferred revenue settled with zero basis stock of unconsolidated entity

    —          —          (440,054

Change in derivatives liabilities fair value

    1,175,971        (1,001,679     (4,385,380

Loss in unconsolidated entity

    —          522,500        —     

Settlement of vendor payable with subsidiary stock

    —          —          625,000   

Loss on sale of property

    29,404        —          —     

Gain on transfer of assets and settlement of debt

    (5,611,907     —          —     

Inventory mark down

    151,922        —          —     

Common stock issued for subsidiary stock option settlement

    2,520,000        —          —     

Noncash interest expense incurred from debt settlement

    67,422        —          —     

(Increase) decrease in:

     

Accounts receivable

    (615,991     (6,269,044     1,792,266   

Inventory

    1,189,123        (264,904     472,715   

Other assets

    265,077        2,003,546        (2,042,713

Increase (decrease) in:

     

Accounts payable

    (3,503,353     (242,041     1,515,694   

Accrued expenses and other

    2,024,299        (2,532,143     (8,684,797

Deferred income and revenue participation rights

    —          —          (555,064
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH (USED) IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    (17,164,207     (28,554,578     (19,657,799
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

     

Proceeds from sale of real estate

    850,000        —          —     

Acquisition of subsidiary

    (2,000     —          —     

Purchase of property and equipment

    (48,411     (2,968,197     (4,504,779
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED) IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    799,589        (2,968,197     (4,504,779
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

     

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

    —          —          10,361,336   

Proceeds from issuance of loan payable

    16,750,001        17,684,514        10,000,000   

Restricted cash held as collateral on loans payable

    520,728        10,165,004        (10,408,826

Purchase of subsidiary stock

    —          —          (1,250,000

Proceeds from sale of subsidiary stock

    —          —          27,500,000   

Repayment of mortgage and loans payable

    (1,808,344     (14,505,450     (814,089
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    15,462,385        13,344,068        35,388,421   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    (902,233     (18,178,707     11,225,843   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

    3,143,550        21,322,257        10,096,414   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

  $ 2,241,317      $ 3,143,550      $ 21,322,257   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

     

Interest paid

  $ 1,419,224      $ 989,601      $ 623,160   

Income taxes paid

  $ —        $ 15,000      $ —     

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS:

     

Accrued compensation paid by equity instruments

  $ —       $ 113,126      $ 165,748   

Equipment purchased with financing

  $ —       $ —       $ 756,795   

Debt and interest payments with common shares

  $ —       $ 2,347,826      $ 8,608,694   

Investment in unconsolidated entity per debt conversion into entity shares (See NOTE I)

  $ —       $ 522,500      $ —    

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

 

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Table of Contents

Summary of Significant Non-Cash Transactions

During 2013 we transferred 500,000 shares of Oceanica Resources, S.R.L. held by our wholly owned subsidiary Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd. for $625,000 of marine services. The shares were valued based on the two most recent transactions in Oceanica shares at $1.25 per share.

In 2014 we reclassified our $1,840,404 service obligation from Deferred income and revenue participation rights to Accounts Payable.

On December 10, 2015 we entered into an acquisition agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC in which assets with a carrying value of $13.5 million were consideration for the termination and or settlement of debt totaling $20.1 million. See NOTE S for further information.

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

 

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Table of Contents

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company,” “Odyssey,” “us,” “we” or “our”) is engaged in deep-ocean exploration. Our innovative techniques are currently applied to mineral exploration, shipwreck cargo recovery, and other marine survey and exploration charter services. Our corporate headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, Odyssey Marine Services, Inc., OVH, Inc., Odyssey Retriever, Inc., Odyssey Marine Entertainment, Inc., Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd., Marine Exploration Holdings, LLC, Odyssey Marine Management, Ltd., Oceanica Marine Operations, S.R.L., Aldama Mining Company, S. De R.L. De C.V., Telemachus Minerals, S. De R.L. De C.V. and majority interest in Oceanica Resources, S.R.L. and Exploraciones Oceanicas, S. De R.L. De C.V. Equity investments in which we exercise significant influence but do not control and of which we are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. All significant inter-company and intra-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The results of operations attributable to the non-controlling interest are presented within equity and net income, and are shown separately from the Company’s equity and net income attributable to the Company. Some of the existing inter-company balances, which are eliminated upon consolidation, include features allowing the liability to be converted into equity, which if exercised, could increase the direct or indirect interest of the Company in the non-wholly owned subsidiaries.

Use of Estimates

Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these 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

In accordance with Topic A.1. in SAB 13: Revenue Recognition, exhibit and expedition charter revenue is recognized ratably when realized and earned as time passes throughout the contract period as defined by the terms of the agreement. Expenses related to the exhibit and expedition charter revenue (also referred to as “marine services” revenue) are recorded as incurred and presented under the caption “Operations and research” on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

In 2014, we were contracted by the Receiver of Recovery Limited Partnership (RLP) to recover gold and other cargo from the shipwreck SS Central America. RLP is the salvor in possession of the shipwreck SS Central America. Our agreement allowed for the reimbursement of Priority Recoupment costs, which were based on pre-defined and quantifiable contractual amounts. Priority Recoupment related to recoupment of operating and recovery expenses associated with this project. Operating and recovery expenses consist of mobilization costs and vessel-related expenses such as ships’ crew, provisions, fuel and specialized off-shore equipment. These expenses are charged to the Consolidated Statements of Operations as incurred, and the priority recoupment was recorded as a benefit (credit to expense) in the period we become assured of recoupment. These costs were to be recouped out of first cash proceeds from the monetization of recovered cargo items that are split 80% to us and 20% to RLP. After the Priority Recoupment was to be paid in full, subsequent cash proceeds were to be split 45% to us and 55% to RLP, at which point in time these proceeds would have been recorded as revenue. Staff Accounting Bulletin 13 requires four criteria to be present before recognizing revenue. These criteria are: collection is probable, delivery of goods or services are complete, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the price

 

39


Table of Contents

or amount can be determined. Priority cost recoupment is not revenue, but the same criteria are applied when determining to recognize or not. We recovered a significant amount of gold and other valuable cargo, and based on an independent expert review of the recovered cargo, our Priority Recoupment was reasonably assured of being collected when the gold and other valuable cargo was to be monetized. To the extent the appraised value exceeded our priority recoupment and we would have been able to accurately measure or quantify a dollar amount for our 45% interest in these additional cash proceeds, we would have recorded record revenue at that time. The value of future monetization was based on what the market will bear, which is undeterminable at this time and, therefore, there is no revenue recognition related to our 45% portion of proceeds in excess of the Priority Recoupment. We recorded the Priority Recoupment amounts as a receivable in 2014 and carried them on our consolidated balance sheets until December 10, 2015. On December 10, 2015, we sold the Priority Recoupment receivable and all other eventual financial interests in the eventual monetization of the cargo recovered from the SS Central America shipwreck to Monaco Financial, LLC and its affiliates, see NOTE D regarding the SS Central America.

Bad debts are recorded as identified and, from time to time, a specific reserve allowance will be established when required. A return allowance is established for sales that have a right of return. Accounts receivable is stated net of any recorded allowances.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Inventory

Prior to December 10, 2015, Odyssey held two main types of inventory: (i) artifacts and coins held for re-sale and exhibits, and (ii) merchandise inventory for re-sale. On December 10, 2015, we sold all of the existing inventory items to Monaco Financial, LLC and its affiliates (See NOTE S).

Our inventory principally consisted of cargo recovered from the SS Republic shipwreck, other artifacts, general branded merchandise and related packaging material. Inventoried costs of recovered cargo include the costs of recovery, conservation and administrative costs to obtain legal title to the cargo. Administrative costs are generally legal fees or insurance settlements required in order to obtain clear title. The capitalized recovery costs include direct costs such as vessel and related equipment operations and maintenance, crew and technical labor, fuel, provisions, supplies, port fees and depreciation. Conservation costs include fees paid to conservators for cleaning and preserving the cargo and the artifacts. We continually monitor the recorded aggregate costs of the recovered cargo 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 were recorded at average cost. We recorded our inventory at the lower of cost or market.

Costs associated with the above noted items are the costs included in our costs of goods. Vessel costs associated with expedition revenue as well as exhibit costs are not included in cost of goods sold. Vessel costs include, but are not limited to, charter costs, fuel, crew and port fees. Vessel and exhibit costs are included in Operations and research in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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.

Property and Equipment and Depreciation

Property and equipment is stated at historical cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method at rates based on the assets’ estimated useful lives which are normally between three and thirty years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over their estimated useful lives or lease term, if shorter. 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.

 

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Table of Contents

Earnings Per Share

See NOTE O regarding our 1-for-12 reverse stock split. Share related amounts have been retroactively adjusted in this report to reflect this reverse stock-split.

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In past periods when the Company generated income, the Company calculated basic earnings per share (“EPS”) using the two-class method pursuant to ASC 260 Earnings Per Share. The two-class method was required effective with the issuance of the Senior Convertible Note we issued in the past because the note qualified as a participating security, giving the holder the right to receive dividends should dividends be declared on common stock. Under the two-class method, earnings for the period are allocated on a pro-rata basis to the common stockholders and to the holders of Convertible Notes based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and number of shares that could be converted. These notes have since been terminated. The Company does not use the two-class method in periods when it generates a loss as the holders of the Convertible Notes do not participate in losses.

Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive securities and other contracts to issue Common Stock were exercised or converted into Common Stock or resulted in the issuance of Common Stock that then shared in our earnings. We use the treasury stock method to compute potential common shares from stock options and warrants and the if-converted method to compute potential common shares from Preferred Stock, Convertible Notes or other convertible securities. As it relates solely to the Senior Convertible Note, for diluted earnings per share, the Company uses the more dilutive of the if-converted method or two-class method. When a net loss occurs, potential common shares have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share and such shares are excluded from the Diluted EPS calculation.

At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 the weighted average common shares outstanding were 7,413,602, 7,072,553 and 6,677,402, respectively. For the periods ending December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 in which net losses occurred; all potential common shares were excluded from Diluted EPS because the effect of including such shares would be anti-dilutive.

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

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Average market price during the period

   $ 6.36       $ 18.36       $ 35.52   

In the money potential common shares from options excluded

     —           —           12,180   

In the money potential common shares from warrants excluded

     —           —           7,697   

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

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Out of the money options and warrants excluded:

        

Stock Options with an exercise price of $12.48 per share

     137,667         —           —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $12.84 per share

     4,167         —           —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $20.88 per share

     —           4,313         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $26.40 per share

     79,370         80,801         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $32.76 per share

     53,706         53,706         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $32.88 per share

     —           52,820         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $34.68 per share

     78,707         81,985         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $39.00 per share

     8,333         8,333         8,333   

Stock Options with an exercise price of $40.80 per share

     —           8,333         8,333   

Stock Options with an exercise price of $41.16 per share

     3,333         3,333         3,333   

Stock Options with an exercise price of $42.00 per share

     8,333         8,333         28,750   

Stock Options with an exercise price of $46.80 per share

     1,667         1,667         1,667   

Stock Options with an exercise price of $48.00 per share

     —           —           4,375   

Warrants with an exercise price of $43.20 per share

     130,208         130,208         130,208   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total anti-dilutive warrants and options excluded from EPS

     505,491         433,832         185,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Potential common shares from outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock calculated per the if-converted basis having an anti-dilutive effect on diluted earnings per share were excluded from potential common shares as follows:

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Excluded Convertible Preferred Stock

     —           2,700         2,700   

The weighted average equivalent common shares relating to our unvested restricted stock awards that were excluded from potential common shares used in the earning per share calculation due to having an anti-dilutive effect are:

 

     2015      2014      2013  

Excluded unvested restricted stock awards

     92,587         44,138         12,669   

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

 

     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2015
     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2014
     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Net loss

   $ (18,207,163    $ (26,473,114    $ (10,741,272

Cumulative dividends on Series G Preferred Stock

     —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Numerator, basic and diluted net loss available to stockholders

   $ (18,207,163    $ (26,473,114    $ (10,741,272
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator:

        

Shares used in computation – basic:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     7,413,602         7,702,553         6,677,402   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares used in computation – diluted:

        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     7,413,602         7,702,553         6,677,402   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss per share – basic and diluted

   $ (2.46    $ (3.74    $ (1.61
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income Taxes

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

Stock-based Compensation

Our stock-based compensation is recorded in accordance with the guidance in the ASC topic for Stock-Based Compensation (See NOTE O).

