ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION INC - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ | Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021.
or
☐ | Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 001-31895
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 84-1018684 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
205 S. Hoover Blvd., Suite 210, Tampa, FL 33609
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(813) 876-1776
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Trading Symbols(s) |
Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value | OMEX | NASDAQ Capital Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES ☒ NO ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one).
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ | |||
Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the exchange act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of outstanding shares of the registrants Common Stock, $.0001 par value, as of April 30, 2021 was 13,023,330.
Page No. | ||||||
Part I: |
Financial Information |
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Item 1. |
Financial Statements: |
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3 | ||||||
4 | ||||||
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity / (Deficit) |
5 | |||||
6 | ||||||
7 31 | ||||||
Item 2. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
32 43 | ||||
Item 3. |
43 | |||||
Item 4. |
43 | |||||
Part II: |
Other Information |
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Item 1. |
43 | |||||
Item 1A. |
44 | |||||
Item 2. |
44 | |||||
Item 4. |
44 | |||||
Item 6. |
45 | |||||
45 |
2
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited March 31, 2021 |
December 31, 2020 |
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ASSETS |
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CURRENT ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 5,234,822 | $ | 6,163,205 | ||||
Accounts receivable and other, net |
220,991 | 160,257 | ||||||
Other current assets |
500,242 | 587,394 | ||||||
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Total current assets |
5,956,055 | 6,910,856 | ||||||
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PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT |
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Equipment and office fixtures |
7,295,717 | 7,295,717 | ||||||
Right to use operating lease, net |
571,860 | 607,039 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(7,289,832 | ) | (7,287,999 | ) | ||||
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Total property and equipment |
577,745 | 614,757 | ||||||
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NON-CURRENT ASSETS |
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Investment in unconsolidated entity |
2,627,117 | 2,370,794 | ||||||
Exploration license |
1,821,251 | 1,821,251 | ||||||
Other non-current assets |
41,806 | 41,806 | ||||||
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Total non-current assets |
4,490,174 | 4,233,851 | ||||||
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Total assets |
$ | 11,023,974 | $ | 11,759,464 | ||||
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY/(DEFICIT) |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES |
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Accounts payable |
$ | 1,173,775 | $ | 1,463,668 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
23,779,961 | 21,174,005 | ||||||
Operating lease obligation |
147,141 | 142,080 | ||||||
Loans payable |
30,008,556 | 31,104,239 | ||||||
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Total current liabilities |
55,109,433 | 53,883,992 | ||||||
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LONG-TERM LIABILITIES |
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Loans payable |
12,146,029 | 11,489,029 | ||||||
Operating lease obligation |
440,237 | 478,966 | ||||||
Deferred income and revenue participation rights |
3,818,750 | 3,818,750 | ||||||
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Total long-term liabilities |
16,405,016 | 15,786,745 | ||||||
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Total liabilities |
71,514,449 | 69,670,737 | ||||||
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Commitments and contingencies (NOTE H) |
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STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY/(DEFICIT) |
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Preferred stock - $.0001 par value; 24,984,166 shares authorized; none outstanding |
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Common stock $.0001 par value; 75,000,000 shares authorized; 13,023,330 and 12,591,084 issued and outstanding |
1,302 | 1,259 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
240,049,578 | 237,505,357 | ||||||
Accumulated (deficit) |
(268,854,680 | ) | (265,134,462 | ) | ||||
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Total stockholders equity/(deficit) before non-controlling interest |
(28,803,800 | ) | (27,627,846 | ) | ||||
Non-controlling interest |
(31,686,675 | ) | (30,283,427 | ) | ||||
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Total stockholders equity/(deficit) |
(60,490,475 | ) | (57,911,273 | ) | ||||
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity/(deficit) |
$ | 11,023,974 | $ | 11,759,464 | ||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - Unaudited
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||
REVENUE |
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Marine services |
$ | 35,354 | $ | 711,120 | ||||
Operating and other |
256,322 | 294,391 | ||||||
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Total revenue |
291,676 | 1,005,511 | ||||||
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OPERATING EXPENSES |
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Marketing, general and administrative |
1,291,614 | 1,397,385 | ||||||
Operations and research |
1,797,437 | 2,456,164 | ||||||
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Total operating expenses |
3,089,051 | 3,853,549 | ||||||
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INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS |
(2,797,375 | ) | (2,848,038 | ) | ||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) |
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Interest expense |
(2,380,476 | ) | (1,335,618 | ) | ||||
Loss in hybrid-instrument fair value |
| (203,115 | ) | |||||
Other |
54,385 | 42,049 | ||||||
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Total other income (expense) |
(2,326,091 | ) | (1,496,684 | ) | ||||
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(LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES |
(5,123,466 | ) | (4,344,722 | ) | ||||
Income tax benefit (provision) |
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NET (LOSS) BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST |
(5,123,466 | ) | (4,344,722 | ) | ||||
Non-controlling interest |
1,403,248 | 1,446,746 | ||||||
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NET (LOSS) |
$ | (3,720,218 | ) | $ | (2,897,976 | ) | ||
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NET (LOSS) PER SHARE |
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Basic and diluted (See NOTE B) |
$ | (0.29 | ) | $ | (0.30 | ) | ||
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
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Basic |
12,610,924 | 9,517,664 | ||||||
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Diluted |
12,610,924 | 9,517,664 | ||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY / (DEFICIT) - Unaudited
Three-month Period Ended March 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional Paid- in Capital |
Accumulated Deficit |
Non-controlling Interest |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2020 |
$ | 1,259 | $ | 237,505,357 | $ | (265,134,462 | ) | $ | (30,283,427 | ) | $ | (57,911,273 | ) | |||||||
Share-based compensation |
1 | 281,687 | 281,688 | |||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for converted convertible debt |
41 | 1,448,656 | 1,448,697 | |||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued for services |
1 | 99,999 | 100,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Sale of subsidiary equity |
713,879 | 713,879 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) |
(3,720,218 | ) | (1,403,248 | ) | (5,123,466 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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March 31, 2021 |
$ | 1,302 | $ | 240,049,578 | $ | (268,854,680 | ) | $ | (31,686,675 | ) | $ | (60,490,475 | ) | |||||||
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Three-month Period Ended March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional Paid- in Capital |
Accumulated Deficit |
Non-controlling Interest |
Total | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 |
$ | 948 | $ | 221,027,057 | $ | (250,322,307 | ) | $ | (24,003,114 | ) | $ | (53,297,416 | ) | |||||||
Share-based compensation |
6 | 383,758 | 383,764 | |||||||||||||||||
Fair value of warrants issued |
796,812 | 796,812 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) |
(2,897,976 | ) | (1,446,746 | ) | (4,344,722 | ) | ||||||||||||||
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March 31, 2020 |
$ | 954 | $ | 222,207,627 | $ | (253,220,283 | ) | $ | (25,449,860 | ) | $ | (56,461,562 | ) | |||||||
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Unaudited
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2021 |
March 31, 2020 |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
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Net loss before non-controlling interest |
$ | (5,123,466 | ) | $ | (4,344,722 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used) by operating activities: |
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Investment in unconsolidated entity |
(256,323 | ) | | |||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,833 | 2,760 | ||||||
Note payable interest accretion |
(45,204 | ) | (54,890 | ) | ||||
Financed lender fee amortization |
28,982 | 8,511 | ||||||
Right of use amortization |
35,179 | 32,063 | ||||||
Share-based compensation |
281,687 | 105,162 | ||||||
Change in derivative liability fair value |
| 203,115 | ||||||
(Increase) decrease in: |
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Accounts receivable |
(60,734 | ) | (201,013 | ) | ||||
Other assets |
87,152 | 46,862 | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in: |
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Accounts payable |
389,674 | 676,166 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other |
3,230,064 | 2,019,293 | ||||||
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NET CASH (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
(1,431,156 | ) | (1,506,693 | ) | ||||
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CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
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Purchase of property and equipment |
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NET CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
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Proceeds from issuance of notes payable |
| 1,869,677 | ||||||
Operating lease liability reduction |
(33,668 | ) | (29,127 | ) | ||||
Sale of subsidiary equity |
713,879 | | ||||||
Repayment of debt obligations |
(177,438 | ) | (109,958 | ) | ||||
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NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
502,773 | 1,730,592 | ||||||
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NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH |
(928,383 | ) | 223,899 | |||||
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
6,163,205 | 213,389 | ||||||
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CASH AT END OF PERIOD |
$ | 5,234,822 | $ | 437,288 | ||||
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: |
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Interest paid |
$ | | $ | | ||||
Income taxes paid |
$ | | $ | | ||||
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS: |
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Director compensation settled with equity |
$ | 100,000 | $ | 278,602 | ||||
Accrued interest settled with common stock |
$ | 34,520 | $ | |
Non-Cash Disclosure:
During the quarter ended March 31, 2020, we received $899,277 in non-cash financing pertaining to our Litigation financing as described in Note I: Note 9 Litigation financing. The funder settled a portion of the Companys litigation payables directly with the vendors. Related to this financing, we recorded a debt discount of $796,812 and a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital for the fair value of a certain warrant that was issued to the funder. We also incurred $200,000 of funder financed debt fees associated with this financing during the quarter ended March 31, 2020.
During the three-months ended March 31, 2021, we received $577,539 in non-cash financing associated with our litigation financing as described in Note I: Note 9 Litigation financing. The funder paid this amount directly to vendors used in our NAFTA litigation support.
During March 2021, Epsilon Acquisitions LLC converted indebtedness of $1,448,697 at an exercise price of $3.52 into 411,562 shares of our common stock.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company, Odyssey, us, we or our) have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position as of March 31, 2021 and 2020 and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Operating results for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.
Accounting standards not yet applied
In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The amendments in the update are effective for public business entities that meet the definition of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB specified that an entity should adopt the guidance as of the beginning of its annual fiscal year.
The amendments in ASU No. 2020-06 affect entities that issue convertible instruments and/or contracts in an entitys own equity. For convertible instruments, the instruments primarily affected are those issued with beneficial conversion features or cash conversion features because the accounting models for those specific features are removed. However, all entities that issue convertible instruments are affected by the amendments to the disclosure requirements in the update. For contracts in an entitys own equity, the contracts primarily affected are freestanding instruments and embedded features that are accounted for as derivatives under the current guidance because of failure to meet the settlement conditions of the derivatives scope exception related to certain requirements of the settlement assessment. The FASB simplified the settlement assessment by removing the requirements (1) to consider whether the contract would be settled in registered shares, (2) to consider whether collateral is required to be posted, and (3) to assess shareholder rights. Those amendments also affect the assessment of whether an embedded conversion feature in a convertible instrument qualifies for the derivatives scope exception. Additionally, the amendments in the update affect the diluted EPS calculation for instruments that may be settled in cash or shares and for convertible instruments. The Company has not elected early adoption of this ASU No. 2020-06 at this time.
On October 31, 2018, the SEC adopted a final rule (New Final Rule) that will replace SEC Industry Guide 7 with new disclosure requirements that are more closely aligned with current industry and global regulatory practices and standards, including NI 43-101. Companies must comply with the New Final Rule for the companys annual filing for first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. Although early voluntary compliance with the New Final Rule is permitted, the Company has not elected early adoption of the New Final Rule at this time.
Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, the AICPA and the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material effect, if any, on the Companys financial statements.
NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
This summary of significant accounting policies of the Company is presented to assist in understanding our consolidated financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Companys 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, both domestic and international. Equity investments in which we exercise significant influence but do not control and of which we are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. All significant inter-company and intra-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The results of operations attributable to the non-controlling interest are
7
presented within equity and net income and are shown separately from the Companys equity and net income attributable to the Company. Some of the existing inter-company balances, which are eliminated upon consolidation, include features allowing the liability to be converted into equity of a subsidiary, which if exercised, could increase the direct or indirect interest of the Company in the non-wholly owned subsidiaries.
Use of Estimates
Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could vary from the estimates that were used.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2020 consolidated financial statements in order to conform to the classifications used in 2021. The reclassifications had no impact to operations or working capital.
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable
Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of ASC Topic 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC Topic 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected on behalf of third parties are excluded from revenue.
The Company currently generates revenues from service contracts with customers. Currently, there are two sources of revenue, marine services and other services. The contracts for these services provide research, scientific services, marine operations planning, management execution and project management. These services are billed generally on a monthly basis and recognized as revenue as the services are performed. Revenue is recognized at a point in time as services are provided, as the customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided by the Company each month. The Company generally does not receive any upfront consideration for these services, and there is no variable consideration for the services. Costs associated with both services include all direct consulting labor, and minimal supplies, and is charged to operations as a component of Operations and Research.
Accounts receivable are based on amounts billed to customers. Generally accepted accounting principles state an estimate is to be made for an allowance for doubtful accounts. We have determined no allowance is currently necessary. If we were to have a recorded allowance, the accounts receivable would be stated net of the recorded allowance.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and cash in banks. We also consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Exploration License
The Company follows the guidance pursuant to ASU 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other in accounting for its Exploration License (see NOTE E). Management determined the rights to use the license to have an indefinite life. This assessment is based on the historical success of renewing the license since 2006, and the fact that management believes there are no legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that would limit the useful life of the asset. The exploration license is not dependent on another asset or group of assets that could potentially limit the useful life of the exploration license. In the future, the recoverability of the license will be tested whenever circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable per the guidance of the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) for topic 360 for Property, Plant and Equipment.
8
Long-Lived Assets
Our policy is to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with the ASC 360 Property, Plant and Equipment. Decisions are based on several factors, including, but not limited to, managements plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows. Impairment losses are included in depreciation at the time of impairment. We did not have any impairments in 2021 or 2020.
Property and Equipment and Depreciation
Property and equipment is stated at historical cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method at rates based on the assets estimated useful lives which are normally between three and thirty years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over their estimated useful lives or lease term, if shorter. Items that may require major overhauls (such as marine equipment) that enhance or extend the useful life of these assets qualify to be capitalized and depreciated over the useful life or remaining life of that asset, whichever was shorter. All other repairs and maintenance were accounted for under the direct-expensing method and are expensed when incurred.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In periods when the Company has income, the Company would calculate basic earnings per share using the two-class method, if required, pursuant to ASC 260 Earnings Per Share. The two-class method was required effective with the issuance of certain senior convertible notes in the past because these notes qualified as a participating security, giving the holder the right to receive dividends should dividends be declared on common stock. Under the two-class method, earnings for a period are allocated on a pro rata basis to the common stockholders and to the holders of convertible notes based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and number of shares that could be issued upon conversion. The Company does not use the two-class method in periods when it generates a loss because the holder of the convertible notes does not participate in losses. Currently, we do not have any outstanding convertible notes that qualify as a participating security.
Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive securities and other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in our earnings. We use the if-converted method to compute potential common shares from stock options, restricted stock units, warrants, preferred stock, convertible notes or other convertible securities. For diluted earnings per share, the Company uses the more dilutive of the if-converted method or two-class method. When a net loss occurs, potential common shares have an anti-dilutive effect on earnings per share and such shares are excluded from the diluted EPS calculation.
For the three-months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the weighted average common shares outstanding year-to-date were 12,610,924 and 9,517,664, respectively. For the periods in which net losses occurred, all potential common shares were excluded from diluted EPS because the effect of including such shares would be anti-dilutive.
The potential common shares in the following tables represent potential common shares calculated using the if-converted method from outstanding options, stock awards and warrants that were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||
Average market price during the period |
$ | 7.30 | $ | 3.81 | ||||
In the money potential common shares from options excluded |
22,493 | 22,493 | ||||||
In the money potential common shares from warrants excluded |
3,481,314 | 120,000 |
Potential common shares from out of the money options and warrants were also excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because calculation of the associated potential common shares has an anti-dilutive effect on EPS. The following table lists options and warrants that were excluded from diluted EPS:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
Per share exercise price |
March 31, 2020 | March 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
Out of the money options excluded: |
||||||||||||
$ | 12.48 | 136,833 | 136,833 | |||||||||
$ | 12.84 | 4,167 | 4,167 | |||||||||
$ | 26.40 | 75,158 | 75,158 |
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Out-of-the-money warrants excluded: |
||||||||||||
$ | 3.99 | | 426,065 | |||||||||
$ | 5.76 | | 196,135 | |||||||||
$ | 7.16 | | 700,000 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total excluded |
|
216,158 | 1,538,358 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
The common shares relating to our unvested restricted stock awards that were excluded from potential common shares in the earning per share calculation due to having an anti-dilutive effect are:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||
Potential common shares from unvested restricted stock awards excluded from EPS |
447,164 | 343,353 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in computing basic and diluted net income per share:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | |||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | (3,720,218 | ) | $ | (2,897,976 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Numerator, basic and diluted net income (loss) available to stockholders |
$ | (3,720,218 | ) | $ | (2,897,976 | ) | ||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Denominator: |
||||||||
Shares used in computation basic: |
||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding |
12,610,924 | 9,517,664 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Common shares outstanding for basic |
12,610,924 | 9,517,664 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Shares used in computation diluted: |
||||||||
Common shares outstanding for basic |
12,610,924 | 9,517,664 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Shares used in computing diluted net income per share |
12,610,924 | 9,517,664 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net (loss) per share basic |
$ | (0.29 | ) | $ | (0.30 | ) | ||
Net (loss) per share diluted |
$ | (0.29 | ) | $ | (0.30 | ) |
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 J).
