10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

(Mark one)

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

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

 

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

Commission File Number 001-31895

 

 

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Nevada   84-1018684

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

5215 W. Laurel Street, Tampa, Florida 33607

(Address of principal executive offices)

(813) 876-1776

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

 

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $.0001 par value   NASDAQ Capital Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

The aggregate market value of the 63 million shares of voting stock held by non-affiliates of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. as of June 30, 2010 was approximately $63 million. As of March 1, 2011, the Registrant had 67,082,835 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The information required by Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of the Shareholders to be held on June 1, 2011.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

LOGO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  
   PART I   
Item 1.    Business      1   
Item 1A.    Risk Factors      12   
Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments      15   
Item 2.    Properties      15   
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings      15   
Item 4.    Reserved      15   
   PART II   
Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      16   
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data      17   
Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      18   
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      26   
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      26   
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      26   
Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures      26   
Item 9B.    Other Information      27   
   PART III   
Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      27   
Item 11.    Executive Compensation      27   
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      27   
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence      27   
Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services      27   
   PART IV   
Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      28   

SIGNATURES

     59   

EXHIBITS INDEX

     60   


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

PART I

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

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

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. is a world leader in shipwreck exploration, with expertise in innovative search technology and archaeological recovery operations on deep-ocean shipwrecks throughout the world. In 2010, we leveraged our core business expertise and technology for exploration services for use in insurance investigations, search and recovery operations to governments and deep-ocean mineral exploration.

We employ advanced state-of-the-art technology, including side-scan sonar, magnetometers, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and other advanced equipment that enables us to locate and recover shipwrecks and other objects lost at sea at depths that were previously unreachable in an economically feasible manner. Odyssey continues to build on a foundation of shipwreck research, government relationships and the development of pioneering techniques in deep-ocean exploration. Although we utilize technologies that have been developed at great expense in other fields, primarily the military, oil and telecommunications industries, we use our unique expertise to modify and customize these technologies to create proprietary applications specific to our markets’ needs.

Our shipwreck projects go through several phases, beginning with research and development and search operations. Once a site that meets our criteria is identified, we undertake an archaeological excavation of the site. The excavation stage is followed by conservation, recording and documentation. Throughout every phase, the Odyssey team shares the knowledge gained through our expeditions with the world.

We share this information through a variety of media including television, the Internet, books, research papers, periodicals, educational programs and traveling exhibits. We maintain several Internet sites including www.shipwreck.net, www.odysseysvirtualmuseum.com and www.shipwreckstore.com. We also allow collectors to own a piece of history from a shipwreck’s cargo, thereby providing an opportunity for everyone interested in shipwrecks to participate in Odyssey’s fascinating discoveries at the level of their choice. Information that is included on or linked to our Internet sites is not considered part of this Annual Report.

Project and Research Criteria

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, has estimated that there are up to 3,000,000 shipwrecks contained within the oceans of the world. Historical records suggest that many were lost with verifiable cargoes of intrinsically valuable material. Odyssey’s research department maintains data on thousands of shipwrecks and continuously develops new potential projects.

Project research may focus on a particular search area where historical documents suggest recorded and unrecorded high-value targets may rest due to the proximity of shipping routes frequented by vessels carrying rich cargoes.

Each project that targets a specific shipwreck begins with the research necessary to evaluate the potential value, location and viability of finding the wreck. Research is also necessary to establish the historical significance of the sunken ship and helps define the context in which the ship sank—essential for preparing an archaeological project plan and the complex logistics that precede excavation of a site.

 

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Our marine research department continuously conducts research in an attempt to identify shipwreck projects that meet the following criteria:

 

   

Documented Cargo Value - The research must indicate that the shipwreck was likely carrying enough intrinsically valuable cargo to cover the high costs associated with deep-ocean exploration and advanced archaeological recovery. Commercially viable cargo typically includes gold, silver, jewels, or other high-value items. Odyssey sometimes engages in the preliminary exploration of a shipwreck for purely scientific purposes, even if the value of the wreck is largely cultural, historical or educational.

 

   

Documented Navigation Information - The research must provide sufficient navigational information documenting the sinking location (or a particular area with potential for producing high value targets) in order to minimize the search area, as well as the cost and time involved, and to provide a reasonable expectation that the shipwreck can be found.

 

   

Path to Ownership - The research must resolve or reasonably predict prior to recovery any issues relating to ownership of the shipwreck and its cargo. Questions pertaining to potential claimants, the location of the wreck inside or outside territorial waters, and the nature of the ship’s commercial or military mission are some of the important considerations that need to be understood in advance.

Search Operations

Shipwreck search operations are conducted from a research vessel fitted with survey equipment and often with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Odyssey’s ships can conduct deep-sea search operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week and have been deployed throughout the world - in the English Channel, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A search typically begins with a side-scan sonar survey of the target area, which is typically paired with a magnetometer survey and multi-beam bathymetric surveys in some cases. The most interesting anomalies on the ocean floor are then inspected visually with an ROV, which sends real-time video images to monitors on the survey vessel for observation by the scientific and technical teams. These images are also downloaded and saved for additional evaluation ashore. Sometimes, it is immediately obvious whether the inspected site is of interest or not - as in the case of geology, modern debris, or when coins or valuables are readily apparent on the site. In other instances, it may take additional research and return visits to a site to arrive at probable or positive identity and to determine the next step forward.

Archaeological Excavation and Recovery

Archaeological excavation and recovery operations combine Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) with sophisticated positioning systems, cameras and specialized computer hardware and software to carefully record the location of artifacts in situ and to document the entire archaeological process as the artifacts are recovered from a shipwreck site. As they conduct robotic archaeological operations at sites hundreds and sometimes thousands of feet below the ocean surface, Odyssey’s ROV pilots are directed by marine archaeologists aboard the recovery vessel.

The Odyssey Explorer, a 251-foot Class II dynamically positioning (DP) ship, serves as Odyssey’s principal state-of-the-art deep-ocean archaeological platform for shipwreck exploration. She carries fuel and stores for missions of up to 60 days, accommodates 42 crew members, including technicians, scientists and archaeologists, and has extensive onboard storage space for workshops, an archaeology laboratory, multiple cranes and a large A-frame for exceptional handling capability. When working on a project, operations are generally conducted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The centerpiece of Odyssey’s advanced robotic archaeology system is the ROV, which serves as the archaeologist’s eyes and hands in the deep ocean. Odyssey owns two work-class ROVs, nicknamed ZEUS and ZEUS II. The 200HP and 400 HP vehicles, respectively, are each approximately the size of a small truck; they stand about 10 feet high and weigh 8 tons. Driven by eight powerful hydraulic thrusters, they are rated to operate up to depths of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft.). Both ROVs have been custom-designed for deep-ocean archaeological survey and recovery operations, including visual inspection, pre-disturbance photographic and video documentation, scientific excavation and artifact recovery.

Conservation and Documentation

Shipwreck finds represent a diversity of objects made up of a variety of organic and inorganic materials, including metals, ceramics, glass, leather and other materials that are of cultural, historical, archaeological or educational value. Artifacts recovered from the ocean are generally impregnated with corrosive salts that can be very damaging to the object. In particular, a saltwater environment accelerates the corrosion processes of many metal artifacts. The salts must be removed and artifacts treated in a timely and judicious manner or they will deteriorate and lose their value as diagnostic specimens, museum display objects, or valuable collector’s pieces. Therefore, the conservation process is essential to maintaining the integrity of the artifacts as important relics of the past, and for what they may contribute to the historical record and offer to the general public through exhibits, private collections and publications. Every item recovered from a shipwreck site must go through a conservation process, which in some cases may require weeks, months, or even years depending on the artifact’s material make-up, the salinity of the water from where it was recovered, and the length of time it remained in the saltwater environment.

 

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Sharing the Story

Odyssey is committed to sharing with the public the thrill and adventure of deep-ocean exploration as well as the historical and scientific knowledge and artifacts acquired from each shipwreck project. We provide an opportunity for collectors and anyone interested in shipwreck exploration to participate in Odyssey’s fascinating discoveries by owning select duplicate shipwreck artifacts or collectibles. Odyssey also shares this information through a variety of media portals including television, the Internet, books, research papers, periodicals, educational programs and traveling exhibits. A few of these portals are described as follows:

 

   

Exhibits - All of the culturally and archaeologically significant artifacts recovered from our shipwreck projects remain in Odyssey’s permanent collection and are available for public exhibits and further study by researchers and academia. Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure, an interactive multi-media exhibit, features over 500 artifacts recovered from our deep-ocean shipwreck expeditions. Visitors also are immersed in the technology and process Odyssey uses to find and recover shipwreck treasures. The exhibit recently ended display at the Maryland Science Center after successful shows in Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Detroit, Tampa and New Orleans. The exhibit has recently been updated and refreshed and will open at G.WIZ – The Science Museum in Sarasota, Florida in March 2011. The exhibit is now pre-booked through August 2012. We have a smaller exhibit at the New Orleans Mint and have had small displays at the Baldwin County Historical Museum in Alabama and the Museum of the History of Science at Oxford, England.

 

   

Television Programming - Discovery Channel’s 12-epsiode series, “TREASURE QUEST” premiered worldwide in 2009 and is available for unlimited rebroadcasts at Discovery Channel’s discretion. “TREASURE QUEST” showcases the Odyssey team as we search for and discover shipwrecks with unique stories to tell. Emmy® Award-winning JWM Productions was granted exclusive access to film Odyssey’s 2008 “Atlas” search expedition to produce this exciting high-definition series. Episodes include forensic analysis with stunning computer graphics as well as experts in cutting-edge laboratories laboring to analyze and conserve fragile artifacts recovered from the watery depths. During each episode, viewers are treated to spectacular underwater HD video of shipwreck discoveries through the cameras of Odyssey’s ROVs. Odyssey’s discovery of HMS Victory was captured during filming for the series and was showcased in two one-hour long episodes. Odyssey’s “Black Swan” discovery was also showcased in an episode. The SS Republic project was featured in two National Geographic shows, a one-hour special for PBS, “Civil War Gold” and as an episode of National Geographic Ultimate Explorer. Additional television programming about our projects is anticipated in the future.

 

   

Books and Other Publications - Shipwreck expeditions and projects are chronicled in various publications including books, newspaper articles, magazine features, archaeological reports, scientific articles, and professional journals. Our goal is to document thoroughly our shipwreck discoveries, while informing, entertaining and educating the general public as well as making our results accessible to the archaeological community. Two books have been published about the SS Republic shipwreck: “Lost Gold of the Republic” and “Bottles from the Deep.” Odyssey also developed and supports a number of educational programs, including shipwreck exploration and marine archaeology curriculum developed as an educational tool for our traveling exhibit, SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure. The curriculum has also been used successfully as stand-alone lessons in both public and private schools. A variety of reports and publications are now available to the public, including 22 “Odyssey Papers” that are available on our website. Ten of our archaeological papers have been published by Oxbow books in a hard-cover book titled “Oceans Odyssey,” and an additional twelve papers will be included in “Oceans Odyssey Volume 2,” which is scheduled to be available in the second quarter of 2011.

Sales and Marketing

Select artifacts considered “trade goods” (coins and other mass-produced cargo) are made available for sale to collectors only after conservation, thorough documentation and study. The cultural collection of artifacts is kept in our permanent collection for exhibit and further study or made available to museums or other institutions. Replicas are created of some of the permanent collection’s significant artifacts and are made available for sale.

The recovery of coins and artifacts from the SS Republic required us to create a marketing plan specifically to sell these coins and artifacts. Initially, coins were sold to independent coin dealers who sold them through direct marketing and television outlets.

 

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The SS Republic silver coin program was re-developed in the first quarter of 2008 to take advantage of emerging research on the silver coins from the SS Republic. This included the release of the 1861-O silver half dollar issued by the State of Louisiana in between the time it seceded from the Union and when it joined the Confederate States of America. Additionally, Odyssey continued to expand distribution channels in 2008 with a broader base of coin and collectible marketers, including opening markets overseas. In 2008, we sold through several independent dealers of which two represented 69% of total artifact sales. In 2009, we sold through several independent dealers of which two represented 72% of total artifact sales. These two dealers were AMS, Inc. and MBI, Inc. Our artifact sales including coins for 2010, 2009 and 2008 was predominantly U.S. domestic-based even though we have distributors in four continents.

The availability of raw materials is primarily dependent on the success of finding intrinsically valuable cargoes from shipwrecks (see Item 1A. Risk Factors). We recovered over 51,000 coins (approximately 4,000 $10 and $20 gold coins and 47,000 silver half dollars) and approximately 14,000 non-coin artifacts from the SS Republic. As of December 31, 2010, we have a remaining inventory of approximately 28,500 silver coins. Also, we have recovered more than 500,000 silver coins, hundreds of gold coins, worked gold and other artifacts from a site in the Atlantic Ocean code-named Black Swan. However, we will not have the ability to monetize the recovered cargo unless we are awarded title or a salvage award by the U.S. District Court, or negotiate a settlement with other claimants in the case.

During 2010, our primary source of revenue was from expedition charter services. Two customers, Robert Fraser Partners LLP and Dorado Ocean Resources, accounted for 82% of our charter services revenue.

During 2008 $1.9 million of expedition revenue represented charter services provided to JWM Productions in connection with the Discovery Channel television series. The agreement was renewed for 2009 in a limited format and revenue was reduced to $ .2 million. In 2009, expedition revenue also included $2 million representing compensation to provide project research and shipwreck search and survey services to Robert Fraser Marine Ltd and client companies of Robert Fraser & Partners LLP (RFP) located in the United Kingdom. Our business plan has shifted to expedition charter services in 2010 with revenues of $20.5 million which were predominantly for RFP syndicated projects and exploration charter services for subsea mineral mining.

Archaeology and Science

Many of the shipwrecks we intend to pursue may have important historical and cultural characteristics. All historically or archaeologically significant projects undertaken will be subjected to stringent archaeological standards, thus adding to the body of knowledge of the people, the history and culture of the vessel’s time. Adherence to these principles is a core value of the Company, and in addition to satisfying professional international standards, will enhance shareholder value by increasing the economic value of the artifacts and intellectual property rights of each project.

Operational Projects and Status

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

“Atlas” Search Project

Between 2005 and 2010, we searched more than 5,000 square nautical miles of seabed in the western English Channel and the Western Approaches to the Channel, recording over 270 shipwrecks. The shipwrecks discovered include site 35-F,” the Marquise de Tornay, and HMS Victory (1744). Additional high-value targets are believed to be within the “Atlas” search area, and operations in the area are expected to continue in 2011.

Site 35-F is believed to be an armed English merchantman from the second half of the 17th century. The site has been heavily damaged by fishing activities, and a confirmed identification may not be possible. During a preliminary investigation of the site, Odyssey discovered a rare wooden folding carpenter’s rule – the oldest ever recovered from a shipwreck site. The ruler was on display at the Museum of the History of Science at Oxford in the UK and is currently on display as part of the SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure exhibit.

Additional information about the ruler recovered from Site 35-F, the Marquise de Tornay shipwreck and HMS Victory shipwreck is available in a series of papers accessible at www.shipwreck.net/featuresarchpapers10.php and www.shipwreck.net/featuresarchpapers09.php.

Operations for the 2010 “Atlas” season commenced in April 2010 and concluded in November 2010. More than 500 square miles were mapped and at least 6 shipwrecks discovered. Additional search, inspection and verification work is planned for 2011.

 

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HMS Victory Project

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

We have been cooperating closely with the United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defense (the “MOD”) on the project. All activities at the site, including the recovery of two bronze cannon, have been conducted in accordance with protocols approved by the UK Government and Royal Navy officials. The Victory discovery was announced publicly February 2, 2009. On September 18, 2009, we announced an agreement with the UK Government on an 80% salvage award for the cannon recovered from the site.

Odyssey is participating in the ongoing process of consultation with the UK Government to determine what approaches should be adopted towards the wreck. We have set forth a proposal that would provide for the archaeological excavation of the shipwreck at no cost to the UK Government.

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

Gairsoppa” Project

On January 25, 2010, Odyssey was awarded the exclusive salvage contract for the cargo of the SS Gairsoppa by the United Kingdom (UK) Government Department for Transport. The contract was awarded after a competitive bid process and is for two years, which commenced immediately. The SS Gairsoppa was a British cargo steamer enlisted in the service of the United Kingdom for the Ministry of War Transport during World War II. It was torpedoed by a German U-Boat in February 1941 in the North Atlantic while reportedly carrying a significant cargo of silver.