 

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments consist of cash, evidence of ownership in an entity, and contracts that both (i) impose on one entity a contractual obligation to deliver cash or another financial instrument to a second entity, or to exchange other financial instruments on potentially unfavorable terms with the second entity, and (ii) conveys to that second entity a contractual right (a) to receive cash or another financial instrument from the first entity, or (b) to exchange other financial instruments on potentially favorable terms with the first entity. Accordingly, our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, derivative financial instruments and mortgage and loans payable. We carry cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and mortgage and loans payable at the approximate fair market value, and, accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange. We carry derivative financial instruments at fair value as is required under current accounting standards. Redeemable preferred stock has been carried at historical cost and accreted carrying values to estimated redemption values over the term of the financial instrument.

Derivative financial instruments consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying variables (e.g., interest rate, security price or other variable), require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets. See NOTE J for additional information. We generally do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow, market or foreign-currency risks. However, we have entered into certain other financial instruments and contracts with features that are either (i) not afforded equity classification, (ii) embody risks not clearly and closely related to host contracts, or (iii) may be net-cash settled by the counterparty. As required by ASC 815 – Derivatives and Hedging, these instruments are required to be carried as derivative liabilities, at fair value, in our financial statements with changes in fair value reflected in our income.

Fair Value Hierarchy

The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2. Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets), or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices that can be corroborated with observable market data, as well as quoted prices that were adjusted for security-specific restrictions.

Level 3. Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology are significant to the measurement of the fair value of assets or liabilities. Level 3 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices or non-binding broker quotes that we were unable to corroborate with observable market data.

Redeemable Preferred Stock

If we issue redeemable preferred stock instruments (or any other redeemable financial instrument) they are initially evaluated for possible classification as a liability in instances where redemption is certain to occur pursuant to ASC 480–Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity. Redeemable preferred stock classified as a liability is recorded and carried at fair value. Redeemable preferred stock that does not, in its entirety, require liability classification is evaluated for embedded features that may require bifurcation and separate classification as derivative liabilities. In all instances, the classification of the redeemable preferred stock host contract that does not require liability classification is evaluated for equity classification or mezzanine classification based upon the nature of the redemption features. Generally, mandatory redemption requirements or any feature that could require cash redemption for matters not within our control, irrespective of probability of the event occurring, requires classification outside of stockholders’ equity. Redeemable preferred stock that is recorded in the mezzanine section is accreted to its redemption value through charges to stockholders’ equity when redemption is probable using the effective interest method.

Subsequent Events

We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure through the date this Form 10-K is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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NOTE B – CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

We maintain the majority of our cash at one financial institution. At December 31, 2015, our uninsured cash balance was approximately $2.0 million.

We do not have any outstanding loans that bear variable interest rates thus we do not have any corresponding interest rate risk.

NOTE C – RESTRICTED CASH

As required by the original mortgage loan entered into with Fifth Third Bank (the “Bank”) on July 11, 2008, $500,000 was deposited into an interest-bearing account from which principal and interest payments are made. This mortgage loan has since been extended to July 2016. As extended, the new loan called for a restricted cash balance of $400,000 to be funded annually for principal and interest payments (see NOTE K). The balance in the restricted cash account was held as additional collateral by the Bank and was not available for operations. This loan was settled in full in December 2015 and the balance of restricted cash at December 31, 2015, is zero.

During May 2014, we entered into a $10.0 million project loan facility with the Bank (see NOTE K). Per the agreement, we deposited, from the loan proceeds, $500,000 into a restricted bank account to cover principal and interest payments. This account balance was also pledged as additional security for the loan. This loan was amended in 2015 to have a maturity date of December 17, 2015. This loan was satisfied in full before the maturity date in December 2015 and the balance in this account at December 31, 2015, is zero.

NOTE D – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Our accounts receivable consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Trade

   $ 2,371,304       $ 11,053,118   

Related party

     629,400         —    

Other

     116,668         54,524   

Reserve allowance

     (2,315,797      (4,631,593
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 801,575       $ 6,476,049   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The trade receivable balance at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consists primarily of (i) a trade receivable from Neptune Minerals, Inc. for which a reserve allowance for the full amount, $2,315,797 and $4,631,593 for 2015 and 2014, respectively, has been made, and (ii) in 2014 a trade receivable on our right to a priority cost recoupment on the SS Central America shipwreck project. In 2014, we recorded a priority recoupment of costs in the amount $6,290,465 as a reduction to our Operations and research costs. These amounts were based on set and determinable contractual amounts for the recovery of the cargo from the SS Central America shipwreck. These determinable amounts defined the fixed obligation due to us for our services rendered as it related to Priority Recoupment. See revenue recognition and accounts receivable in NOTE A. In December 2015 as part of the acquisition agreement with a related party we sold 50% of the Neptune Minerals, Inc. receivable as well as 100% of the priority recoupment receivable of $6,290,465 recognized in 2014. It is this same related party that owes us $629,400 at December 31, 2015 for SS Republic coins purchased. See NOTE S for further explanation of the asset purchase agreement.

NOTE E – INVENTORY

Our inventory consists of the following:

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

Recovered cargo

   $ —         $ 5,681,264   

Packaging

     —          70,560   

Merchandise

     —          405,467   

Merchandise reserve

     —          (371,332
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Inventory (current and non-current)

   $ —        $ 5,785,959   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Based on our estimates of the timing of future sales, $0 and $5,110,967 of artifact inventory for the fiscal years ended 2015 and 2014 were classified as non-current. In December 2015, we sold our inventory as part of an acquisition agreement executed with a related party. For further information on this, see NOTE S. We do not include the recovered cargo from the SS Central America shipwreck in inventory since this recovered cargo is the property of the receiver pursuant to the master services agreement between us and the receiver.

NOTE F – OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Our other current assets consist of the following:

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

Prepaid expenses

   $ 497,118       $ 650,157   

Deposits

     5,580         5,505   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other current assets

   $ 502,698       $ 655,662   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the period ended December 31, 2015, prepaid expenses consisted of $292,674 of prepaid insurance premiums, $105,707 for vessel fuel not consumed from a terminated charter for which we are due a credit and $98,737 for other operating prepaid costs. For the period ended December 31, 2014, prepaid expenses consisted of $360,962 of prepaid insurance premiums, $168,731 for vessel fuel not yet consumed, $29,180 of deferred financing fees, and $91,284 of other operating prepaid costs. All prepaid expenses, except fuel, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying agreements. Fuel is expensed based on actual usage. Deposits are held by various entities for equipment, services, and in accordance with agreements in the normal course of business.

NOTE G – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following:

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

Building, improvements and land

   $ —        $ 3,758,686   

Building and land held for sale

     —          1,024,999   

Computers and peripherals

     1,332,767         1,613,744   

Furniture and office equipment

     2,003,731         2,376,650   

Vessel and equipment

     19,123,758         19,123,758   

Exhibits and related

     —          1,781,193   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     22,460,256         29,679,030   

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     (19,633,420      (22,443,492
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   $ 2,826,836       $ 7,235,538   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

In December 2014, we put one of our two buildings in Tampa up for sale. This sale was completed in March 2015. In 2014, we ceased our long-term charter of the Dorado Discovery vessel resulting in an impairment charge related to the equipment we maintained on this vessel. In the second half of 2014, we recorded accelerated depreciation on this equipment for an additional depreciation charge of $3.0 million. In December 2015, our headquarter building and exhibit assets were sold as part of an asset purchase agreement with a related party. See NOTE S for further explanation on this item.

NOTE H – OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

Other long-term assets consist of the following:

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014  

Recovered cargo

   $ —        $ 730,463   

Deposits

     540,590         541,590   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other long-term assets

   $ 540,590       $ 1,272,053   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The 2014 recovered cargo balance consists primarily of SS Republic coins and silver bullion bars from the SS Gairsoppa silver recovery and other artifacts. Deposits for both years include $432,500 on account with the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense relating to the expense deposits for HMS Sussex and $100,000 deposit to fund conservation and documentation of any artifacts recovered. Theses HMS Sussex deposits are refundable in their entirety, net of approved Ministry of Defense related expenses. Other deposits are held by various vendors for services, and in accordance with agreements in the normal course of business. The recovered cargo was sold as part of the acquisition agreement executed in December 2015 with a related party. See NOTE S for further explanation.

NOTE I – INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITY

Neptune Minerals, Inc.

At December 31, 2014 and prior to December 10, 2015, we owned 6,190,201 shares of non-voting stock in Neptune Minerals, Inc. (“NMI”). These non-voting shares were comprised of 6,184,976 of Class B Common non-voting shares and 5,225 Series A Preferred non-voting shares. This represented approximately a 28% ownership interest in NMI. On December 10, 2015, we sold 50% of these shares as part of an asset purchase agreement with a related party. See NOTE S for further information. The 50% of NMI shares sold amounted to 3,092,488 Class B Common non-voting shares and 2,613 Series A Preferred non-voting shares. Our NMI shares remaining at December 31, 2015 are 3,092,488 Class B Common non-voting shares and 2,612 Series A Preferred non-voting shares. Our holdings now constitute an approximate 14% ownership in NMI.

At December 31, 2015, our estimated share of unrecognized DOR (NMI) equity-method losses are approximately $20.7 million. We have not recognized the accumulated $20.7 million in our income statement because these losses exceeded our investment in DOR (NMI). Our investment has a carrying value of zero as a result of the recognition of our share of prior losses incurred by NMI under the equity method of accounting. We believe it is appropriate to allocate this loss carryforward of $20.7 million to any incremental NMI investment that may be recognized on our balance sheet in excess of zero. The aforementioned loss carryforward is based on NMI’s last unaudited financial statements as of December 31, 2014. We do reasonably believe NMI’s for 2015 are minimal. We do not have any guaranteed obligations to NMI, nor are we otherwise committed to provide financial support. Even though we were not obligated, during July 2013, we, along with a second creditor, loaned funds to NMI of which our share was $500,000, and this indebtedness was evidenced by a convertible note. This funding was not for the purpose of funding NMI’s prior losses but for current requirements. Per ASC 323-10-35-29: Additional Investment After Suspension of Loss Recognition, we concluded this loan did not increase our ownership nor was it to be considered in-substance stock. Based on the financial position of NMI at December 31, 2013, we reserved for this note in its entirety. This note carried an interest rate of 6% per annum and matured on April 26, 2014. The note contained a mandatory conversion clause if the note remained unpaid at maturity. In April 2014, the note was converted into 5,225 shares of Series A Preferred non-voting stock. These shares are convertible into 522,500 shares of Class B non-voting common stock and require no further exchange of consideration for conversion. As a result of this conversion of the loan into equity, we recognized $522,500 of additional investment in NMI and appropriately wrote it down to the loss in unconsolidated entity in 2014.