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.
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Derivative financial instruments consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying variables (e.g., interest rate, security price or other variable), require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets. We generally do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow, market or foreign-currency risks. However, we have entered into certain other financial instruments and contracts with features that are either (i) not afforded equity classification, (ii) embody risks not clearly and closely related to host contracts, or (iii) may be net-cash settled by the counterparty. As required by ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging, these instruments are required to be carried as derivative liabilities, at fair value, in our financial statements with changes in fair value reflected in our income.
We adopted ASC Topic 820 for certain financial instruments measured as fair value on a recurring basis. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, established a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 established a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.
The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). These tiers include:
Fair Value Hierarchy
The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2. Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets), or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices that can be corroborated with observable market data, as well as quoted prices that were adjusted for security-specific restrictions.
Level 3. Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology are significant to the measurement of the fair value of assets or liabilities. Level 3 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices or non-binding broker quotes that we were unable to corroborate with observable market data.
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure through the date this Form 10-Q is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
NOTE C ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND OTHER
Our accounts receivable consist of the following:
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
|||||||
Related party |
220,956 | 160,220 | ||||||
Other |
35 | 37 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total accounts receivable and other |
$ | 220,991 | $ | 160,257 | ||||
|
|
|
|
We perform services for a deep-sea mineral exploration company in which our past Chairman of the Board, Greg Stemm, has a controlling ownership interest (See NOTE D). At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the company owed us $220,956 and $134,452, respectively.
NOTE D RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We currently provide services to a deep-sea mineral exploration company, CIC, which was organized and is majority owned and controlled by Greg Stemm, Odysseys past Chairman of the Board. Mr. Stemms involvement with this company was disclosed to, and approved by, the Odyssey Board of Directors and legal counsel pursuant to the terms of Mr. Stemms consulting
11
agreement at that time. We are providing these services pursuant to a Master Services Agreement that provides for back-office services in exchange for a recurring monthly fee as well as other deep-sea mineral related services on a cost-plus profit basis and will be compensated for these services with a combination of cash and equity in CIC. For the 2021 year to date, we invoiced CIC a total of $291,676, which was for technical and support services. We have the option to accept equity in payment of the amounts due from CIC. See NOTE C for related accounts receivable at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and NOTE F for our investment in an unconsolidated entity.
The above terms and amounts are not necessarily indicative of the terms and amounts that would have been incurred had comparable transactions been entered into with independent parties.
NOTE E EXPLORATION LICENSE
On July 9, 2019 we acquired a 79.9% interest in Bismarck Mining Corporation (PNG) Limited (Bismarck), a Papua New Guinea company that was organized for the purpose of exploring the deep waters off the coast for precious metals. We evaluated the transaction under ASU 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805) and determined that Bismarck did not meet the definition of a business, so the transaction represented an acquisition of assets rather than a business combination. Asset acquisitions do not give rise to goodwill. Rather, the sum of the fair value of the consideration given, together with transaction costs is allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values which were more clearly evident and, thus, more reliably measurable at the date of acquisition under ASC 805-50-30-2 Initial Measurement. In the future, the recoverability will be tested whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable per the guidance of ASC 360-10-35-21 Subsequent Measurement. Management has considered whether any triggering events occurred that would cause impairment. Management did not identify any triggering events thus there is no impairment for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021.
The consideration paid for the asset acquisition consisted of the following:
Fair value of 249,584 common shares issued |
$ | 1,407,653 | ||
Direct transaction costs |
46,113 | |||
|
|
|||
Total consideration paid |
$ | 1,453,766 | ||
|
|
The consideration was allocated as follows:
Intangible asset- exploration license rights |
$ | 1,821,251 | ||
Current assets |
1,748 | |||
Current liabilities |
(3,516 | ) | ||
Less: Non-controlling interest |
(365,717 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Total net assets acquired |
$ | 1,453,766 | ||
|
|
Included in this acquisition are the rights to Bismarcks exploration license, which is renewable every two years. Per ASC 350-30-35-3, management has deemed the rights to this license to have an indefinite life. Determining if the rights to the license has an indefinite or finite life required us to consider the nature of the renewal process and any additional economic factors, if any, required when renewing this license. We currently expect to use and renew the related license indefinitely, and we do not believe there are currently any legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that are expected to limit the useful life of the related exploration license or indicate that the useful life is other than indefinite. The exploration license is also not dependent on, or specifically associated with, another asset or group of assets that would limit the useful life of the intangible asset or indicate that the useful life is other than indefinite. Managements assumptions regarding our ability to successfully renew or extend the exploration license are based on Bismarcks historical experience. Bismarck was established in 2006, and they have historically renewed and extended the exploration license without a lapse in their ability to use the license. The license has also never been revoked. We will not incur significant maintenance costs related to the license. There is an annual fee due of approximately $14,000 to maintain the license. This amount is much less than the carrying amount of the license and the cost is not expected to prohibit continued renewals of the license in the future. Based on all the factors considered above, management believes it is appropriate to assign indefinite useful life to the acquisition of the rights for the exploration license.
NOTE F INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
Neptune Minerals, Inc. (NMI)
Our current investment in NMI consists of 3,092,488 Class B Common non-voting shares and 2,612 Series A Preferred non-voting shares. These preferred shares are convertible into an aggregate of 261,200 shares of Class B non-voting common stock. Our holdings now constitute an approximate 14% ownership in NMI. Our estimated share of unrecognized NMI equity-method losses is approximately $21.3 million. We have not recognized the accumulated $21.3 million in our income statement because these losses exceeded our investment in NMI. Our investment has a carrying value of zero as a result of the recognition of our
12
share of prior losses incurred by NMI under the equity method of accounting. We believe it is appropriate to allocate this loss carryforward of $21.3 million to any incremental NMI investment that may be recognized on our balance sheet in excess of zero because the losses occurred when they were an equity-method investment. The aforementioned loss carryforward is based on NMIs last unaudited financial statements as of December 31, 2016. We do not believe losses NMI may have incurred from the calendar year of 2017 to current day to be material. We do not have any financial obligations to NMI, and we are not committed to provide financial support to NMI.
Although we are a shareholder of NMI, we have no representation on the board of directors or in management of NMI and do not hold any Class A voting shares. We are not involved in the management of NMI nor do we participate in their policy-making. Accordingly, we are not the primary beneficiary of NMI. As of March 31, 2021, the net carrying value of our investment in NMI was zero in our consolidated financial statements.
Chatham Rock Phosphate, Limited.
During 2012, we performed deep-sea mining exploratory services for Chatham Rock Phosphate, Ltd. (CRP) valued at $1,680,000. As payment for these services, CRP issued 9,320,348 ordinary shares to us. During March 2017, Antipodes Gold Limited completed the acquisition of CRP. The surviving entity is now named Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited (CRPL). In exchange for our 9,320,348 shares of CRP we received 141,884 shares of CPRL, which represents equity ownership of approximately 1% of the surviving entity. Since CRP was a thinly traded stock and pursuant to guidance per ASC 320: Debt and Equity Securities regarding readily determinable fair value, we believe it was appropriate to not recognize this amount as an asset nor as revenue during that period. We continue to carry the value of our investment in CPRL at zero in our consolidated financial statements.
CIC LLC
In 2018, we began providing services to CIC LLC (see NOTE D). This company is pursuing deep water mining permits in foreign waters. Due to the initial structure of the company, we determined this venture to be a VIE consistent with ASU 2015-2. We have determined we are not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and, therefore, we have not consolidated this entity. Additionally, we also will record the investment under the cost method as we have determined we do not exercise significant influence over the entity. We will assess our investment for impairment annually and, if a loss in value is deemed other than temporary, an impairment charge will be recorded. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the accumulated investment in the entity was $2,627,117 and $2,370,794, respectively, which is classified as an investment in unconsolidated entity in our consolidated balance sheets.
We account for the investments we make in certain legal entities in which equity investors do not have (1) sufficient equity at risk for the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (2) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have either the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the legal entity that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance, or (3) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the legal entity. These legal entities are referred to as variable interest entities or VIEs.
We would consolidate the results of any such entity in which we determined we had a controlling financial interest. We would have a controlling financial interest in such an entity if we had both the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the VIEs economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses of, or right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. On a quarterly basis, we reassess whether we have a controlling financial interest in any investments we have in these legal entities.
We determine whether any of the entities in which we have made investments is a VIE at the start of each new venture and if a reconsideration event has occurred. At such times, we also consider whether we must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about our involvement in a VIE. A reporting entity must consolidate a VIE if that reporting entity has a variable interest (or combination of variable interests) that will absorb a majority of the VIEs expected losses, receive a majority of the VIEs expected residual returns, or both. A reporting entity must consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests and the relationship of its variable interests with variable interests held by other parties to determine whether its variable interests will absorb a majority of a VIEs expected losses, receive a majority of the VIEs expected residual returns, or both. The reporting entity that consolidates a VIE is called the primary beneficiary of that VIE.
NOTE G - INCOME TAXES
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, we generated a federal net operating loss (NOL) carryforward of $4.2 million and generated $1.4 million of foreign NOL carryforwards. As of March 31, 2021, we had consolidated income tax NOL carryforwards for federal tax purposes of approximately $201.1 million and net operating loss carryforwards for foreign income tax purposes of approximately $63.2 million. The federal NOL carryforwards from 2005 thru 2017 will expire in various years beginning in 2025 and ending through the year 2036.
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Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be recovered or settled. We have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0 at March 31, 2021. As required by the Accounting for Income Taxes topic in the ASC, we have concluded 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 substantial profits from our mining operations and thus a valuation allowance has been recorded as of March 31, 2021. There was no U.S. income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2021 due to the generation of net operating losses.
The increase in the valuation allowance as of March 31, 2021 is due to the generation of approximately $297,142 in net operating loss year-to-date.
The change in the valuation allowance is as follows:
March 31, 2021 |
$ | 69,157,126 | ||
December 31, 2020 |
68,859,984 | |||
|
|
|||
Change in valuation allowance |
$ | 297,142 | ||
|
|
Our estimated annual effective tax rate before the valuation allowance as of March 31, 2021 is 7.99% while our March 31, 2021 effective tax rate is 0.0% because of the full valuation allowance.
We have not recognized a material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and have not recorded any provisions for accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The earliest tax year still subject to examination by a major taxing jurisdiction is 2017.
NOTE H COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
The Company may be subject to a variety of claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. We are not a party to any litigation as a defendant where a loss contingency is required to be reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
Contingency
During March 2016, our Board of Directors approved the grant and issuance of 3.0 million new equity shares of Oceanica Resources, S.R.L. (Oceanica) to two attorneys for their future services. This equity would only be issuable upon the Mexicans government approval and issuance of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for our Mexican subsidiary. All possible grants of new equity shares were approved by the Administrators of Oceanica. We also owe consultants contingent success fees of up to $700,000 upon the approval and issuance of the EIA. The EIA has not been approved as of the date of this report.
Going Concern Consideration
We have experienced several years of net losses and may continue to do so. Our ability to generate net income or positive cash flows for the following twelve months is dependent upon financings, our success in developing and monetizing our interests in mineral exploration entities, generating income from exploration charters, collecting on amounts owed to us, or completing the MINOSA/Penelope equity financing transaction approved by our stockholders on June 9, 2015.
Our 2021 business plan requires us to generate new cash inflows to effectively allow us to perform our planned projects. We continually plan to generate new cash inflows through the monetization of our receivables and equity stakes in seabed mineral companies, financings, syndications or other partnership opportunities. If cash inflow ever becomes insufficient to meet our desired projected business plan requirements, we would be required to follow a contingency business plan that is based on curtailed expenses and fewer cash requirements. On August 21, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 2,553,314 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to 1,901,989 shares of our common stock. The net proceeds received from this sale, after offering expenses of $0.3 million, were $11.3 million (See NOTE J). These proceeds, coupled with the anticipated cash inflows are expected to provide operating funds through early 2022.
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On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Minera del Norte S.A. de c.v. (MINOSA) and Penelope Mining LLC (Penelope), an affiliate of MINOSA, pursuant to which (a) MINOSA agreed to extend short-term, debt financing to Odyssey of up to $14.75 million, and (b) Penelope agreed to invest up to $101 million over three years in convertible preferred stock of Odyssey. The equity financing is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of our stockholders which occurred on June 9, 2015, and MINOSA and Penelope are currently under no obligation to make the preferred share equity investments.
Our consolidated non-restricted cash balance at March 31, 2021 was $5.2 million. We have a working capital deficit at March 31, 2021 of $49.2 million. Our largest loan of $14.75 million from MINOSA had a due date of December 31, 2017 which is now linked to other stipulations, see NOTE I for further detail. The majority of our remaining assets have been pledged to MINOSA, and its affiliates, and to Monaco Financial LLC, leaving us with few opportunities to raise additional funds from our balance sheet. The total consolidated book value of our assets was approximately $11.0 million at March 31, 2021, which includes cash of $5.2 million, and the fair market value of these assets may differ from their net carrying book value. Even though we executed the above noted financing arrangement with Penelope, Penelope must purchase the shares for us to be able to complete the equity component of the transaction. The Penelope equity transaction is heavily dependent on the outcome of our subsidiarys application approval process for an environmental permit (EIA) to commercially develop a mineralized phosphate deposit off the coast of Mexico. The factors noted above raise doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
Lease commitment
In August 2019, we entered into an operating lease for our corporate office space under a non-cancellable lease through August 2024 with monthly payments ranging from $11,789 to $13,269, not including sales tax. The lease provides for annual increases of base rent of 3% until the expiration date. Pursuant to ASC 842, an operating lease right of usage (ROU) asset and liability were recognized in the amount of $590,612 at inception of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the remaining lease term. The ROU asset represents the Companys right to use the underlying office space asset for the lease term, and the lease liability represents the Companys obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Since the implicit rate of interest in the arrangement was not readily determinable, we utilized our incremental borrowing rate of 10% in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives.
At March 31, 2021, the ROU asset and lease obligation were, $421,397 and $433,145, respectively.
The remaining lease payment obligations are as follows:
Year ending December 31, |
Annual payment obligation |
|||
2021 |
111,109 | |||
2022 |
151,965 | |||
2023 |
156,524 | |||
2024 |
92,884 | |||
|
|
|||
$ | 512,482 | |||
|
|
During the third quarter of 2019, we entered into a five-year lease at the location of our corporate office space in Tampa, Florida to support our marine operations. The lease was effective October 1, 2019 and has monthly lease payments ranging from $4,040 to $4,547, not including sales tax, over the five-year term. We are accounting for this lease under ASC 842 which resulted in a right of use asset and lease obligation of $202,424. The discount used in determining the right of use asset was 10%.
At March 31, 2021, the ROU asset and lease obligation were, $150,463 and $154,233, respectively.