Odyssey will assume the risk, expense, and responsibility for the search, cargo recovery, documentation, and marketing of the cargo. If the salvage is successful, Odyssey will be compensated with a salvage award which consists of 80% of the net value of the recovered cargo after deduction of expenses of search and salvage. This project aligns with our strategy to focus on partnership projects with several governments that provide straightforward legal ownership arrangements.

We expect to begin operations on this project during 2011.

Robert Fraser Projects (“Enigma,” “Firebrand,” “Shantaram”)

Odyssey executed agreements in 2010 with clients of Robert Fraser & Partners LLP (RFP) for three shipwreck search projects code named “Firebrand,” “Shantaram” and “Enigma II.”

In April 2010, we entered into agreements to provide project research and shipwreck search and survey services for a project code-named Firebrand to clients of RFP. Under the agreements, Odyssey furnished research related to Firebrand and its sinking and agreed to provide a research vessel, equipment and crew to search a specified area and inspect targets in that area. The contracts provided initial cash payments totaling approximately $3.2 million (of which $3.0 has been paid) as well as additional payments upon the sale of coins or artifacts from the Firebrand project. After repayment of salvage costs and fees, Odyssey will receive 75% of net revenue in aggregate until an additional £10.5 (approximately $17 million) has been received and then 50% in aggregate of all further net revenue. Search operations have already covered a major portion of the “Firebrand” project area and are expected to resume when weather in the area is appropriate for search operations.

In June 2010, we entered into agreements to provide project research and shipwreck search and survey services for a project code-named Shantaram with clients of RFP. Under the agreements, Odyssey furnished research related to Shantaram and its sinking and provided a research vessel, equipment and crew to search a specified area and inspect targets in that area. The contract provided for cash payments totaling approximately U.S. $3.4 million representing initial cash payments of $1.7 million and additional payments of approximately $1.5 million within 30 days and $0.2 million upon project completion, plus additional payments upon the sale of coins or artifacts from the “Shantaram” project. After the re-payment of salvage costs and fees, we will receive 75% of net revenue in aggregate until an additional £11.4 million (approximately $18.5 million) has been received and then 50% in aggregate of all further net revenue. The survey of the “Shantaram” search block is complete, and targets of interest have been inspected with a remotely operated vehicle. Of the amount owed to Odyssey, approximately $1.5 million related to the sale of research was not tendered to Odyssey. If not collected, Odyssey has the option to receive an additional percentage up to 11% of the net proceeds assuming the target project is located and monetized. A contract relating to additional operations relating to this project is being negotiated.

 

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In September 2010, we executed agreements to provide supplementary project research and shipwreck search and survey services for a project code-named “Enigma II” with clients of RFP. (Our initial project with RFP, which began in November 2009 code-named “Enigma”, was completed in March 2010. Eight target sites were identified, including two sites that had some of the characteristics of the “Enigma” shipwreck. However, our subsequent analysis indicated that the sites were not the “Enigma.”) As part of the agreements for the “Enigma II” project, Odyssey furnished research related to the anticipated location of the “Enigma II” and agreed to provide the research vessel, equipment and crew to search a specified area and inspect targets in that area. The contract provided for initial cash payments totaling approximately $1.6 million to Odyssey, plus additional payments upon the sale of coins or artifacts from the “Enigma II” project. After the repayment of all recovery costs, Odyssey will receive 75% of net revenue in aggregate until an additional £5.2 million (approximately $8.4 million) has been received and then 60% in aggregate of all further net revenue. Survey operations have been completed and targets of interest have been inspected with a remotely operated vehicle.

Based on preliminary results, there is evidence suggesting that at least one of the “Robert Fraser Project” target shipwrecks has been located. Additional analysis and investigation is currently underway.

In January 2011, Odyssey executed agreements to provide marine archaeological excavation and related services on an existing project to certain client companies of RFP to verify the existence of a target shipwreck. The work will be conducted on a shipwreck site that Odyssey discovered and inspected during a recently completed survey carried out under contract with the RFP client companies. Odyssey is providing the research vessel, equipment, technical and archaeological crew to conduct the operation. The contract provided for cash payments totaling approximately U.S. $2.3 million to Odyssey plus additional payments based upon revenue derived from the project. After the repayment of all recovery costs, Odyssey will receive at least 50% of net revenue until an additional £1.9 Million (approximately U.S. $3.1 million) has been received and then will receive a minimum of 50% of further net revenue in accordance with the search contracts.

Subject to the verification of the shipwreck’s identity, the condition of the cargo and confirmation of jurisdiction for administering legal rights and title to the shipwreck and its cargo, Odyssey expects to enter into additional agreements for the complete archaeological excavation of the site and for the conservation and documentation of any artifacts recovered.

We expect to close on agreements in the first quarter 2011 which would provide cash payments to Odyssey of approximately $2 million to expand a search and provide marine archaeological excavation and related services to certain client companies of RFP on and around a site that Odyssey discovered and inspected during a recently completed survey carried out under contract with the RFP client companies.

To protect the security of the operations and search areas, specific location details for “Enigma,” “Firebrand” and “Shantaram” are not being released at this time.

We expect to execute additional agreements with clients of RFP in 2011 for subsea mineral exploration projects. Under the proposed structure for these projects, Odyssey will be compensated for search and survey operations and development of geological research files on specific expeditions. If valuable mineral deposits are found and eventually sold, Odyssey will receive deferred cash payments and will benefit from its ownership in the subsea mineral exploration company (see “Subsea Mineral Exploration Projects” included in this section).

ET 409

In January 2010, Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 409 crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after take-off from Beirut International Airport in Lebanon. When ET 409 crashed, Lebanese authorities contacted Odyssey and asked the company to assist in the search and recovery efforts. The Ocean Alert returned to Beirut and was integrated into search operations that included the Lebanese Navy and Army, the U.S. Navy (USS Ramage) and a German Navy ship, the Laboe.

Before the plane wreckage was discovered, the Government of Lebanon asked Odyssey to provide additional capabilities for more complex technical documentation of the site. Odyssey sent the Odyssey Explorer, which was based in the UK, to Lebanon to assist. We were paid $1.4 million for the work completed to-date by the Lebanese government. We have also completed a video survey and photomosaic of the entire area of the wreckage and debris field under contract to the airline insurance company for a total contract price of $ 1.5 million. This groundbreaking project is believed to be the largest underwater geo-spatially accurate photomosaic ever completed, and required stitching together over 50,000 individual high resolution photos. Any additional work at the site is pending until a thorough review of the photomosaic has been completed and a report is produced by the accident investigation team.

Subsea Mineral Mining Exploration Projects

In November 2009, Odyssey acquired a 25% interest in SMM Project LLC, a company funded by a group of investors to bring together the exclusive licenses and skills of world renowned deep-ocean geologist Dr. Timothy McConachy of Bluewater Metals, the deep-ocean survey and exploration expertise of Odyssey, and the offshore coring and mining expertise of Robert Goodden and Subsea Minerals.

 

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SMM Project LLC purchased a majority interest in Bluewater Metals Pty Ltd, an Australian company with licenses for mineral exploration of approximately 150,000 square kilometers of ocean floor in territorial waters controlled by four different countries in the South Pacific. A new business entity, Dorado Ocean Resources Ltd (DOR), a limited liability company organized in Hong Kong, was formed to focus on the exploration and monetization of gold, silver, zinc and copper-rich Seafloor Massive Sulfide (SMS) deposits. In April 2010, DOR acquired SMM Project LLC and the remaining interest in Bluewater.

In April 2010, we purchased 1,200 shares of DOR for a purchase price of U.S. $2.0 million. Under the terms of the Share Subscription Agreement, Odyssey has the option to pay for this investment in cash or by providing marine services to DOR over a three-year period. Odyssey also exchanged its five membership units in SMM Project, LLC for 450 DOR shares bringing Odyssey’s total ownership in DOR to approximately 41%.

In March 2010, Odyssey entered into a long-term charter agreement for a vessel, the Dorado Discovery, a 311-foot DP2 vessel we mobilized with advanced mining and exploration equipment. Utilizing the vessel, equipment and proprietary expertise, we began subsea mineral exploration in the South Pacific in August 2010 under charter in areas covered by exploration permits held by DOR. The charter ended on December 15, 2010.

During Odyssey’s first 100 days of exploration under charter to Dorado, seafloor mapping of approximately 5% of Dorado’s tenements was completed; numerous rock samples, including sulfide samples, were recovered; and new mineral deposits were discovered in the waters surrounding the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

Mineral discovery highlights reported by Dorado’s on their first 100 days of exploration included:

 

   

assay results on samples recovered from multiple locations include high grades of gold, silver, zinc and lead;

 

   

one of several Seafloor Massive Sulphide (SMS) discoveries on this tour has assay results averaging 10.9 grams/tonne of gold, 550 grams/tonne of silver, and 15% zinc and lead (combined);

 

   

another target yielded zinc in excess of 43% and Silver at 395 grams/metric tonne;

 

   

nine prospects have been advanced as discoveries or high priority targets and 24 additional prospects recently visited remain of significant interest; and

 

   

exploration of an Epithermal Gold Deposit with previously sampled average grades of 24.7 grams/tonne of gold.

During February 2011, we expanded our deep-ocean mineral exploration client base by entering into a charter agreement with Neptune Minerals PLC (a UK Company) and Neptune Minerals, Inc. (a Nevada Corp.) and Neptune Resources Ltd. (a New Zealand Company). Under the charter, the Dorado Discovery will supply geological exploration services to Neptune Minerals to explore their tenements in the waters surrounding New Zealand during the first half of 2011. This agreement provides for 75% of the charter rate to be paid in cash to Odyssey and 25% to be paid in equity of Neptune Minerals, Inc. John Morris is a principal in Neptune Minerals, Inc. and is also the cofounder and former CEO of Odyssey and continues to be a consultant to Odyssey.

After completion of the Neptune project, it is anticipated that Odyssey will continue exploration activities using the Dorado Discovery in the South Pacific for Dorado Ocean Resources and other clients.

Other Syndication Projects

In February 2011, we entered into arrangements for a project syndication deal with Galt Resources LLC. Odyssey has received approximately $5.6 million from Galt which represent rights to future revenues of any project that Galt selects prior to December 31, 2011. If the project is successful, Galt will recoup their investment plus three times the investment. These amounts will be paid out of proceeds of the project. Galt will receive 50% of the proceeds until this amount is recouped. In addition they will share in additional net proceeds of the project at the rate of 1% for every million invested. The agreement allows Galt to select only one project, and Galt will be allowed to invest up to $10 million total with the permission of Odyssey.

North Carolina Project

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

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

Although the partnership between Odyssey and Intersal resulted in positive progress on the project, Odyssey and Intersal mutually agreed to terminate the contract between the two companies, and Odyssey has no current plans to conduct operations in the Intersal permit area. Odyssey will retain a small percentage of any gross revenues realized by Intersal from shipwreck finds in the permit area.

 

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The area covered by the Intersal permit is located near but does not overlap Odyssey’s “Firefly” project, which was acquired by Odyssey from BDJ Discovery Group in 2007 and includes one arrested site that has produced a small number of gold and silver artifacts. Odyssey does plan to continue operations on the “Firefly project.

“Symphony” Project

Odyssey completed the first phase of survey in a search area code named “Symphony” in 2009. The work was conducted under a government permit in an exclusive claim area and in conjunction with a project partner. Results of the survey have been analyzed and compiled into a report, which has been provided to the government for review. Preliminary review of the data suggests that four shipwrecks may have been located in the phase-one search area, but at this point, none of the sites have been conclusively identified. Research suggests the search area potentially contains at least two commercial vessels with significant cargoes of gold coins. Sea conditions in this area limit the time operations can be conducted on this project and recent government regulations have made working in the area less attractive. Operations in the area have been postponed until legal and regulatory conditions are considered more favorable.

HMS Sussex Project

The Sussex project is an expedition to locate and recover the artifacts and cargo of a large colonial-period British warship, HMS Sussex, which was lost in a severe storm in 1694. Based on documentary research conducted by contract researchers and our in-house research team in libraries and historical archives in Great Britain, France and other countries, we believe that there is a high probability the ship was carrying a cargo of coins with a substantial numismatic and collector value. Our analysis of the data was accumulated from a review of the ship’s logs, court martial records, state papers, treasury books and various other letters and reports. We conducted offshore search operations on this project in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001. Based on the results of these search operations, we believe there is a high probability we may have located the HMS Sussex, but this will only be confirmed after additional excavation of the site.

On September 27, 2002, we entered into an agreement with the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which we refer to as Her Majesty’s Government (HMG), which allows us to conduct an archaeologically sensitive exploration of the shipwreck believed to be HMS Sussex and to recover artifacts from the shipwreck site. The agreement provided for us to submit a Project Plan to HMG concerning the equipment, personnel and methodologies we intend to use in the exploration of the shipwreck, and the conservation and documentation of any artifacts and cargo that may be recovered. This Plan was submitted and was declared fit for purpose during 2004 with the exception of the staffing plan, which could not be completed until the actual start date was agreed upon and the availability of personnel could be determined. The staffing plan was approved during 2005 and we began exploration of the site during December 2005.

In late 2005 and early 2006, Odyssey completed to the satisfaction of HMG all work detailed in Phase 1A of the HMS Sussex archaeological project plan. The Company has also completed a portion of Phase 1B. The Company temporarily halted operations on the project at the request of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs while issues relative to the archaeological plan for excavation of the site, territorial and cultural resource management issues were negotiated.

As a sovereign warship, HMS Sussex remains the property of HMG which, to our knowledge, has not been contested by the Spanish government or other entities. As part of the partnering agreement signed between Odyssey and HMG in 2002, the following sharing arrangements have been agreed upon with respect to the aggregate amount of the appraised values and/or selling prices of the artifacts, net of agreed selling expenses:

 

Range

   British
Government
    Odyssey  

$0 - $45 million

     20     80

$45 million to $500 million

     50     50

Above $500 million

     60     40

In addition to the percentages specified above, we will also pay HMG 10% of any net income we derive from intellectual property rights associated with the project.

Under the agreement, HMG has the right to keep all artifacts together in one collection, and to then compensate Odyssey by paying us the commensurate percentage of the appraised retail value of the collection. Alternatively, HMG may decide to de-accession duplicate artifacts such as coins and to compensate us by giving us a percentage of those artifacts in an amount that correlates with the percentage of the value due us.

 

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Also, we received the exclusive worldwide right to use the name “HMS Sussex” in connection with sales and marketing of merchandise (exclusive of artifacts) related to the shipwreck, and HMG will receive 3% of the gross sales of such merchandise.

Our agreement with HMG is for a period of 20 years, and can only be terminated if:

 

   

the shipwreck is not HMS Sussex;

 

   

we are in serious breach of our obligations under our agreement with HMG.

The shipwreck that is believed to be HMS Sussex is located in the search area for a project that we have previously referred to as our “Cambridge” project. We sold through private placements of Revenue Participation Certificates, or RPCs, the right to share in our future revenues derived from the “Cambridge” project. As of April 30, 1999, when the offering was closed, we had sold $825,000 of the RPCs. As a group, the holders are entitled to 100% of the first $825,000 of gross revenue, 24.75% of gross revenue from $4 million to $35 million, and 12.375% of gross revenue above $35 million generated by the “Cambridge” project. Additionally, on May 26, 1998, we signed an agreement with a subcontractor that entitled it to receive 5% of the post-finance cost proceeds from any shipwrecks in a certain search area of the Mediterranean Sea. The shipwreck we believe is HMS Sussex is located within the specified search area, and we will be responsible to share future revenues, if any, from this shipwreck with the subcontractor. The subcontractor’s rights were foreclosed upon during 2002 and the purchaser was a limited liability company which was partially owned by two of our officers and directors at the time. In order to remove any potential conflicts of interest, these two persons sold their interests in the limited liability company during 2005.

Because Spain is pursuing claims against our recovery from the “Black Swan project, the HMS Sussex project, which has involved work in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Gibraltar, has been delayed. See Black Swan in the next section.