Although we are a shareholder of NMI, we have no representation on the board of directors or in management of NMI and do not hold any Class A voting shares. We are not involved in the management of NMI nor do we participate in their policy-making. At December 31, 2015, the net carrying value of our investment in NMI was zero in our consolidated financial statements.

Chatham Rock Phosphate, Ltd.

During the period ended June 30, 2012, we performed deep-sea mining exploratory services for Chatham Rock Phosphate, Ltd. (“CRP”) valued at $1,680,000. As payment for these services, CRP issued 9,320,348 of ordinary shares to us. The shares currently represent an approximate 3% equity stake in CRP. With CRP being a thinly traded stock on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and guidance per ASC 320: Debt and Equity Securities regarding readily determinable fair value, we believe it was appropriate to not recognize this amount as an asset nor as revenue during that period. At December 31, 2015, the net carrying value of our investment in CRP was zero in our consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTE J - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following tables summarize the components of our derivative liabilities and linked common shares as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and the amounts that were reflected in our income related to our derivatives for the periods then ended:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Derivative liabilities:

     

Embedded derivatives derived from:

     

2014 Convertible Promissory Notes

   $ 3,396,191      $ 2,115,318  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,396,191        2,115,318  

Warrant derivatives

     

Senior Convertible Notes

     6,225        111,127  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Warrant derivatives

     6,225        111,127  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

   $ 3,402,416      $ 2,226,445  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Common shares linked to derivative liabilities:

     

Embedded derivatives:

     

2014 Convertible Promissory Notes*

     3,174,604        3,174,604  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,174,604        3,174,604  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Warrant derivatives

     

Senior Convertible Notes

     130,208        130,208  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     130,208        130,208  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total common shares linked to derivative liabilities

     3,304,812        3,304,812  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* The common shares indexed to the 2014 Convertible Promissory Notes are shares indexed to Oceanica.

 

     Years ended December 31,  
     2015      2014  

Derivative income (expense):

     

Unrealized gains (losses) from fair value changes:

     

Senior Convertible Notes

   $ —         $ 47,243   

2014 Convertible Promissory Notes

     (1,280,873      141,983   

Warrant derivatives

     104,902         812,453   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative income (expense)

   $ (1,175,971    $ 1,001,679   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current accounting principles that are provided in ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging require derivative financial instruments to be classified in liabilities and carried at fair value with changes recorded in income. In addition, the standards do not permit an issuer to account separately for individual derivative terms and features embedded in hybrid financial instruments that require bifurcation and liability classification as derivative financial instruments. Rather, such terms and features must be bundled together and fair valued as a single, compound embedded derivative. We have selected the Monte Carlo Simulations valuation technique to fair value the compound embedded derivative because we believe that this technique is reflective of all significant assumption types, and ranges of assumption inputs, that market participants would likely consider in transactions involving compound embedded derivatives. Such assumptions include, among other inputs, interest risk assumptions, credit risk assumptions and redemption behaviors in addition to traditional inputs for option models such as market trading volatility and risk free rates. We have selected Binomial Lattice to fair value our warrant derivatives because we believe this technique is reflective of all significant assumption types market participants would likely consider in transactions involving freestanding warrants derivatives. The Monte Carlo Simulations technique is a level three valuation technique because it requires the development of significant internal assumptions in addition to observable market indicators.

 

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Significant inputs and results arising from the Monte Carlo Simulations process are as follows for the share purchase options that have been bifurcated from our Monaco Notes and classified in liabilities as of December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and the inception dates (Tranche 1 – August 14, 2014, Tranche 2 – October 1, 2014, Tranche 3 – December 1, 2014):

 

Tranche 1 – August 14, 2014:

   December 31, 2015    December 31, 2014    August 14, 2014

Underlying price on valuation date*

   $2.50    $2.50    $2.50

Contractual conversion rate

   $3.15    $3.15    $3.15

Contractual term to maturity**

   2.00 Years    1.62 Years    2.00 Years

Implied expected term to maturity

   1.82 Years    1.51 Years    1.85 Years

Market volatility:

        

Range of volatilities

   85.2% - 109.8%    58.5% - 78.1%    37.0% - 62.2%

Equivalent volatilities

   98.1%    69.7%    51.2%

Contractual interest rate

   11.00%    8.0% - 11.0%    8.0% - 11.0%

Equivalent market risk adjusted interest rates

   11.00%    9.50%    9.50%

Range of credit risk adjusted yields

   3.29% - 4.22%    4.66% - 5.27%    3.94% - 4.45%

Equivalent credit risk adjusted yield

   3.76%    4.86%    4.15%

Tranche 2 – October 1, 2014:

   December 31, 2015    December 31, 2014    October 1, 2014

Underlying price on valuation date*

   $2.50    $2.50    $2.50

Contractual conversion rate

   $3.15    $3.15    $3.15

Contractual term to maturity**

   2.00 Years    1.75 Years    2.00 Years

Implied expected term to maturity

   1.82 Years    1.60 Years    1.79 Years

Market volatility:

        

Range of volatilities

   85.2% - 109.8%    60.1% - 80.5%    58.6% - 75.3%

Equivalent volatilities

   98.1%    70.4%    68.00%

Contractual interest rate

   11.00%    8.0% - 11.0%    8.0% - 11.0%

Equivalent market risk adjusted interest rates

   11.00%    9.50%    9.25%

Range of credit risk adjusted yields

   3.29% - 4.22%    4.66% - 5.27%    3.97% - 4.61%

Equivalent credit risk adjusted yield

   3.76%    4.91%    4.24%

Tranche 3 – December 1, 2014:

   December 31, 2015    December 31, 2014    December 1, 2014

Underlying price on valuation date*

   $2.50    $2.50    $2.50

Contractual conversion rate

   $3.15    $3.15    $3.15

Contractual term to maturity**

   2.00 Years    1.92 Years    2.00 Years

Implied expected term to maturity

   1.82 Years    1.72 Years    1.76 Years

Market volatility:

        

Range of volatilities

   85.2% - 109.8%    59.8% - 78.1%    61.8% - 79.8%

Equivalent volatilities

   98.1%    69.5%    72.2%

Contractual interest rate

   11.00%    8.0% - 11.0%    8.0% - 11.0%

Equivalent market risk adjusted interest rates

   11.00%    9.25%    9.25%

Range of credit risk adjusted yields

   3.29% - 4.22%    4.66% - 5.27%    4.29% - 4.84%

Equivalent credit risk adjusted yield

   3.76%    4.91%    4.52%

 

* The instrument is convertible into shares of the Company’s subsidiary, Oceanica, which is not a publicly-traded entity. Therefore its shares do not trade on a public exchange. As a result, the underlying value must be based on private sales of the subsidiary’s shares because that is the best indicator of the value of the shares. There has been a sale of Oceanica’s shares in which a private investor accumulated 24% of the shares of which their last purchase price was for $2.50 per share in December 2013. Accordingly the underlying price used in the MCS calculations for the inception dates and years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $2.50.
** On December 10, 2015 the term was extended to December 31, 2017.

The following table reflects the issuances of compound embedded derivatives, redemptions and changes in fair value inputs and assumptions related to the compound embedded derivatives during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

    

For the years ended

December 31,

 
     2015      2014  

Balances at January 1

   $ —        $ 47,243  

Issuances

     —          —    

Expirations from redemptions of host contracts reflected in income

     —          (47,243

Changes in fair value inputs and assumptions reflected in income

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at December 31

   $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The fair value of the compound embedded derivative is significantly influenced by our trading market price, the price volatility in trading and the interest components of the Monte Carlo Simulation technique.

The following table reflects the issuances of the Share Purchase Option derivatives and changes in fair value inputs and assumptions for these derivatives during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

    

For the years ended

December 31,

 
     2015      2014  

Balances at January 1

   $ 2,115,318      $ —    

Issuances

     —          1,985,079  

Changes in fair value inputs and assumptions reflected in income

     1,280,873        130,239  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at December 31

   $ 3,396,191      $ 2,115,318  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of all Share Purchase Option derivatives is significantly influenced by our trading market price, the price volatility in trading and the risk free interest components of the Binomial Lattice technique.

On October 11, 2010, we also issued warrants to acquire 1,800,000 of our common shares in connection with the Series G Convertible Preferred Stock Financing. During April 4-8, 2011, we issued warrants to acquire 525,000 of our common shares in connection the Series G Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrant Settlement Transaction. Finally, on November 8, 2011, we issued warrants to acquire 1,302,083 of our common shares in connection with the Senior Convertible Note Financing Transaction. These warrants required liability classification as derivative financial instruments because certain down-round anti-dilution protection or price protection features included in the warrant agreements are not consistent with the concept of equity. We applied the Binomial Lattice valuation technique in estimating the fair value of the warrants because we believe that this technique is most appropriate and reflects all of the assumptions that market participants would likely consider in transactions involving the warrants, including the potential incremental value associated with the down-round anti-dilution protections.

The Binomial Lattice technique is a level three valuation technique because it requires the development of significant internal assumptions in addition to observable market indicators. All remaining warrants linked to 1,725,000 shares of common stock were exercised on October 11, 2013.

All remaining warrants linked to 525,000 shares of common stock expired unexercised on April 13, 2014. Therefore, the warrants linked to 525,000 shares of common stock were not outstanding as of December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.

Significant assumptions and utilized in the Binomial Lattice process are as follows for the warrants linked to 130,208 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

     December 31
     2015    2014

Linked common shares

   130,208    130,208

Quoted market price on valuation date

   $3.24    $11.16

Contractual exercise rate

   $43.20    $43.20

Term (years)

   1.35    2.40

Range of market volatilities

   92.9% - 113.2%    59.9% - 73.9%

Risk free rates using zero coupon US Treasury Security rates

   0.16% - 0.65%    0.04% - 0.67%

Of the 108,507 common shares for which the warrant issued on November 8, 2011 could be exercised, 36,169 of those common shares were accessible only based upon the Company’s election to require the lender to provide the additional financing. When the lender provided additional financing of $8,000,000 on May 10, 2012, the additional 36,169 of common shares became accessible. Warrants indexed to an additional 260,417 were issued in conjunction with the additional financing.

 

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The following table reflects the issuances of derivative warrants and changes in fair value inputs and assumptions related to the derivative warrants during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

     Years ended December 31,  
     2015      2014  

Balances at January 1

   $ 111,127      $ 923,580  

Changes in fair value inputs and assumptions reflected in income

     (104,902      (812,453
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances at December 31

   $ 6,225      $ 111,127  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of all warrant derivatives is significantly influenced by our trading market price, the price volatility in trading and the risk free interest components of the Binomial Lattice technique.

NOTE K – MORTGAGE AND LOANS PAYABLE

The Company’s consolidated mortgages and notes payable consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Term loan

   $ —        $ 4,000,000   

Project term loans

     3,449,631         15,502,422   

Promissory note

     14,750,001         —    

Mortgages payable

     —          1,662,459   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 18,199,632       $ 21,164,881   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Term Loan

Our term loan with Fifth Third Bank, which was a result of amending its predecessor during July 2013 and September 2015, had a maturity date of December 17, 2015. This facility bore floating interest at the one-month LIBOR rate as reported in the Wall Street Journal plus 500 basis points. Beginning January 2014, we were required to make semi-annual payments of $500,000. Any prepayments made in full or in part were without premium or penalty. No restricted cash payments were required to be kept on deposit. This facility had substantially the same terms as its predecessors as disclosed in our previous Securities and Exchange Commission’s filings.