The remaining lease payment obligations are as follows:
Year ending December 31, |
Annual payment obligation |
|||
2021 |
37,832 | |||
2022 |
51,827 | |||
2023 |
53,382 | |||
2024 |
40,930 | |||
|
|
|||
$ | 183,971 | |||
|
|
15
We have recognized approximately $41,000 and $54,000 in rent expense associated with these leases for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE I LOANS PAYABLE
The Companys consolidated notes payable consisted of the following carrying values at:
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
|||||||
Note 1 Monaco 2014 |
$ | 2,800,000 | $ | 2,800,000 | ||||
Note 2 Monaco 2016 |
1,175,000 | 1,175,000 | ||||||
Note 3 MINOSA 1 |
14,750,001 | 14,750,001 | ||||||
Note 4 Epsilon |
| 1,000,000 | ||||||
Note 5 SMOM |
3,500,000 | 3,500,000 | ||||||
Note 6 MINOSA 2 |
5,050,000 | 5,050,000 | ||||||
Note 7 Monaco 2018 |
1,099,366 | 1,099,366 | ||||||
Note 8 Promissory note |
1,150,180 | 1,245,863 | ||||||
Note 9 Litigation financing |
11,625,729 | 10,968,729 | ||||||
Note 10 Payroll Protection Program |
370,400 | 370,400 | ||||||
Note 11 Emergency Injury Disaster Loan |
149,900 | 149,900 | ||||||
Note 12 Vendor note payable |
484,009 | 484,009 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$ | 42,154,585 | $ | 42,593,268 | |||||
|
|
|
|
Note 1 Monaco 2014
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 loan was issued in three tranches: (i) $5.0 million (the First Tranche) was advanced upon execution of the Loan Agreement; (ii) $2.5 million (the Second Tranche) was advanced on October 1, 2014; and (iii) $2.5 million (the Third Tranche) was advanced on December 1, 2014. The Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 11% per annum. The Notes also contain an option whereby Monaco can purchase shares of Oceanica held by Odyssey (the Share Purchase Option) at a purchase price that is the lower of (a) $3.15 per share or (b) the price per share of a contemplated equity offering of Oceanica which totals $1.0 million or more in the aggregate. The share purchase option was not clearly and closely related to the host debt agreement and required bifurcation.
On December 10, 2015, these promissory notes were amended as part of the asset acquisition agreement with Monaco (See NOTE R in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the period ended December 31, 2017 for further information). The amendment included the following material changes: (i) $2.2 million of the indebtedness represented by the Notes was extinguished, (ii) $5.0 million of the indebtedness represented by the Notes ceased to bear interest and is only repayable under certain circumstances from certain sources of cash, and (iii) the maturity date on the Notes was extended to December 31, 2017. During March 2016, the maturity date was further extended to April 1, 2018 and the exercise price of the Share Purchase Option was re-priced to $1.00 per share. This indebtedness has matured, but Monaco has not demanded payment because we are in negotiations with Monaco. As of the maturity date, the interest rate was adjusted to the default rate of 18% per annum. See Loan Modification (March 2016) below. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 interest expense in the amount of $141,315 and $142,885, respectively, was recorded. The outstanding interest-bearing balance of these Notes was $2.8 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Note 2 Monaco 2016
In March 2016, Monaco agreed to lend us an additional $1,825,000. These loan proceeds were received in full during the first quarter of 2016. The indebtedness bears interest at 10.0% percent per year. All principal and any unpaid interest were due on April 15, 2018. This indebtedness has matured, but Monaco has not demanded payment because we are in negotiations with Monaco. As of the maturity date, the interest rate was adjusted to the default rate of 18% per annum. The current outstanding balance as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $1,175,000. The indebtedness is convertible at any time until the maturity date into shares of Oceanica held by us at a conversion price of $1.00 per share. Pursuant to this loan and as security for the indebtedness, Monaco was granted a second priority security interest in (a) one-half of the indebtedness evidenced by the Amended and Restated Consolidated Note and Guaranty, dated September 25, 2015 (the ExO Note), in the original principal amount of $18.0 million, issued by Exploraciones Oceanicas S. de R.L. de C.V. to Oceanica Marine Operations, S.R.L. (OMO), and all rights associated therewith (the OMO Collateral); and (b) all technology and assets in our possession or control used for offshore exploration, including an ROV system, deep-tow search systems, winches, multi-beam sonar, and other equipment. The
16
carrying net book value of this equipment is less than $0.1 million. We unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed all obligations of ours and our subsidiaries to Monaco under this loan agreement. As further consideration for the loan, Monaco was granted an option (the Option) to purchase the OMO Collateral. The Option is exercisable at any time before the earlier of (a) the date that is 30 days after the loan is paid in full or (b) the maturity date of the ExO Note, for aggregate consideration of $9.3 million, $1.8 million of which would be paid at the closing of the exercise of the Option, with the balance paid in ten monthly installments of $750,000. During 2017, we sold a marine vessel to a related party of Monaco for $650,000. The consideration for this vessel was applied against our loan balance to Monaco in the amount of $650,000.
Accounting considerations
ASC 815 generally requires the analysis of embedded terms and features that have characteristics of derivatives to be evaluated for bifurcation and separate accounting in instances where their economic risks and characteristics are not clearly and closely related to the risks of the host contract. The option to purchase the OMO Collateral is an embedded feature that is not clearly and closely related to the host debt agreement and thus requires bifurcation. Because the option is out of the money, it has no material fair value as of the inception date or currently. The debt agreement did not contain any additional embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. However, we were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (BCF). The calculation of the effective conversion amount did result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was less than the market price on the date of issuance, therefore a BCF of $456,250 was recorded. This BCF has been fully amortized as of March 31, 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 interest expense in the amount of $65,988 and $66,721, respectively, was recorded.
Loan modification (December 2015)
In connection with the Acquisition Agreement entered into with Monaco on December 10, 2015, Monaco agreed to modify certain terms of the loans as partial consideration for the purchase of assets. For the First Tranche ($5,000,000 advanced on August 14, 2014), Monaco agreed to cease interest as of December 10, 2015 and reduce the loan balance by (i) the cash or other value received from the SS Central America shipwreck project (SSCA) or (ii) if the proceeds received from the SSCA project were insufficient to pay off the loan balance by December 31, 2017, then Monaco could seek repayment of the remaining outstanding balance on the loan by withholding Odysseys 21.25% additional consideration in new shipwreck projects performed for Monaco in the future. For the Second Tranche ($2,500,000 advanced on October 1, 2014), Monaco agreed to reduce the principal amount by $2,200,000 leaving a new principal balance of $300,000 and extension of maturity to December 31, 2017. For the Third Tranche ($2,500,000 advanced on December 1, 2014), Monaco agreed to the extension of maturity to December 31, 2017.
On December 10, 2015, the Monaco call option related to the Oceanica shares held by us was extended until December 31, 2017.
Loan modification (March 2016)
In connection with the $1.825 million loan agreement with Monaco in March 2016, the existing $2.8 million notes were modified. Of the combined total indebtedness of Monacos Note 1 and Note 2, Monaco can convert this debt into 3,174,603 shares of Oceanica at a fixed conversion price of $1.00 per share, or $3,174,603. Any remaining debt in excess of $3,174,603 is not convertible. Additionally, the modification eliminated Monacos option (share purchase option) to purchase 3,174,603 shares of Oceanica stock at a price of $3.15 per share. The modification was analyzed under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (ASC 480) to determine if extinguishment accounting was applicable. Under ASC 470-50-40-10 a modification or an exchange that adds or eliminates a substantive conversion option as of the conversion date is always considered substantial and requires extinguishment accounting. Since this modification added a substantive conversion option, extinguishment accounting is applicable. In accordance with the extinguishment accounting guidance (a) the share purchase option was first marked to its pre-modification fair value, (b) the new debt was recorded at fair value and (c) the old debt and share purchased option was removed. The difference between the fair value of the new debt and the sum of the pre-modification carrying amount of the old debt and the share purchase options fair value represented a gain on extinguishment. ASC 470-50-40-2 indicates that debt restructuring with a related party may be in essence a capital transaction and as a result the gain of $1.2 million was recognized in additional paid in capital upon extinguishment.
Note 3 MINOSA
On March 11, 2015, in connection with a Stock Purchase Agreement, Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (MINOSA) agreed to lend us up to $14.75 million. The entire $14.75 million was loaned in five advances from March 11 through June 30, 2015. The outstanding indebtedness bears interest at 8.0% percent per annum. The Promissory Note was amended on April 10, 2015 and on October 1, 2015 so that, unless otherwise converted as provided in the Note, the adjusted principal balance shall be due and payable in full upon written demand by MINOSA; provided that MINOSA agreed that it shall not demand payment of the adjusted principal balance earlier than the first to occur of: (i) 30 days after the date on which (x) SEMARNAT makes a determination with respect to the current application for the Manifestacion de Impacto Ambiental relating to phosphate deposit project, which determination
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is other than an approval or (y) Odyssey Marine Enterprises or any of its affiliates withdraws such application without MINOSAs prior written consent; (ii) termination by Odyssey of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 11, 2015 (the Purchase Agreement), among Odyssey, MINOSA, and Penelope Mining, LLC (the Investor); (iii) the occurrence of an event of default under the Promissory Note; (iv) December 31, 2015; or (v) if and only if the Investor shall have terminated the Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(iii) thereof, March 30, 2016. This indebtedness is classified as short-term debt. In connection with the loans, we granted MINOSA an option to purchase our 54% interest in Oceanica for $40.0 million (the Oceanica Call Option). On March 11, 2016, the Oceanica Call has expired. Completion of the transaction requires amending the Companys articles of incorporation to (a) effect a reverse stock split, which was implemented on February 19, 2016, (b) adjusting the Companys authorized capitalization, which was also implemented on February 19, 2016, and (c) establishing a classified board of directors (collectively, the Amendments). The Amendments have been or will be set forth in certificates of amendment to the Companys 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 Companys 54% interest in Oceanica. The outstanding principal balance of this debt was $14.75 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The maturity date of this indebtedness has been amended and matured on March 18, 2017. Per Note 6 MINOSA 2 below, the Minosa Purchase Agreement amended the due date of this note to a due date which may be no earlier than December 31, 2017, that is at least 60 days subsequent to written notice that Minosa intends to demand payment. See Note 6 MINOSA 2 for further qualifications. During December 2017, MINOSA transferred this debt to its parent company. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and, 2020, interest expense in the amount of $290,959 and $294,191, respectively, was recorded.
Accounting considerations
We have accounted for this transaction as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (ASC 480), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815) and ASC 320 Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC 320).
This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. The Oceanica Call Option is considered a freestanding financial instrument because it is both (i) legally detachable and (ii) separately exercisable. The Oceanica Call Option did not fall under the guidance of ASC 480. Additionally, it did not meet the definition of a derivative under ASC 815 because the option has a fixed value of $40.0 million and does not contain an underlying variable which is indicative of a derivative. This instrument is considered an option contract for a sale of an asset. The guidance applied in this case is ASC 360-20, which provides that in situations when a party lends funds to a seller and is given an option to buy the property at a certain date in the future, the loan shall be recorded at its present value using market interest rates and any excess of the proceeds over that amount credited to an option deposit account. If the option is exercised, the deposit shall be included as part of the sales proceeds; if not exercised, it shall be credited to income in the period in which the option lapses.
Based on the previous conclusions, we allocated the cash proceeds first to the debt at its present value using a market rate of 15%, which is managements estimate of a market rate loan for the Company, with the residual allocated to the Oceanica Call Option, as follows:
Tranche 1 | Tranche 2 | Tranche 3 | Tranche 4 | Tranche 5 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Promissory Note |
$ | 1,932,759 | $ | 5,826,341 | $ | 2,924,172 | $ | 1,960,089 | $ | 1,723,492 | $ | 14,366,853 | ||||||||||||
Deferred Income (Oceanica Call Option) |
67,241 | 173,659 | 75,828 | 39,911 | 26,509 | 383,148 | ||||||||||||||||||
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Proceeds |
$ | 2,000,000 | $ | 6,000,000 | $ | 3,000,000 | $ | 2,000,000 | $ | 1,750,0001 | $ | 14,750,001 | ||||||||||||
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The call option amount of $383,148 represented a debt discount. This discount has been fully accreted up to face value using the effective interest method.
Note 4 Epsilon
On March 18, 2016 we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (Purchase Agreement) with Epsilon Acquisitions LLC (Epsilon). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, Epsilon loaned us $3.0 million in two installments of $1.5 million on March 31, 2016 and April 30, 2016. The indebtedness bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and was due on March 18, 2017. We were also responsible for $50,000 of the lenders out of pocket costs. This amount is included in the loan balance. In pledge agreements related to the loans, we granted security interests to Epsilon in (a) the 54 million cuotas (a unit of ownership under Panamanian law) of Oceanica Resources S. de R.L. (Oceanica) held by our wholly owned subsidiary, Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd. (OME), (b) all notes and other receivables from Oceanica and its subsidiary owed to the Odyssey Pledgors, and (c) all of the outstanding equity in OME. Epsilon has the right to convert the outstanding indebtedness into shares of our common stock upon 75 days notice to us or upon a merger, consolidation, third party tender offer, or similar transaction relating to us at the conversion price of $5.00 per share, which represents the five-day volume-weighted average price of Odysseys common stock for the five trading day period ending on March 17, 2016. On January 25, 2017, Epsilon provided notice to us that it would convert the initial $3.0 million plus accrued interest per the Restated Note Purchase Agreement at $5.00 per share in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The conversion and issuance of new shares was effective April 10, 2017 and included accrued interest of $302,274 for
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a total 670,455 shares. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, the conversion price was to be reduced to $2.50 per share. Following any conversion of the indebtedness, Penelope Mining LLC (an affiliate of Epsilon) (Penelope), may elect to reduce its commitment to purchase preferred stock of Odyssey under the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015 (as amended, the Stock Purchase Agreement), among Odyssey, Penelope, and Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (MINOSA) by the amount of indebtedness converted.
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (a) we agreed to waive our rights to terminate the Stock Purchase Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof until December 31, 2016, and (b) MINOSA agreed to extend, until March 18, 2017, the maturity date of the $14.75 million loan extended by MINOSA to OME pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement. The indebtedness may be accelerated upon the occurrence of specified events of default including (a) OMEs failure to pay any amount payable on the date due and payable; (b) OME or we fail to perform or observe any term, covenant, or agreement in the Purchase Agreement or the related documents, subject to a five-day cure period; (c) an event of default or material breach by OME, us or any of our affiliates under any of the other loan documents shall have occurred and all grace periods, if any, applicable thereto shall have expired; (d) the Stock Purchase Agreement shall have been terminated; (e) specified dissolution, liquidation, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar cases or actions are commenced by or against OME or any of its subsidiaries, in specified circumstances unless dismissed or stayed within 60 days; (f) the entry of judgment or award against OME or any of its subsidiaries in excess or $100,000; and (g) a change in control (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) occurs.
In connection with the execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement, we and Epsilon entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which we agreed to register new shares of our common stock with a formal registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission upon the conversion of the indebtedness.
Accounting considerations
We have accounted for this transaction as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated the transaction for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (ASC 480), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815) and ASC 320 Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC 320).
This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. However, we were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (BCF). The calculation of the effective conversion amount did result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was less than the Companys stock price on the date of issuance, therefore a BCF of $96,000 was recorded. The BCF represents a debt discount which was amortized over the life of the loan.
Loan modification (October 1, 2016)
On October 1, 2016 Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd. (OME), entered into an Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (the Restated Note Purchase Agreement) with Epsilon Acquisitions LLC (Epsilon). In connection with the existing $3.0 million loan agreement, Epsilon agreed to lend an additional $3.0 million evidenced by secured convertible promissory notes. The convertible promissory notes bear an interest rate of 10.0% per annum and are due and payable on March 18, 2017. Epsilon has the right to convert all amounts outstanding under the Restated Note into shares of our common stock upon 75 days notice to OME or upon a merger, consolidation, third party tender offer, or similar transaction relating to us at the applicable conversion price, which is (a) $5.00 per share with respect to the $3.0 million already advanced under the Restated Note and (b) with respect to additional advances under the Restated Note, the five-day volume-weighted average price of our common stock for the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date on which OME submits a borrowing notice for such advance. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, we shall not issue any of our common stock upon conversion of any outstanding tranche (other than the first $3.0 million already advanced) under this Restated Note in excess of 1,388,769 shares of common stock. The additional tranches were issued as follows: (a) $1,000,000 (Tranche 3) was issued on October 16, 2016 with a conversion price of $3.52 per share; (b) $1,000,000 (Tranche 4) was issued on November 15, 2016 with a conversion price of $4.19 per share; and (c) $1,000,000 (Tranche 5) was issued on December 15, 2016 with a conversion price of $4.13 per share. During 2017, Epsilon assigned Tranche 4 and 5 totaling $2,000,000 of this debt to MINOSA under the same terms as the original debt. See Note MINOSA 2 below for further detail. On March 30, 2021, Epsilon converted the aggregate indebtedness related to Tranche 3 totaling $1,448,697 into 411,562 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.52 per share.