Admiralty Legal Proceedings

Black Swan

In April 2007, we found and recovered approximately 594,000 coins in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 1,100 meters deep, beyond the territorial waters or contiguous zone of any sovereign nation. We filed an Admiralty arrest for this site, and we were appointed substitute custodian for all artifacts recovered from the site. Odyssey code named the site “Black Swan.” In May 2007, the Kingdom of Spain filed a notice in this case stating that the Spanish government did not intend to give up rights to any Spanish property that might be on the site.

On April 11, 2008, Odyssey filed its responses to the Court’s interrogatories and identified the Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (the “Mercedes), a vessel assigned to transport mail, private passengers, consignments of merchant goods and other cargoes, as one vessel potentially related to the “Black Swan” site, although there is evidence that may contradict this hypothesis. Odyssey reiterated that no vessel has been found at the site, and stated that other hypotheses were also being explored. Spain then filed its answers to the Court’s interrogatories indicating that it had concluded that the vessel related to the “Black Swan site was the Mercedes.

Spain filed a Motion to Dismiss the case on September 22, 2008, based upon the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (“FSIA”), alleging that the U.S. District court lacks jurisdiction. Odyssey filed a response on November 17, 2008, to which Spain filed a reply on January 26, 2009. Odyssey filed a response to that reply on February 13, 2009. Claims have also been filed in the case by the country of Peru as well as named individuals who assert an interest in property that was aboard the Mercedes. Those named individuals have specifically acknowledged Odyssey’s right to a salvage award in the case. On May 4, 2009, Peru filed its objection to Spain’s Motion to Dismiss that Spain filed on September 22, 2008.

On June 3, 2009, a Report and Recommendation (R&R) was filed by the Magistrate Judge which recommended Spain’s Motion to dismiss the case be granted. Six separate Objections were filed, including an Objection from Odyssey, Peru, and many claiming to be descendants of merchants who owned the private cargo on the Mercedes. Odyssey’s objection included arguments that:

 

   

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

 

   

there was no coherent vessel located at the “Black Swan” site,

 

   

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

 

   

a distinction between cargo and vessel is allowed and even required by settled admiralty law; and

 

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

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

On December 23, 2009, the U.S. District Judge adopted the Magistrate’s Report and Recommendation and dismissed the case based on lack of jurisdiction. The Judge ordered Odyssey to turn over the coins to Spain, but stayed that part of the order until the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals rules in the case, which serves to keep the coins in Odyssey’s possession pending the outcome of the case.

We filed our notice of appeal with the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida and Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals on January 15, 2010, and filed the Initial Brief on appeal with the Eleventh Circuit on May 11, 2010. Spain issued its Response to our appeal on July 19, 2010, and Odyssey’s Reply to Spain’s Response was filed on August 19, 2010. The case was scheduled for oral argument in Atlanta, Georgia on March 4, 2011 but has since been changed to the week of May 23, 2011.

In its Initial Brief, Odyssey argued that the district court erroneously dismissed the case by using flawed legal analysis and by failing to acknowledge or understand several major aspects of the case, including the issue of sovereign immunity. The opening brief also points out several erroneous factual findings and legal conclusions made by the district court including the following:

 

   

Not having the benefit of Aqua Log, Inc. vs. State of Georgia, 594 F.3d 1330 (11th Cir. 2010) which was decided by the Eleventh Circuit three weeks after the district court’s dismissal of the Black Swan case, the district court incorrectly held that under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), a sovereign (Spain) was not required to have possession of property to claim sovereign immunity. In Aqualog, the Eleventh Circuit held that in in rem admiralty proceedings, a sovereign is indeed required to have possession. Although the Aqualog case was an Eleventh Amendment case regarding the immunity of the state of Georgia, the Court addressed immunity for all sovereigns in such cases, including foreign countries like Spain.

 

   

The district court did not conduct an evidentiary hearing on the disputed issues of fact, unquestioningly accepting testimony presented by Spain. This was a violation of due process for all of the claimants as well as Odyssey.

 

   

The district court erred in failing to recognize that the Defendant in the case (an in rem proceeding) was NOT Spain or a vessel owned by Spain. The actual Defendant in the case was the group of coins and artifacts (the res in this case) discovered and recovered by Odyssey.

 

   

Descendant claimants have alleged to have ownership rights to the property recovered, claiming their ancestors placed it aboard the Mercedes (the vessel alleged by Spain to have been carrying the subject cargo) for shipment. The district court completely misunderstood their relationship to the property, referring to them as “descendants of those aboard the Mercedes,” rather than the descendants of property owners.

 

   

Despite undisputed evidence to the contrary, the district court erroneously found that the Mercedes was not engaged in commercial activity. The majority of coins aboard the Mercedes were privately owned and commercially shipped, and the gun decks of the Mercedes had been reconfigured to accommodate paying passengers and cargo. In fact, in the aftermath of the sinking of the Mercedes, Spain went on diplomatic record to protest to the British government that the Mercedes was carrying private cargo and passengers, and therefore the British attack was an unwarranted provocation. Longstanding law, as codified in the FSIA and the SMCA (Sunken Military Craft Act) provides that a vessel is NOT entitled to foreign sovereign immunity if it was engaged in commercial acts.

 

   

The district court also failed to recognize that under well-established admiralty law, cargo may be separated from a vessel, and the cargo may be subdivided to determine competing claims of ownership and salvage.

Unidentified Shipwreck (Bray Case)

On December 20, 2007, Keith Bray filed an Intervening Complaint in one of our admiralty arrests (Case number 8:06-cv-1685). On February 1, 2010, Odyssey was granted Partial Summary Judgment in the case giving us title to all artifacts recovered from the site, and the in rem portion of the case was administratively closed leaving Bray’s contract claim as the only claim to be tried. Bray sought rescission of the written research contract he had executed with Odyssey claiming mutual mistake or fraud.

 

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On August 18, 2010 the district court dismissed Bray’s intervening complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. Bray filed an appeal of the dismissal on January 3, 2011 with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Odyssey filed its response on January 26, 2011, and Bray filed a reply to our response on February 14, 2011. The parties await a ruling from the Eleventh Circuit.

Legal and Political Issues

Odyssey works with a number of leading international maritime lawyers and policy experts to constantly monitor international legal initiatives that might affect our projects. As a matter of policy, we begin with the assumption that some entity, whether a government, private concern or insurance company, may have some rights to shipwrecks that are slated for search and recovery operations. Based on this assumption, a rigorous legal analysis is undertaken in order to ascertain which entities might be able to create roadblocks to a successful project. In some cases, such as that of HMS Sussex, it was determined that the most prudent mechanism for moving forward was to negotiate a contract with the owner of the vessel in order to manage the litigation risk.

In other cases, such as the SS Republic project, we entered into an agreement whereby we purchased the insurance company’s interest in the shipwreck and cargo, opening the way for an immediate grant of title to Odyssey by the federal court that had jurisdiction.

To the extent that we engage in shipwreck search and recovery activities in the territorial, contiguous or exclusive economic zones of countries, Odyssey intends to comply with verifiable applicable regulations and treaties. Prior to beginning operations for any project, the legal and political aspects are carefully researched to ascertain what effect these issues may have on the potential success of the operation.

These factors are taken into account in determining whether to proceed with a project as planned. Other factors, such as the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage are also taken into consideration. New political initiatives such as this Convention could restrict access to historical shipwrecks throughout the world to the extent they might require compliance with additional cultural resource management guidelines and regulations. Some of these will require adherence to strict archaeological practices and we intend to follow reasonable guidelines in all projects to which they are applicable. Greg Stemm, Odyssey’s Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, was a member of the United States delegation that negotiated the UNESCO Convention, and as such provides us with a thorough understanding of the underlying principles and ramifications of the Convention, and advance notice of other cultural resource management issues that might affect our projects.

The UNESCO Convention is not expected to impact operations in international waters, and the United States, the United Kingdom and other major maritime governments have already stated explicitly that they do not intend to sign the Convention. Nevertheless, some countries in whose waters we may consider working may sign or have already signed the Convention. While the UNESCO Convention states that artifacts may not be sold, it also states that this prohibition may not prevent the provision of archaeological services, and we intend to provide such services in contracts with governments. We believe the primary value of the cargoes we seek are trade goods (such as coins, bullion and gems), which are not artifacts of historical, archaeological or cultural significance and as such should not be subject to the rule prohibiting sale.

We believe there will be increased interest in the protection of underwater cultural heritage throughout the oceans of the world. We are uniquely qualified to provide governments and international agencies with resources to help manage these resources while providing the public with educational, scientific, historical and entertainment initiatives that originate from our shipwreck exploration activities.

Competition

There are a number of companies who publicly identify themselves as engaged in aspects of the shipwreck business, but they do not compete directly with us as an established deep-ocean archaeological shipwreck exploration company. These entities include, but are not limited to Blue Water Ventures, Mel Fisher’s Treasures, Deep Blue Marine, Marine Exploration, Inc., Oceanic Research and Recovery, Seafarer Exploration, Deep6 Ltd. and UnderSea Recovery Corporation. It is possible that one of these companies or some currently unknown group may locate and recover a shipwreck on our project roster; however, due to the breadth of our historical and archival research, the already completed sonar and deep-water ROV inspection efforts, and the number of shipwreck projects in various stages of development, we do not believe that competition from one or more of these entities, known or unknown, would materially affect our operating plan or alter our current business strategy.

Cost of Environmental Compliance

With the exception of vessel operations and conservation activities, our general business operations do not expose us to environmental risks or hazards. We carry insurance that provides a layer of protection in the event of an environmental exposure resulting from the operation of our vessels. The cost of such coverage is minimal on an annual basis. We believe the risk associated with our conservation activities is minimal.

 

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Executive Officers of the Registrant

The names, ages and positions of all the executive officers of the Company as of March 1, 2010 are listed below.

Gregory P. Stemm (age 53) has served as Chief Executive Officer since January 3, 2008 and prior to June 2010 was also Chairman of the Board. Mr. Stemm previously served as Vice President, Research and Operations and as a member of the Board of Directors since May 1994. He served as Co-Chairman of the Board since February 24, 2006 until his present appointment.

Mark D. Gordon (age 50) has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since October 2007 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in January 2008. Previously Mr. Gordon served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development since January 2007 after joining Odyssey as Director of Business Development in June 2005. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Gordon owned and managed four different start-up ventures (1987-2003).

Michael J. Holmes (age 61) has served as Chief Financial Officer since May 2004. Mr. Holmes joined Odyssey as Controller in March 2004 and had previously served in a variety of financial management positions with Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. to include Vice President Finance, Sea World Orlando (1998-2003).

David A. Morris (age 60) has served as Secretary since August 1997 and Treasurer from August 1997 until May 2010.

Jay A. Nudi (age 47) has served as Principal Accounting Officer since January 2006 and joined Odyssey as Controller in May 2005. Mr. Nudi assumed the additional responsibilities of Treasurer in May 2010. Prior to joining Odyssey, Mr. Nudi served as Controller for The Axis Group in Atlanta (2003-2004). Previously he served as a consultant to various companies on specific value added engagements (2001-2003).

Laura L. Barton (age 48) was appointed Vice President of Communications in November 2007. Ms. Barton previously served as Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing for Odyssey since July 2003. Ms. Barton was previously President of LLB Communications, a marketing and communications consulting company whose customers included a variety of television networks, stations and distributors and the Company (1994-2003).

Employees

As of December 31, 2010, we had 42 full-time employees, most working from our corporate offices in Tampa, Florida. Additionally, we contract crewmen who operate our two vessels and technicians who perform marine survey and recovery operations on our vessels and from time to time we hire subcontractors and consultants to perform specific services.

Internet Access

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

Other Financial Obligations

On March 5, 2010, we entered into a four-year charter agreement for a vessel that we began to use for subsea mineral mining exploration in the South Pacific beginning in the third quarter of 2010. The vessel charter includes a day rate of £7,000 GBP which is subject to an increase in the third and fourth years based on the average increase in the United Kingdom Consumer Price Index in the first two years. At current foreign exchange rates, the charter rate equates to approximately $11,300 per day, or $4.1 million annually. The Company can terminate the charter with a ninety day notice and a termination fee of £630,000 GBP (approximately $1,000,000). The termination fee can be eliminated or reduced if the vessel is chartered to a third party prior to the end of the termination period.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following factors, in addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in evaluating our company and our business. Our business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks. Some of these risks are described below, and should be carefully considered in evaluating Odyssey or any investment decision relating to our securities. This section does not describe all risks applicable to Odyssey, its industry or its business. It is intended only as a summary of the principal risks. However, additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, or operating results could suffer. If this occurs, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of the money you paid to buy our common stock.

 

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Our business involves a high degree of risk.

An investment in Odyssey is extremely speculative and of exceptionally high risk. Although we have access to a substantial amount of research and data which has been compiled regarding various shipwreck projects, the quality and reliability of such research and data is uncertain. Even if we are able to plan and obtain permits for our various projects, there is a possibility that the shipwrecks may have already been salvaged or may not be found, or may not have had anything valuable on board at the time of the sinking. Even if objects of value are located and recovered, there is the possibility that the excavation cost will exceed the value of the objects recovered or those others, including both private parties and governmental entities, will assert conflicting claims and challenge our rights to the recovered objects. Finally, even if we are successful in locating and retrieving objects from a shipwreck and establishing title to them, there are no assurances as to the value that such objects will bring at their sale, as the market for such objects is uncertain.

The research and data we use may not be reliable.

The success of a shipwreck project is dependent to a substantial degree upon the research and data we have obtained. By its very nature, research and data regarding shipwrecks can be imprecise, incomplete and unreliable. It is often composed of or affected by numerous assumptions, rumors, legends, historical and scientific inaccuracies and misinterpretations which have become a part of such research and data over time.

Availability of raw materials may be limited.

The availability of inventory is primarily dependent on the success of finding raw materials in the form of intrinsically valuable cargoes from shipwrecks. If we are not successful in the exploration and recovery of shipwrecks, we would not have sufficient inventory to sell.

Operations may be affected by natural hazards.

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

We may be unable to establish our rights to any objects we recover.

Persons and entities other than Odyssey and entities we are affiliated with (both private and governmental) may claim title to the shipwrecks and/or valuable cargo that we may recover. Even if we are successful in locating and recovering shipwrecks and/or valuable cargo, we cannot assure we will be able to establish our right to property recovered if challenged by governmental entities, prior owners, or other attempted salvors claiming an interest therein. In such an event we could spend a great deal of time and money on a shipwreck project, and receive no salvage claim or revenue for our work.

The market for any objects we recover is uncertain.

Even if valuable items can be located and recovered in the future, it is difficult to predict the price that might be realized for such items. The value of recovered items will fluctuate with the precious metals market, which has been highly volatile in past years. In addition, the entrance on the market of a large supply of similar items from shipwrecks and/or valuable cargo located and recovered by others could depress the market.

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

The methods and channels that may be used in the disposition or sale of recovered items are uncertain at present and may include several alternatives. Ready access to buyers for any artifacts or other valuable items recovered cannot be guaranteed. Delays in the disposition of such items could adversely affect our cash flow.

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

Legal, political or civil initiatives of countries and/or major maritime governments could restrict access to shipwrecks or interfere with our search and recovery operations.

 

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Objects we recover could be stolen from us.

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

We face competition from others.

There are a number of competing entities engaged in various aspects of the shipwreck business, and in the future other competitors may emerge. One or more of these competing entities may locate and recover a shipwreck that we intend to locate and recover. In addition, these competing entities may be better capitalized and may have greater resources to devote to their pursuit of the shipwreck.

We may be unable to get permission to conduct salvage operations.

It is possible we will not be successful in obtaining title or permission to excavate certain wrecks. In addition, permits that are sought for the projects may never be issued, and if issued, may not be legal or honored by the entities that issued them.

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

As changes in our business environment occur we may need to adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we may otherwise find it necessary to restructure our operations or particular businesses or assets. When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and may need to write down the value of assets. In any of these events our costs may increase, and we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets.

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

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

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

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

Our articles of incorporation authorize generic preferred stock.

Our Articles of Incorporation initially authorized the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, 190,000 shares of which have been retired. As a result, we are authorized to issue up to 9,810,000 shares of preferred stock. Our board of directors has the right to establish the terms, preference, rights and restrictions of the preferred stock. Such preferred stock could be issued with terms, rights, preferences and restrictions that could discourage other persons from attempting to acquire control and thereby insulate incumbent management. In certain circumstances, the existence of corporate devices that would inhibit or discourage takeover attempts could have a negative effect on the market value of our common stock.