This term loan was secured by our remaining numismatic coins recovered from the SS Republic shipwreck, which balance was reduced over the term by the amount of coins sold by us. The coins that were used as collateral were held by a custodian for the security of the Bank. The carrying value of the borrowing base was not to exceed forty percent (40%) of the eligible coin inventory valued on a rolling twelve-month wholesale average value. All three of the Bank loans were cross-collateralized. The Company was required to comply with a number of customary covenants. The significant covenants included: maintaining insurance on the inventory; ensuring the collateral is free from encumbrances 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 without approval. In December 2015, we entered into an acquisition agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC., a related party, which resulted in the full settlement of this loan prior to its maturity date of December 17, 2015. See NOTE S for further information. At December 31, 2015, the outstanding loan balance for this term loan was zero.

Project Term Loans

Loan one

On August 14, 2014, we entered into a Loan Agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC (“Monaco”), a strategic marketing partner, pursuant to which Monaco agreed to lend us up to $10.0 million, the first $5.0 million of which (the “First Tranche”) was advanced upon execution of the Loan Agreement. Subject to the satisfaction of conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement, we had the right to borrow up to an additional $5.0 million in two separate advances of $2.5 million each, which we refer to as the “Second Tranche” and the “Third Tranche.” Each of the three advances is evidenced by separate promissory notes (the “Notes”). The Second Tranche was advanced on October 1, 2014, and the Third Tranche was advanced on December 1, 2014. On December 10, 2015, these promissory notes were amended as part of the asset acquisition agreement with Monaco (See NOTE S). The amendment included the following material changes: (i) $2.2 million of the notes was extinguished, (ii) $5.0 million of the notes ceased to bear interest and were only repayable under

 

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certain circumstances from certain sources of cash, and (iii) the maturity date on the notes was extended to December 31, 2017. The outstanding interest-bearing balance of these Notes at December 31, 2015 was $2.8 million. The book carrying value of these notes was $3,449,632 of which $308,844 is classified as short term and $3,140,788 as long term. See “Loan Modification” below. The difference between the outstanding and carrying values, if any, is due to the fair value of derivatives discussed further in NOTE J.

The indebtedness evidenced by the Notes bears interest at 8.0% percent per year until the first anniversary of the note and 11% per annum from the first anniversary through the maturity date. Principal is payable at the maturity date while interest is payable monthly. As consideration for the Notes, the Company (i) entered into a multi-year exclusive agreement in which we granted Monaco an exclusive right to market valuable trade cargo through a marketing joint venture, (ii) assigned to Monaco 100,000 shares of Oceanica Resources S. de. R.L (“Oceanica”) and (iii) granted Monaco an option whereby Monaco may purchase shares of Oceanica held by Odyssey at a purchase price which is the lower of (a) $3.15 per share or (b) the price per share of a contemplated equity offering of Oceanica which totals $1,000,000 or more in the aggregate. The option may be exercised (i) by conversion of the outstanding principal, (ii) in cash for up to 50% of the initial principal amount of the Note (exercisable until the end of the term of the note) if the Note has been repaid early at the request of Monaco, or (iii) in cash for up to 100% of the initial principal amount of the Note (exercisable until the end of the term of the note) if the Note has been repaid early at the request of the Company. For collateral, we granted the lender a security interest in the proceeds from the sale of valuable trade cargo whenever held, in excess of the proceeds previously pledged under other arrangements, a certain quantity of our Oceanica shares based on the loan balance and certain marine equipment and technology as evidenced by equity in two of our wholly owned subsidiaries.

Accounting considerations

We have accounted for the three Tranches as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds that we received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated the First Tranche for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”).

ASC 815 generally requires the analysis of embedded terms and features that have characteristics of derivatives to be evaluated for bifurcation and separate accounting in instances where their economic risks and characteristics are not clearly and closely related to the risks of the host contract. The material embedded derivative feature consisted of the share purchase option. The share purchase option was not clearly and closely related to the host debt agreement and required bifurcation.

Based on the previous conclusions, we allocated the cash proceeds first to the derivative components at their fair values with the residual allocated to the host debt contract, as follows:

 

     T1 Allocation      T2 Allocation      T3 Allocation  

Promissory Note

   $ 3,918,254      $ 1,937,540      $ 1,909,127  

Embedded derivative (share purchase option)

     831,746        562,460        590,873  

Common shares of Oceanica

     250,000        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5,000,000      $ 2,500,000      $ 2,500,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

No value was assigned to the multi-year exclusive marketing agreement (entered into with Monaco at the same time as the Loan Agreement) because the value attributable to the multi-year exclusive marketing agreement is compensatory in nature. The value of the compensation will be determined when i) the valuable trade cargo is recovered, and ii) the marketing and sales activities are successful. Accordingly, the compensation related to the 5% fee will be a period expense in the period incurred, or when a sale takes place. The assignment to Monaco of 100,000 shares of Oceanica was valued at $250,000 and was included as part of the allocation of proceeds. The financing basis allocated to the Notes is subject to amortization with periodic charges to interest expense using the effective interest method. Amortization of these components included in interest expense during the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $1,895,263. The derivative components are subject to re-measurement to fair value at the end of each reporting period with the change reflected in income.

Loan modification

In connection with the Acquisition Agreement entered into with Monaco on December 10, 2015, Monaco agreed to restructure the loans as partial consideration for the purchase of assets. For the first tranche ($5,000,000 issued on August 14, 2014), Monaco agreed to cease interest as of December 10, 2015 and reduce the loan balance by (i) the cash or other

 

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value received by Monaco from the SS Central America shipwreck project (“SSCA”) or (ii) if the proceeds received by Monaco from the SSCA project are insufficient to pay off the loan balance by December 31, 2017, then Monaco can seek repayment of the remaining outstanding balance on the loan by withholding Odyssey’s 21.25% “additional consideration” in new shipwreck projects performed for Monaco in the future. For the second tranche ($2,500,000 issued on October 1, 2014), Monaco agreed to reduce the principal amount by $2,200,000 leaving a new principal balance of $300,000 and extension of maturity to December 31, 2017. Finally for tranche 3 ($2,500,000 issued on December 1, 2014), Monaco agreed to the extension of maturity to December 31, 2017.

On December 10, 2015, the Monaco call option on $10 million of Oceanica shares held by Odyssey was maintained for the full amount of the original loan amount and was extended until December 31, 2017.

As further described in Note S, the Acquisition Agreement was accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring in accordance with ASC 470-60. As a result of the troubled debt restructuring, the carrying values of the remaining Monaco loans were required to be recorded at their undiscounted future cash flow values, which amounted to $3,449,632. No interest expense is recorded going forward. All future interest payments reduce the carrying value.

Loan two

On May 7, 2014, we entered into a new $10.0 million credit facility with Fifth Third Bank similar to the loans obtained in 2012 and 2013 for the Gairsoppa project. The facility called for the advancement of funds based upon our recovery of valuable cargo from shipwrecks over the subsequent 12 months. The advances were set at pre-defined amounts or percentages of the value of a project’s recovered cargo. The proceeds from our shipwreck recovery contracts or from our sales of recovered cargo were to be used to repay the new loan, as was done for the previous Gairsoppa loans. Collateral for this loan was in the form of our financial rights to proceeds from the monetization of the recovered cargo on the SS Central America shipwreck. All three of the Bank loans were cross-collateralized. The interest rate on the new loan was a floating rate equal to the one-month LIBOR rate plus 500 basis points. An origination fee of $50,000 was paid at closing. This facility was amended in May and September 2015 and had a maturity date of December 17, 2015. An origination fee of $20,000 was paid at closing. A restricted cash deposit of $500,000 was initially required to cover interest payments when the term loan was funded, or portion thereof. We were required to comply with a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants. The proceeds were used to fund various project recovery costs. In December 2015, we entered into an asset acquisition agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC., a related party, which resulted in the satisfaction of this loan in full. See NOTE S for further information. At December 31, 2015, the outstanding loan balance for this term loan was zero.

Promissory Note

On March 11, 2015, in connection with a Stock Purchase Agreement (See NOTE O), Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (“MINOSA”) agreed to lend us up to $14.75 million. The entire $14.75 million was loaned in five advances from March 11 through June 30, 2015. The outstanding indebtedness bears interest at 8.0% percent per annum. The Promissory Note was amended on April 10, 2015 and on October 1, 2015 so that, unless otherwise converted as provided in the Note, the adjusted principal balance shall be due and payable in full upon written demand by MINOSA; provided that MINOSA agrees that it shall not demand payment of the adjusted principal balance earlier than the first to occur of: (i) 30 days after the date on which (x) SEMARNAT makes a determination with respect to the current application for the Manifestacion de Impacto Ambiental relating to the Don Diego Project, which determination is other than an approval or (y) Odyssey Marine Enterprises or any of its affiliates withdraws such application without MINOSA’s prior written consent; (ii) termination by Odyssey of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 11, 2015 (the “Purchase Agreement”), among Odyssey, MINOSA, and Penelope Mining, LLC (the “Investor”); (iii) the occurrence of an event of default under the Promissory Note; (iv) December 31, 2015; or (v) if and only if the Investor shall have terminated the Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(iii) thereof, March 30, 2016. In connection with the loans, we granted MINOSA an option to purchase our 54% interest in Oceanica for $40.0 million (the “Oceanica Call Option. As of March 11, 2016, the Oceanica Call has expired. Completion of the transaction requires amending the Company’s articles of incorporation to (a) effect a reverse stock split, which was done on February 19, 2016, (b) adjusting the Company’s authorized capitalization, which was also done on February 19, 2016, and (c) establishing a classified board of directors (collectively, the “Amendments”). The Amendments have been or will be set forth in certificates of amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation filed or to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State. As collateral for the loan, we granted MINOSA a security interest in the Company’s 54% interest in Oceanica. The outstanding principal balance of this debt at December 31, 2015 was $14.75 million. The maturity date of this note has been amended and is now March 18, 2017.

 

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Accounting considerations

We have accounted for this transaction as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) and ASC 320 Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 320”).

This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. The Oceanica Call Option is considered a freestanding financial instrument because it is both (i) legally detachable and (ii) separately exercisable. The Oceanica Call Option did not fall under the guidance of ASC 480. Additionally it did not meet the definition of a derivative under ASC 815 because the option has a fixed value of $40 million and does not contain an underlying variable which is indicative of a derivative. This instrument is considered an option contract for a sale of an asset. The guidance applied in this case is ASC 360.20, which provides that in situations when a party lends funds to a seller and is given an option to buy the property at a certain date in the future, the loan shall be recorded at its present value using market interest rates and any excess of the proceeds over that amount credited to an option deposit account. If the option is exercised, the deposit shall be included as part of the sales proceeds; if not exercised, it shall be credited to income in the period in which the option lapses.

Based on the previous conclusions, we allocated the cash proceeds first to the debt at its present value using a market rate of 15%, which is management’s estimate of a market rate loan for the Company, with the residual allocated to the Oceanica Call Option, as follows:

 

     Tranche 1      Tranche 2      Tranche 3      Tranche 4      Tranche 5      Total  

Promissory Note

   $ 1,932,759      $ 5,826,341      $ 2,924,172      $ 1,960,089      $ 1,723,491      $ 14,366,852  

Deferred Income (Oceanica Call Option)

     67,241        173,659        75,828        39,911        26,509        383,148  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Proceeds

   $ 2,000,000      $ 6,000,000      $ 3,000,000      $ 2,000,000      $ 1,750,000      $ 14,750,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The option amount of $383,148 represents a debt discount. This discount will be accreted up to face value using the effective interest method. Amortization for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $383,148. Accrued interest recorded on the note for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $508,055.