As an inducement for the issuance of the additional $3.0 million of promissory notes, we also delivered to Epsilon a common stock purchase warrant (the Warrant) pursuant to which Epsilon has the right to purchase up to 120,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.52 per share, which exercise price represents the five-day volume-weighted average price of our common stock for the five trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the day on which the Warrant was issued. Epsilon may exercise the Warrant in whole or in part at any time during the period ending October 1, 2021. The Warrant includes a cashless exercise feature and provides that, if Epsilon is in default of its obligations to fund any advance pursuant to and in accordance with the Restated Note Purchase Agreement, then, thereafter, the maximum aggregate number of shares of common
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stock that may be purchased under the Warrant shall be the number determined by multiplying 120,000 by a fraction, (a) the numerator of which is the aggregate principal amount of advances that have been extended to the OME by Epsilon pursuant to the Restated Note Purchase Agreement on or after the date of the Warrant and prior to the date of such failure and (b) the denominator of which is $3.0 million. During November 2020, Epsilon exercised this warrant using the cashless exercise feature. This exercise resulted in the issuance of 56,228 of our common shares and the forfeiture of the right to acquire the remaining 63,772 common shares.
Accounting considerations for additional tranches
We evaluated for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (ASC 480), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815) and ASC 320 Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC 320). This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. Additionally, the warrant agreement did not contain any terms or features that would preclude equity classification. We were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (BCF). The allocations of the three additional tranches were as follows.
Tranche 3 | Tranche 4 | Tranche 5 | ||||||||||
Promissory Note |
$ | 981,796 | $ | 939,935 | $ | 1,000,000 | ||||||
Beneficial Conversion Feature (BCF)* |
18,204 | 60,065 | | |||||||||
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$ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | ||||||
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A beneficial conversion feature arises when the calculation of the effective conversion price is less than the Companys stock price on the date of issuance. Tranche 5 did not result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was greater than the companys stock price on the date of issuance.
The Warrants fair value was calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton (BSM) pricing model. The aggregate fair value of the Warrant totaled $303,712. Because the Warrant was issued as an inducement to Epsilon to issue additional debt, we recorded an inducement expense of $303,712. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 interest expense in the amount of $34,520 and $24,931, respectively, was recorded.
Term Extension (March 21, 2017)
On March 21, 2017 we entered into an amendment to the Restated Note Purchase Agreement with Epsilon. In connection with the existing $6.0 million of indebtedness, the adjusted principal balance is due and payable in full upon the earlier of (i) written demand by Epsilon or (ii) such time as Odyssey or the guarantor pays any other indebtedness for borrowed money prior to its stated maturity date. As such the Company amortized the notes up to their face value of $6,050,000 and they are classified as short-term. However, because Epsilon converted the first $3.0 million into 670,455 of our common shares and assigned $2.0 million to MINOSA, the principal indebtedness at March 31, 2021 was zero and at December 31, 2020 was $1.0 million.
Note 5 SMOM
On May 3, 2017, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (Loan Agreement) with SMOM. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, SMOM agreed to loan us up to $3.0 million as evidenced by a convertible promissory note. As a commitment fee, we assigned the remaining 50% of our Neptune Minerals, LLC receivable to SMOM. This receivable had zero carrying value on our balance sheet and due to the age and collectability was deemed to have no fair value. The indebtedness bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum and matures on the second anniversary of this Loan Agreement which is May 3, 2019. During January 2021, this Loan Agreement was amended by increasing the interest rate to 18%, effective January 1, 2021. On April 20, 2018, the loan was amended, and the principal amount of the Loan was increased to $3.5 million. The loan balance at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $3.5 million. The holder has the option to convert up to $2.0 million of any unpaid principal and interest into up to 50% of the equity interest held by Odyssey in Aldama Mining Company, S.de R.L. de C.V. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of ours. The conversion value of $1.0 million equates to 10% of the equity interest in Aldama. If the holder elects to acquire the entire 50% of the equity interest, the Holder has to pay the deficiency in cash. As additional consideration for the loan, the holder has the right to purchase from Odyssey all or a portion of the equity collateral (up to the 50% of the equity interest of Aldama) for the option consideration ($1.0 million for each 10% of equity interests) during the period that is the later of (i) one year after the maturity date and (ii) one year after the loan is repaid in full, the expiration date. The lender may also choose to extend the expiration date annually by paying $500,000 for each year extended. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $155,343 and $87,260, respectively, was recorded.
Accounting considerations
We have accounted for this transaction as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (ASC 480), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815) and ASC 320 Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC 320).
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This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. However, we were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (BCF). The calculation of the effective conversion amount did not result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was equal to the Companys stock price on the date of issuance.
Note 6 MINOSA 2
On August 10, 2017, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the Minosa Purchase Agreement) with MINOSA. Pursuant to the Minosa Purchase Agreement, MINOSA agreed to loan Enterprises up to $3.0 million. During 2017, we borrowed $2.7 million against this facility and Epsilon assigned $2.0 million of its debt to MINOSA. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal balance, including the Epsilon assignment, was $5.05 million. The indebtedness is evidenced by a secured convertible promissory note (the Minosa Note) and bears interest at a rate equal to 10.0% per annum. Unless otherwise converted as described below, the entire outstanding principal balance under this Minosa Note and all accrued interest and fees are due and payable upon written demand by MINOSA; provided, that MINOSA agreed not make a demand for payment prior to the earlier of (a) an event of default (as defined in the Minosa Note) or (b) a date, which may be no earlier than December 31, 2017, that is at least 60 days subsequent to written notice that MINOSA intends to demand payment. MINOSA has not provided any notice they intend to issue a payment demand notice. We unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed all of the obligations under the Minosa Purchase Agreement and the Minosa Note. MINOSA has the right to convert all amounts outstanding under the Minosa Note into shares of our common stock upon 75 days notice to us or upon a merger, consolidation, third party tender offer, or similar transaction relating to us at the conversion price of $4.41 per share. During December 2017, MINOSA transferred this debt to its parent company.
This debt agreement did not contain any embedded terms or features that have characteristics of derivatives. However, we were required to consider whether the hybrid contract embodied a beneficial conversion feature (BCF). The calculation of the effective conversion amount did result in a BCF because the effective conversion price was less than the Companys stock price on the date of issuance, therefore a BCF of $62,925 was recorded. As of December 31, 2017, all of the BCF has been accreted to the income statement. The BCF represented a debt discount that was amortized over the life of the loan. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $124,520 and $125,903, respectively, was recorded.
As previously reported, Epsilon loaned us an aggregate of $6.0 million pursuant to an amended and restated convertible promissory Minosa Note, dated as of March 18, 2016, as further amended and restated on October 1, 2016 (the Epsilon Note). Since then, Epsilon has assigned $2.0 million of the indebtedness under the Epsilon Note to MINOSA. Along with Epsilon, we entered into a second amended and restated convertible promissory note (the Second AR Epsilon Note), which further amends and restates the Epsilon Note. The stated principal amount of the Second AR Epsilon Note is $1.0 million (which reflects the outstanding principal balance remaining after giving effect to Epsilons (x) previous assignment of $2.0 million of the indebtedness under the Epsilon Note to MINOSA and (y) conversion of $3.0 million of the indebtedness under the Epsilon Note into shares of our common stock). The Second AR Epsilon Note further provides that the outstanding principal balance under the Second AR Epsilon Note and all accrued interest and fees are due and payable upon written demand by Epsilon; provided, that Epsilon agreed not make a demand for payment prior to the earlier of (a) an event of default (as defined in the Second AR Epsilon Note) or (b) a date, which may be no earlier than December 31, 2017, that is at least 60 days subsequent to written notice that MINOSA intends to demand payment.
Upon the closing of the Minosa Purchase Agreement, along with MINOSA, and Penelope Mining LLC, an affiliate of Minosa (Penelope), executed and delivered a Second Amended and Restated Waiver and Consent and Amendment No. 5 to Promissory Note and Amendment No. 2 to Stock Purchase Agreement (the Second AR Waiver). Pursuant to the Second AR Waiver, Minosa and Penelope consented to the transactions contemplated by the Minosa Purchase Agreement and waived any breach of any representation or warranty and violation of any covenant in the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 2015, as amended April 10, 2015 (the SPA), by and among us, Minosa, and Penelope, arising out of the Companys execution and delivery of the Minosa Purchase Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby. Pursuant to the Second AR Waiver, we also waived, and agreed not to exercise our right to terminate the SPA pursuant to Section 8.1(c)(ii) thereto, both (a) until after the earlier of (i) July 1, 2018, (ii) the date that MINOSA fails, refuses, or declines to fund (or otherwise does not fund) any subsequent loan under the Minosa Purchase Agreement and (iii) demand is made for repayment of all or any part of the indebtedness outstanding under the Minosa Note, the Second AR Epsilon Note, or the Promissory Note, dated as of March 11, 2015, as amended (the SPA Note), in the principal amount of $14.75 million that was issued by us to MINOSA under the SPA, and (b) unless on or prior to such termination, the Notes are paid in full.
The Second AR Waiver (x) further provides that following any conversion of the indebtedness evidenced by the Minosa Note, Penelope may elect to reduce its commitment to purchase our preferred stock under the SPA by the amount of indebtedness converted by MINOSA and (y) amends the SPA Note to provide that the outstanding principal balance under the SPA Note and all accrued interest and fees are due and payable upon written demand by MINOSA; provided, that Minosa agreed not make a demand for payment prior to the earlier of (a) an event of default (as defined in the Minosa Note) or (b) a date, which may be no earlier than December 31, 2017, that is at least 60 days subsequent to written notice that Minosa intends to demand payment.
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The obligations under the Minosa Note may be accelerated upon the occurrence of specified events of default including (a) our failure to pay any amount payable under the Minosa Note on the date due and payable; (b) our failure to perform or observe any term, covenant, or agreement in the Minosa Note or the related documents, subject to a five-day cure period; (c) the occurrence and expiration of all applicable grace periods, if any, of an event of default or material breach by us under any of the other loan documents; (d) the termination of the SPA; (e) commencement of certain specified dissolution, liquidation, insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar cases or actions by or against us, in specified circumstances unless dismissed or stayed within 60 days; (f) the entry of a judgment or award against us in excess of $100,000; and (g) the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the Minosa Note).
Pursuant to second amended and restated pledge agreements (the Second AR Pledge Agreements) entered into by us in favor of MINOSA, we pledged and granted security interests to MINOSA in (a) the 54 million cuotas (a unit of ownership under Panamanian law) of Oceanica held by us, (b) all notes and other receivables from Oceanica and its subsidiary owed to us, and (c) all of the outstanding equity in our wholly owned subsidiary, Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd.
In connection with the execution and delivery of the Minosa Purchase Agreement, Odyssey and MINOSA entered into a second amended and restated registration rights agreement (the Second AR Registration Rights Agreement) pursuant to which Odyssey agreed to register the offer and sale of the shares (the Conversion Shares) of our common stock issuable upon the conversion of the indebtedness evidenced by the Minosa Note. Subject to specified limitations set forth in the Second AR Registration Rights Agreement, including that we are eligible to use Form S-3, the holder of the Minosa Note can require us to register the offer and sale of the Conversion Shares if the aggregate offering price thereof (before any underwriting discounts and commissions) is not less than $3.0 million. In addition, we agreed to file a registration statement relating to the offer and sale of the Conversion Shares on a continuous basis promptly (but in no event later than 60 days after) after the conversion of the Minosa Note into the Conversion Shares and to thereafter use its reasonable best efforts to have such registration statement declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Note 7 Monaco 2018
During the period ended March 31, 2018, Monaco advanced us $1.0 million that was included in a loan agreement that was executed on April 20, 2018. Monaco also agreed to treat $99,366 of back rent owed by us to Monaco as part of this loan resulting in an aggregate principal amount of $1,099,366 at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The indebtedness bears interest at 10.0% percent per year. During January 2021, this loan agreement was amended by increasing the interest rate to 18%, effective January 1, 2021. All principal and any unpaid interest are payable on the first anniversary of this agreement, April 20, 2019. This debt is secured by cash proceeds, if any, from our future shipwreck projects we have contracted with Magellan. As additional consideration, their share purchase option expiration date, as discussed in Note 1 Monaco 2014 and Note 2 Monaco 2016 above, has been extended from 30 days to seven months after the note becomes paid in full. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $64,893 and $32,776, respectively, was recorded.
Note 8 Promissory note
On July 12, 2018, we entered into a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with two individuals (the Lenders), one of whom holds in excess of 5.0% of our outstanding common stock. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Lenders agreed to lend an aggregate of $1,050,000 to us, which was advanced in three tranches on July 12, 2018, $500,000, August 17, 2018, $300,000 and October 4, 2018, $250,000. The indebtedness is evidenced by secured convertible promissory notes (the Notes) and bears interest at a rate equal to 8.0% per annum. Unless otherwise converted as described below, the entire outstanding principal balance under the Notes and all accrued interest and fees are due and payable on July 12, 2019. See Term Extension (July 8, 2019) below.
At any time after to the first to occur of (a) a sale by us of additional Notes or (b) September 12, 2018, the Lenders have the right to convert all amounts outstanding under the Notes into either (x) shares of our common stock at the conversion rate of $8.00 per share, (y) $500,000 of the indebtedness owed by Exploraciones Oceanicas S. de R. L. de C.V. (ExO) to Oceanica Marine Operations, S.R.L. (OMO), or (z) a 7.5% interest in Aldama Mining Company, S. de R. L. de C.V. (Aldama). We indirectly hold a controlling interest in ExO; OMO and Aldama are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of ours.
In connection with the issuance and sale of the Notes, we issued warrants to purchase common stock (the Warrants) to the Lenders. The Lenders may exercise the Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 65,625 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $12.00 per share. The Warrants are exercisable during the period commencing on the date on which the Notes are converted into shares of our common stock and ending on July 12, 2021.
Pursuant to a Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2018 (the Pledge Agreement), our obligations under the Notes are secured by a pledge of a portion of Odysseys ownership interest in Aldama and another entity.
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Pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement (the Rights Agreement) among us and the Lenders, we granted the Lenders piggy-back registration rights with respect to the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes and the exercise of the Warrants.
The Purchase Agreement, the Notes, the Warrants, the Pledge Agreement, and the Rights Agreement include representations and warranties and other covenants, conditions, and other provisions customary for comparable transactions.
We have accounted for this transaction as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds received were allocated to the financial instruments issued. Prior to making the accounting allocation, we evaluated the transaction for proper classification under ASC 480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (ASC 480), ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815).
We determined that the debt achieved conventional convertible status and that the equity conversion option was in the money at inception which required the calculation of a beneficial conversion feature (BCF). The fair value of the warrants and BCF component exceeded the amount of proceeds, therefore, they were limited to the cash proceeds of $1,050,000 at December 31, 2018. As a result, there was no value allocated to the debt at inception. The debt was being accreted to face value over its term using the effective interest method. The face value of this debt was $1.05 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $25,234 and $23,555, respectively, was recorded.
Term Extension (July 8, 2019)
On July 8, 2019, Odyssey and the Lenders entered into a Second Amendment to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement and Note and Warrant Modification Agreement (the Second Amendment) pursuant to which certain terms and provisions of the Notes and Warrants were amended or otherwise modified. The material terms and provisions that were amended or otherwise modified are as follows:
| the maturity date of the Notes was extended by one year, to July 12, 2020 (the parties are currently in discussions to further extend the maturity date of the Notes); |
| the conversion rate of the Notes and the exercise price of the Warrants were modified to $5.756, which represented the market price of Odysseys common stock as of July 7, 2019, the day before the Second Amendment was signed; |
| the Notes are unsecured; |
| the Notes are convertible only into shares of Odyssey common stock; and |
| the modified Warrants are exercisable at any time until July 8, 2024 to purchase an aggregate of 196,135 shares of our common stock. |
We evaluated the amendments impact on the accounting for the Note in accordance with ASC 470-50-40-6 through 12 to determine whether extinguishment accounting was appropriate. The modification had a cash flow effect on a present value basis of less than 10%. However, the reduction in the conversion price resulted in a change in the fair value of the embedded conversion option that was more than 10% of the carrying value of the Note immediately prior to the modification. Because the amendment resulted in a substantial modification, extinguishment accounting was required, and we recorded a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $290,024. The extinguishment accounting resulted in a fair value reacquisition price of this debt of $1,340,024. The premium of $290,024 was being amortized over the remaining life of the debt. The warrant modification was treated as an inducement to extend the debt therefore the fair value of the warrants of $868,878 was a period expense and charged to interest expense with an offset to equity.
Term Extension (August 14, 2020)
On August 14, 2020, we entered into a Third Amendment to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement and Note and Warrant Modification Agreement (the Third Amendment) with the Lenders. Certain terms and provisions of the Notes were modified, and we issued a new warrant to purchase common stock to each of the Lenders as consideration for them entering into the Third Amendment. The warrants have an exercise price of $4.67 and are exercisable any time until August 14, 2023. Material terms and provisions that were amended or otherwise modified are as follows:
| the maturity date of the Notes was extended by one year, to July 12, 2021 and |
| the conversion rate of the Notes was modified to $4.67. |
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As of August 14, 2020, the aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding under the Notes was $1,232,846. As amended by the Third Amendment, the Notes are convertible into an aggregate of 263,993 shares of our common stock, and the new Warrants are exercisable to purchase an aggregate of 131,996 shares of our common stock for $4.67 per share.