We may continue to experience significant losses from operations.

We have experienced a net loss in every fiscal year since our inception except for 2004. Our losses from operations were $16.4 million in 2010, $18.6 million in 2009, and $24.8 million in 2008. Even if we do generate operating income in one or more quarters in the future, subsequent developments in our industry, customer base, business or cost structure or an event such as significant litigation or a significant transaction may cause us to again experience operating losses. We may not become profitable for the long-term, or even for any quarter.

 

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

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

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

During 2010 we recorded approximately $21 million of revenue by chartering vessels, equipment and crew and providing marine services to clients or customers. While the results of these syndicated projects were generally successful, the clients or customers may not be willing or financially able to continue with syndicated projects of this type in the future. Failure to secure such revenue producing contracts in the future would have a material impact on our revenue and operating cash flows.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We maintain our offices in Tampa, Florida where we purchased a 23,500 square-foot two story office building in 2004 to serve as our corporate and operations headquarters. In May 2008, we purchased a one story 8,100 square-foot commercial building in proximity to our corporate headquarters which is utilized by our conservation, research and archaeology departments. We believe these facilities are sufficient for our foreseeable needs.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

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

ITEM 4. RESERVED

 

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PART II

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

Performance Graph

This performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” with the SEC or subject to Section 18 of the Exchange Act, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Assuming an investment of $100 on December 31, 2005, and reinvestment of all dividends, the graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s Common Stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Market Index and the Russell 2000 Market Index.

COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR TOTAL RETURN AMONG ODYSSEY,

S&P 500 STOCK INDEX AND RUSSELL 2000 STOCK INDEX

LOGO

 

Total Return Analysis

   12/31/2005      12/31/2006      12/31/2007      12/31/2008      12/31/2009      12/31/2010  

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.

   $ 100.00       $ 82.49       $ 174.86       $ 90.96       $ 39.83       $ 78.53   

S&P 500 Index

   $ 100.00       $ 115.79       $ 122.15       $ 76.96       $ 97.32       $ 111.97   

Russell 2000 Index

   $ 100.00       $ 117.00       $ 113.79       $ 74.19       $ 92.90       $ 116.40   

Price Range of Common Stock

On November 19, 2003, our common stock was listed on the American Stock Exchange and was traded under the symbol OMR. On July 10, 2007, trading of our common stock moved from the American Stock Exchange to the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol OMEX. The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices for our common stock during each quarter presented.

 

     Price  
     High      Low  

Quarter Ended

     

March 31, 2009

   $ 5.23       $ 2.75   

June 30, 2009

   $ 3.95       $ 1.39   

September 30, 2009

   $ 2.33       $ 1.44   

December 31, 2009

   $ 1.93       $ 1.34   

Quarter Ended

     

March 31, 2010

   $ 1.56       $ 1.27   

June 30, 2010

   $ 1.50       $ 0.94   

September 30, 2010

   $ 1.95       $ 0.97   

December 31, 2010

   $ 2.90       $ 1.73   

 

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Approximate Number of Holders of Common Stock

The approximate number of record holders of our common stock at February 14, 2011 was 240. This does not include shareholders that hold their stock in accounts in street name with broker/dealers which approximate another 11,000 holders.

Dividends

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our Board of Directors. No dividends have been declared with respect to our common stock or preferred stock and none are anticipated in the foreseeable future. Holders of our Series G 8% Convertible Preferred Stock accumulate dividends as described in NOTE Q. These dividends are not payable until declared by the Board of Directors.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2010 that have not been reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

There were no repurchases of shares of the Company’s common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2010.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

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

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
Dollars in thousands except per share amounts    2010     2009     2008     2007     2006  

Results of Operations

          

Revenue

   $ 21,001      $ 4,347      $ 4,105      $ 6,147      $ 5,064   

Net income (loss)

     (23,343     (18,628     (24,841     (23,833     (19,088

Earnings (loss) per share – basic

     (0.36     (0.33     (0.50     (0.54     (0.41

Earnings (loss) per share – diluted

     (0.36     (0.33     (0.50     (0.54     (0.41

Cash dividends per share

     —          —          —          —          —     

Financial Position

          

Assets

   $ 19,407      $ 20,256      $ 30,462      $ 38,558      $ 27,208   

Long-term obligations

     2,776        2,950        3,123        2,601        3,053   

Shareholder’s equity (deficit)

     (7,548     7,562        18,125        30,199        17,366   

 

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

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

Results of Operations

The dollar values discussed in the following tables, except as otherwise indicated, are approximations to the nearest $100,000 and therefore do not necessarily sum in columns or rows. For more detail refer to the Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in Item 8. The tables identify years 2010, 2009 and 2008, all of which included a twelve-month period fiscal year that ended December 31.

2010 Compared to 2009

 

                 2010 vs. 2009  
(Dollars in millions)    2010     2009     $     %  

Artifact sales and other

   $ .4      $ 1.6      $ (1.2     (76 )% 

Exhibit

     .1        .6        (.5     (76

Expedition charter

     20.5        2.1        18.4        867   
                                

Total revenue

   $ 21.0      $ 4.3      $ 16.7        383
                                

Cost of sales

     .2        .7        (.5     (72

Operations and research

     19.6        12.6        7.0        55   

Marketing, general and administrative

     9.2        9.4        (0.3     (3

Receivable reserves

     8.5        —          8.5        na   
                                

Total operating expenses

   $ 37.4      $ 22.7      $ 14.7        65
                                

Other income (expense)

   $ (6.9   $ (0.3     (6.7     (2,436 )% 
                                

Revenue

Revenue is generated through the sale of coins, artifacts and merchandise, the lease of our themed attraction exhibit and expedition charters.

Expedition charter revenue was $20.5 million in 2010 versus $2.1 million in 2009. In 2010, $9.0 million related to our syndicated projects with clients of Robert Fraser Partners LLP (RFP) that included four separate projects (Enigma I and II, Firebrand and Shantaram). Also in 2010, $7.9 million represented charter services sold to Dorado Ocean Resources for deep ocean mineral mining exploration. These two customers represented 82% of our expedition charter revenue in 2010. Other projects for 2010 included the ET 409 aircraft recovery and photomosaic project ($2.9 million) and $.7 million from other charter services. During the fourth quarter 2009 we initiated the first RFP project ($2.0 million) for research, shipwreck search and survey services related to the “Enigma I” project (see Operational Projects, Item 1).

Artifact sales and other revenues primarily include coin sales, but also include other artifacts, merchandise, commissions, and other miscellaneous revenue. Artifact and other revenues for 2010 and 2009 were $.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively. We believe the decrease of $1.2 million in artifact sales and other in 2010 primarily related to overall poor economic conditions and availability of new product offerings. As of December 31, 2010, we had a remaining inventory of approximately 28,500 silver coins. Our artifact and other and exhibit revenue for 2010 and 2009 was predominantly U.S. domestic-based.

Exhibit revenue was $.1 million and $.6 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure is an interactive multi-media exhibit and features hundreds of artifacts recovered from our deep-ocean shipwreck expeditions. The decrease of $.5 million in 2010 because Odyssey’s exhibit, SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure, was on tour for four months in 2010 versus eleven months on two separate tours in 2009. The non-booked months in 2010 were related to downtime for planned exhibit refurbishment after runs at five venues and over 600,000 visitors. The exhibit opened at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore on October 1, 2010 and ran through January 31, 2011. In 2009 the exhibit was featured at two locations (Oklahoma City and Charlotte, North Carolina). Exhibit revenue varied dependent on the type of contract which was either a fixed rental or a per visitor basis. The exhibit is currently booked through August 2012.

 

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Cost and Expenses

Cost of sales consists of shipwreck recovery costs, grading, conservation, packaging, and shipping costs associated with artifact and merchandise sales. The primary cost component is from the sale of coins. Cost of sales for coins decreased 72% for 2010 versus 2009 primarily because of fewer coins sold in 2010. Actual cost as a percentage of coin sales was 41% and 44% in 2010 and 2009, respectively. There is no cost of sales component associated with the themed attraction and expedition charter revenues.

Operations and research expenses primarily include all costs within Archaeology, Conservation, Research, and Marine Operations, which include all vessel operations. Operations and research expenses were $19.6 million in 2010, compared to $12.6 million in 2009. The $7.0 million increase, or 55%, was primarily related to our two chartered vessels ($8.5 million). The Dorado Discovery vessel comprised $6.0 million of the increase and has completed its charter with Dorado Ocean Resources Ltd. in mid-December after a successful four month charter in the South Pacific (see Operational Projects, Item 1). Our second chartered vessel, which comprised $2.5 million of the increase, was deployed during the second quarter 2010 to work on the “Shantaram” project and then was sub-chartered to a third party in the third quarter and went off-charter in the fourth quarter. The unfavorable charter variances were primarily offset by favorable variances for our two owned vessels, most of which represented the Ocean Alert which has been in port for the latter part of 2010. Our current plans are either to sell or charter the Ocean Alert in 2011.

Marketing, general and administrative expenses primarily include all costs within the following departments: Executive, Finance & Accounting, Legal, Information Technology, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, Sales and Business Development. Marketing, general and administrative expenses were $9.2 million in 2010 versus $9.4 million in 2009. The decrease was primarily attributable to reduced corporate overhead of $.3 million including professional fees and expenses and depreciation.

Receivable reserves of $8.5 million in 2010 include approximately $1.5 million which related to the sale of research for the “Shantaram” project which has not been received. If not collected, Odyssey has the option to receive an additional percentage up to 11% of the net proceeds assuming the target project is located. The additional reserve of $6.9 million represents the net amount due from DOR for charter services. The DOR reserve does not include $2.0 million of receivables which can be offset against our subscription payable to DOR. At the present time, we cannot determine with certainty as to the amount of cash we may or may not receive from our charter services with DOR of which we have approximately a 41% interest. As discussed in Part I, Item 1- Business, Operational Projects and Status, the DOR expedition with Odyssey achieved outstanding results in the first charter which covered approximately 5% of DOR tenements. Also, with the recent mining license issued to Nautilus Minerals, another mineral exploration company operating in the South Pacific, there has been significant attention being given to this relatively new emerging industry. DOR is in the process of raising the additional capital in order to begin further operations in the initial areas of success. Odyssey has several possibilities for recognizing benefits from the accounts receivable from DOR. We may receive all or only a portion of the receivables in cash. We have the option to convert our non-mobilization portion of the accounts receivable into additional equity of DOR at the last subscription price. If we were to convert the receivables to equity, Odyssey could increase its stake to approximately 49% prior to any future dilution. We can also convert all or a portion of the receivables into a note receivable or debenture which would provide a coupon rate and potentially other enhancements. Due to the lack of clarity on the ultimate form of collection of the DOR receivable, we recorded a $6.9 million receivable reserve against operations. There remains a $2.0 million account receivable from DOR which could be offset against our subscription payable of $2.0 million which is due by April 1, 2013. Had we converted our accounts receivable into equity in DOR, we would have also been required to absorb our ownership percentage of accumulated losses of DOR. Since DOR is in the start-up phase of operations, continued losses would have eventually reduced our long term investment against the income statement as loss from unconsolidated entity. We will retain our ownership interest in DOR and continue to be very optimistic concerning the future potential of this emerging new business. We believe that we may receive the economic benefit of all or a portion of the receivable that relates to the reserve that has been established and will continue to evaluate this asset accordingly in future periods.

Other Income or Expense

Other income and expense generally consists of interest income on investments offset by interest expense on our revolving credit facility and other loans. Beginning in the fourth quarter 2009, it also included the income or loss from our equity investment. Beginning in the fourth quarter 2010 it included the change in fair value of the derivatives related to our issuance of Series G preferred stock and the gain/(loss) on debt extinguishment. Total other expense was $6.9 million in 2010 and $.3 million in 2009. The unfavorable difference of $6.7 million primarily represented the change in fair value of the derivatives related to the Series G Redeemable Preferred Stock ($3.6 million) and loss on our equity investment in Dorado Ocean Resources ($2.4 million) which has been recorded pursuant to Accounting Standards Codifications. See Notes K and Q of our Consolidated Financial Statements for the discussion of the derivative loss and redeemable preferred stock and Note J for our loss on our equity investment. Other items included the loss on debt extinguishment of $.4 million which resulted from our exchange of notes payable for an investment in the Series G preferred stock (see Note Q) and $.5 million for interest expense on our revolving line of credit and other loans.

 

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Income Taxes

We did not record any provision (benefit) for income taxes in 2010 or 2009. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of deferred tax assets resulting from operating loss carryforwards, we recorded a full valuation allowance of $45.9 million against the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2010 compared to $39.7 million as of December 31, 2009. As required by the Accounting for Income Taxes topic in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), we have evaluated whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on the available evidence, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that those assets would not be realizable without the recovery of high-value shipwrecks (such as HMS Sussex) or successful admiralty proceedings regarding salvage claims to “Black Swan” high value cargo and thus a valuation allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2010. We anticipate that we will continue to incur net losses in 2011. Our ability to generate net income in future periods is dependent upon our success in recovering and monetizing high-value shipwrecks and our ability to generate expedition charter revenue. Our current estimates do not include monetizing any assets from the “Black Swan” or HMS Victory projects in 2011. We will continue to reassess the need for a valuation allowance during each future reporting period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2010     2009  

Summary of Cash Flows:

    

Net cash (used) by operating activities

   $ (12,159   $ (12,597

Net cash (used) by investing activities

     (1,631     (1,650

Net cash provided by financing activities

     11,880        5,652   
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (1,910   $ (8,595

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

     2,145        10,740   
                

Ending cash and cash equivalents

   $ 236      $ 2,145   
                

Discussion of Cash Flows

Net cash used in operating activities in 2010 was $12.2 million. This amount primarily reflected an operating loss of $23.3 million offset in part by non-cash items including depreciation and amortization ($2.2 million), share-based compensation ($2.1 million), loss from unconsolidated entity ($2.4 million), change in fair value of derivatives liabilities due to the issuance of Series G preferred stock ($3.6 million), and loss on extinguishment of debt and loan discount amortization related to the exchange of notes payable for Series G preferred stock ($.5 million). The overall net increase in accounts receivable, net of reserves of $8.5 million, is $1.8 million which primarily represents charter services for DOR (see Item 7. Cost and Expenses discussion). Other working capital changes included an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $2.8 million ($2.1 million represents ship charter-related expenses), and a decrease in deferred revenue of $.5 million (representing cash receipts of $3.7 million offset by revenue recognized of $4.2 million on the “Firebrand,” “Enigma” and “Shantaram” projects). Net cash used in operating activities in 2009 was $12.6 million. This amount primarily reflected an operating loss of $18.6 million offset in part by non-cash items including depreciation and amortization ($2.3 million), share-based compensation ($2.0 million), loss from equity investment ($.1 million), increase in accrued expenses and deferred revenue ($1.4 million) and accounts payable ($.6 million), a decrease in inventory ($.6 million), accounts receivable ($.2 million) and restricted cash ($.1 million) required by our credit facility and building mortgage with Fifth Third Bank.

Cash flows used in investing activities were $1.6 million and $1.6 million for the twelve months in 2010 and 2009, respectively. Cash flows used in investing activities for 2010 of $1.6 million primarily represented marine property and equipment purchases for our business venture into subsea mineral mining and exploration. Cash used in investing activities in 2009 included the purchase of $.8 million of vessel-related property and equipment, $.3 million of capitalized maintenance for major overhaul of the Ocean Alert tail shaft, and $.5 million for our equity investment in SMM Project LLC to pursue opportunities in the exploration of deep-ocean gold and copper deposits.

Cash flows provided by financing activities in 2010 were $11.9 million which included $6.2 million proceeds from the issuance and sale of common stock in January 2010 offset by fees related to the private offering of $.2 million, $1.8 million proceeds from the issuance of promissory notes in August 2010 (of which $1.0 million was exchanged for Series G preferred stock in October 2010), $5.1 million in proceeds from the sale of Series G preferred stock in October 2010, and repayment of $1.0 million of mortgage and loans payable ($.9 million of which related to the repayment of the promissory notes in October 2010). Cash flows provided by financing activities for 2009 were $5.7 million which primarily included $5.9 million from the issuance of common stock and exercise of warrants offset by loan repayments of $.2 million.