Mortgages 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 bore interest at a variable rate equal to the prime rate plus three-fourths of one percent (0.75%) per annum. The loan matured on July 11, 2013, and required monthly principal payments in the amount of $10,750 plus accrued interest. This loan was secured by a restricted cash balance as well as a first mortgage on our corporate office building. This loan contained customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, conditions, and other provisions.

During July 2013, when the above noted mortgage matured, we extended it under substantially the same terms that previously existed. In September 2015, we amended the loan so that the new maturity date was December 17, 2015. The loan bore interest at a variable rate equal to the prime rate plus three-fourths of one percent (0.75%) per annum. Monthly principal payments in the amount of $10,750 plus accrued interest were required. This loan was secured by a restricted cash balance (See NOTE C) as well as a first mortgage on our corporate office building. All three of the Bank loans were cross-collateralized. This loan contained customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, conditions, and other provisions. In December 2015, we entered into an asset acquisition agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC., a related party, which resulted in the satisfaction of this loan in full. This building was included in the executed asset purchase agreement. See NOTE S for further information. At December 31, 2015, the outstanding loan balance for this term loan was zero.

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 had a monthly payment of $5,080 with a maturity date of May 14, 2015. Principal and interest payments were payable monthly. Interest was at a fixed annual rate of 6.45%. This debt was secured by the related mortgaged real property. This property was sold in sold in March 2015 and all related mortgages have been paid in full. There is no outstanding balance on this note.

 

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Long-Term Obligation Maturities:

 

     Total      2016      2017      2018      2019      2020      More than
5 years
 

Long term obligations

   $ 2,800,000       $ —         $ 2,800,000       $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —     

Operating lease

     722,880         240,960         240,960         240,960         —           —           —     

Interest on obligations

     616,843         308,843         308,000         —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total obligations

   $ 4,139,723       $ 549,803       $ 3,348,960       $ 240,960       $ —         $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-term obligations represent the amounts due on our existing loans as described above. We entered into a three year operating lease for our corporate headquarters with Monaco Financial, LLC, a related party. This is pursuant to the acquisition agreement we entered into with them on December 10, 2015. The operating lease is cancellable with a nine month notice. See NOTE K and NOTE S.

NOTE L – ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 

     2015      2014  

Compensation and bonuses

   $ 866,551       $ 1,451   

Vessel operations

     1,528,478         1,525,513   

Professional services

     942,604         465,000   

Interest

     828,888         —    

Accrued insurance payable

     —          304,584   

Other operating

     98,935         91,414   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accrued expenses

   $ 4,265,456       $ 2,387,962   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Vessel operations relates to expenditures required to operate our ships such as fuel, repair and maintenance, port fees and charter related. Professional fees are mainly attributable to legal fees and related and other professional services in support of operations. Included in Professional fees are $716,009 of fees earned by Greg Stemm, former chief executive office and current chairman of the board, in accordance to his consulting service agreement executed in 2015. These fees are to be paid out monthly over 2016, 2017 and 2018. Compensation and bonus includes $0.8 million accrued incentive awards for the company employees. However, the Board of Directors will only approve bonuses to be paid when and if there is sufficient excess cash above and beyond normal operating means. Other operating expenses contain general items related to, but not limited to marketing and insurance. Accrued interest is due to MINOSA per the promissory note described in NOTE K.

NOTE M – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

On December 9, 2002, a Georgia limited liability company acquired rights from an unrelated third party through a foreclosure sale to receive 5% of post-finance cost proceeds, if any, from shipwrecks that we may recover within a predefined search area of the Mediterranean Sea. The shipwreck we believe to be HMS Sussex is located within this search area. Two of our officers and directors at the time owned a 58% interest in the limited liability company until they sold their interests to an unrelated third party in 2005. If, at any time, Odyssey is forced to cancel or abandon the project due to political interference, the officers may be required to buy back their interests.

In December 2015, we entered into an asset acquisition agreement with Monaco Financial, LLC. (Monaco). Monaco has purchased a substantial amount of our SS Republic coins over the years. In years 2015, 2014 and 2013, we had coin sales with Monaco of $1,605,676, $304,674 and $0, respectively. We had accounts receivable with them at December 31, 2015 and 2014 of $629,400 and $87,399, respectively. In 2014, they loaned us $10.0 million to assist us with our cash flow obligations (See NOTE K). Based on the substance of these business transactions, we consider Monaco Financial, LLC. to be an affiliated company, thus a related party. We do not own any financial interest in Monaco Financial, LLC. See NOTE S for further information on the asset purchase agreement and the related party.

 

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NOTE N – DEFERRED INCOME AND REVENUE PARTICIPATION RIGHTS

The Company’s participating revenue rights and deferred revenue consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

     December 31,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Cambridge” project

   $ 825,000       $ 825,000   

Seattle” project

     62,500         62,500   

Galt Resources, LLC (HMS Victory)

     3,756,250         3,756,250   

Oceanica call option

     383,148         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred income and participating revenue rights

   $ 5,026,898       $ 4,643,750   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cambridge” project

We previously sold Revenue Participation Certificates (“RPCs”) that represent the right to share in our future revenues derived from the “Cambridge” project, which is also referred to as the HMS Sussex shipwreck project. The “Cambridge” RPC units constitute restricted securities.

Each $50,000 convertible “Cambridge” RPC entitles the holder to receive a percentage of the gross revenue received by us from the “Cambridge” project, which is defined as all cash proceeds payable to us as a result of the “Cambridge” project, less any amounts paid to the British Government or their designee(s); provided, however, that all funds received by us to finance the project are excluded from gross revenue. The “Cambridge” project holders are entitled to 100% of the first $825,000 of gross revenue, 24.75% of gross revenue from $4 - 35 million, and 12.375% of gross revenue above $35 million generated by the project.

Seattle” project

In a private placement that closed in September 2000, we sold “units” consisting of “Republic” Revenue Participation Certificates and Common Stock. Each $50,000 “unit” entitled the holder to 1% of the gross revenue generated by the now named “Seattle” project (formerly referred to as the “Republic” project), and 100,000 shares of Common Stock. Gross revenue is defined as all cash proceeds payable to us as a result of the “Seattle” project, excluding funds received by us to finance the project.

The participating rights balance will be amortized under the units of revenue method once management can reasonably estimate potential revenue for each of these projects. The RPCs for the “Cambridge” and “Seattle” projects do not have a termination date, therefore these liabilities will be carried on the books until revenue is recognized from these projects or we permanently abandon either project.

Galt Resources, LLC

In February 2011, we entered into a project syndication deal with Galt Resources LLC (“Galt”) for which they invested $7,512,500 representing rights to future revenues of any one project Galt selected prior to December 31, 2011. If the project is successful and generates sufficient proceeds, Galt will recoup their investment plus three times the investment. Galt’s investment return will be paid out of project proceeds. Galt will receive 50% of project proceeds until this amount is recouped. Thereafter, they will share in additional net proceeds of the project at the rate of 1% for every million invested. Subsequent to the original syndication deal, we reached an agreement permitting Galt to bifurcate their selection between two projects, the SS Gairsoppa and HMS Victory with the residual 1% on additional net proceeds assigned to the HMS Victory project only. The bifurcation resulted in $3,756,250 being allocated to each of the two projects. Therefore, Galt will receive 7.5125% of net proceeds from the HMS Victory project after they recoup their investment of $3,756,250 plus three times the investment. Galt has been paid in full for their share of the Gairsoppa project investment. There are no future payments remaining due to Galt for the Gairsoppa project. Based on the timing of the proceeds earmarked for Galt, the relative corresponding amount of Galt’s revenue participation right of $3,756,250 was amortized into revenue in 2012 based upon the percent of Galt-related proceeds from the sale of silver as a percentage of total proceeds that Galt earned under the revenue participation agreement ($15.0 million). There is no expiration date on the Galt deal for the HMS Victory project. If the archaeological excavation of the shipwreck is performed and insufficient proceeds are obtained, then the deferred income balance will be recognized as other income. If the archaeological excavation of the shipwreck is performed and sufficient proceeds are obtained, then the deferred income balance will be recognized as revenue.

 

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Oceanica Call Option

On March 11, 2015, we agreed to issue and sell up to $14.75 million in Promissory Notes (See NOTE K) to Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (“MINOSA”) In connection with the loans, we granted MINOSA an option to purchase our 54% interest in Oceanica for $40.0 million (the “Oceanica Call Option”). The guidance applied in this case is ASC 360.20, which provides that in situations when a party lends funds to a seller and is given an option to buy the property at a certain date in the future, the loan shall be recorded at its present value using market interest rates and any excess of the proceeds over that amount credited to an option deposit account. If the option is exercised, the deposit shall be included as part of the sales proceeds; if not exercised, it shall be credited to income in the period in which the option lapses. The option deposit account in this case is deferred income. This Oceanica Call Option expired on March 11, 2016.

NOTE O – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)

At our Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 9, 2015, our stockholders approved a 1-for-6 reverse stock split. On February 9, 2016, our Board of Directors authorized an additional 1-for-2 reverse stock split, to be effective immediately after the stockholder-approved 1-for-6 reverse stock split is implemented. The reverse stock splits were effective on February 19, 2016. The two reverse stock splits have the combined effect of a 1-for-12 reverse stock split. At the effective time of the reverse stock splits, every 12 shares of issued and outstanding common stock were converted into one share of issued and outstanding common stock, and the authorized shares of common stock were reduced from 150,000,000 to 75,000,000 shares. The par value remains at $0.0001. All shares and related financial information in this Form 10-K have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this 1-for-12 reverse stock split.

Common Stock

In March 2015, we issued 333,333 shares of our common stock to Mako Resources, LLC, an Oceanica shareholder, valued in total at $2,520,000 based on our closing stock price on March 11, 2015. These shares were issued as consideration for termination of Mako’s option to acquire up to 6.0 million of the shares we hold in Oceanica. See Preferred Stock below and NOTE K.

In 2014, we issued 107,513 shares of common stock, valued at $2,420,863, representing payment for principal and interest on the Additional Note as described in NOTE K.

Warrants

Warrants to purchase 130,209 shares of common stock were attached to our formerly outstanding Senior Convertible debt. The exercise price on these warrants is $43.20, and they expire on November 9, 2016. See NOTE J for further information on these warrants.

Convertible Preferred Stock

On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Penelope Mining LLC (the “Investor”), and, solely with respect to certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement, Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (the “Lender”). The Purchase Agreement provides for the Company to issue and sell to the Investor, upon stockholder approval which was received on June 9, 2015, shares of the Company’s preferred stock in the amounts and at the eventual pre-split prices set forth in the following table:

 

Convertible

Preferred Stock

   Shares      Price Per Share      Total
Investment
 

Series AA-1

     8,427,004      $ 12.00       $ 101,124,042  

Series AA-2

     7,223,145      $ 6.00         43,338,870  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 
     15,650,149         $ 144,462,912  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

The Investor’s option to purchase the Series AA-2 shares is subject to the closing price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ having been greater than or equal to $15.12 per share for a period of twenty (20) consecutive Business Days on which the NASDAQ is open.

 

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The closing of the sale and issuance of shares of the Company’s preferred stock to the Investor is subject to certain conditions, including the Company’s receipt of required approvals from the Company’s stockholders, the receipt of regulatory approval, performance by the Company of its obligations under the Stock Purchase Agreement, the listing of the underlying common stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market and the Investor’s satisfaction, in its sole discretion, with the viability of certain undersea mining projects of the Company. This transaction received stockholders approval on June 9, 2015. Completion of the transaction requires amending the Company’s articles of incorporation to (a) effect a reverse stock split, which was done on February 19, 2016, (b) adjusting the Company’s authorized capitalization, which was also done on February 19, 2016, and (c) establishing a classified board of directors (collectively, the “Amendments”). The Amendments have been or will be set forth in certificates of amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation filed or to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State.

Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock Designation

The Purchase Agreement provides for the issuance of up to 8,427,004 shares of Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series AA-1 Preferred”) and 7,223,145 shares of Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series AA-2 Preferred”), subject to stockholder approval which was received on June 9, 2015 and satisfaction of other conditions. Significant terms and conditions of the Series AA Preferred are as follows:

Dividends. If and when the Company declares a dividend and any other distribution (including, without limitation, in cash, in capital stock (which shall include, without limitation, any options, warrants or other rights to acquire capital stock) of the Company, then the holders of each share of Series AA Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the amount of dividend or distribution received by the holders of common stock for which such share of Series AA Preferred Stock is convertible.

Liquidation Preference. The Liquidation Preference on each share of Series AA Preferred Stock is its Stated Value plus accretion at the rate of 8% per annum compounded on each December 31 from the date of issue of such share until the date such share is converted. For any accretion period which is less than a full year, the Liquidation Preference shall accrete in an amount to be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months and the actual number of days elapsed.

Voting Rights. The holders of Series AA Preferred will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock into which the Series AA Preferred is convertible and will be entitled to notice of meetings of stockholders.

Conversion Rights. At any time after the Preferred Shares have been issued, any holder of shares of Series AA Preferred may convert any or all of the shares of preferred stock into one fully paid and non-assessable share of Common Stock.

Adjustments to Conversion Rights. If Odyssey pays a dividend or makes a distribution on its common stock in shares of common stock, subdivides its outstanding common stock into a greater number of shares, or combines its outstanding common stock into a smaller number of shares, or if there is a reorganization, or a merger or consolidation of Odyssey with or into any other entity which results in a conversion, exchange, or cancellation of the common stock, or a sale of all or substantially all of Odyssey’s assets, then the conversion rights described above will be adjusted appropriately so that each holder of Series AA Preferred will receive the securities or other consideration the holder would have received if the holder’s Series AA Preferred had been converted before the happening of the event. The conversion price in effect from time to time is also subject to downward adjustment if we issue or sell shares of common stock for a purchase price less than the conversion price or if we issue or sell shares convertible into or exercisable for shares of common stock with a conversion price or exercise price less than the conversion price for the Series AA Preferred.

Accounting considerations

As stated above the issuance of the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock is based on certain contingencies. No accounting treatment determination is required until these contingencies are met and the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock has been issued. However, we have analyzed the instrument to determine the proper accounting treatment that will be necessary once the instruments have been issued.

ASC 480 generally requires liability classification for financial instruments that are certain to be redeemed, represent obligations to purchase shares of stock or represent obligations to issue a variable number of common shares. We concluded that the Series AA Preferred was not within the scope of ASC 480 because none of the three conditions for liability classification was present.

 

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ASC 815 generally requires the analysis of embedded terms and features that have characteristics of derivatives to be evaluated for bifurcation and separate accounting in instances where their economic risks and characteristics are not clearly and closely related to the risks of the host contract. However, in order to perform this analysis we were first required to evaluate the economic risks and characteristics of the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock in its entirety as being either akin to equity or akin to debt. Our evaluation concluded that the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock was more akin to an equity-like contract largely due to the fact that most of its features were participatory in nature. As a result we concluded that the embedded conversion feature is clearly and closely related to the host equity contract and will not require bifurcation and liability classification.

The option to purchase the Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock was analyzed as a freestanding financial instruments and has terms and features of derivative financial instruments. However, in analyzing this instrument under applicable guidance it was determined that it is both (i) indexed to the Company’s stock and (ii) meet the conditions for equity classification.

Stock-Based Compensation

We have two stock incentive plans. The first is the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan that expired in August 2015. After the expiration of this plan, equity instruments cannot be granted but this plan shall continue in effect until all outstanding awards have been exercised in full or are no longer exercisable and all equity instruments have vested or been forfeited.

On June 9, 2015, our shareholders approved our 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) that was adopted by our Board of Directors (the “Board”) on January 2, 2015, which is the effective date. The plan expires on the tenth anniversary of the effective date. The Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights. This plan was initially capitalized with 450,000 shares that may be granted. The Plan is intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which stipulates that the maximum aggregate number of Shares with respect to one or more Awards that may be granted to any one person during any calendar year shall be 83,333, and the maximum aggregate amount of cash that may be paid in cash to any person during any calendar year with respect to one or more Awards payable in cash shall be $2,000,000. The maximum number of shares that may be used for Incentive Stock Options (“ISO”) under the Plan shall be 450,000. With respect to each grant of an ISO to a Participant who is not a Ten Percent Stockholder, the Exercise Price shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the ISO is granted. With respect to each grant of an ISO to a Participant who is a Ten Percent Stockholder, the Exercise Price shall not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the ISO is granted. If an Award is a Non-Qualifying Stock Option (“NQSO”), the Exercise Price for each Share shall be no less than (1) the minimum price required by applicable state law, or (2) the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date the NQSO is granted, whichever price is greatest. Any Award intended to meet the Performance Based Exception must be granted with an Exercise Price not less than the Fair Market Value of a Share determined as of the date of such grant.

Share-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the statement of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it can be reduced for estimated forfeitures. The ASC topic Stock Compensation requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The share based compensation charged against income for the periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $2,348,744, $2,081,482and $2,582,009, respectively.

The weighted average estimated fair value of stock options granted during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $8.52, $14.88 and $17.04, 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 for stock options granted in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

 

     2015   2014   2013

Risk-free interest rate

   1.78 - 2.00%   2.1-2.7%   .41-1.28%

Expected volatility of common stock

   64.47 - 65.95%   63.5-65.0%   59.2-68.2%

Dividend yield

   0%   0%   0%

Expected life of options

   6.1 - 8.2 years   6.1-8.2 years   3.0-4.1 years

 

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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.

Additional information with respect to both plans stock option activity is as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares
     Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

     285,013       $ 39.72   

Granted

     102,819       $ 35.88   

Exercised

     (17,042    $ 26.88   

Cancelled

     (121,133    $ 43.32   
  

 

 

    

Outstanding at December 31, 2013

     249,656       $ 39.72   

Granted

     85,524       $ 25.68   

Exercised

     —         $ —     

Cancelled

     (27,390    $ 41.76   
  

 

 

    

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

     307,791       $ 32.04   

Granted

     137,667       $ 12.48   

Exercised

     —         $ —     

Cancelled

     (70,174    $ 32.88   
  

 

 

    

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

     375,283       $ 32.04   
  

 

 

    

Options exercisable at December 31, 2013

     176,575       $ 35.28   
  

 

 

    

Options exercisable at December 31, 2014

     221,109       $ 33.24   
  

 

 

    

Options exercisable at December 31, 2015

     275,735       $ 27.48   
  

 

 

    

The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercisable for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $0, $0 and $16,450, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $0, $0 and $16,450, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are $0, $0 and $183,000, respectively, determined as of the date of the option exercise. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the positive difference between our closing stock price at the end of a respective period and the exercise price multiplied by the number of relative options. The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1,449,216, $1,154,984 and $832,177, respectively.

As of December 31, 2015, there was $1,019,120 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation awards granted to employees under the option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.17 years.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:

Stock Options Outstanding

 

Range of Exercise
Prices
  Number of Shares
Outstanding
    Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life in Years
  Weighted Average Exercise
Price
 
$12.48 - $12.48     141,833      9.00   $ 12.48   
$26.40 - $26.40     79,370      8.01   $ 26.40   
$32.76 -$34.68     132,413      1.59   $ 33.96   
$39.00 -$46.80     21,667      2.24   $ 41.04   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 
    375,283      5.79   $ 24.60   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The estimated fair value of each restricted stock award is calculated using the share price at the date of the grant. A summary of the status of the restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2015 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2015 is presented as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares
     Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 

Unvested at December 31, 2014

     69,851       $ 16.56   

Granted

     105,824       $ 12.48   

Vested

     (75,467    $ 12.60   

Cancelled

     (7,513    $ 14.40   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unvested at December 31, 2015

     92,696       $ 13.20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of restricted stock awards vested during the years ended December 31 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $318,000, $911,641 and $854,861, respectively. The fair value of unvested restricted stock awards remaining at the periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is $300,334, $1,158,684 and $380,013, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $12.48, $17.16 and $34.68, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual term of these restricted stock awards at the periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are 2.6, 3.6 and 1.2 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, there was a total of $1,142,573 unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards.

The following table summarizes our common stock warrants outstanding at December 31, 2015:

 

Common Stock
Warrants
    Exercise Price     Termination Date
  130,208      $ 43.20      11/9/2016

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

NOTE P – INCOME TAXES

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had consolidated income tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for federal tax purposes of approximately $143,723,339 and net operating loss carryforwards for foreign income tax purposes of approximately $19,620,883. The federal NOL carryforwards from 2005 forward will expire in various years beginning 2025 and ending through the year 2035. From 2025 through 2027, approximately $43 million of the NOL will expire, and from 2028 through 2035, approximately $101 million of the NOL will expire.

The components of the provision for income tax (benefits) are attributable to continuing operations as follows:

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  

Current

        

Federal

   $ —         $ (481,055 )    $ 481,055   

State

     —           —          15,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —         $ (481,055 )    $ 496,055   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred

        

Federal

   $ —        $ —        $ —     

State

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —         $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

 

Deferred tax assets:

  

Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards

   $ 56,241,535   

Capital loss carryforward

     86,971   

Accrued expenses

     349,770   

Reserve for accounts receivable

     1,062,222   

Start-up costs

     107,153   

Excess of book over tax depreciation

     2,773,114   

Stock option and restricted stock award expense

     1,897,193   

Investment in unconsolidated entity

     2,229,210   

Less: valuation allowance

     (64,553,394
  

 

 

 
   $ 193,774   
  

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability:

  

Property and equipment basis

   $ 69,311   

Prepaid expenses

     124,463   
  

 

 

 
   $ 193,774   
  

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ —    
  

 

 

 

As reflected above, we have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0 at December 31, 2015. As required by the Accounting for Income Taxes topic in the ASC, we have evaluated whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on the available evidence, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that those assets would not be realized without the recovery and rights of ownership or salvage rights of high-value shipwrecks or other forms of taxable income, thus a valuation allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2015.

The change in the valuation allowance is as follows:

 

December 31, 2015

   $ 64,553,394   

December 31, 2014

     60,312,726   
  

 

 

 

Change in valuation allowance

   $ 4,240,668   
  

 

 

 

Income taxes for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 differ from the amounts computed by applying the effective federal income tax rate of 34.0% to income (loss) before income taxes as a result of the following:

 

     December 31, 2015      December 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  

Expected (benefit)

   $ (6,190,436    $ (9,908,804    $ (3,483,374

Effects of:

        

U.S. income tax expense at the AMT 20% rate

     —           —           (176,839

State income taxes net of federal benefits

     (184,257      (294,933      509,495   

Nondeductible expense

     1,854,717         (126,601      31,640   

Stock options and restricted stock awards

     —           —           790,011   

Derivatives

     —           —           (783,994

Change in valuation allowance

     4,900,061         10,469,108         (6,276,369

CFC Dividend Income

     —           —           9,190,723   

Change in rate estimate

     —           —           15,767   

Foreign Rate Differential

     (380,085      (138,770      662,745   

Reversal of Prior Year AMT Accrual

     —           (481,055      —     

Other, net

     —           —           16,250   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —         $ (481,055    $ 496,055   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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

The earliest tax year still subject to examination by a major taxing jurisdiction is 2012.