The modification of the Notes and the issuance of the warrants, were evaluated under ASC 470-50-40, Debt Modification and Extinguishments. By applying the guidance, the Notes were determined to be substantially different and the transaction qualified for extinguishment accounting. As a result, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of approximately $777,500, which included the fair value of the warrants given as consideration for the modification. The premium of $358,497 is being amortized over the remaining life of the debt. The related amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $95,683 and $71,606, respectively. The unamortized premium at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $100,180 and $195,862, respectively.
Note 9 Litigation Financing
On June 14, 2019, Odyssey and Exploraciones Oceánicas S. de R.L. de C.V., our Mexican subsidiary (ExO and, together with Odyssey, the Claimholder), and Poplar Falls LLC (the Funder) entered into an International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the Agreement), pursuant to which the Funder agreed to provide financial assistance to the Claimholder to facilitate the prosecution and recovery of the claim by the Claimholder against the United Mexican States under Chapter Eleven of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for violations of the Claimholders rights under NAFTA related to the development of an undersea phosphate deposit off the coast of Baja Sur, Mexico (the Project), on our own behalf and on behalf of ExO and United Mexican States (the Subject Claim). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Funder agreed to specified fees and expenses regarding the Subject Claim (the Claims Payments) incrementally and at the Funders sole discretion.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Funder agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $6,500,000 (the Maximum Investment Amount). The Maximum Investment Amount will be made available to the Claimholder in two phases, as set forth below:
(a) | a first phase, in which the Funder shall make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $1,500,000 for the payment of antecedent and ongoing costs (Phase I Investment Amount); and |
(b) | a second phase, in which the Funder shall make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $5,000,000 for the purposes of pursuing the Subject Claim to a final award (Phase II Investment Amount). |
Upon exhaustion of the Phase I Investment Amount, the Claimholder will have the option to request Tranche A of the Phase II Investment Amount, consisting of funding up to $3.5 million (Tranche A Committed Amount). Upon exhaustion of the Tranche A Committed Amount, the Claimholder will have the option to request Tranche B of the Phase II Investment Amount, consisting of funding of up to $1.5 million (Tranche B Committed Amount). The Claimholder must exercise its option to receive the Tranche A Committed Amount in writing, no less than thirty days before submitting a Funding Request to the Funder under Tranche A. The Claimholder must exercise its option to receive the Tranche B Committed Amount in writing within forty-five days after the exhaustion of the Tranche A Committed Amount. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Claimholder agreed that, upon exercising the Claimholders option to receive funds under Phase I, Tranche A of Phase II, or Tranche B of Phase II, the Funder will be the sole source of third-party funding for the specified fees and expenses of the Subject Claim under each respective phase and tranche covered by the option exercised, and the Claimholder will obtain funding for such fees and expenses, only as set forth in the Agreement. The Funder was due closing fee of $80,000 for the Phase I Investment Amount, and $80,000 for the Phase II Investment Amount to pay third parties in connection with due diligence and other administrative and transaction costs incurred by the Funder prior to and in furtherance of execution of the Agreement.
Upon the Funder making Claims Payments to the Claimholder or its designees in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount, the Funder has the option to continue funding the specified fees and expenses in relation to the Subject Claim on the same terms and conditions provided in the Agreement. The Funder must exercise its option to continue funding in writing, within thirty days after the Funder has made Claims Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount. If the Funder exercises its option to continue funding, the parties agreed to attempt in good faith to amend the Agreement to provide the Funder with the right to provide at the Funders discretion funding in excess of the Maximum Investment Amount, in an amount up to the greatest amount that may then be reasonably expected to be committed for investment in Subject Claim. If the Funder declines to exercise its option, the Claimholder may negotiate and enter into agreements with one or more third parties to provide funding, which shall be subordinate to the Funders rights under the Agreement.
The Agreement provides that the Claimholder may at any time without the consent of the Funder either settle or refuse to settle the Subject Claim for any amount; provided, however, that if the Claimholder settles the Subject Claim without the Funders consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, the value of the Recovery Percentage (as defined below) will be deemed to be the greater of (a) the Recovery Percentage (under Phase I or Phase II, as applicable), or (b) the total amount of all Claims Payments made in connection with such Subject Claim multiplied by three (3).
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If the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim for any reason other than (a) a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or (b) a full and final monetary settlement of the claims, including in particular, for a grant of an environmental permit to the Claimholder allowing it to proceed with the Project (with or without a monetary component), all Claims Payments under Phase I and, if Claimholder has exercised the corresponding option, the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount, shall immediately convert to a senior secured liability of the Claimholder. This sum shall incur an annualized internal rate of return (IRR) of 50.0% retroactive to the date each Funding Request was paid by the Funder (under Phase I), or, to the conversion date for the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount of Phase II if the Claimholder has exercised the respective option (collectively, the Conversion Amount). Such Conversion Amount and any and all accrued IRR shall be payable in-full by the Claimholder within 24 months of the date of such conversion, after which time any outstanding Conversion Amounts, shall accrue an (IRR) of 100.0%, retroactive to the conversion date (the Penalty Interest Amount). The Claimholder will execute such documents and take other actions as necessary to grant the Funder a senior security interest on and over all sums due and owing by the Claimholder in order to secure its obligation to pay the Conversion Amount to the Funder. If the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim due to the grant of an environmental permit (with or without a monetary component), all Claims Payments under Phase 1 and, if the Claimholder has exercised the corresponding option, the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount shall immediately convert to a senior secured liability of the Claimholder and shall incur an annualized an IRR of 50.0% on the Conversion Amount, from the conversion date. Management has estimated it is more likely than not the Subject Claim will result in the issuance of the environmental permit requiring us to record interest under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Reliance should not be placed on this estimate in determining the likely outcome of the Subject Claim.
If, at any time after exercising its option to receive funds under either Tranche A or Tranche B of Phase II, the Claimholder wishes to fund the Subject Claim with its own capital (Self-Funding) (which excludes any Claims Payments made, either directly or indirectly, by any other third party), the Claimholder shall immediately pay to the Funder the Conversion Amount, provided that this requirement shall not apply if, after the Funder has made Claims Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount, the Funder does not exercise its option to provide Follow-On Funding.
In the event of any receipt of proceeds resulting from the Subject Claim (Proceeds), the Funder shall be entitled to any additional sums above the Conversion Amount to which the Funder is entitled as described below. Should the Claimholder cease the Subject Claim as described above after Self-Funding the Claim, accrued IRR and Penalty Interest shall be calculated and paid to the Funder as set forth above. The Funders rights to the Recovery Percentage as defined below shall survive any decision by Claimholder to utilize Self-Funding. The parties acknowledge this Agreement constitutes a sale of the right to a portion of the Proceeds (if any) arising from the Subject Claim as set forth in this Agreement. The Claimholder has relinquished its right to the portion of the proceeds, if any, that the Funder would have the right to as described below. This sale of proceeds is being accounted for under the guidance of ASC 470-10-25 Recognition (Sales of Future Revenues)
On each Distribution Date, distributions of the Proceeds shall be made to the Claimholder and the Funder in accordance with subparagraph (a) or (b) below (the Recovery Percentage), as applicable:
(a) | If the Claimholder receives only the Phase I Investment Amount from the Funder, the first Proceeds shall be distributed as follows: |
(i) | first, 100.0% to the Funder, until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals the total Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phase I; |
(ii) | second, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals an IRR of 20% of Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phase I (Phase I Compensation), per annum; and |
(iii) | thereafter, 100.0% to the Claimholder. |
(b) | If the Claimholder exercises its options to receive Tranche A or both Tranche A and Tranche B of the Phase II Investment Amount, the first Proceeds shall be distributed as follows: |
(i) | first, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals the total Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phases I and II; |
(ii) | second, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals an additional 300.0% of Phase I Investment Amount; plus an additional 300% of the Tranche A Committed Amount (i.e. 300.0% of $3.5 million), less any amounts remaining of the Tranche A Committed Amount that the Funder did not pay as Claims Payments; plus an additional 300.0% of the Tranche B Committed Amount (i.e. 300.0% of $1.5 million), if the Claimholder exercises the Tranche B funding option, less any amounts remaining of the Tranche B Committed Amount that the Funder did not pay as Claims Payments; |
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(iii) | third, for each $10,000 in specified fees and expenses paid by the Funder under Phase I and Phase II and any amounts over each $10,000 of the Tranche A Committed Amount and the Tranche B Committed Amount (if the Claimholder exercises the Tranche B funding option), 0.01% of the total Proceeds from any recoveries after repayment of (i) and (ii) above, to the Funder; and |
(iv) | thereafter, 100% to the Claimholder. |
The Agreement provides that if no Proceeds are ever paid to or received by the Claimholder or its representatives and if the environmental permit is not issued, the Funder shall have no right of recourse or right of action against the Claimholder or its representatives, or any of their respective property, assets, or undertakings, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Agreement. If (a) Proceeds are paid to or received by the Claimholder or its representatives; (b) such Proceeds are promptly applied and/or distributed by the Claimholder or on behalf of the Claimholder in accordance with the terms of the Agreement; and (c) the amount received by the Funder as a result thereof is not sufficient to pay all of the Recovery Percentage and all of the amounts due to the Funder under the Agreement, then (provided that all of the Proceeds which the Funder will ever be entitled to have been paid to or received by the Funder), the Funder shall have no right of recourse or action against the Claimholder or its Representatives, or any of their property, assets, or undertakings, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Agreement. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Claimholder acknowledged the Funders priority right, title, and interest in any Proceeds, including against any available collateral to secure its obligations under the Agreement, which security interest shall be first in priority as against all other security interests in the Proceeds. The Claimholder also acknowledged and agreed to execute and authorize the filing of a financing statement or similar and to take such other actions in such jurisdictions as the Funder, in its sole discretion, deems necessary and appropriate to perfect such security interest. The Agreement also includes representations and warranties, covenants, conditions, termination and indemnification provisions, and other provisions customary for comparable arrangements.
Amendment and Restatement (January 31, 2020)
On January 31, 2020, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into an Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the Restated Agreement). The material terms and provisions that were amended or otherwise modified are as follows:
| The Funder agreed to provide up to $2.2 million in Arbitration Support Funds for the purpose of paying the Claimholders litigation support costs in connection with Subject Claim; |
| A closing fee of $200,000 has been retained by the Funder in connection with due diligence and other transaction costs incurred by the Funder; |
| A warrant was issued to purchase our common stock which is exercisable for a period of five years beginning on the earlier of (a) the date on which the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim for any reason other than a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or a full and final monetary settlement of the claims or (b) the date on which Proceeds are received and deposited into escrow. The exercise price per share is $3.99, and the Funder can exercise the warrant to purchase the number of shares of our common stock equal to the dollar amount of Arbitration Support Funds provided to us pursuant to the Restated Agreement divided by the exercise price per share (subject to customary adjustments and limitations); and |
| All other terms in the Restated Agreement are substantially the same as in the original Agreement. |
During 2020, the Funder provided us with $2.0 million of the Arbitration Support Funds, and we incurred $200,000 in related fees that were treated as an additional advance. Upon each funding, the proceeds were allocated between debt and equity for the warrants based on the relative fair value of the two instruments. As a result, there was a debt discount of $1,063,811 which is being amortized over the expected remaining term of the agreement using the effective interest method which is charged to interest expense.
Although the warrants only become exercisable upon the occurrence of future events, they are considered issued for accounting purposes and were valued using a binomial lattice model. The expected volatility assumption was based on the historical volatility of our common stock. The expected life assumption was primarily based on managements expectations of when the Warrants will become exercisable and the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the warrant is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of measurement.
Second Amendment and Restatement (December 12, 2020)
On December 12, 2020, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into a Second Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the Second Restated Agreement) relating to the Subject Claim. Under the terms of the Second Restated Agreement, the Funder has made and agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $20,000,000 (the Maximum Investment Amount). The Second Restated Agreement requires the Funder to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $10,000,000 for the purposes of pursuing the Subject Claim to a final award (Phase III Investment
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Amount). We also incurred $200,000 in related fees which were treated as an additional advance. This Second Restated Agreement includes the same representations and warranties, covenants, conditions, termination and indemnification provisions, and other provisions as in the original agreement.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, interest expense in the amount of $1,505,032 and $591,871, respectively, was recorded. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded $50,479 and $16,716, respectively, of interest expense from the amortization of the debt discount and $28,982 and $8,511 interest from the fee amortization, respectively. The March 31, 2021 and December 31,2020 carrying value of the debt is $11,625,729 and $10,968,729, respectively, and is net of unamortized debt fees of $318,804 and $347,786, respectively, as well as the net unamortized debt discount of $840,484 and $890,962, respectively, associated with the fair value of the warrant. The total face value of this obligation at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $12,785,016 and 12,207,477, respectively.
Note 10 Payroll protection program
We applied to Fifth Third Bancorp (Fifth Third) under the Small Business Administration (the SBA) Paycheck Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 (the CARES Act) for a loan of $370,400 (the Loan), and the Loan was made on April 16, 2020. The proceeds of the Loan were used to cover payroll costs, rent and utilities in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions of the CARES Act.
The Loan, which is evidenced by promissory note issued by us (the Promissory Note), has a two-year term, matures on April 16, 2022, and bears interest at a rate of 0.98% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments, less the amount of any potential forgiveness (discussed below), will commence seven months from the month this Note is dated. We did not provide any collateral or guarantees for the Loan, nor did we pay any facility charge to obtain the Loan. The Promissory Note provides for customary events of default, including, among others, those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, breaches of representations and material adverse effects. Odyssey may prepay the principal of the Loan at any time without incurring any prepayment charges. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recorded interest expense in the amount of $941.
The Loan may be forgiven partially or fully if the Loan proceeds are used for covered payroll costs, rent and utilities, provided that such amounts are incurred during the eight-week period that commenced on April 16, 2020, and at least 75% of any forgiven amount has been used for covered payroll costs. During June 2020, the 75% requirement was reduced to 60% and the eight-week period was amended to a 24 week period. Any forgiveness of the Loan will be subject to approval by the SBA and Fifth Third and will require us to apply for such treatment. We applied for 100% forgiveness with Fifth Third Bank during March 2021.
Note 11 Emergency Injury Disaster Loan
On June 26, 2020, we executed the standard loan documents required for securing an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (the EIDL Loan) from the United States Small Business Administration (the SBA). The principal amount of the EIDL Loan is $149,900, with proceeds to be used for working capital purposes. Interest on the EIDL Loan accrues at the rate of 3.75% per annum and installment payments, including principal and interest of $731, are due monthly beginning twelve months from the date of the EIDL Loan. The balance of principal and interest is payable thirty years from the date of the promissory note. In connection with the EIDL Loan, the Company executed the EIDL Loan documents, which include the SBA Secured Disaster Loan Note, dated May 16, 2020, the Loan Authorization and Agreement, dated May 16, 2020, and the Security Agreement, dated May 16, 2020, each between the SBA and the Company.
Note 12 Vendor note payable
We currently owe a vendor $484,009 as an interest-bearing trade payable. This trade payable bears simple annual interest at a rate of 12%. As collateral, we granted the vendor a primary lien on certain of our equipment. The carrying value of this equipment is zero. This agreement matured in August 2018. During the period ended June 30, 2018, we sold various marine equipment to Magellan for $1.0 million and the assumption of this vendors trade payable and accrued interest, however, we remain as guarantor on this trade payable. Included in this equipment is the equipment noted above the vendor has a primary lien on. The vendor consented to Magellans assumption of this debt but did not release us from our obligations. If Magellan defaults and the vendor forecloses on this equipment currently in Magellans possession, we would then have a contingent liability to Magellan in the amount of $0.5 million for two of the key assets. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded interest expense in the amount of $14,321 and $14,480, respectively.
NOTE J STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Common Stock
On August 21, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 2,553,314 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to 1,901,989 shares of our common stock. The net proceeds received from sale, after offering expenses of $0.3 million, of which $0.2
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million were withheld to cover fees, were $11.2 million. The shares of common stock and warrants were sold in units, with each unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase up to 0.6 shares of common stock. The purchase price for each unit was $4.543. The warrants have an exercise price of $4.75 per share of common stock and are exercisable at any time during the three-year period commencing six months after issuance.