 

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General Discussion 2010

At December 31, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of $.2 million, a decrease of $1.9 million from the December 31, 2009 balance of $2.1 million.

Equity-Related

During January 2010, we entered into individual purchase agreements with certain investors pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of Odyssey’s common stock and warrants to purchase up to 2,400,000 shares of common stock to such investors. The common stock and warrants were sold as units, with each unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase 0.6 shares of common stock. The purchase price for each unit was $1.565. The warrants have an exercise price of $2.25 per share of common stock and are exercisable in accordance with their terms at any time on or before the close of business on January 29, 2013. The net proceeds to us from the registered direct public offering, after deducting placement agent fees and its offering expenses, and excluding the proceeds from the exercise of the warrants issued in the offering, were $6.1 million.

On February 12, 2010, we issued 500,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor. The shares of common stock were issued upon conversion of 500,000 outstanding shares of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock that were originally purchased in January 2007.

On March 18, 2010, we issued 600,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor. The shares of common stock were issued upon conversion of 600,000 outstanding shares of the Odyssey’s Series D Convertible Preferred Stock that were originally purchased in May 2007.

On April 20, 2010, we issued 600,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor. The shares of common stock were issued upon conversion of 600,000 outstanding shares of the Company’s Series D Convertible Preferred Stock that were originally purchased in May 2007.

On April 30, 2010, SMM Project LLC was acquired by Dorado Ocean Resources Ltd (DOR) through a stock exchange agreement. We were issued 450 DOR shares in exchange for our surrendered shares in SMM. Additionally, we invested $2 million dollars for 1,200 shares of DOR resulting in a 41.25% ownership of DOR. Under the terms of the Share Subscription Agreement, we have the option to pay for this investment in cash or by providing marine services to DOR over a three-year period.

On May 6, 2010, we issued 1,300,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor. The shares of common stock were issued upon conversion of 13 outstanding shares of the Odyssey’s Series E Convertible Preferred Stock that were originally purchased in September 2007. The Series E Convertible Preferred Stock was convertible into 100,000 shares common for every one share of preferred. As a result of the conversion, there are no longer any shares of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding.

On June 3, 2010, shareholders approved the proposal at the annual meeting to amend the 2005 Incentive Stock Plan by adding 3,000,000 shares of common stock to the Plan. An S-8 Registration was filed in August 2010 for the additional shares.

On August 20, 2010, we entered into individual purchase agreements with certain investors to issue and sell promissory notes in the principal amount of $1.8 million and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 270,000 shares of common stock. The notes bear interest at a rate equal to 5.0% per annum, and all principal and accrued interest was due and payable on or before December 18, 2010. The warrants had an exercise price of $2.25 per share of common stock and will be exercisable in accordance with their terms at any time on or before the close of business on August 20, 2013. All the notes were paid in full as of October 18, 2010.

On October 6, 2010, we entered into separate purchase agreements with certain investors to sell 24 shares of Series G 8% Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and warrants to purchase up to 1,800,000 shares of Odyssey’s common stock to such investors. The Series G Preferred stock and warrants were offered as units, with each unit consisting of one share of Preferred Stock and a Warrant to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock. The purchase price for each unit was $250,000. The transaction closed on October 12, 2010, and we sold 20 of the units for cash, and four of the units were issued upon tender of an aggregate of $1.0 million of principal amount of the promissory notes that Odyssey issued in August 2010 by the holders thereof. Accordingly, the net cash proceeds to Odyssey were approximately $5.0 million. See NOTE Q to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information and the planned accounting for this transaction.

Other Areas

Beginning in late 2009, 2010 and so far in 2011, Odyssey has executed six agreements with clients of Robert Fraser & Partners LLP (RFP) for four shipwreck search projects code named “Firebrand”, “Shantaram” and “Enigma I and II,” and two other follow-up/verification agreements on the projects. These agreements total approximately $14 million for which we have received approximately $12.3 million. We are planning additional projects with RFP in 2011 focusing on mineral exploration (see Operational Projects, Item1.).

 

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In February 2011, Odyssey closed on a project syndication deal with Galt Resources LLC. Odyssey has received approximately $5.6 million from Galt which represent rights to future revenues of the project Galt selects prior to December 31, 2011. If the project is successful, Galt will recoup their investment plus three times the investment. These amounts will be paid out of proceeds of the project. Galt will receive 50% of the proceeds until this amount is recouped. In addition they will share in the future net proceeds of the project at the rate of 1% for every million invested. The agreement allows Galt to select only one project, and Galt will be allowed to invest up to $10 million total with the permission of Odyssey.

During February 2011, Odyssey entered into a charter agreement with Neptune Minerals PLC (a UK Company) and Neptune Minerals, Inc. (a Nevada Corp.) and Neptune Resources Ltd. (a New Zealand Company) for the Dorado Discovery to supply geological exploration services to Neptune Minerals to explore their tenements in the waters surrounding New Zealand in the first half of 2011. Odyssey expects to receive a minimum of $3 million in cash for the charter services.

Bank Credit Facility

On April 23, 2010, we renewed our $5.0 million revolving credit facility with Fifth Third Bank (the “Bank”). The renewed credit facility has a floating interest rate equal to the “Prime Rate” plus one hundred and fifty basis points (1.50%), requires monthly payments of interest only, and is due in full April 23, 2011. The Company will also be required to pay the Bank an unused line fee equal to 0.50% per annum of the unused portion of the credit line.

The line of credit is secured by approximately 28,500 numismatic coins recovered from the SS Republic shipwreck, which amount will be reduced over the term by the amount of coins sold by the Company. The coins used as collateral are held by a custodian for the security of the Bank. The borrowing base is equal to forty percent (40%) of the eligible coin inventory valued on a rolling twelve-month wholesale average value. The Company is required to comply with a number of customary covenants. At December 31, 2010, the credit line was fully extended. We are currently in negotiations with the Bank to extend the line of credit.

Trends and Uncertainties

Our current 2011 business plan estimates positive cash flow from operation activities, which assumes several of our planned projects are financed through project syndications or other partnership opportunities. One or more of these projected project financing or partnership opportunities may not be realized which may require the need for additional cash. We are also estimating capital expenditure needs of approximately $3.5 million primarily related to specialized equipment necessary for several of our upcoming projects. Based upon our current expectations, we believe our cash position will be sufficient to fund operating cash flows throughout the rest of 2011 taking into account our current cash flow expectations and expected revenues from multiple sources, including projected sales, syndicated projects and potential financing opportunities. Based upon current discussions with Fifth Third Bank, we expect to renew or extend our existing credit facility before termination in April 2011. However, we cannot be assured of our ability to do so and may need to seek additional capital in 2011 to pay off our existing balance. We have experienced several years of net losses resulting in a stockholders’ deficit. Our capacity to generate net income in future periods is dependent upon our success in recovering and monetizing high-value shipwrecks, or to generate income from other projects. While we have recovered more than 17 tons of silver coins and hundreds of gold coins and other artifacts from the “Black Swan” project, we will not have the ability to immediately monetize any recovered cargo unless we are awarded title or a salvage award by the U.S. District Court or negotiate a settlement with other claimants in the case. At the present time, we cannot determine how long that process may take. We have also identified one of our potential high value target shipwrecks, HMS Victory, and at least one of our Robert Fraser shipwreck targets. We may not be able to begin recovery operations on projects as planned or monetize any potential cargo in the short term. If cash flow is not sufficient to meet our projected business plan requirements, we will be required to raise additional capital or curtail expenses. While we have been successful in raising the necessary funds in the past, there can be no assurance that we can continue to do so.

2009 Compared to 2008

 

                  2009 vs. 2008  
(Dollars in millions)    2009     2008      $     %  

Artifact sales and other

   $ 1.6      $ 1.7       $ (.1     (6 )% 

Exhibit

     .6        .5         .1        31   

Expedition charter

     2.1        1.9         .2        11   
                                 

Total revenue

   $ 4.3      $ 4.1       $ .2        6
                                 

Cost of sales

     .7        .6         —          8   

Operations and research

     12.6        18.6         (6.0     (32

Marketing, general and administrative

     9.4        9.8         (0.4     (4
                                 

Total operating expenses

   $ 22.7      $ 29.1       $ (6.4     (22 )% 
                                 

Other income (expense)

   $ (0.3   $ .1       $ (0.4     (321 )% 
                                 

 

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Revenue

In the fourth quarter 2009, expedition charter revenue included compensation to provide project research and shipwreck search and survey services to client companies of Robert Fraser & Partners LLP (RFP) located in the United Kingdom. In 2008, expedition charter revenue included revenue associated with the production of the shipwreck exploration television series Treasure Quest.

Artifact and other revenues for 2009 and 2008 were $1.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively. In 2009 we sold nearly 2,400 silver coins, a 35% increase over 2008. The decrease of $.1 million in artifact sales and other in 2009 primarily related to higher 2008 other revenue which included $.3 million representing the sale of customer lists to our direct marketing partner. In 2009 and 2008, we sold through several independent dealers of which two represented 72% and 69% of total artifact sales, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, we had a remaining inventory of approximately 29,000 silver coins. Our artifact and other and exhibit revenue for 2009 and 2008 was predominantly U.S. domestic-based.

Exhibit revenue was $.6 million and $.5 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure is an interactive multi-media exhibit and features hundreds of artifacts recovered from our deep-ocean shipwreck expeditions. In 2009 the exhibit was featured at two locations (Oklahoma City and Charlotte, North Carolina) and three locations in 2008 (Tampa, Detroit and Oklahoma City). Exhibit revenue varied dependent on the type of contract which was either a fixed rental or a per visitor basis.

Expedition charter revenue for fourth quarter 2009 included $.8 million for the sale of research and $1.2 million for shipwreck search and survey services related to the RFP “Enigma” project (see Operational Projects, Item 1). In 2008, expedition charter revenue included $1.9 million of expedition charter revenue related to the television series Treasure Quest.

Cost and Expenses

The primary cost component is from the sale of coins. Cost of sales for coins increased 38% for 2009 versus 2008 primarily because of more coins sold in 2009. However, overall cost of sales increased only 8% due to other miscellaneous charges in 2008. Actual cost as a percentage of coin sales was 44% and 40% in 2009 and 2008, respectively. There is no cost of sales component associated with the themed attraction and expedition charter revenues.

Operations and research expenses were $12.6 million in 2009, compared to $18.6 million in 2008. The $6.0 million decrease, or 32%, was primarily related to a $3.0 million decrease in vessel operating expenses of which $2.4 million related to fewer ship charters utilized in 2009 (which were used in 2008 to supplement our operating schedule in the “Atlas” search area while the Ocean Alert was undergoing repairs), and $.6 million related to other vessel operating expenses primarily fuel, port fees, consumables and provisions. We also had a decrease of $2.5 million in vessel repairs and maintenance expenses due to extensive repairs to both ships in 2008. The remaining decrease in operations and research expenses in 2009 of $.5 million was attributed to lower vessel miscellaneous operating expenses.

Marketing, general and administrative expenses were $9.4 million in 2009 versus $9.8 million in 2008. The decrease of $.4 million was primarily attributable to reduced corporate overhead of $.7 million including professional fees and expenses and depreciation, offset by $.3 million of unfavorable employee-related expenses including share-based compensation and bonuses.

Other Income or Expense

Other income and expense generally consists of interest income on investments offset by interest expense on our revolving credit facility and equipment loans. Beginning in the fourth quarter 2009, it also included the income or loss from our equity investment. Total other expense was $.3 million in 2009 and other income was $.1 million in 2008. The unfavorable difference of $.4 million represented less interest income in 2009 from short-term investments ($.2 million), additional interest expense on our corporate credit facility ($.1 million) and the loss on our equity investment in 2009 ($.1 million).

Income Taxes

We did not record any provision (benefit) for income taxes in 2009 or 2008. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of deferred tax assets resulting from operating loss carryforwards, we recorded a full valuation allowance of $39.7 million against the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2009 compared to $33.2 million as of December 31, 2008. As required by the Accounting for Income Taxes topic in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), we have evaluated whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on the available evidence, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that those assets would not be realizable without the recovery of high-value shipwrecks (such as HMS Sussex) or successful admiralty proceedings regarding salvage claims to “Black Swan” high value cargo and thus a valuation allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2009. Our ability to generate net income in future periods is dependent upon our success in recovering and monetizing high-value shipwrecks and our ability to generate expedition charter revenue. We will continue to reassess the need for a valuation allowance during each future reporting period.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2009     2008  

Summary of Cash Flows:

    

Net cash (used) by operating activities

   $ (12,597   $ (21,434

Net cash (used) by investing activities

     (1,650     (1,363

Net cash provided by financing activities

     5,652        15,216   
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (8,595   $ (7,581

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

     10,740        18,321   
                

Ending cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,145      $ 10,740   
                

Discussion of Cash Flows

Net cash used in operating activities in 2009 was $12.6 million. This amount primarily reflected an operating loss of $18.6 million offset in part by non-cash items including depreciation and amortization ($2.3 million), share-based compensation ($2.0 million), loss from equity investment ($.1 million), increase in accrued expenses ($1.4 million) and accounts payable ($.6 million), a decrease in inventory ($.6 million), accounts receivable ($.2 million) and restricted cash ($.1 million) required by our credit facility and building mortgage with Fifth Third Bank. Net cash used in operating activities in 2008 was $21.4 million. This amount primarily reflected an operating loss of $24.8 million offset in part by non-cash items including depreciation and amortization ($2.6 million) and share based compensation ($1.8 million), a decrease in accrued expenses ($1.4 million) and inventory ($.6 million) and an increase in restricted cash ($.8 million) required by our credit facility and building mortgage with Fifth Third Bank.

Cash flows used in investing activities were $1.6 million and $1.4 million for the twelve months in 2009 and 2008, respectively. Cash used in investing activities in 2009 included the purchase of $.8 million of vessel-related property and equipment, $.3 million of capitalized maintenance for major overhaul of the Ocean Alert tail shaft, and $.5 million for our equity investment in SMM Project LLC to pursue opportunities in the exploration of deep-ocean gold and copper deposits. Cash used in investing activities in 2008 primarily reflected purchase of property and equipment, which included capitalized maintenance for major engine repairs and upgrades to the Ocean Alert ($.5 million), the purchase of a building (used primarily as a conservation lab and storage facility) for $1.0 million of which we financed $.8 million (net $.2 million), and $.6 million for property and equipment primarily vessel-related.

Cash flows provided by financing activities for 2009 were $5.7 million which primarily included $5.9 million from the issuance of common stock and exercise of warrants offset by loan repayments of $.2 million. Cash flows provided by financing activities for 2008 were $15.2 million which included $10.8 million from the issuance of common stock and exercise of warrants, $10.0 million from loan proceeds which included $7.5 million from our bank credit facility and $2.5 million from refinancing our corporate office building with Fifth Third Bank, offset by loan repayments of $5.6 million which included $2.5 million repayment on our bank credit facility and $3.1 million for a prior mortgage and equipment loan.

General Discussion 2009

At December 31, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2.1 million, a decrease of $8.6 million from the December 31, 2008 balance of $10.7 million.

Equity-Related

On January 23, 2009, we received $.8 million from the exercise of warrants to purchase 197,600 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred stock at a price of $4.00 per share. On January 28, 2009, we issued 250,000 shares of common stock to one accredited investor upon conversion of 250,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

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

 

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On October 1, 2009, we issued 700,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor upon conversion of 700,000 outstanding shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred stock. On November 6, 2009, we filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC which was declared effective by the SEC on November 20, 2010. The shelf registration enables us to sell common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, and/or warrants in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $50,000,000.

In November 2009, we invested $500,000 for a 25% interest in SMM Project, LLC (“SMM”) to pursue opportunities in the exploration of deep-ocean gold and copper deposits. SMM purchased a majority interest in Bluewater Metals Pty, Ltd. (“Bluewater”), an Australian company with licenses for mineral exploration of approximately 150,000 square kilometers of ocean floor in territorial waters controlled by four different countries in the South Pacific. The focus will be on the exploration and monetization of gold, silver, zinc and copper-rich Seafloor Massive Sulfide (SMS) deposits through a new business entity, Dorado Ocean Resources (DOR), which has acquired the remaining interest in Bluewater. Odyssey dedicated certain marine assets, including a ship and related marine exploration technology, to the endeavor. For the year ended December 31, 2009, SMM incurred a loss of $210,116 of which $52,529 is allocable to us. This amount is shown in the income statement in Income (loss) from unconsolidated entity.