NOTE Q – MAJOR CUSTOMERS

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, we had two customers who accounted for 54.4% and 30.1% of our total revenue. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we had one customer who accounted for 87.2% of our total revenue.

NOTE R – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Rights to Future Revenues, If Any

We have sold the rights to share in future revenues, if any, with respect to the “Seattle” and the “Cambridge” (“HMS Sussex”) projects and have recorded $887,500 as Deferred Income from Revenue Participation Rights (See NOTE N). We are contingently liable to share the future revenue of these projects only if revenue is derived from these specific projects.

To date, the only income derived from these projects resulted in a one-time revenue distribution payment of $12,986 to the holders of the “Cambridge” RPC’s.

In addition, on May 26, 1998, we signed an agreement with a subcontractor that entitled it to receive 5% of the post finance cost proceeds from any shipwrecks in a predefined search area of the Mediterranean Sea. A shipwreck we have found, which we believe to be HMS Sussex, is located within the specified search area and we will be responsible to share future revenues, if any, from this shipwreck. On December 9, 2002, a Georgia limited liability company acquired the 5% interest from the subcontractor through a foreclosure sale (see NOTE M).

In February 2011, we entered into a project syndication deal with Galt Resources LLC (“Galt”) for which they invested $7,512,500 representing rights to future revenues of any project of Galt’s choosing. This amount has been bifurcated equally between the SS Gairsoppa and HMS Victory projects. The SS Gairsoppa has been paid in full. See NOTE N for further detail.

Legal Proceedings

The Company may be subject to a variety of other claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. We are currently not a party to any pending litigation.

Contingency

During March, 2016, our Board of Directors approved the grant and issuance of 3 million new equity shares of Oceanica Resources, S.R.L. to two attorneys for their future services. This equity is only issuable upon the Mexican’s government approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) for its Mexican subsidiary. The EIA has not been approved as of the date of this report. This grant of new shares was also approved by the Administrators of Oceanica Resources, S.R.L.

Going Concern Consideration

We have experienced several years of net losses and may continue to do so. Our ability to generate net income or positive cash flows in 2016 or the following twelve months is dependent upon our success in developing and monetizing our interests in mineral exploration entities, generating income from exploration charters, collecting on amounts owed to us, and completing the MINOSA/Penelope equity financing transaction approved by our stockholders on June 9, 2015. During 2015 we received notices from NASDAQ of a possible de-listing for not being compliant with their continued listing requirements. In the first quarter of 2016, we regained compliance with these continued listing requirements. Our 2016 business plan requires us to generate new cash inflows during 2016 to effectively allow us to perform our planned projects. We plan to generate new cash inflows through the monetization of our receivables and equity stakes in seabed mineral companies,

 

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financings, syndications or other partnership opportunities. One or more of the planned opportunities for raising cash may not be realized to the extent needed which may require us to curtail our desired business plan until we generate additional cash. On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Minera del Norte S.A. de c.v. (“MINOSA”) and Penelope Mining LLC (“Penelope”), an affiliate of MINOSA, pursuant to which (a) MINOSA agreed to extend short-term, debt financing to Odyssey of up to $14.75 million, and (b) Penelope agreed to invest up to $101 million over three years in convertible preferred stock of Odyssey. The equity financing is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of our stockholders which occurred on June 9, 2015, and MINOSA and Penelope are currently under no obligation to make the preferred share equity investments. (See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—General Discussion 2015—Financings.) If cash inflow is not sufficient to meet our desired projected business plan requirements, we will be required to follow our contingency business plan which is based on curtailed expenses and requires less cash inflows. Our consolidated non-restricted cash balance at December 31, 2015 was $2.2 million which is insufficient to support operations through the end of 2016. We have a working capital deficit at December 31, 2015 of $21.1 million. Are largest loan of $14.75 million from MINOSA has a maturity date of March 18, 2017. We sold a substantial part of our assets to Monaco and its affiliates on December 10, 2015 and we have pledged the majority of our remaining assets to MINOSA, and its affiliates, and to Monaco, leaving us with few opportunities to raise additional funds from our balance sheet. The total consolidated book value of our assets was $6.9 million at December 31, 2015 and the fair market value of these assets may differ from their net carrying book value. Even though we executed the above noted financing arrangements, Penelope must purchase the shares for us to be able to complete the equity component of the transaction. The Penelope equity transaction is heavily dependent on the outcome of our subsidiary’s application approval process for an environmental permit to commercially develop a mineralized phosphate deposit in Mexico. Therefore, the factors noted above raise doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.

NOTE S – ASSET SALE AND LOAN RESTRUCTURING

Acquisition Agreement

On December 10, 2015, we entered into an acquisition agreement (the “Acquisition Agreement”) with Monaco Financial, LLC (“Monaco”), and certain affiliates of Monaco pursuant to which, among other things, we sold certain assets to Monaco and its affiliates, and Monaco (a) repaid our indebtedness for borrowed money owed to a bank, (b) reduced the amount of indebtedness owed by us to Monaco and agreed to certain modifications regarding the remaining indebtedness, and (c) applied the amount of advances previously made by Monaco to us, as well as additional cash, to the consideration paid to us for the transaction.

In conjunction with the transactions contemplated by the Acquisition Agreement, one of Monaco’s affiliates, Magellan Offshore Services Ltd (“Magellan”) agreed to pay us an amount equal to 21.25% of the difference between (x) the monetized proceeds to Magellan or its affiliates from sales of valuable trade cargo from covered shipwrecks, minus (y) the recovery costs incurred by Magellan or its affiliates related to such covered shipwreck. The covered shipwrecks consist of the shipwrecks included in the proprietary shipwreck database and research library referenced in the paragraph immediately below and any other shipwrecks discovered or identified by or presented to us or Magellan and its affiliates during the five-year period after the date of the Acquisition Agreement.

The assets sold by us pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement include (i) our rights to receive proceeds from a specified shipwreck project, (ii) gold and silver coins and bullion (primarily recovered from the SS Republic shipwreck), (iii) the land and building in Tampa, Florida used as our headquarters, (iv) subject to specified exclusions, our proprietary shipwreck database and research library, and our rights to any shipwreck projects derived therefrom, (v) artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, (vi) an artifact database, (vii) the SHIPWRECK! Pirates and Treasure traveling exhibit and all other shipwreck exhibits owned by us, (viii) various photographs, video, and graphics owned by us, (ix) side scan data, re-navigation analyses and search data from previous shipwreck searches, (x) internet and social media content and software platforms, and communities related to shipwrecks, (xi) shipwreck publications, (xii) certain merchandise in inventory, (xiii) one-half of the shares of Neptune Minerals, Inc. (“Neptune”) held by us, and (xiv) one-half of the receivables owed to us by Neptune. The fair values of the assets given up amounted to $19,195,131. Assets of ours excluded from the transaction include (x) our research vessel, equipment related thereto, and other operational assets, (y) HMS Victory and three other specified shipwreck projects (the “Excluded Projects”), and (z) assets, properties, and rights primarily used by us in our businesses other than the shipwreck business. Our indebtedness for borrowed money repaid by Monaco consisted of $11.7 million owed by us to Fifth Third Bank.

 

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Accounting considerations

We analyzed the transaction under the guidance of ASC 470-60 Troubled Debt Restructuring to determine if the transaction qualified as a troubled debt restructuring. For a debt restructuring to be considered troubled, the debtor must be experiencing financial difficulty and the creditor must have granted a concession. We analyzed the Monaco Transaction under ASC 470-60 and determined that we met one or more of the definitions of a company experiencing financial difficulty, such as being under threat of being delisted from an exchange. Furthermore, we determined that the borrowing rate on the restructured debt is significantly less than the effective borrowing rate on the old debt and as such Monaco granted a concession on the debt. As a result, the debt restructuring falls into the troubled debt restructuring guidance.

This transaction is a combination of types including full satisfaction, partial satisfaction and modification of terms. In accordance with the guidance in ASC 470-60, the following steps are taken to determine the proper accounting treatment: (i) step 1: the carrying amount of the loans is reduced by the fair value of the assets transferred, (ii) step 2: a gain or loss resulting from any disposition of assets (based on the difference between the fair value of assets disposed and their respective carrying amount) is recognized and (iii) step 3: a gain on restructuring is recorded if the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the revised carrying value (carrying value less fair value of assets). If the future undiscounted cash flows are greater than the revised carrying value, no gain is recorded.

Prior to implementing step 1 (the carrying amount of the loans is reduced by the fair value of the assets transferred), we had to determine the fair value of the assets transferred. The fair value of the assets transferred was determined on a market based approach and using discounted cash flow models. We used historical transaction data, external valuations where available, and other relevant data to estimate the fair value of the assets which were sold. The group of assets consisted of both financial and non-financial assets. The net carrying book value of the assets sold was $13.5 million, comprised mainly of $6.3 million of accounts receivable, $2.1 million of building and land, and $5.1 million of short and long term inventory. The fair value assigned to these assets and the other items sold that had no net carrying book value was $19.1 million. The estimated fair market value of the sold assets exceeded the carrying book value of the assets due to the use of US generally accepted accounting principles that did not allow us to write-up the carrying value of some assets or capitalize items that were not fully measurable or collectible at the balance sheet date.

The approach used in calculating the fair value of financial assets was the discounted cash flow approach. Inputs used in the modeling consisted of carrying value, expected term, discount rate based on effective rate of new debt and adjustments for various risk factors. These inputs consisted of a combination of level 2 and level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820 and detailed in our Note A.

The approach used in calculating the fair value of non-financial assets was the market approach. This approach consisting of observable market prices of same or similar nature as well as discounts based on condition of the asset and expected term to convert to cash. This asset category and these inputs are deemed to be level 3 inputs as defined in ASC 820 and detailed in our Note A.

Step 1: We reduced the carrying amount of the loans by the fair value of the assets given up as follows:

The combined carrying value of the all loans (associated with the transaction) on December 10, 2015 prior to the transaction taking effect:

 

Loan Description

   Reduction in Carrying
Amount*
 

Monaco advance/loan

   $ 2,000,000  

Monaco Loan (Tranche 1 - August 14, 2014)**

     5,000,000  

Fifth Third term

     3,000,000  

Fifth Third SSCA project loan

     7,684,514  

Fifth Third Laurel mortgage

     1,001,000  

Term loan interest paid by Monaco

     12,559  

Mortgage interest paid by Monaco

     3,182  

SSCA project loan interest paid by Monaco

     36,614  

Monaco Loan (Tranche 2 – October 1, 2014)

     387,262   
  

 

 

 

Fair value of assets given up and assigned to debt extinguished

   $ 19,125,131   
  

 

 

 

 

* Represents the reduction in carrying amount of each of the loans by the fair value of the assets. The reduction is to equate to the fair value of the assets.

 

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** In accordance with the asset purchase agreement, the $5,000,000 loan balance is reduced by (i) the cash or other value received by Monaco from the SSCA, or (ii) If the proceeds received by Monaco from the SSCA project are insufficient to have paid off the loan balance of $5,000,000 by December 31, 2017, then Monaco can seek repayment of the remaining outstanding balance on the loan by withholding our 21.25% “additional consideration” in new shipwreck projects done with Monaco. Management believes that there is a 100% chance that the cash or other value will be received by Monaco from the SSCA. Because there is a 100% likelihood that cash or other value will be received by Monaco from the SSCA, there is also 100% likelihood of the $5,000,000 Note being extinguished. As such this analysis includes the $5,000,000 as debt being extinguished.