Convertible Preferred Stock
On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with Penelope Mining LLC (the Investor), and, solely with respect to certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement, Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (the Lender). The Purchase Agreement provides for the Company to issue and sell to the Investor shares of the Companys preferred stock in the amounts set forth in the following table (numbers have been adjusted for the February 2016 reverse stock split):
Convertible Preferred Stock |
Shares | Price Per Share | Total Investment |
|||||||||
Series AA-1 |
8,427,004 | $ | 12.00 | $ | 101,124,048 | |||||||
Series AA-2 |
7,223,145 | $ | 6.00 | 43,338,870 | ||||||||
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|
|
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15,650,149 | $ | 144,462,918 | ||||||||||
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|
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The Investors option to purchase the Series AA-2 shares is subject to the closing price of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ market having been greater than or equal to $15.12 per share for a period of twenty (20) consecutive business days on which the NASDAQ market is open.
The closing of the sale and issuance of shares of the Companys preferred stock to the Investor is subject to certain conditions, including the Companys receipt of required approvals from the Companys 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 Investors 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 Companys articles of incorporation to (a) effect a reverse stock split, which was done on February 19, 2016, (b) adjusting the Companys 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 Companys 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 Odysseys assets, then the conversion rights described above will be adjusted appropriately so that each holder of Series AA Preferred will
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receive the securities or other consideration the holder would have received if the holders 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 subject to certain contingencies. No accounting treatment determination is required until these contingencies are met and the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock has been issued. However, we have analyzed the instrument to determine the proper accounting treatment that will be necessary once the instruments have been issued.
ASC 480 generally requires liability classification for financial instruments that are certain to be redeemed, represent obligations to purchase shares of stock or represent obligations to issue a variable number of common shares. We concluded that the Series AA Preferred was not within the scope of ASC 480 because none of the three conditions for liability classification was present.
ASC 815 generally requires the analysis of embedded terms and features that have characteristics of derivatives to be evaluated for bifurcation and separate accounting in instances where their economic risks and characteristics are not clearly and closely related to the risks of the host contract. However, in order to perform this analysis, we were first required to evaluate the economic risks and characteristics of the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock in its entirety as being either akin to equity or akin to debt. Our evaluation concluded that the Series AA Convertible Preferred Stock was more akin to an equity-like contract largely due to the fact that most of its features were participatory in nature. As a result, we concluded that the embedded conversion feature is clearly and closely related to the host equity contract and will not require bifurcation and liability classification.
The option to purchase the Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock was analyzed as a freestanding financial instrument and has terms and features of derivative financial instruments. However, in analyzing this instrument under applicable guidance it was determined that it is both (i) indexed to the Companys stock and (ii) meet the conditions for equity classification.
Warrants
In conjunction with the Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement related to Note 8 Operating loan 2018 in NOTE H, we originally issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 65,625 shares of common stock in connection with the notes that were issued. These warrants had an expiration date of July 21, 2021, an exercise price of $12.00, and were exercisable to purchase 65,625 shares of our common stock. On July 8, 2019 we entered into a Second Amendment to Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement and Warrant Modification Agreement. As a result, the lenders now hold warrants to purchase an aggregate of 196,135 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $5.756 per share. These warrants are exercisable at any time until July 12, 2024. On August 14, 2020, this loan was modified and extended to July 12, 2021. In conjunction with the extension, the lenders received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 131,996 shares of our common stock at $4.67 per share. These warrants expire on August 14, 2023.
Included in the Restated Agreement as described in NOTE I, Note 9 Litigation financing, during 2019, we issued a warrant allowing the lender to purchase up to 551,378 shares of our common stock at $3.99. The warrant is contingently exercisable and will become exercisable on the date on which we cease the Subject Claim for any reason other than (i) a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or (ii) a full and final monetary settlement of the claims or the date on which Proceeds are deposited into the Escrow Account. The warrant has a five-year life that commences on the date it becomes exercisable.
In conjunction with our sale of shares common stock and warrants on August 21, 2020 as described above in Note J, we issued warrants to purchase up to 1,901,989 shares of our common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $4.75 per share and are exercisable at any time during the three-year period commencing six months after issuance.
Stock-Based Compensation
We have three stock incentive plans. The first is the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan that expired in August 2015. After the expiration of this plan, equity instruments cannot be granted but this plan will continue in effect until all outstanding awards have been exercised in full or are no longer exercisable and all equity instruments have vested or been forfeited.
On June 9, 2015, our stockholders approved our 2015 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) that was adopted by our Board of Directors (the Board) on January 2, 2015, which is the effective date. The plan expires on the tenth anniversary of the effective date. The Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights. This plan was initially capitalized with 450,000 shares that may be granted. The Plan is intended to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which stipulates that the maximum aggregate number of
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Shares with respect to one or more Awards that may be granted to any one person during any calendar year shall be 83,333, and the maximum aggregate amount of cash that may be paid in cash to any person during any calendar year with respect to one or more Awards payable in cash shall be $2,000,000. The original maximum number of shares that were to be used for Incentive Stock Options (ISO) under the Plan was 450,000. During our June 2016 stockholders meeting, the stockholders approved the addition of 200,000 incremental shares to the Plan. With respect to each grant of an ISO to a participant who is not a ten percent stockholder, the exercise price shall not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date the ISO is granted. With respect to each grant of an ISO to a participant who is a ten percent stockholder, the exercise price shall not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of a share on the date the ISO is granted. If an award is a non-qualified stock option (NQSO), the exercise price for each share shall be no less than (1) the minimum price required by applicable state law, or (2) the fair market value of a share on the date the NQSO is granted, whichever price is greatest. Any award intended to meet the performance-based exception must be granted with an exercise price not less than the fair market value of a share determined as of the date of such grant.
On March 26, 2019, our Board of Directors adopted and approved the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2019 Plan), which was approved by our stockholders on June 3, 2019. The 2019 Plan expires on June 3, 2029. The 2019 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights. The 2019 Plan is capitalized with 800,000 shares that may be granted. No awards were made from the Plan prior to the effective date. The 2019 Plan includes the following features: no evergreen share reserve, prohibits liberal share recycling, no repricing permitted without stockholder approval, no stock option reload features, no transfers of awards for value and dividends and dividends equivalent shall accrue and be paid only if and to the extent the common stock underlying the award become vested or payable.
Share-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the statement of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it can be reduced for estimated forfeitures. The ASC topic Stock Compensation requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The share-based compensation charged against income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was $281,687 and $105,162, respectively.
We did not grant stock options to employees or outside directors in the three-months ended March 31, 2021 or 2020. If options were granted, their values would be determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, which values options based on the stock price at the grant date, the expected life of the option, the estimated volatility of the stock, the expected dividend payments, and the risk-free interest rate over the life of the option.
The Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model was developed for estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Because option valuation models require the use of subjective assumptions, changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value of the options. Our options do not have the characteristics of traded options; therefore, the option valuation models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of our options.
NOTE K CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
We do not currently have any debt obligations with variable interest rates.
NOTE L REVENUE PARTICIPATION RIGHTS
The Companys participating revenue rights consisted of the following at:
March 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
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Seattle project |
62,500 | 62,500 | ||||||
Galt Resources, LLC (HMS Victory project) |
3,756,250 | 3,756,250 | ||||||
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Total revenue participation rights |
$ | 3,818,750 | $ | 3,818,750 | ||||
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Seattle project
In a private placement that closed in September 2000, we sold units consisting of Republic Revenue Participation Certificates and Common Stock. Each $50,000 unit entitled the holder to 1% of the gross revenue generated by the now named Seattle project (formerly referred to as the Republic project), and 100,000 shares of Common Stock. Gross revenue is defined as all cash proceeds payable to us as a result of the Seattle project, excluding funds received by us to finance the project.
The participation rights balance will be amortized under the units of revenue method once management can reasonably estimate potential revenue for this project. The RPCs for the Seattle project do not have a termination date; therefore, these liabilities will be carried on the books until revenue is recognized from the project or we permanently abandon the project.
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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. Galts 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 Galts 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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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion will assist in the understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. The information below should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, the related notes to the financial statements and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 regarding the Companys expectations concerning its future operations, earnings and prospects. On the date the forward-looking statements are made, the statements represent the Companys expectations, but the expectations concerning its future operations, earnings and prospects may change. The Companys expectations involve risks and uncertainties and are based on many assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable, but such assumptions may ultimately prove to be inaccurate or incomplete, in whole or in part. Accordingly, there can be no assurances that the Companys expectations and the forward-looking statements will be correct. Please refer to the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from the expectations stated in this discussion. Odyssey disclaims any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Operational Update
Additional information regarding our announced projects can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Only projects material in nature or with material status updates are discussed below. We may have other projects in various stages of planning or execution that may not be disclosed for security or legal reasons until considered appropriate by management or required by law.
Our subsea project portfolio contains multiple projects in various stages of development throughout the world and across different mineral resources. We are regularly adding new projects through the development of new deposits, acquisition of mineral rights/deposits and through a leveraged contracting model, which allows the company to earn equity in deep-sea mineral projects.
With respect to mineral deposits, SEC Industry Guide 7 outlines the Securities and Commissions basic mining disclosure policy and what information may be disclosed in public filings. The SEC has adopted amendments to the property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that must be complied with in the annual filing for the full fiscal year beginning after January 1, 2021.
Subsea Mineral Mining Exploration Projects
ExO Phosphate Project:
The Exploraciones Oceanicas Phosphate Project is a rich deposit of phosphate sands located 70-90 meters deep within Mexicos Exclusive Economic Zone. This deposit contains a large amount of high-grade phosphate rock that can be extracted on a financially attractive basis (essentially a standard dredging operation). The product will be attractive to Mexican and other world producers of fertilizers and can provide important benefits to Mexicos agricultural development.
The deposit lies within an exclusive mining concession licensed to the Mexican company Exploraciones Oceánicas S. de R.L. de CV (ExO). Oceanica Resources, S. de R.L., a Panamanian company (Oceanica) owns 99.99% of ExO, and Odyssey owns 56.29% of Oceanica through Odyssey Marine Enterprises, Ltd., a wholly owned Bahamian company (Enterprises).
In 2012, ExO was granted a 50-year mining license by Mexico (extendable for another 50 years at ExOs option) for the deposit that lies 25-40 km offshore in Baja California Sur. An NI 43-101 compliant report was completed on the deposit in 2014 and has been periodically updated.
The company spent more than three years preparing an environmentally sustainable development plan with the assistance of experts in marine dredging and leading environmental scientists from around the world. Key features of the environmental plan included:
| No chemicals would be used in the dredging process or released into the sea. |
| A specialized return down pipe that exceeds international best practices to manage the return of dredged sands close to the seabed, limiting plume or impact to the water column and marine ecosystem (including primary production). |
| The seabed would be restored after dredging in such a way as to promote rapid regeneration of seabed organisms in dredged areas. |
| Ecotoxicology tests demonstrated that the dredging and return of sediment to the seabed would not have toxic effects on organisms. |
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| Sound propagation studies concluded that noise levels generated during dredging would be similar to whale-watching vessels, merchant ships and fishermans ships that already regularly transit this area, proving the system is not a threat to marine mammals. |
| Dredging limited to less than one square kilometre each year, which means the project would operate in only a tiny proportion of the concession area each year. |
| Proven turtle protection measures were incorporated even though the deposit and the dredging activity are much deeper and colder than where turtles feed and live, making material harm to the species unfeasible. |
| There will be no material impact on local fisheries as fishermen have historically avoided the water column directly above the deposit due to the naturally low occurrence of fish there. |
| The project would not be visible from the shoreline and would not impact tourism or coastal activities. |
| Precautionary mitigation measures were incorporated into the development plan in line with best-practice global operational standards. |
| The technology proposed to recover the phosphate sands has been safely used in Mexican waters for over 20 years on more than 200 projects by ExOs operating partner, illustrating the hypocrisy of the denial of the environmental permit for the project, especially when one considers that Mexico approved much higher impact dredging projects in areas that its own environmental agency deemed environmentally sensitive areas during this same time period. |
Notwithstanding the factors stated above, in April 2016 the Mexican Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) unlawfully rejected the permission to move forward with the project.
ExO challenged the decision in Mexican Federal court and in March 2018, the Tribunal Federal de Justicia Administrativa (TFJA), an 11-judge panel, ruled unanimously that SEMARNAT denied the application in violation of Mexican law and ordered the agency to re-take their decision. Just prior to the change in administration later in 2018, SEMARNAT denied the permit a second time in defiance of the court. ExO is once again challenging the unlawful decision of the Peña Nieto administration before the TFJA.
In addition, in April 2019, we filed a NAFTA Claim against Mexico to protect our shareholders interests and significant investment in the project.
The claim seeks compensation of over $2 billion on the basis that SEMARNATs wrongful repeated denial of authorization has destroyed the value of its investment in the country and is in violation of the following provisions of NAFTA:
| Article 1102. National Treatment. |
| Article 1105. Minimum Standard of Treatment; and |
| Article 1110. Expropriation and compensation. |
The First Memorial in the NAFTA case was filed in September 2020. It is supported by documentary evidence and 20 expert reports and witness statements. In summary, this evidence includes:
| MERITS: Testimony from independent environmental experts that the environmental impact of ExOs phosphate project is minimal and readily mitigated by the mitigation measures proposed by ExO. Witnesses also testified that Mexicos denial of environmental approval by the prior administration was politically motivated and not justified on environmental grounds, and that Mexico granted environmental permits to similar dredging projects in areas that are considered more environmentally sensitive than ExOs project location. |
| RESOURCE: An independent certified marine geologist testified as to the size and character of the resource. |
| OPERATIONAL VIABILITY: Engineering experts testified that the project uses established dredging and processing technology, and the projects anticipated CAPEX and OPEX was reasonable. |
| VALUE: A Phosphate market analyst testified that the projects projected CAPEX and OPEX would make the project one of the lowest cost phosphate rock resources in the world, and damages experts testified the project would be commercially viable and profitable. |
A public version of the Notice of Intent, Notice of Arbitration and the First Memorial Filing are available on our website at www.odysseymarine.com.com/nafta.
Mexico filed its counter-memorial on February 23, 2021 which is available on the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) website. The NAFTA hearing is scheduled to take place in January 2022 unless settled earlier by the parties.
On June 14, 2019, Odyssey executed an agreement that provided up to $6.5 million in funding for prior, current and future costs of the NAFTA action. On January 31, 2020, this agreement was amended and restated, as a result of which the $6.5 million availability increased to $10.0 million (See NOTE I Litigation Financing). In December 2020, Odyssey announced it secured an additional $10 million from the funder to aid in our NAFTA case. The funder will not have any right of recourse against us unless the environmental permit is awarded or if proceeds are received.
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LIHIR Gold Project:
The exploration license for the Lihir Gold Project covers a subsea area that contains at least five prospective gold exploration targets in two different mineralization types: seamount-related epithermal and modern placer gold. Two subaqueous debris fields within the area are adjacent to the terrestrial Ladolam Gold Mine and are believed to have originated from the same volcanogenic source. The resource lies 500-2,000 meters deep in the Papua New Guinea Exclusive Economic Zone off the coast of Lihir Island, adjacent the location of one of the worlds largest know terrestrial gold deposits.
We have a 79.9% interest in Bismarck Mining Corporation, Ltd, the Papua New Guinea company that holds the exploration license for the project.
Previous exploration expeditions in the license area, including a survey conducted by Odyssey, indicate a polymetallic resource with commercially viable gold content likely exists.
Odyssey is presently awaiting renewal of an existing exploration permit. Once this renewal is granted, we plan to execute the Exploration Plan for the Lihir Gold Project to validate and quantify the precious and base metal content of the prospective resource. We have met with local regulatory authorities, specialists in local mining, environmental legal experts, and logistics support service companies in PNG to establish baseline business functions essential for a successful program to support upcoming marine exploration operations in the license area. This offshore work is being planned for 2021.
Bismarck and Odyssey value the environment and respect the interests and people of Papua New Guinea and Lihir and are committed to transparent sharing of all environmental data collected during the exploration program.
The company is planning environmental surveys and studies accruing to environmental permitting in compliance with Papua New Guineas requirements as well as the development of an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) that meets the International Seabed Authority (ISA) recommendations. This will define the expected environmental effects of a full-scale extraction operation with the goal of minimizing impacts.
Further development of this project is dependent on the characterization of any present resources during exploration and license approvals.
CIC Project:
Odyssey is a member of the CIC Consortium, which is seeking an exploration license in an island nations Exclusive Economic Zone. The CIC Consortium was founded and is led by Odyssey co-founder and former CEO, Greg Stemm, and includes Royal Boskalis Westminster NV and Odyssey Marine Exploration.