Robert Fraser Marine Ltd Projects

In November 2009, we entered into agreements to provide project research and shipwreck search and survey services for a project code-named “Enigma” to client companies of RFP. Under the agreements, Odyssey furnished research related to the “Enigma” and its sinking and provided a research vessel, equipment and crew to search a specified area and inspect targets in that area. The contracts provided initial cash payments totaling £2.1 million (approximately $3.5 million) to Odyssey as well as additional payments upon the sale of coins or artifacts from the “Enigma” project.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

Indemnification Provisions

Under our bylaws and certain consulting agreements, we have agreed to indemnify our officers and directors for certain events arising as a result of the officer’s or director’s serving in such capacity. Separate agreements may provide indemnification after term of service. John C. Morris, a former officer and director, has indemnification extended during the term of his consulting agreement. The term of the indemnification agreement is as long as the officer or director remains in the employment of the company. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. However, our director and officer liability insurance policy limits its exposure and enables us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of our insurance policy coverage, we believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal and no liabilities are recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2010.

Critical Accounting Estimates

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

Long-Lived Assets

As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately $8.3 million of property and equipment and related assets. Our policy is to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with the ASC topic for Property, Plant and Equipment. Impairment decisions are based on several factors, including, but not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows.

Realizability of Deferred Tax Assets

We have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0 at December 31, 2010. As required by the Accounting for Income Taxes topic in the ASC, we have evaluated whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on the available evidence, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that those assets would not be realizable without the recovery and rights of ownership or salvage rights of high value shipwrecks and thus a valuation allowance of $46.0 million has been recorded as of December 31, 2010. While we have recovered more than 17 tons of silver and hundreds of gold coins and other artifacts from the Black Swan project, we do not have the ability to monetize the recovered cargo unless we are awarded title or a salvage award by the U.S. District Court or enter into a negotiated agreement with other claimants in the case.

 

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Artifact Inventory

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

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

In determining the collectability of our accounts receivable, we need to make certain assumptions and estimates. Specifically, we may examine accounts and assess the likelihood of collection of particular accounts.

Derivative Financial Instruments

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

Contractual Obligations

At December 31, 2010, the Company’s contractual obligations including estimated payments due by period are as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    Payments due by period  

Contractual Obligations

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

Long-term debt

   $ 2,951       $ 175       $ 2,210       $ 566       $ —     

Interest on debt

     392         131         206         55         —     

Operating lease

     12,988         3,688         8,604         696         —     
                                            

Total contractual obligations

   $ 16,331       $ 3,994       $ 11,020       $ 1,317       $ —     
                                            

Long-term debt represents the amount due on our existing mortgages. The operating lease represents our vessel charter. The vessel charter has a lease period is March 2010 to February 2013 as well as a ninety-day termination notice clause.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The information required by this item appears beginning on page 29.

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

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

 

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Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

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

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information concerning Directors and Executive Officers is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the headings “Election of Directors” and “Executive Officers and Directors of the Company” in the Company’s Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) for the Annual Meeting of Stockholder to be held on June 1, 2011.

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

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

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

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

A portion of the information required by this Item pursuant to Item 403 of Regulation S-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “ Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement.

The information required pursuant to Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is hereby incorporated by reference to the information under the heading “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement.

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

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

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

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

 

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

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

 

1.   (a)  

Consolidated Financial Statements

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 29.

  (b)  

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” on page 29.

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

 

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.

 

     PAGE  

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

     30   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     31   

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

     32   

Consolidated Financial Statements:

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     33   

Consolidated Statements of Income

     34   

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

     35   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     36-37   

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

     38-57   

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules:

  

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     58   

 

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MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2010.

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

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity/(deficit) and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008. Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 24, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on its internal control over financial reporting.

 

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

FERLITA, WALSH & GONZALEZ, P.A.
Certified Public Accountants
Tampa, Florida

February 24, 2011

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Board of Directors

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

In our opinion, Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Odyssey Marine Exploration and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity/(deficit) and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, and our report dated February 24, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

/s/ Ferlita, Walsh & Gonzalez, P.A.

FERLITA, WALSH & GONZALEZ, P.A.
Certified Public Accountants
Tampa, Florida

February 24, 2011

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 235,762      $ 2,145,449   

Restricted cash

     563,710        574,266   

Accounts receivable, net

     2,095,571        246,266   

Inventory

     409,613        637,882   

Other current assets

     467,180        299,865   
                

Total current assets

     3,771,836        3,903,728   
                

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

    

Equipment and office fixtures

     16,637,638        15,002,858   

Building and land

     4,671,231        4,491,143   

Accumulated depreciation

     (12,979,576     (10,826,125
                

Total property and equipment

     8,329,293        8,667,876   
                

OTHER ASSETS

    

Inventory (non-current)

     6,020,699        5,950,475   

Restricted cash

     183,498        176,310   

Investment in unconsolidated entity

     —          447,471   

Other long-term assets

     1,101,367        1,110,111   
                

Total other assets

     7,305,564        7,684,367   
                

Total assets

   $ 19,406,693      $ 20,255,971   
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable

   $ 2,238,356      $ 365,029   

Accrued expenses and other

     2,766,672        2,132,997   

Deferred revenue

     730,098        1,257,453   

Subscription payable

     1,998,800        —     

Derivative liabilities

     6,363,144        —     

Mortgage and loans payable

     5,174,537        5,100,794   
                

Total current liabilities

     19,271,607        8,856,273   
                

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

    

Mortgage and loans payable

     2,776,383        2,950,331   

Deferred income from Revenue Participation Certificates

     887,500        887,500   
                

Total long-term liabilities

     3,663,883        3,837,831   
                

Total liabilities

     22,935,490        12,694,104   
                

Commitments and contingencies (Note U)

    

Redeemable Series G Convertible Preferred stock

     4,019,523        —     

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)

    

Preferred stock - $.0001 par value; 9,361,176 shares authorized; none outstanding

     —          —     

Preferred stock series D convertible - $.0001 par value; 448,800 and 2,148,800 shares authorized, respectively; 206,400 and 1,906,400 issued and outstanding, respectively

     21        191   

Preferred stock series E convertible - $.0001 par value; 0 and 20 shares authorized, respectively; 0 and 13 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     —          —     

Common stock – $.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 67,082,835 and 59,425,947 issued and outstanding

     6,708        5,943   

Additional paid-in capital

     122,722,840        114,490,556   

Accumulated deficit

     (130,277,889     (106,934,823
                

Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit)

     (7,548,320     7,561,867   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity/(deficit)

   $ 19,406,693      $ 20,255,971   
                

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

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2010
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2009
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2008
 

REVENUE

      

Artifact sales and other

   $ 391,189      $ 1,636,042      $ 1,744,488   

Exhibit

     140,000        593,798        453,290   

Expedition

     20,469,506        2,117,625        1,907,000   
                        

Total revenue

     21,000,695        4,347,465        4,104,778   
                        

OPERATING EXPENSES

      

Cost of sales

     191,091        680,530        631,613   

Operations and research

     19,570,672        12,594,834        18,612,910   

Marketing, general and administrative

     9,151,502        9,426,775        9,825,392   

Receivable reserves

     8,494,672        —          —     
                        

Total operating expenses

     37,407,937        22,702,139        29,069,915   
                        

LOSS FROM OPERATIONS

     (16,407,242     (18,354,674     (24,965,137

OTHER INCOME OR (EXPENSE)

      

Interest income

     3,903        38,255        227,146   

Interest expense

     (515,878     (334,364     (196,409

Change in derivative liabilities fair value

     (3,638,112     —          —     

Loss on debt extinguishment

     (383,023     —          —     

Loss from unconsolidated entity

     (2,447,471     (52,529     —     

Other income

     44,757        75,114        93,129   
                        

Total other income or (expense)

     (6,935,824     (273,524     123,866   
                        

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     (23,343,066     (18,628,198     (24,841,271

Income tax (provision) benefit

     —          —          —     
                        

NET LOSS

   $ (23,343,066   $ (18,628,198   $ (24,841,271
                        

LOSS PER SHARE

      

Basic and diluted

   $ (.36   $ (.33   $ (.50

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

      

Basic and diluted

     65,633,382        56,211,952        49,202,394   

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

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

 

     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2010
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2009
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2008
 

Preferred Stock, Series D – Shares

      

At beginning of year

     1,906,400        6,900,000        6,900,000   

Preferred stock issued for cash

     —          197,600        —     

Preferred stock converted to common

     (1,700,000     (5,191,200     —     
                        

At end of year

     206,400        1,906,400        6,900,000   
                        

Preferred Stock, Series E – Shares

      

At beginning of year

     13        13        13   

Preferred stock issued for cash

     (13     —          —     
                        

At end of year

     —          13        13   
                        

Preferred Stock, Series F – Shares

      

At beginning of year

     —          —          22   

Preferred stock converted to common stock

     —          —          (22

Preferred stock issued for cash

     —          —          —     
                        

At end of year

     —          —          —     
                        

Common Stock – Shares

      

At beginning of year

     59,425,947        52,410,248        47,766,848   

Common stock issued for preferred stock conversion

     3,000,000        5,191,200        2,200,000   

Common stock issued for cash

     4,000,000        1,722,500        2,351,174   

Common stock issued for services

     656,888        101,999        92,226   
                        

At end of year

     67,082,835        59,425,947        52,410,248   
                        

Preferred Stock, Series D

      

At beginning of year

   $ 191      $ 690      $ 690   

Preferred stock issued for cash

     —          20        —     

Preferred stock converted to common

     (170     (519     —     
                        

At end of year

   $ 21      $ 191      $ 690   
                        

Preferred Stock, Series E

      

At beginning of year

   $ —        $ —        $ —     

Preferred stock issued for cash

     —          —          —     
                        

At end of year

   $ —        $ —        $ —     
                        

Preferred Stock, Series F

      

At beginning of year

   $ —        $ —        $ —     

Preferred stock issued for cash

     —          —          —     
                        

At end of year

   $ —        $ —        $ —     
                        

Common Stock

      

At beginning of year

   $ 5,943      $ 5,241      $ 4,777   

Common stock issued for preferred stock, Series F, conversion

     300        519        220   

Common stock issued for cash

     400        172        235   

Common stock issued for services

     65        11        9   
                        

At end of year

   $ 6,708      $ 5,943      $ 5,241   
                        

Paid-in Capital

      

At beginning of year

   $ 114,490,556      $ 106,425,370      $ 93,659,049   

Series D Preferred stock issued for cash

     —          790,380        —     

Accretion of Series G Preferred stock

     (383,050     —          —     

Warrants issued in connection with short term funding

     150,892        —          —     

Common stock issued for cash

     6,056,346        5,106,078        10,822,885   

Share-based compensation

     2,408,226        2,168,728        1,943,656   

Common stock issued for preferred stock conversion

     (130     —          (220
                        

At end of year

   $ 122,722,840      $ 114,490,556      $ 106,425,370   
                        

Accumulated Deficit

      

At beginning of year

   $ (106,934,823   $ (88,306,625   $ (63,465,354

Net loss

     (23,343,066     (18,628,198     (24,841,271
                        

At end of year

     (130,277,889     (106,934,823     (88,306,625
                        

Total stockholders’ equity / (deficit)

   $ (7,548,320   $ 7,561,867      $ 18,124,676   
                        

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

 

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ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2010
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2009
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2008
 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net loss

   $ (23,343,066   $ (18,628,198   $ (24,841,271

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

      

Financing costs

     —          —          73,294   

Share based compensation

     2,137,136        2,027,340        1,846,341   

Depreciation

     2,162,194        2,276,353        2,617,809   

Loan discount amortization

     129,375        —          —     

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     383,023        —          —     

Change in derivatives liabilities fair value

     3,638,112        —          —     

Loss from unconsolidated entity

     2,447,471        52,529        —     

(Gain) Loss on disposal of equipment

     —          —          78,060   

Accounts receivable - reserve

     8,494,672        —          —     

(Increase) decrease in:

      

Accounts receivable

     (10,343,976     222,530        116,255   

Restricted cash

     3,368        91,215        (841,791

Inventory

     158,045        605,418        577,871   

Other assets

     (167,315     13,518        108,505   

Increase (decrease) in:

      

Accounts payable

     1,873,327        (623,377     212,028   

Accrued expenses and other

     796,166        108,079        (1,380,711

Deferred revenue

     (527,355     1,257,453        —     
                        

NET CASH (USED) IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (12,158,824     (12,597,140     (21,433,610
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchase of property, equipment and improvements

     (1,630,108     (1,149,981     (1,375,461

Investment in unconsolidated entity

     (1,200     (500,000     —     

Proceeds from sale of equipment

     —          —          12,000   
                        

NET CASH (USED) IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (1,631,308     (1,649,981     (1,363,461
                        

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     6,243,000        5,106,250        10,823,120   

Proceeds from issuance of loan payable

     1,872,714        —          10,040,500   

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

     5,050,000        —          —     

Proceeds from warrants exercise

     —          790,400        —     

Broker commissions and fees on private offering

     (186,254     —          —     

Repayment of mortgage and loans payable

     (1,099,015     (244,438     (5,647,540
                        

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     11,880,445        5,652,212        15,216,080   
                        

NET (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (1,909,687     (8,594,909     (7,580,991

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR

     2,145,449        10,740,358        18,321,349   
                        

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR

   $ 235,762      $ 2,145,449      $ 10,740,358   
                        

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

      

Interest paid

   $ 410,350      $ 338,283      $ 176,892   

Income taxes paid

   $ —        $ —        $ —     

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS:

      

Settlement of outstanding debt with line of credit

   $ —        $ —        $ 3,018,310   

Compensation paid by common stock

   $ 561,594      $ 117,804      $ 165,051   

Building and equipment purchased with financing

   $ 186,762     $ —        $ 779,000   

Acquired non-controlling interest of Dorado Ocean Resources, Ltd. with the assumption of a subscription payable of an equal amount (See NOTE J)

   $ 1,998,800      $ —        $ —     

 

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Summary of Significant Non-Cash Transactions

On October 6, 2010, we and certain investors entered into separate purchase agreements pursuant to which we agreed to sell an aggregate of 24 shares of Odyssey’s Series G 8% Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and warrants to purchase up to 1,800,000 shares of Odyssey’s common stock to such investors. The Series G preferred stock and warrants were offered as units, with each unit consisting of one share of Preferred Stock and a Warrant to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock. The purchase price for each unit was $250,000 for a total offering of $6,000,000. Of the $6,000,000, $5,050,000 was received in cash and $950,000 was converted from our $1,800,000 of promissory notes that were issued on August 20, 2010. See NOTE K and NOTE Q.

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

 

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Table of Contents

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A – ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company,” “Odyssey,” “us,” “we” or “our”) is engaged in the archaeologically sensitive exploration and recovery of deep-ocean shipwrecks throughout the world. Our corporate headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Odyssey Marine, Inc., Odyssey Marine Services, Inc., OVH, Inc., Odyssey Retriever, Inc. and Odyssey Marine Entertainment, Inc. Equity investments in which we exercise significant influence but do not control and 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.

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

Use of Estimates

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

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

Revenue from sales is recognized at the point of sale when legal title transfers. Legal title transfers when product is shipped or is available for shipment to customers. Exhibit or expedition revenue is recognized based upon the accrual method of accounting supported by contractual terms of an agreement. Bad debts are recorded as identified and, from time to time, a specific reserve allowance will be established when required. A return allowance is established for sales which have a right of return. Accounts receivable is stated net of any recorded allowances.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Inventory

Our inventory consists of artifacts recovered from the SS Republic shipwreck, general branded merchandise and related packaging material. The value of recovered artifacts in inventory includes the costs of recovery and conservation. The recovery costs also include the fee paid to an insurer to relinquish the insurer’s claim to the artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. The capitalized costs include direct costs of recovery such as vessel and related equipment operations and maintenance, crew and technical labor, fuel, provisions, supplies, port fees and depreciation. Conservation costs include fees paid to conservators for cleaning and preserving the artifacts. We continually monitor the recorded aggregate costs of the artifacts in inventory to ensure these costs do not exceed the net realizable value. We use historical sales, publications or available public market data to assess market value.