Step 2: We recognized a gain resulting from the disposition of assets (based on the difference between the fair value of assets disposed and their respective carrying amount).

The fair value of the assets given up ($19,125,131) was compared to the carrying value of the assets given up ($13,513,223). The excess of the fair value over the carrying value amounted to $5,611,908. Accordingly, we recorded a $5,611,908 gain on the exchange of assets (extinguishment). While the guidance in ASC 470-580-40-2 states that extinguishment transactions between related parties may be in essence capital transactions, there is no guidance that suggests a gain on the sale of assets between related parties is treated as capital transactions. As such, this gain is recorded in the statement of operations.

Step 3: We determined if the future undiscounted cash flows are greater or less than the revised carrying value.

 

     Amount  

Future Cash Flows:

  

Monaco Loan (Tranche 2 – October 1, 2014)

   $ 300,000  

Tranche 2 accrued interest

     7,534  

Tranche 2 future interest

     67,989  
  

 

 

 

Total Tranche 2 debt

     375,523  
  

 

 

 

Monaco Loan (Tranche 3 – December 1, 2014)

     2,500,000  

Tranche 3 accrued interest

     7,534  

T3 future interest

     566,575  
  

 

 

 

Total Tranche 3 debt

     3,074,109  
  

 

 

 

Undiscounted future cash flows

   $ 3,449,632  
  

 

 

 

Revised Carrying Value

  

Carrying value of all combined loans

     23,466,108  

Reduced by fair value of assets

     (19,125,131
  

 

 

 

Revised carrying value*

   $ 4,340,977  
  

 

 

 

Gain on restructure (difference between revised carrying amount and undiscounted future cash flows)

   $ 891,345   
  

 

 

 

 

* Calculation of revised carrying value

 

Combined loans

   Note carrying values  

Monaco advance/loan

   $ 2,000,000  

Monaco Loan (Tranche 1 - August 14, 2014)

     5,000,000  

Monaco Loan (Tranche 2 – October 1, 2014)

     2,470,703  

Tranche 2 accrued interest

     7,534  

Monaco Loan (Tranche 3 – December 1, 2014)

     2,242,468  

Tranche 3 accrued interest

     7,534  

Fifth Third term

     3,000,000  

Fifth Third SSCA project loan

     7,684,514  

Fifth Third Laurel mortgage

     1,001,000  

Term loan interest paid by Monaco

     12,559  

Mortgage interest paid by Monaco

     3,182  

SSCA project loan interest paid by Monaco*

     36,614  
  

 

 

 

Total carrying value of all notes combined

   $ 23,466,108  

Fair value of assets transferred

     (19,125,131
  

 

 

 

Excess debt carrying value of fair asset value

   $ 4,340,977  
  

 

 

 

 

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Since the future undiscounted cash flows are less than the revised carrying value, a gain on restructuring for the difference is recorded. However, the guidance in ASC 470-580-40-2 suggests that if the debt holders are considered a related party, the debt restructuring typically would be considered a capital transaction. Since Monaco is considered a related party, the gain on restructuring has been recorded in equity. See NOTE M for further discussion on related parties. The gain of $891,345 adjusted the carrying value of the remaining notes to the undiscounted future cash flow amount of $3,449,632. No interest expense is recorded going forward. All future interest payments reduce the carrying value.

NOTE T – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA – UNAUDITED

The following tables present certain unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information for each of the past eight quarters ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. This quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the Consolidated Financial Statements and includes all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information for the periods presented.

 

     Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015  
     Quarter Ending  
     March 31      June 30      September 30      December 31  

Revenue - net

   $ 115,292       $ 443,543       $ 1,458,653       $ 3,312,763   

Gross profit

     (97,584      278,957         585,136         3,116,411   

Net income (loss)

     (9,714,471      (6,126,218      (4,580,255      2,213,781   

Basic and diluted net income per share

   $ (1.33    $ (0.85    $ (0.61    $ 0.33   
     Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014  
     Quarter Ending  
     March 31      June 30      September 30      December 31  

Revenue - net

   $ 566,086       $ 348,264       $ 120,046       $ 288,486   

Gross profit

     446,481         290,379         93,020         245,915   

Net income (loss)

     (9,798,757      (4,015,881      (7,415,124      (5,243,352

Basic and diluted net income per share

   $ (1.44    $ (0.60    $ (1.08    $ (0.72

NOTE U – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note Purchase Agreement

On March 18, 2015 we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (“Note”) with Epsilon Acquisitions, LLC (“Epsilon”). Pursuant to the Note, Epsilon will loan us $3.0 million in two installments of $1.5 million due on March 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016. The Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and matures on March 18, 2017. In Pledge agreements related to the Note, we granted security interests to Epsilon in (a) the 54 million cuotas (at unit of ownership under Panamanian law) of Oceanica Resources S. de R.L. (“Oceanica”) held by our wholly owned subsidiary, Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd. (“OME”), (b) all notes and other receivables from Oceanica and its subsidiary owed to us, and (c) all of the outstanding equity in OME. At any time after Epsilon has advanced the full $3.0 million to us, Epsilon has the right to convert all amounts outstanding under the Note into shares of our common stock upon 75 days’ notice to us or upon a merger, consolidation, third party tender offer, or similar transaction relating to us at the conversion price of $5.00 per share, which represents the five-day volume-weighted average price of Odyssey’s common stock for the five trading day period ending on March 17, 2016. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, the conversion price will be reduced to $2.50 per share. Following any conversion of the indebtedness, Penelope Mining LLC, (an affiliate of Epsilon) (“Penelope”), may elect to reduce its commitment to purchase preferred stock of Odyssey under the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015 (as amended, the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), among Odyssey, Penelope, and Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (“Minosa”) by the amount of indebtedness converted.

 

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Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement (a) we agreed to waive our rights to terminate the Stock Purchase Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof until December 31, 2016, and (b) Minosa agreed to extend, until December 31, 2016, the maturity date of the $14.75 million loan extended by Minosa to OME pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement. The obligations under the Note may be accelerated upon the occurrence of specified events of default including (t) OME’s failure to pay any amount payable under the Note on the date due and payable; (u) OME or we fail to perform or observe any term, covenant, or agreement in the Note or the related documents, subject to a five-day cure period; (v) an event of default or material breach by OME, us or any of our affiliates under any of the other loan documents shall have occurred and all grace periods, if any, applicable thereto shall have expired; (w) the Stock Purchase Agreement shall have been terminated; (x) specified dissolution, liquidation, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar cases or actions are commenced by or against OME or any of its subsidiaries, in specified circumstances unless dismissed or stayed within 60 days; (y) the entry of judgment or award against OME or any of its subsidiaries in excess or $100,000; and (z) a change in control (as defined in the Note) occurs.

In connection with the execution and delivery of the Note Purchase Agreement, we and Epsilon entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which we agreed to register new shares of our common stock with a formal registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission upon the conversion of the indebtedness evidenced by the Note.

 

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SCHEDULE II – VALUATION and QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the Fiscal Years of 2013, 2014 and 2015

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

     Balance at
Beginning
of Year
     Charged
(Credited)
to Expenses
     Charged
(Credited)
to Other
Accounts
    Deductions     Balance at
End of
Year
 

Inventory reserve

            

2013

     367,558         3,774         —          —          371,332   

2014

     371,332         —           —          —          371,332   

2015

     371,332         —           (251,023     (120,309     —     

Accounts receivable reserve

            

2013

     4,820,593         500,000         —          189,000        5,131,593   

2014

     5,131,593         —           —          500,000        4,631,593   

2015

     4,631,593         —           (2,315,796     —          2,315,797   

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunder duly authorized.

 

      ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
Dated: March 30, 2016     By:  

/S/ Mark D. Gordon

      Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

SIGNATURE

  

TITLE

 

DATE

/S/ MARK D. GORDON

Mark D. Gordon

  

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  March 30, 2016

/S/ Philip S. Devine

Philip S. Devine

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

  March 30, 2016

/S/ John D. Longley

John D. Longley

   Chief Operating Officer   March 30, 2016

/S/ JAY A. NUDI

Jay A. Nudi

  

Treasurer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

  March 30, 2016

/S/ Gregory P. Stemm

Gregory P. Stemm

   Chairman of the Board   March 30, 2016

/S/ John C. Abbott

John C. Abbott

   Director   March 30, 2016

/S/ DAVID J. SAUL

David J. Saul

   Director   March 30, 2016

/S/ James S. Pignatelli

James S. Pignatelli

   Director   March 30, 2016

/S/ JON D. SAWYER

Jon D. Sawyer

   Director   March 30, 2016

/S/ Mark B. Justh

Mark B. Justh

   Lead Director   March 30, 2016

 

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EXHIBITS INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

    3.1

   Articles of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended February 28, 2001)

    3.2

   Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated February 28, 2006)

    3.3

   Certificate of Amendment filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on June 6, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed June 7, 2011)

  10.1

   Partnering Agreement Memorandum Concerning the Shipwreck of HMS Sussex, dated September 27, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB For the quarter ended August 31, 2002)

  10.2*

   2005 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated August 3, 2005)

  10.3

   Shipwreck Project Agreement with Gault Resources LLC dated February 11, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K For the year ended December 31, 2010)

  10.4

   Securities Purchase Agreement dated November 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2011)

  10.5

   Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated November 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2011)

  10.6

   Registration Rights Agreement dated November 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed November 9, 2011)

  10.7

   Amendment Agreement dated April 25, 2012, to the Securities Purchase Agreement dated November 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2012)

  10.8*

   Employment Agreement dated August 7, 2014, between the Company and Mark D. Gordon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014)

  10.9**

   Loan Agreement dated August 14, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed February 27, 2015)

  10.10**

   Promissory Note dated August 14, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed February 27, 2015)

  10.11*

   2015 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated January 2, 2015)

  10.12

   Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 11, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2015)

  10.13

   Promissory Note dated March 11, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2015)

  10.14

   Pledge Agreement dated March 11, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2015)

  10.15

   Amendment No. 1 to Stock Purchase Agreement dated April 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated April 15, 2015)

  10.16

   Amendment No. 1 to Promissory Note dated April 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated April 15, 2015)

  10.17

   Amendment No. 1 to Pledge Agreement dated April 10, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated April 15, 2015)

  10.18

   Transition Agreement dated June 9, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2015)

  10.19

   Amendment No. 2 to Promissory Note dated October 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated October 5, 2015)

  10.20

   Promissory Note dated October 30, 2015(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 5, 2015)

 

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  10.21

   Acquisition Agreement dated December 10, 2015 (filed herewith electronically)

  10.22

   Amendment to Promissory Notes dated December 10, 2015 (filed herewith electronically)

  10.23

   Amendment No. 3 to Promissory Note dated December 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016)

  10.24

   Consulting Agreement dated December 10, 2015, between the Company and Gregory P. Stemm (filed herewith electronically)

  10.25

   Convertible Promissory Note dated March 18, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016)

  10.26

   Note Purchase Agreement dated March 18, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016)

  10.27

   Amendment No. 4 to Promissory Note dated March 18, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016)

  10.28

   Waiver to SPA regarding Bridge Loan dated March 18, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 18, 2016)

  21.1

   Subsidiaries of the Registrant

  23.1

   Consent of Ferlita, Walsh, Gonzalez & Rodriguez, P.A., Independent Accountants (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)

101.1

   XBRL Interactive Data File

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan.
** Portions of these exhibits have been omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request. The omitted information has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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