Through a wholly owned subsidiary, we have already earned 16 million shares (representing approximately 12.6% of current outstanding shares of this project) through the provision of services related to resource assessment, project planning, research and project management, and Odyssey has an option to acquire an additional 4 million shares.
Odyssey receives cash and equity for services rendered to this venture, see NOTE D.
Critical Accounting Policies and Changes to Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes in our critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2020.
Results of Operations
The dollar values discussed in the following tables, except as otherwise indicated, are approximations to the nearest $1,000,000 and therefore do not necessarily sum in columns or rows. For more detail refer to the Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1.
Three-months ended March 31, 2021, compared to three-months ended March 31, 2020.
Increase/(Decrease) | 2021 vs. 2020 | |||||||||||||||
(Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | $ | % | ||||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 0.3 | $ | 1.0 | $ | (0.7) | 71 | % | ||||||||
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Marketing, general and administrative |
1.3 | 1.4 | (0.1) | 8 | % | |||||||||||
Operations and research |
1.8 | 2.5 | (0.7) | 27 | % | |||||||||||
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Total operating expenses |
$ | 3.1 | $ | 3.9 | $ | (0.8) | 20 | % | ||||||||
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Other income (expense) |
$ | (2.3) | $ | (1.5) | $ | 0.8 | 55 | % | ||||||||
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Income tax benefit (provision) |
$ | 0.0 | $ | 0.0 | $ | 0.0 | 0 | % | ||||||||
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Non-controlling interest |
$ | 1.4 | $ | 1.4 | $ | 0.0 | 3 | % | ||||||||
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Net income (loss) |
$ | (3.7) | $ | (2.9) | $ | 0.8 | 28 | % | ||||||||
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Revenue
Revenue is primarily generated through the sale of technical and deep-sea mineral marine services either through expedition charters or for the services from our crew or equipment that are on a fee or cost-plus basis. Total revenue in the current quarter was $0.3 million, a $0.7 million decrease compared to the same period a year ago. Revenue generated in each period was a result of performing marine research, project administration and search and recovery operations for our customers and related parties. In the prior year, we delivered marine services to two companies, one of which is a deep-sea mineral exploration company, CIC, owned and controlled by our past Chairman of the Board (see NOTE D), whom we consider to be a related party. A primary reason for the $0.7 million reduction was that the long-term project we were engaged on the last two years reached its life expectancy in the latter half of 2020.
Operating Expenses
Marketing, general and administrative expenses primarily include all costs within the following departments: Executive, Finance & Accounting, Legal, Information Technology, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Sales and Business Development. Marketing, general and administrative expense decreased $0.1 million to $1.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to $1.4 million from the same period in the prior year. The key items contributing to this $0.1 million reduction was a decrease of $0.1 million in employee incentives and compensation. An increase of non-cash long term incentive share-based compensation of $0.2 million. A reduction of $0.2 million of out-sourced professional corporate services, including legal, accounted for the remaining decrease.
Operations and research expenses are primarily focused around deep-sea mineral exploration which include minerals research, scientific services, marine operations and project management. Operations and research expenses decreased by $0.7 million from 2020 to 2021 primarily as a result of the following items: (i) a $0.1 million decrease in financed litigation costs directly associated with our NAFTA litigation pursuit, (ii) a $0.5 million decrease in our marine services project contract labor and (iii) a $0.1 million savings in marine services operational overhead reductions.
Other Income and Expense
Other income and expense generally consists of interest expense on our debt financing arrangements as well as, from time to time, the fair value change of derivatives carried on the balance sheet. Total other income and expense was $2.3 million and $1.5 million in net expenses for 2021 and 2020, respectively, resulting in a net expense increase of $0.8 million. This variance was primarily attributable to a $0.2 million decrease in the loss from change in derivative fair value of hour hybrid debt instrument due to this instrument was fully converted to shares of our common stock in December 2020 and a $1.0 million increase in interest expense in connection to our NAFTA litigation funding.
Taxes and Non-Controlling Interest
Due to losses, we did not accrue any taxes in either period ending 2021 or 2020.
Starting in 2013, we became the controlling shareholder of Oceanica. Our financial statements thus include the financial results of Oceanica and its subsidiary, ExO. Except for intercompany transactions that are fully eliminated upon consolidation, Oceanicas revenues and expenses, in their entirety, are shown in our consolidated financial statements. The share of Oceanicas net losses corresponding to the equity of Oceanica not owned by us is subsequently shown as the Non-Controlling Interest in the consolidated statements of operations. The non-controlling interest adjustment in the first quarter of 2021 was $1.4 million as compared to same amount of $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2020.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Three-Months Ended | ||||||||
(In thousands) | March 31, 2021 | March 31, 2020 | ||||||
Summary of Cash Flows: |
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Net cash (used) by operating activities |
$ | (1,431) | $ | (1,507) | ||||
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities |
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
503 | 1,731 | ||||||
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Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | (928) | $ | 224 | ||||
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6,163 | 213 | ||||||
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$ | 5,235 | $ | 437 | ||||
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Discussion of Cash Flows
Net cash used by operating activities for the first three months of 2021 was $1.4 million. This represents an approximate $0.1 million decrease in use of funds when compared to the use of 1.5 million in the same period of 2020. The net cash used by operating activities reflected a net loss before non-controlling interest of $5.1 million offset in part by non-cash items of $0.8 million, which primarily includes an investment in unconsolidated entity of $0.3 million, share-based compensation of $0.3 million and other assets of $0.8 million, which includes items such as amortization of financed lender fees, depreciation and interest accretion. Other operating activities resulted in an increase in working capital of $3.6 million. Changes to accrued expenses, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other assets in 2021 comprised the $3.6 million.
Cash flows used by investing activities for the first three months of 2021 and 2020 were zero. We did not have any related investing cash flow activity for these periods.
Cash flows provided by financing activities for the first three months of 2021 were $0.5 million. The $0.5 million is comprised of $0.7 million received from the sale of equity in our subsidiary offset by outflows of less than $0.1 million for our lease obligation payment and payments of $0.2 million for other debt obligation payments.
Other Cash Flow and Equity Areas
General Discussion
At March 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $5.2 million, a decrease of $1.0 million from the December 31, 2020 balance of $6.2 million. Epsilon converted its indebtedness comprised of $1.0 million of principal and $0.4 million of interest into 411,562 shares of our common stock, see NOTE I. Our litigation funder paid, on our behalf, $0.6 million of amounts due to vendors who are supporting our NAFTA litigation.
Financial debt of the company, excluding any derivative, hybrid-debt fair value accounting or beneficial conversion feature components of such, was $43.2 million at March 31, 2021 and $43.2 million at December 31, 2020.
Since SEMARNAT initially declined to approve the environmental permit application of our Mexican subsidiary in April 2016 and again in October 2018, notwithstanding that the Superior Court of the Federal Court of Administrative Justice (TFJA) in Mexico nullified SEMARNATs initial denial, we continue to support the efforts of our subsidiaries and partners to work through the administrative, legal and political process necessary to have the decision reviewed and overturned in the court of the TFJA. On January 4, 2019, we initiated the process to submit a claim against Mexico to arbitration under the investment protection chapter of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). On September 4, 2020, we filed our First Memorial with the Tribunal. The First Memorial is the filing that fully lays out our case, witnesses and evidence for the Tribunal. We continue to work diligently and in good faith with Mexicos current administration to achieve an equitable resolution of this dispute, but we are prepared to proceed with the full NAFTA arbitration process if necessary, see ExO Phosphate Project in ITEM 2 above for further detail.
Financings
Stock Purchase Agreement
On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with Penelope Mining LLC (the Investor), and, solely with respect to certain provisions of the Purchase Agreement, Minera del Norte, S.A. de C.V. (the MINOSA). The Purchase Agreement provides for us to issue and sell to the Investor shares of our preferred stock in the amounts and at the prices set forth below (the numbers set forth below have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-12 reverse stock split of February 19, 2016):
Series |
No. of Shares | Price per Share | ||||||
Series AA-1 |
8,427,004 | $ | 12.00 | |||||
Series AA-2 |
7,223,145 | $ | 6.00 |
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The closing of the sale and issuance of shares of the Companys preferred stock to the Investor is subject to certain conditions, including the Companys receipt of required approvals from the Companys 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 Investors satisfaction, in its sole discretion, with the viability of certain undersea mining projects of the Company. Completion of the transaction requires amending the Companys articles of incorporation to (a) effect a reverse stock split, which was done on February 19, 2016, (b) adjusting the Companys 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 Companys articles of incorporation filed or to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State.
The purchase and sale of 2,916,667 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock at an initial closing and for the purchase and sale of the remaining 5,510,337 shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock according to the following schedule, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of specified conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement:
Date |
No. Series AA- 1 Shares |
Total Purchase Price |
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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 Investors 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 Companys ability to initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage or facilitate an alternative acquisition proposal, to participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding an alternative acquisition proposal, or to enter into any acquisition agreement, merger agreement or similar definitive agreement, or any letter of intent, memorandum of understanding or agreement in principle, or any other agreement relating to an alternative acquisition proposal. These restrictions will continue until the earlier to occur of the termination of the Purchase Agreement pursuant to its terms and the time at which the initial closing occurs.
The Purchase Agreement also includes customary termination rights for both the Company and the Investor and provides that, in connection with the termination of the Purchase Agreement under specified circumstances, including in the event of a termination by the Company in order to accept a Superior Proposal, the Company will be required to pay to the Investor a termination fee of $4.0 million.
The Purchase Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of the parties customary for a transaction of this type.
Subject to the terms set forth in the Purchase Agreement, the Lender provided the Company, through a subsidiary of the Company, with loans of $14.75 million, the outstanding amount of which, plus accrued interest, will be repaid from the proceeds from the sale of the shares of Series AA-1 Preferred Stock at the initial closing. The outstanding principal balance of the loan at March 31, 2021 was $14.75 million.
The obligation to repay the loans is evidenced by a promissory note (the Note) in the amount of up to $14.75 million and bears interest at the rate of 8.0% per annum, and, pursuant to a pledge agreement (the Pledge Agreement) between the Lender and Odyssey Marine Enterprises Ltd., an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (OME), is secured by a pledge of 54.0 million shares of Oceanica Resources S. de R.L., a Panamanian limitada (Oceanica), held by OME. In addition, OME and the Lender entered into a call option agreement (the Oceanica Call), pursuant to which OME granted the Lender an option to purchase the 54.0 million shares of Oceanica held by OME for an exercise price of $40.0 million at any time during the one-year period after the Oceanica Call was executed and delivered by the parties. The Oceanica Call option expired on March 11, 2016 without being executed or extended. On December 15, 2015, the Promissory Note was amended to provide that, unless otherwise converted as provided in the Note, the adjusted principal balance shall be due and payable in full upon written demand by MINOSA; provided that MINOSA agrees that it shall not demand payment of the adjusted principal balance earlier than the first to occur of:
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(i) 30 days after the date on which (x) SEMARNAT makes a determination with respect to the current application for the Manifestacion de Impacto Ambiental relating to our phosphate deposit project, which determination is other than an approval or (y) Enterprises or any of its affiliates withdraws such application without MINOSAs prior written consent; (ii) termination by Odyssey of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 11, 2015 (the Purchase Agreement), among Odyssey, MINOSA, and Penelope Mining, LLC (the Investor); (iii) the occurrence of an event of default under the Promissory Note; (iv) March 30, 2016; or (v) if and only if the Investor shall have terminated the Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 8.1(d)(iii) thereof, March 30, 2016. On March 18, 2016, the agreements with MINOSA and Penelope were further amended and extended the maturity date of the loan to March 18, 2017(see NOTE I).
On March 18, 2016, Odyssey entered into a $3.0 million Note Purchase Agreement with Epsilon Acquisitions LLC (see below and NOTE I).
Epsilon is an investment vehicle of Mr. Alonso Ancira who is Chairman of the Board of AHMSA, an entity that controls MINOSA.
Class AA Convertible Preferred Stock
Pursuant to a certificate of designation (the Designation) to be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State, each share of Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock and Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock (collectively, the Class AA Preferred Stock) will be convertible into one share of Common Stock at any time and from time to time at the election of the holder. Each share of Class AA Preferred Stock will rank pari passu with all other shares of Class AA Preferred Stock and senior to shares of Common Stock and all other classes and series of junior stock. If the Company declares a dividend or makes a distribution to the holders of Common Stock, the holders of the Class AA Preferred Stock will be entitled to participate in the dividend or distribution on an as-converted basis. Each share of Class AA Preferred Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to vote, in person or by proxy, at any special or annual meeting of stockholders, on all matters voted on by holders of Common Stock, voting together as a single class with other shares entitled to vote thereon. So long as a majority of the shares of the Class AA Preferred Stock are outstanding, the Company will be prohibited from taking specified extraordinary actions without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class AA Preferred Stock. In the event of the liquidation of the Company, each holder of shares of Class AA Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid, out of the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, an amount in cash equal to the greater of (a) the amount paid to the Company for such holders shares of Class AA Preferred Stock, plus an accretion thereon of 8.0% per annum, compounded annually, and (b) the amount such holder would be entitled to receive had such holder converted such shares of Class AA Preferred into Common Stock immediately prior to such time at which payment will be made or any assets distributed.
Stockholder Agreement
The Purchase Agreement provides that, at the initial closing, the Company and the Investor will enter into a stockholder agreement (the Stockholder Agreement). The Stockholder Agreement will provide that (a) in connection with each meeting of the Companys stockholders at which directors are to be elected, the Company will (i) nominate for election as members of the Companys board of directors a number of individuals designated by the Investor (Investor Designees) equivalent to the Investors proportionate ownership of the Companys 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 Designees election, as an observer to) each committee of the Companys 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.
Litigation Financing
On June 14, 2019, Odyssey and Exploraciones Oceánicas S. de R.L. de C.V., our Mexican subsidiary (ExO and, together with Odyssey, the Claimholder), and Poplar Falls LLC (the Funder) entered into an International Claims Enforcement
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Agreement (the Agreement), pursuant to which the Funder agreed to provide financial assistance to the Claimholder to facilitate the prosecution and recovery of the claim by the Claimholder against the United Mexican States under Chapter Eleven of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for violations of the Claimholders rights under NAFTA related to the development of an undersea phosphate deposit off the coast of Baja Sur, Mexico (the Project), on our own behalf and on behalf of ExO and United Mexican States (the Subject Claim). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Funder agreed to specified fees and expenses regarding the Subject Claim (the Claims Payments) incrementally and at the Funders sole discretion.
Under the terms of the Agreement, the Funder agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $6,500,000 (the Maximum Investment Amount). The Maximum Investment Amount will be made available to the Claimholder in two phases, as set forth below:
(c) | a first phase, in which the Funder shall make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $1,500,000 for the payment of antecedent and ongoing costs (Phase I Investment Amount); and |
(d) | a second phase, in which the Funder shall make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $5,000,000 for the purposes of pursuing the Subject Claim to a final award (Phase II Investment Amount). |
Upon exhaustion of the Phase I Investment Amount, the Claimholder will have the option to request Tranche A of the Phase II Investment Amount, consisting of funding up to $3.5 million (Tranche A Committed Amount). Upon exhaustion of the Tranche A Committed Amount, the Claimholder will have the option to request Tranche B of the Phase II Investment Amount, consisting of funding of up to $1.5 million (Tranche B Committed Amount). The Claimholder must exercise its option to receive the Tranche A Committed Amount in writing, no less than thirty days before submitting a Funding Request to the Funder under Tranche A. The Claimholder must exercise its option to receive the Tranche B Committed Amount in writing within forty-five days after the exhaustion of the Tranche A Committed Amount. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Claimholder agreed that, upon exercising the Claimholders option to receive funds under Phase I, Tranche A of Phase II, or Tranche B of Phase II, the Funder will be the sole source of third-party funding for the specified fees and expenses of the Subject Claim under each respective phase and tranche covered by the option exercised, and the Claimholder will obtain funding for such fees and expenses only as set forth in the Agreement. The Funder was due closing fee of $80,000 for the Phase I Investment Amount, and $80,000 for the Phase II Investment Amount to pay third parties in connection with due diligence and other administrative and transaction costs incurred by the Funder prior to and in furtherance of execution of the Agreement.
Upon the Funder making Claims Payments to the Claimholder or its designees in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount, the Funder has the option to continue funding the specified fees and expenses in relation to the Subject Claim on the same terms and conditions provided in the Agreement. The Funder must exercise its option to continue funding in writing, within thirty days after the Funder has made Claims Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount. If the Funder exercises its option to continue funding, the parties agreed to attempt in good faith to amend the Agreement to provide the Funder with the right to provide at the Funders discretion funding in excess of the Maximum Investment Amount, in an amount up to the greatest amount that may then be reasonably expected to be committed for investment in Subject Claim. If the Funder declines to exercise its option, the Claimholder may negotiate and enter into agreements with one or more third parties to provide funding, which shall be subordinate to the Funders rights under the Agreement.