The packaging materials and merchandise are recorded at average cost. We record our inventory at the lower of cost or market.

 

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Table of Contents

Long-Lived Assets

Our policy is to recognize impairment losses relating to long-lived assets in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) topic for Property, Plant and Equipment. Impairment decisions are based on several factors, including, but not limited to, management’s plans for future operations, recent operating results and projected cash flows.

Comprehensive Income

United States Treasury bills with a maturity greater than three months from purchase date are deemed available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these securities are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. At December 31, 2010, we did not own United States Treasury Bills with a maturity greater than three months.

Property and Equipment and Depreciation

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

Earnings Per Share

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

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

At December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 weighted average common shares outstanding were 65,633,382, 56,211,952 and 49,202,394, respectively. For the periods ending December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 in which net losses occurred, all potential common shares were excluded from Diluted EPS because the effect of including such shares would be anti-dilutive.

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

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Average market price during the period

   $ 1.56       $ 2.48       $ 4.51   

In the money potential common shares excluded

     —           —           465,229   

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

 

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Table of Contents
     2010      2009      2008  

Out of the money options and warrants excluded:

        

Stock Options with an exercise price of $1.74 per share

     71,500         —           —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $2.25 per share

     200,000         —           —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $2.50 per share

     —           33,000         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $3.50 per share

     1,266,666         1,417,916         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $3.51 per share

     984,670         1,003,170         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $3.53 per share

     211,900         212,500         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $4.00 per share

     52,500         315,250         —     

Stock Options with an exercise price of $5.00 per share

     650,000         650,000         955,000   

Stock Options with an exercise price of $7.00 per share

     100,000         100,000         100,000   

Warrants with an exercise price of $2.25 per share

     2,670,000         —           —     

Warrants with an exercise price of $2.50 per share

     1,800,000         —           —     

Warrants with an exercise price of $5.25 per share

     100,000         100,000         100,000   
                          

Total anti-dilutive warrants and options excluded from EPS

     8,107,236         3,831,836         1,155,000   
                          

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

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Potential common shares from Preferred Stock excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share

     3,566,400         3,206,400         8,200,000   

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

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Excluded unvested restricted stock awards

     256,315         81,662         107,540   

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

 

     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2010
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2009
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2008
 

Net loss

   $ (23,343,066   $ (18,628,198   $ (24,841,271

Accretion of Series G Preferred Stock

     (383,050     —          —     

Undecleared cumulative dividends on Series G Preferred Stock in arrears

     (106,521     —          —     
                        

Numerator, basic and diluted net loss available to stockholders

   $ (23,832,637   $ (18,628,198   $ (24,841,271
                        

Denominator:

      

Shares used in computation – basic:

      

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     65,633,382        56,211,952        49,202,394   
                        

Shares used in computation – diluted:

      

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     65,633,382        56,211,952        49,202,394   

Dilutive effect of options, warrants and convertible instruments outstanding

     —          —          —     
                        

Shares used in computing diluted net loss per share

     65,633,382        56,211,952        49,202,394   
                        

Net loss per share – basic and diluted

   $ (0.36   $ (0.33   $ (0.50
                        

 

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Table of Contents

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 all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Stock-based compensation

Our stock-based compensation is recorded in accordance with the ASC topic for Share-Based Payments. We follow the “modified prospective” method as described in the FAS No. 123R which was adopted by the ASC whereby the fair value of compensation cost is valued using the Black-Scholes method and recognized for all share-based awards granted after December 31, 2005. (See NOTE R)

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, mortgage and loans payable, and redeemable preferred stock. 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. We carry redeemable preferred stock at historical cost and accrete carrying values to estimated redemption values over the term of the financial instrument.

Derivative financial instruments consist of financial instruments or other contracts that contain a notional amount and one or more underlying variables (e.g. interest rate, security price or other variable), require no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. Further, derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets. See NOTE K for additional information. We generally do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow, market or foreign-currency risks. However, we have entered into certain other financial instruments and contracts, such as our sale and issuance of redeemable preferred stock and freestanding warrants during October 2010 with features that are either (i) not afforded equity classification, (ii) embody risks not clearly and closely related to host contracts, or (iii) may be net-cash settled by the counterparty. As required by ASC 815 – Derivatives and Hedging, these instruments are required to be carried as derivative liabilities, at fair value, in our financial statements with changes in fair value reflected in our income.

Fair Value Hierarchy 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.

 

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

Redeemable Preferred Stock

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

Reclassifications

Certain balance sheet amounts for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of the December 31, 2010 amounts. The reclassifications have no effect on net income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Subsequent Events

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

NOTE B – CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

We maintain our cash at one financial institution. From December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2012, all noninterest-bearing transaction accounts are fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, regardless of the balance of the account, at all insured institutions. At December 31, 2010, our uninsured cash balance was approximately $500,000.

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

NOTE C – CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and United States Treasury Bills maturing in less than ninety days from the date of purchase. At December 31, 2010, we did not own any United States Treasury Bills with a maturity of ninety days or longer.

NOTE D – RESTRICTED CASH

As required by the revolving credit facility renewed with Fifth Third Bank (the “Bank”) on April 23, 2010 (See NOTE L), a balance of $500,000 was established in an interest-bearing account from which interest payments will be made. Upon each anniversary of the facility, we deposit into the account an amount sufficient to restore the balance to $500,000 for interest payments for the following facility year. The balance in this restricted cash account is held as additional collateral by the Bank and is not available for operations. Any funds remaining in this account at the end of the facility term will be returned to the Company. The balance in this account at December 31, 2010, was $339,881.

As required by the mortgage loan entered into with the Bank on July 11, 2008, $500,000 was deposited into an additional interest-bearing account from which principal and interest payments were made for the first one-year period. On each anniversary of the mortgage, we deposit or will deposit into the account an amount sufficient to ensure a balance of $500,000 for principal and interest payments for the subsequent year of the mortgage. The balance in this restricted cash account is held as additional collateral by the Bank and is not available for operations. Any funds remaining in this account at the end of the mortgage term will be returned to the Company. The balance in this account at December 31, 2010, was $407,326.

 

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NOTE E – ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Of the $2,095,571 accounts receivable at December 31, 2010, $2,000,000 relates to charter activity with Dorado Ocean Resources, Ltd. (“DOR”) (see NOTE J) over the period from August to December 2010. The remaining balance at December 31, 2010 consists of trade receivables. The December 31, 2009 balance of $246,266 is all trade receivables. The December 31, 2010 balance is net of a $8,494,672 reserve. The reserve is comprised of $6,924,672 and $1,570,000 which are discussed herein. The $6,924,672 provides a reserve for the remaining DOR receivable which relates to charter services provided to DOR (exclusive of $2,000,000 which can be offset against our subscription payable to DOR). At the present time, we are uncertain as to the amount of cash we may or may not receive from our charter services with DOR of which we have approximately a 41% non-controlling interest. However, they are in the process of attempting to raise additional capital to begin further exploration in their initial areas of success. To date, they have not raised sufficient capital to pay Odyssey. Depending on DOR’s ability to raise capital, we have several options available to us. As discussed in the Operational Projects, Item 1, DOR’s expedition with Odyssey achieved outstanding results in the first charter which covered approximately 5% of DOR tenements. Also, with the recent mining license issued to Nautilus Minerals, another deep-ocean mineral exploration company operating in the South Pacific, there has been significant attention being given in this relatively new emerging industry. Odyssey has several possibilities for recognizing benefits from the accounts receivable from DOR. We may receive all or only a portion of the receivables in cash. We can also convert our non-mobilization portion of the accounts receivable into additional equity of DOR at the most recent DOR subscription price. If we were to convert the receivables to equity, Odyssey could increase its stake to approximately 49% prior to any additional dilution. We can also convert all or a portion of the receivables into a note receivable or debenture which would provide a coupon rate and potentially other enhancements. Due to the lack of clarity on the ultimate form of collection of the DOR receivable, we recorded a $6,924,672 million receivable reserve against operations. There remains a $2,000,000 accounts receivable from DOR which could be offset against our subscription payable of $1,998,800 which is due by April 1, 2013 on our equity investment in DOR. Had we converted our accounts receivable into equity in DOR, we would have also been required to absorb our ownership percentage of accumulated losses of DOR. Since DOR is in the start-up phase of operations, continued losses would have eventually reduced our long term investment against the income statement as loss from unconsolidated entity. We will retain our ownership interest in DOR and continue to be very optimistic concerning the future potential of this emerging new business. We believe that we may receive the economic benefit of all or a portion of the receivable that relates to the reserve that has been established and will continue to evaluate this asset accordingly in future periods.

We have established a reserve for the “Shantaram” receivable of $1,570,000 owed according to the terms of sale of research for the “Shantaram” project. According to our agreement, we have the right to receive additional participation amounts, if any, up to approximately 11% from the first £100 million and approximately 7% thereafter from recovery distributions after recovery costs.

NOTE F – INVENTORY

Our inventory consists of the following:

 

     2010     2009  

Artifacts

   $ 6,203,813      $ 6,317,383   

Packaging

     219,101        235,045   

Merchandise

     486,857        519,636   

Merchandise reserve

     (479,459     (483,707
                

Total Inventory

   $ 6,430,312      $ 6,588,357   
                

Based on our estimates of the timing of future sales, $6,020,699 and $5,950,475 of artifact inventory for the fiscal years ended 2010 and 2009 were classified as non-current.

In the event we secure ownership rights to the recovered artifacts of the “Black Swan” project, we will capitalize into inventory all related costs to recover and conserve these artifacts. Recovery costs include operating costs to recover, legal fees to defend and secure ownership rights and other costs associated with bringing the artifacts into an appropriate archaeological state. We have capitalized deferred costs of approximately $2.6 million related to recovery and conservation that have been reserved for at 100 %. When and if ownership rights are secured, these deferred costs will be allocated to inventory and the reserve eliminated.

 

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NOTE G – OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Our other current assets consist of the following:

 

     2010      2009  

Prepaid expenses

   $ 408,108       $ 287,358   

Deposits

     59,072         12,507   
                 

Total other current assets

   $ 467,180       $ 299,865   
                 

For the period ended December 31, 2010, prepaid expenses consist of $144,242 of prepaid insurance premiums, $266,184 for vessel fuel not yet consumed and $56,754 of other operating prepaid costs. For the period ended December 31, 2009, prepaid expenses consist of $227,354 of prepaid insurance premiums and $60,004 of other operating prepaid costs. All prepaid expenses, except fuel, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the underlying agreements. Fuel is expensed based on actual usage. Deposits are held by various entities for equipment, services, and in accordance with agreements in the normal course of business.

NOTE H – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consist of the following:

 

     2010     2009  

Building, improvements and land

   $ 4,506,347      $ 4,491,143   

Computers and peripherals

     1,015,974        664,881   

Furniture and office equipment

     1,257,383        902,500   

Vessels and equipment

     12,757,379        11,713,823   

Exhibits and related

     1,771,786        1,721,654   
                
     21,308,869        19,494,001   

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     (12,979,576     (10,826,125
                

Property and equipment, net

   $ 8,329,293      $ 8,667,876   
                

NOTE I – OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

Other long term assets consist of the following:

 

     2010      2009  

Artifacts

   $ 559,777       $ 559,777   

Deposits

     541,590         541,590   

Image use rights, net

     —           8,744   
                 

Total other long-term assets

   $ 1,101,367       $ 1,110,111   
                 

The artifact balances for both years consist of artifacts conserved specifically for the Company and are not for resale. Deposits include $432,500 on account with the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense relating to the expense deposits for HMS Sussex as well as a $100,000 deposit to fund conservation and documentation of any artifacts recovered. These deposits are refundable from proceeds the United Kingdom would receive if HMS Sussex is discovered and its artifacts monetized. If HMS Sussex is not discovered, the Company is at risk for the expense deposit portion. Other deposits are held by various vendors for equipment, services, and in accordance with agreements in the normal course of business. Image use rights are amounts paid to utilize, for a period up to five years, copyrighted images in our themed attractions. As of December 31, 2010, the image rights have been fully amortized.

NOTE J – INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITY

During the quarter ended December 31, 2009 we invested $500,000 for a 25% interest (five membership units) in SMM Project, LLC (“SMM”) to pursue opportunities in the exploration of deep-ocean gold and copper deposits. SMM purchased a majority interest in Bluewater Metals Pty, Ltd. (“Bluewater”), an Australian company with licenses for mineral exploration of approximately 150,000 square kilometers of ocean floor in territorial waters controlled by four different countries in the South Pacific. Effective April 2010, SMM was acquired by Dorado Ocean Resources, Ltd. (“DOR”) through a stock exchange agreement. At that time, DOR also acquired the remaining interest in Bluewater. We were issued 450 DOR shares in exchange for our surrendered units in SMM. Additionally, we acquired 1,200 shares of DOR valued at $2,000,000 that resulted in a 41.25% ownership of DOR prior to any additional dilution that may result from additional financing. Currently we have a 40.8% ownership. Under the terms of the Share Subscription Agreement, we have the option to pay for this investment in cash or by providing marine services to DOR over a three-year period commencing April 2010. The focus of DOR is on the exploration and monetization of gold and copper-rich Seafloor Massive Sulfide (“SMS”) deposits. We have dedicated certain marine assets, including a ship and related marine exploration technology, to the endeavor on a reasonable commercial basis. In addition, we are providing proprietary expertise and personnel management to the new entity under contract.

 

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For our fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, DOR and SMM incurred a combined loss of $12,012,361. Our share of losses recognized in our income statement for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 are $2,447,471. We are only at risk for the carrying value of our investment which totaled $2,447,471 throughout the year before recognizing any loss for this current year ended December 31, 2010; otherwise, we would have recognized an allocable loss of $4,864,064 based on our current ownership percentage. If we were to ever gain a further equity position in DOR, that position would absorb all or a portion of the $2,416,593 allocable loss not yet recognized in our financial statements. For further information, see NOTE E.

NOTE K – DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following tables summarize the components of our derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the changes in fair value that were reflected in our income:

 

     2010     2009  

Derivative liabilities:

    

Compound embedded derivative

   $ 4,075,344     $ —     

Warrant derivative

     2,287,800       —     
                

Total derivative liabilities

   $ 6,363,144     $ —     
                
     2010     2009  

Common shares linked to derivative liabilities:

    

Compound embedded derivative

     3,360,000       —     

Warrant derivative

     1,800,000       —     
                

Total common shares linked to derivative liabilities

     5,160,000       —     
                
     2010     2009  

Derivative (expense) income:

    

Compound embedded derivative

   $ (2,424,912   $ —     

Warrant derivative

     (1,213,200     —     
                

Total derivative (expense) income

   $ (3,638,112   $ —     
                

As more fully discussed in Note Q, on October 11, 2010, we entered into the Series G Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrant financing transaction and the Series G Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrant settlement transaction. The Series G Convertible Preferred Stock embodied certain terms and features that both possessed all of the conditions of derivative financial instruments and were not clearly and closely related to the host preferred contract in terms of economic risks and characteristics. These terms and features consist of the embedded conversion option and the related down-round anti-dilution protection provision, the Company’s redemption privilege and the holder’s redemption privilege. Each of the redemption features also embodies the redemption premium payments. Current accounting principles that are provided in ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging do not permit an issuer to account separately for individual derivative terms and features that require bifurcation and liability classification. Rather, such terms and features must be bundled together and fair valued as a single, compound embedded derivative. We have selected the Monte Carlo Simulations valuation technique to fair value the compound embedded derivative because we believe that this technique is reflective of all significant assumption types, and ranges of assumption inputs, that market participants would likely consider in transactions involving such types of derivatives. Such assumptions include, among other inputs, interest risk assumptions, credit risk assumptions and redemption behaviors in addition to traditional inputs for option models such as market trading volatility and risk free rates.