The Agreement provides that the Claimholder may at any time without the consent of the Funder either settle or refuse to settle the Subject Claim for any amount; provided, however, that if the Claimholder settles the Subject Claim without the Funders consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed, the value of the Recovery Percentage (as defined below) will be deemed to be the greater of (a) the Recovery Percentage (under Phase I or Phase II, as applicable), or (b) the total amount of all Claims Payments made in connection with such Subject Claim multiplied by three (3).
If the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim for any reason other than (a) a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or (b) a full and final monetary settlement of the claims, including in particular, for a grant of an environmental permit to the Claimholder allowing it to proceed with the Project (with or without a monetary component), all Claims Payments under Phase I and, if Claimholder has exercised the corresponding option, the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount, shall immediately convert to a senior secured liability of the Claimholder. This sum shall incur an annualized internal rate of return (IRR) of 50.0% retroactive to the date each Funding Request was paid by the Funder (under Phase I), or, to the conversion date for the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount of Phase II if the Claimholder has exercised the respective option (collectively, the Conversion Amount). Such Conversion Amount and any and all accrued IRR shall be payable in-full by the Claimholder within 24 months of the date of such conversion, after which time any outstanding Conversion Amounts, shall accrue an (IRR) of 100.0%, retroactive to the conversion date (the Penalty Interest Amount). The Claimholder will execute such documents and take other actions as necessary to grant the Funder a senior security interest on and over all sums due and owing by the Claimholder in order to secure its obligation to pay the Conversion Amount to the Funder. If the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim due to the grant of an environmental permit (with or without a monetary component), all Claims Payments under Phase 1 and, if the Claimholder has exercised the corresponding option, the Tranche A Committed Amount and Tranche B Committed Amount shall immediately convert to a senior secured liability of the Claimholder and shall incur an annualized an IRR
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of 50.0% on the Conversion Amount, from the conversion date. Management has estimated it is more likely than not the Subject Claim will result in the issuance of the environmental permit requiring us to record interest under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Reliance should not be placed on this estimate in determining the likely outcome of the Subject Claim.
If, at any time after exercising its option to receive funds under either Tranche A or Tranche B of Phase II, the Claimholder wishes to fund the Subject Claim with its own capital (Self-Funding) (which excludes any Claims Payments made, either directly or indirectly, by any other third party), the Claimholder shall immediately pay to the Funder the Conversion Amount, provided that this requirement shall not apply if, after the Funder has made Claims Payments in an aggregate amount equal to the Maximum Investment Amount, the Funder does not exercise its option to provide Follow-On Funding.
In the event of any receipt of proceeds resulting from the Subject Claim (Proceeds), the Funder shall be entitled to any additional sums above the Conversion Amount to which the Funder is entitled as described below. Should the Claimholder cease the Subject Claim as described above after Self-Funding the Claim, accrued IRR and Penalty Interest shall be calculated and paid to the Funder as set forth above. The Funders rights to the Recovery Percentage as defined below shall survive any decision by Claimholder to utilize Self-Funding. The parties acknowledge this Agreement constitutes a sale of the right to a portion of the Proceeds (if any) arising from the Subject Claim as set forth in this Agreement. The Claimholder has relinquished its right to the portion of the proceeds, if any, that the Funder would have the right to as described below. This sale of proceeds is being accounted for under the guidance of ASC 470-10-25 Recognition (Sales of Future Revenues)
On each Distribution Date, distributions of the Proceeds shall be made to the Claimholder and the Funder in accordance with subparagraph (a) or (b) below (the Recovery Percentage), as applicable:
(a) | If the Claimholder receives only the Phase I Investment Amount from the Funder, the first Proceeds shall be distributed as follows: |
(i) | first, 100.0% to the Funder, until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals the total Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phase I; |
(ii) | second, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals an IRR of 20% of Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phase I (Phase I Compensation), per annum; and |
(iii) | thereafter, 100.0% to the Claimholder. |
(b) | If the Claimholder exercises its options to receive Tranche A or both Tranche A and Tranche B of the Phase II Investment Amount, the first Proceeds shall be distributed as follows: |
(i) | first, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals the total Claims Payments paid by the Funder under Phases I and II; |
(ii) | second, 100.0% to the Funder until the cumulative amount distributed to the Funder equals an additional 300.0% of Phase I Investment Amount; plus an additional 300% of the Tranche A Committed Amount (i.e. 300.0% of $3.5 million), less any amounts remaining of the Tranche A Committed Amount that the Funder did not pay as Claims Payments; plus an additional 300.0% of the Tranche B Committed Amount (i.e. 300.0% of $1.5 million), if the Claimholder exercises the Tranche B funding option, less any amounts remaining of the Tranche B Committed Amount that the Funder did not pay as Claims Payments; |
(iii) | third, for each $10,000 in specified fees and expenses paid by the Funder under Phase I and Phase II and any amounts over each $10,000 of the Tranche A Committed Amount and the Tranche B Committed Amount (if the Claimholder exercises the Tranche B funding option), 0.01% of the total Proceeds from any recoveries after repayment of (i) and (ii) above, to the Funder; and |
(iv) | thereafter, 100% to the Claimholder. |
The Agreement provides that if no Proceeds are ever paid to or received by the Claimholder or its representatives and if the environmental permit is not issued, the Funder shall have no right of recourse or right of action against the Claimholder or its representatives, or any of their respective property, assets, or undertakings, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Agreement. If (a) Proceeds are paid to or received by the Claimholder or its representatives; (b) such Proceeds are promptly applied and/or distributed by the Claimholder or on behalf of the Claimholder in accordance with the terms of the Agreement; and (c) the amount received by the Funder as a result thereof is not sufficient to pay all of the Recovery Percentage and all of the amounts due to the Funder under the Agreement, then (provided that all of the Proceeds which the Funder will ever be entitled to have been paid to or received by the Funder), the Funder shall have no right of recourse or action against the Claimholder or its Representatives, or any of their property, assets, or undertakings, except as otherwise specifically contemplated by the Agreement. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Claimholder acknowledged the Funders priority right, title, and interest in any Proceeds, including against any
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available collateral to secure its obligations under the Agreement, which security interest shall be first in priority as against all other security interests in the Proceeds. The Claimholder also acknowledged and agreed to execute and authorize the filing of a financing statement or similar and to take such other actions in such jurisdictions as the Funder, in its sole discretion, deems necessary and appropriate to perfect such security interest. The Agreement also includes representations and warranties, covenants, conditions, termination and indemnification provisions, and other provisions customary for comparable arrangements.
Amendment and Restatement (January 31, 2020)
On January 31, 2020, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into an Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the Restated Agreement). The material terms and provisions that were amended or otherwise modified are as follows:
| The Funder has agreed to provide up to $2.2 million in Arbitration Support Funds for the purpose of paying the Claimholders litigation support costs in connection with Subject Claim; |
| A closing fee of $200,000 has been retained by the Funder in connection with due diligence and other transaction costs incurred by the Funder; |
| A warrant was issued to purchase our common stock which is exercisable for a period of five years beginning on the earlier of (a) the date on which the Claimholder ceases the Subject Claim for any reason other than a full and final arbitral award against the Claimholder or a full and final monetary settlement of the claims or (b) the date on which Proceeds are received and deposited into escrow. The exercise price per share is $3.99, and the Funder can exercise the warrant to purchase the number of shares of our common stock equal to the dollar amount of Arbitration Support Funds provided to us pursuant to the Restated Agreement divided by the exercise price per share (subject to customary adjustments and limitations); and |
| All other terms in the Restated Agreement are substantially the same as in the original Agreement. |
During 2020, the Funder provided us with $2.0 million of the Arbitration Support Funds, and we incurred $200,000 in related fees that were treated as an additional advance. Upon each funding, the proceeds were allocated between debt and equity for the warrants based on the relative fair value of the two instruments. As a result, there was a debt discount of $1,063,811 which is being amortized over the expected remaining term of the agreement using the effective interest method which is charged to interest expense.
Although the warrants only become exercisable upon the occurrence of future events, they are considered issued for accounting purposes and were valued using a binomial lattice model. The expected volatility assumption was based on the historical volatility of our common stock. The expected life assumption was primarily based on managements expectations of when the Warrants will become exercisable and the risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the warrant is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of measurement.
Second Amendment and Restatement (December 12, 2020)
On December 12, 2020, the Claimholder and the Funder entered into a Second Amended and Restated International Claims Enforcement Agreement (the Second Restated Agreement) relating to the Subject Claim. Under the terms of the Second Restated Agreement, the Funder has made and agreed to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $20,000,000 (the Maximum Investment Amount). The Second Restated Agreement requires the Funder to make Claims Payments in an aggregate amount no greater than $10,000,000 for the purposes of pursuing the Subject Claim to a final award (Phase III Investment Amount). We also incurred $200,000 in related fees which were treated as an additional advance. This Second Restated Agreement includes the same representations and warranties, covenants, conditions, termination and indemnification provisions, and other provisions as in the original agreement.
The March 31, 2021 and December 31,2020 carrying value of the debt is $11,625,729 and $10,968,729, respectively, and is net of unamortized debt fees of $318,804 and $347,786, respectively, as well as the net unamortized debt discount of $840,484 and $890,962, respectively, associated with the fair value of the warrant. The total face value of this obligation at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $12,785,016 and 12,207,477, respectively.
Promissory Note
We applied to Fifth Third Bancorp (Fifth Third) under the Small Business Administration (the SBA) Paycheck Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 (the CARES Act) for a loan of $370,400 (the Loan), and the Loan was made on April 16, 2020. The proceeds of the Loan were used to cover payroll costs, rent and utilities in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions of the CARES Act.
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The Loan, which is evidenced by promissory note issued by us (the Promissory Note), has a two-year term, matures on April 16, 2022, and bears interest at a rate of 0.98% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments, less the amount of any potential forgiveness (discussed below), will commence seven months from the month this Note is dated. We did not provide any collateral or guarantees for the Loan, nor did we pay any facility charge to obtain the Loan. The Promissory Note provides for customary events of default, including, among others, those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, breaches of representations and material adverse effects. Odyssey may prepay the principal of the Loan at any time without incurring any prepayment charges.
The Loan may be forgiven partially or fully if the Loan proceeds are used for covered payroll costs, rent and utilities, provided that such amounts are incurred during the eight-week period that commenced on April 16, 2020, and at least 75% of any forgiven amount has been used for covered payroll costs. During June 2020, the 75% requirement was reduced to 60% and the eight-week period was amended to a 24-week period. Any forgiveness of the Loan will be subject to approval by the SBA and Fifth Third and will require us to apply for such treatment. During March 2021, we applied for 100% forgiveness with Fifth Third.
Promissory Note
On June 26, 2020, we executed the standard loan documents required for securing an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (the EIDL Loan) from the United States Small Business Administration (the SBA). The principal amount of the EIDL Loan is $149,900, with proceeds to be used for working capital purposes. Interest on the EIDL Loan accrues at the rate of 3.75% per annum and installment payments, including principal and interest, are due monthly beginning twelve months from the date of the EIDL Loan in the amount of $731. The balance of principal and interest is payable thirty years from the date of the promissory note. In connection with the EIDL Loan, the Company executed the EIDL Loan documents, which include the SBA Secured Disaster Loan Note, dated May 16, 2020, the Loan Authorization and Agreement, dated May 16, 2020, and the Security Agreement, dated May 16, 2020, each between the SBA and the Company.
Going Concern Consideration
We have experienced several years of net losses and may continue to do so. Our ability to generate net income or positive cash flows for the following twelve months is dependent upon financings, our success in developing and monetizing our interests in mineral exploration entities, generating income from exploration charters, collecting on amounts owed to us, or completing the MINOSA/Penelope equity financing transaction approved by our stockholders on June 9, 2015.
Our 2021 business plan requires us to generate new cash inflows to effectively allow us to perform our planned projects. We continually plan to generate new cash inflows through the monetization of our receivables and equity stakes in seabed mineral companies, financings, syndications or other partnership opportunities. If cash inflow ever becomes insufficient to meet our desired projected business plan requirements, we would be required to follow a contingency business plan which is based on curtailed expenses and fewer cash requirements. On August 21, 2020, we sold an aggregate of 2,553,314 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase up to 1,901,989 shares of our common stock. The net proceeds received from this sale, after offering expenses of $0.3 million, were $11.3 million (See NOTE J). These proceeds, coupled with the anticipated cash inflows are expected to provide operating funds through early 2022.
On March 11, 2015, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Minera del Norte S.A. de c.v. (MINOSA) and Penelope Mining LLC (Penelope), an affiliate of MINOSA, pursuant to which (a) MINOSA agreed to extend short-term, debt financing to Odyssey of up to $14.75 million, and (b) Penelope agreed to invest up to $101 million over three years in convertible preferred stock of Odyssey. The equity financing is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including the approval of our stockholders which occurred on June 9, 2015, and MINOSA and Penelope are currently under no obligation to make the preferred share equity investments.
Our consolidated non-restricted cash balance at March 31, 2021 was $5.2 million. We have a working capital deficit at March 31, 2021 of $49.2 million. Our largest loan of $14.75 million from MINOSA had a due date of December 31, 2017 which is now linked to other stipulations, see NOTE I for further detail. The majority of our remaining assets have been pledged to MINOSA, and its affiliates, and to Monaco Financial LLC, leaving us with few opportunities to raise additional funds from our balance sheet. The total consolidated book value of our assets was approximately $11.0 million at March 31, 2021, which includes cash of $5.2 million, and the fair market value of these assets may differ from their net carrying book value. Even though we executed the above noted financing arrangement with Penelope, Penelope must purchase the shares for us to be able to complete the equity component of the transaction. The Penelope equity transaction is heavily dependent on the outcome of our subsidiarys application approval process for an environmental permit (EIA) to commercially develop a mineralized phosphate deposit off the coast of Mexico. The factors noted above raise doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
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New Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-06, Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entitys Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). The amendments in the update are effective for public business entities that meet the definition of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The FASB specified that an entity should adopt the guidance as of the beginning of its annual fiscal year.
The amendments in ASU No. 2020-06 affect entities that issue convertible instruments and/or contracts in an entitys own equity. For convertible instruments, the instruments primarily affected are those issued with beneficial conversion features or cash conversion features because the accounting models for those specific features are removed. However, all entities that issue convertible instruments are affected by the amendments to the disclosure requirements in the update. For contracts in an entitys own equity, the contracts primarily affected are freestanding instruments and embedded features that are accounted for as derivatives under the current guidance because of failure to meet the settlement conditions of the derivatives scope exception related to certain requirements of the settlement assessment. The FASB simplified the settlement assessment by removing the requirements (1) to consider whether the contract would be settled in registered shares, (2) to consider whether collateral is required to be posted, and (3) to assess shareholder rights. Those amendments also affect the assessment of whether an embedded conversion feature in a convertible instrument qualifies for the derivatives scope exception. Additionally, the amendments in the update affect the diluted EPS calculation for instruments that may be settled in cash or shares and for convertible instruments. The Company has not elected early adoption of this ASU No. 2020-06 at this time.
On October 31, 2018, the SEC adopted a final rule (New Final Rule) that will replace SEC Industry Guide 7 with new disclosure requirements that are more closely aligned with current industry and global regulatory practices and standards, including NI 43-101. Companies must comply with the New Final Rule for the companys annual filing for first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. Although early voluntary compliance with the New Final Rule is permitted, the Company has not elected early adoption of the New Final Rule at this time.
Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, the AICPA and the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material effect, if any, on the Companys financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not engage in off-balance sheet financing arrangements. In particular, we do not have any interest in so-called limited purpose entities, which include special purpose entities (SPEs) and structured finance entities.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is the exposure to loss resulting from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. We currently do not have any debt obligations with variable interest rates.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. As of the end of the period covered by this report, based on an evaluation carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, the CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting to date in 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
The Company is not currently a defendant to any litigation. From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we may be subject to or may assert a variety of claims or lawsuits. We are not a party to any litigation as a defendant where a loss contingency is required to be reflected in our consolidated financial statements.
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For information regarding risk factors, please refer to Item 1A in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Investors should consider such risk factors prior to making an investment decision with respect to the Companys securities.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. | ||||
Date: May 17, 2021 | By: | /s/ Jay A. Nudi | ||
Jay A. Nudi, as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Authorized Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
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