 

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The Monte Carlo Simulations technique is a level three valuation technique because it requires the development of significant internal assumptions in addition to observable market indicators. Significant assumptions and results arising from the Monte Carlo Simulations process are as follows for both the issuance date of the Series G Preferred and December 31, 2010:

 

     October 11,
2010
     December 31
2010
 

Quoted market price of our common stock

   $ 1.78       $ 2.78   

Contractual conversion rate

   $ 1.78       $ 1.78   

Implied expected term (years)

     1.19         0.81   

Market volatility:

     

Range of volatilities

     53.75%-73.80%         57.69%-73.28%   

Equivalent volatility

     58.25%         61.59%   

Market-risk adjusted interest rate:

     

Range of rates

     8.0%-32.22%         8.0%-33.09%   

Equivalent market-risk adjusted interest rate

     12.74%         13.55%   

Credit-risk adjusted yield rate:

     

Range of rates

     3.98%-4.89%         3.46%-4.81%   

Equivalent credit-risk adjusted yield rate

     4.03%         3.54%   

Risk-free rates using yields on zero coupon US Treasury Security rates:

     

Range of rates

     0.27%-0.64%         0.29%-1.02%   

The following table reflects the issuances of compound embedded derivatives and changes in fair value inputs and assumptions related to the compound embedded derivatives during the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

     Amount  

Balance at January 1, 2010

   $ —     

Issuances on October 11, 2010

     1,650,432  

Changes in fair value inputs and assumptions reflected in income

     2,424,912  
        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 4,075,344  
        

The fair value of the compound embedded derivative is significantly influenced by our trading market price, the price volatility in trading and the interest components of the Monte Carlo Simulation technique. To illustrate, during the period from issuance on October 11, 2010 and our year ended on December 31, 2010, the quoted market price of our common stock increased from $1.78 to $2.78. That increase largely caused the increase in fair value during that period.

In addition to the Series G Convertible Preferred Stock, we also issued warrants to acquire 1,800,000 of our common shares. These warrants required liability classification as derivative financial instruments because certain down-round anti-dilution protection features included in the warrant agreements are not consistent with the concept of equity. We applied the Trinomial Lattice valuation technique in estimating the fair value of the warrants because we believe that this technique is most appropriate and reflects all of the assumptions that market participants would likely consider in transactions involving the warrants, including the potential incremental value associated with the down-round anti-dilution protections.

The Trinomial Lattice technique is a level three valuation technique because it requires the development of significant internal assumptions in addition to observable market indicators. Significant assumptions and utilized in the Trinomial Lattice process are as follows for both the issuance date of the warrants and December 31, 2010:

 

     October 11,
2010
     December 31
2010
 

Quoted market price of our common stock

   $ 1.78       $ 2.78   

Contractual exercise rate

   $ 2.50       $ 2.50   

Effective anti-dilution adjusted exercise price

   $ 2.48       $ 2.46   

Term (years)

     3.00         2.78   

Range of market volatilities

     54.38%-74.67%         57.64%-74.21%   

Range of risk-free rates using yields on US Treasury Securities

     0.12%-0.54%         0.12%-1.02%   

The following table reflects the issuances of derivative warrants and changes in fair value inputs and assumptions related to the derivative warrants during the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

     Amount  

Balance at January 1, 2010

   $ —     

Issuances on October 11, 2010

     1,074,600  

Changes in fair value inputs and assumptions reflected in income

     1,213,200  
        

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 2,287,800  
        

 

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

NOTE L – MORTGAGE AND LOANS PAYABLE

The Company’s consolidated mortgages and notes payable consisted of the following at December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

     2010      2009  

Revolving credit facility

   $ 5,000,000       $ 4,927,286   

Mortgages payable

     2,950,920         3,123,839   
                 
   $ 7,950,920       $ 8,051,125   
                 

Revolving Credit Facility

On February 7, 2008, we entered into a $5 million revolving credit facility with Fifth Third Bank (the “Bank”). The credit facility has a floating interest rate equal to the “Prime Rate” plus fifty basis points (.50%), requires monthly payments of interest only and was originally due in full February 7, 2010, and a 90-day extension was granted until May 7, 2010. On April 23, 2010, the Bank renewed the credit facility which is due in full on April 23, 2011. The facility requires us to pay the Bank an unused line fee equal to one-half percent (0.50%) per annum of the unused portion of the credit line. The line of credit is secured by a restricted cash balance (See NOTE D) as well as approximately 28,500 coins with a carrying value of $6,460,508 that were recovered from the SS Republic shipwreck, which amount will be reduced over the term by the amount of coins sold. The modified borrowing base is equal to forty percent (40%) of the eligible coin inventory calculated on a rolling twelve-month wholesale average value. Odyssey is required to comply with a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants. The significant covenants include: maintaining insurance on the inventory; ensuring the collateral is free from encumbrances and without the consent of the Bank, the Company cannot merge or consolidate with or into any other corporation or entity nor can the Company enter into a material debt agreement with a third party.

Mortgages Payable

On July 11, 2008, we entered into a mortgage loan with Fifth Third Bank. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, we borrowed $2,580,000. The loan bears interest at a variable rate equal to the prime rate plus three-fourths of one percent (0.75%) per annum. The loan matures on July 11, 2013, and requires us to make monthly principal payments in the amount of $10,750 plus accrued interest. This loan is secured by a restricted cash balance (See NOTE D) as well as a first mortgage on our corporate office building which has a carrying value of $3,246,460. This loan contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, conditions, and other provisions.

During May 2008, we entered into a mortgage loan in the principal amount of $679,000 with The Bank of Tampa to purchase our conservation lab and storage facility. This obligation has monthly payment of $5,080 and a maturity date of May 14, 2015. Principal and interest payments are payable monthly. Interest is at a fixed annual rate of 6.45%. This debt is secured by the related real property which has a carrying value of $1,009,615. The seller is carrying a second mortgage for $100,000 with interest due monthly and $25,000 of principal due each May. The first principal payment was made in May 2009. The interest is at a variable rate of 1.0% above the prime interest rate stated by BB&T, formerly Colonial Bank of Tampa. This obligation has a maturity date of May 14, 2012 and is secured by the related real property.

The combined aggregate maturities of long-term debt associated with the mortgages payable are as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31,

      

2011

     174,537   

2012

     176,130   

2013

     2,033,850   

2014

     25,168   

2015

     541,235   

Beyond 2015

     —     
        

Total mortgages payable

     2,950,920   

Less current portion

     174,537   
        

Long-term portion

   $ 2,776,383   
        

See “Note U – Commitments and Contingencies.”

 

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NOTE M – ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses consist of following:

 

     2010      2009  

Compensation and bonuses

   $ 1,027,911       $ 929,945   

Customer deposits

     —           60,000   

Vessel operations

     1,392,909         804,543   

Professional services

     129,676         182,867   

Other operating expenses

     216,176         155,642   
                 

Total accrued expenses

   $ 2,766,672       $ 2,132,997   
                 

Vessel operations relates to expenditures required to operate our ships such as fuel, repair and maintenance, port fees and charters. Professional fees are mainly attributable to legal fees and other professional services in support of operations. Other operating expenses contain general items related to, but not limited to marketing, insurance and the exhibit.

NOTE N – DEFERRED REVENUE

During 2010, we entered into two marine search services contracts associated with the Robert Frasier Marine, Ltd. projects. These contracts are comprised of two components: sale of research and search operations. Cash payments for the sale of research are received and recorded as revenue upon execution of the contract. Cash payments for search operations are normally 50% on contract, 40% upon arrival at the site and 10% upon completion; however, revenue is recognized over the contractual period when services are performed. The period of time a search operation contract is active varies but will generally last over several months and may be accelerated or extended depending upon operational factors. At December 31, 2010, we have a $730,098 service obligation that will be recognized as revenue over the period of time the contractual services are provided. At December 31, 2009, related to another marine search services contract, we had deferred revenue of $1,257,453 which was earned in 2010. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we earned charter expedition revenue, exclusive of the sale of research, of $5,846,793 and $1,156,646, respectively, relating to these contracts.

NOTE O – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

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

NOTE P – REVENUE PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATES

We have sold through private placements of Revenue Participation Certificates (“RPCs”) the right to share in our future revenues derived from the “Cambridge” project, which is now referred to as the HMS Sussex shipwreck project. We also sold RPCs related to a project formerly called the “Republic” project which we now call the “Seattle” project. The “Seattle” project refers to a shipwreck which we have not yet located.

Each $50,000 convertible “Cambridge” RPC entitles the holder to receive a percentage of the gross revenue received by us from the “Cambridge” project, which is defined as all cash proceeds payable to us as a result of the “Cambridge” project, less any amounts paid to the British Government or their designee(s); provided, however, that all funds received by us to finance the project are excluded from gross revenue.

As of April 30, 1999, when the offering was closed, we had sold $825,000 of a maximum of $900,000 of the “Cambridge” RPCs. As a group, the holders are entitled to 100% of the first $825,000 of gross revenue, 24.75% of gross revenue from $4 - 35 million, and 12.375% of gross revenue above $35 million generated by the “Cambridge” project.

Distributions are to be made to each certificate holder within 15 days from the end of each quarterly reporting period in which we receive any cash proceeds from, or as a result of, the “Cambridge” project. The “Cambridge” RPC units constitute restricted securities.

In a private placement, which 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 “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.

 

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When the offering was closed, in September 2000, a total of five $50,000 units consisting of one Republic RPC and 100,000 shares of Common Stock had been sold, and the cost of each unit was allocated as $37,500 for the stock and $12,500 for the RPC. Therefore, a total of $62,500 was reflected on the books as deferred income from the sale of Republic Revenue Participation Certificates.

As of December 31, 2005 we had sold, in total, $887,500 of RPCs, which are reflected on the books as Deferred RPC Income to be amortized under the units of revenue method once management can reasonably estimate potential revenue for these projects.

These RPC issues do not have a termination date, therefore these liabilities will be carried on the books until revenue is recognized from these projects or we permanently abandon either project.

NOTE Q – REDEEMABLE SERIES G PREFERRED STOCK

On October 6, 2010, we designated 24 shares of our authorized preferred stock as Series G 8% Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series G Preferred”). Significant terms and conditions of the Series G Preferred are as follows:

Dividends. The holders of the Series G Preferred will generally be entitled to receive cash dividends at a rate of $20,000 per share per year (or 8%), payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing April 1, 2011. The dividends will be cumulative and shall accrue, whether or not earned or declared, from and after the date of issue.

Liquidation Preference. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of Odyssey’s affairs, each holder of the Series G Preferred then outstanding will be entitled to receive, before any payment or distribution will be made on Odyssey’s common stock or any capital stock of Odyssey ranking junior to the Series G Preferred as to the payment of dividends or the distribution of assets, an amount per share of Series G Preferred equal to the sum of (a) $250,000 plus (b) any accrued but unpaid dividends.

Voting Rights. The holders of Series G Preferred will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock into which the Series G Preferred is convertible and will be entitled to notice of meetings of stockholders. The holders of Series G Preferred will also be entitled to vote as a separate class with respect to certain matters. However, no holder may exercise its voting rights if doing so would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 9.9% of the outstanding common stock, unless waived by the holder.

Conversion Rights. At any time on or after April 15, 2011, any holder of shares of Series G Preferred may convert any or all of the shares into shares of common stock. Each share of Series G preferred will be convertible into the number of shares determined by dividing $250,000 by $1.785714, which we refer to as the conversion price. The number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series G Preferred is subject to adjustment in certain events, as discussed in the next paragraph.

Adjustments to Conversion Rights. If Odyssey pays a dividend or makes a distribution on its common stock in shares of common stock, subdivides its outstanding common stock into a greater number of shares, or combines its outstanding common stock into a smaller number of shares, or if there is a reorganization, or a merger or consolidation of Odyssey with or into any other entity which results in a conversion, exchange, or cancellation of the common stock, or a sale of all or substantially all of Odyssey’s assets, then the conversion rights described above will be adjusted appropriately so that each holder of Series G Preferred will receive the securities or other consideration the holder would have received if the holder’s Series G 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 G Preferred.

Limitations Upon Conversion Rights. No holder may convert shares of Series G Preferred if such conversion would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 9.9% of the outstanding common stock, unless waived by the holder. In addition, we will not issue any shares of common stock upon conversion of shares of Series G Preferred if the issuance of such shares of common stock would exceed the aggregate number of shares of common stock that we may issue upon conversion of all outstanding shares of Series G Preferred and the outstanding warrants offered hereby without breaching our obligations under the listing rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market relating to stockholder approval of certain issuances of securities.

 

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Redemption. Odyssey will have the option to redeem the Series G Preferred, in whole or in part, at any time after December 15, 2010 at a redemption price of 100% of the liquidation value. Commencing after March 31, 2011, the redemption price increases 1.0% each month without cap. Each holder will have the option to require Odyssey to redeem the Series G Preferred, in whole or in part, at any time after December 15, 2011 at a redemption price commencing at 109% of the liquidation value, which increases 1.0% each without cap such that, after December 15, 2011, the holder’s and Odyssey’s redemption prices will equal. In either case, the redemption price to be paid by Odyssey for each share of Series G Preferred will be the redemption prices referred to above plus accrued dividends. There is no sinking fund requirement for redemption of the Series G preferred stock.

On October 11, 2010, we issued (i) 20 shares of Series G Preferred, plus warrants to purchase 1,530,000 shares of our common stock for cash of $5,050,000 and (ii) 4 shares of Series G Preferred, plus warrants to purchase 270,000 shares of our common stock to settle certain promissory notes with a carrying value of $928,481. We have accounted for the Series G Preferred and warrants issued for cash as a financing transaction, wherein the net proceeds that we received was allocated to the financial instruments issued. We have accounted for the Series G Preferred and warrants issued in settlement of the promissory notes as an exchange, wherein we have recorded the financial instruments issued at their fair values and extinguished the promissory notes resulting in an extinguishment loss.

The following table summarizes the allocation for each of these transactions as of October 11, 2010:

 

     Financing      Exchange     Total  

Redeemable preferred stock (1)

   $ 2,747,476      $ 888,997     $ 3,636,473  

Compound embedded derivatives (2)

     1,389,114        261,318       1,650,432  

Warrant derivatives (2)

     913,410        161,190       1,074,600  

Extinguishment loss

     —           (383,023     (383,023
                         
   $ 5,050,000      $ 928,482     $ 5,978,482  
                         

 

(1) The fair value of the redeemable preferred stock was estimated based upon its forward cash flow value, at a credit-risk adjusted market interest rate, as enhanced by the fair value of the conversion feature. Credit-risk adjusted rates used to discount the cash flow component ranged from 3.98% to 4.89% over our estimated period to redemption, which is October 2013. The fair value of the conversion feature is reflected in the compound embedded derivative line of the table.
(2) See NOTE K for information related to the valuation of these financial instruments both on the inception date of the transactions and at December 31, 2010.

Prior to making the above accounting allocation, we evaluated the Series G Preferred and the warrants for proper classification under ASC 480 - Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity and ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging.

Series G Preferred:

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 G 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 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 G Preferred in its entirety as being either akin to equity or akin to debt. Our evaluation concluded that the Series G was more akin to a debt-like contract largely due to the fact that the financial instrument is mandatorily redeemable for cash at the option of the holder and has a return in the form of a dividend that operates similarly with an interest rate on debt. Other features of the Series G Preferred that operate like equity, such as the conversion option and voting feature, did not afford sufficient evidence, in our view, to offset the weight of the primary debt-like features; that is, the redemption feature and the dividend feature. Accordingly, based upon this conclusion the clear and close relationship of embedded derivative features was made relative to a debt-like contract.

 

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The material embedded derivative features consisted of the conversion option and related down-round anti-dilution protection, the Company’s redemption privilege, and the holder’s redemption privilege. The conversion option and related anti-dilution protection, bearing risks of equity, were not clearly and closely related to the debt-like Series G Preferred and required bifurcation. The redemption features, although generally bearing risks of debt, such as credit and interest risk, were not clearly and closely related to the Series G Preferred because the Series G Preferred was deemed to be issued at a substantial discount and there are scenarios, however improbable or remote, that the redemption features as designed could double the investor’s initial rate of return. Current accounting principles that are also provided in ASC 815 do not permit an issuer to account separately for individual derivative terms and features that require bifurcation and liability classification. Rather, such terms and features must be and were bundled together and fair valued as a single, compound embedded derivative.

Redeemable preferred stock represents preferred stock that is either redeemable for cash on a specific date or contingently redeemable for cash for events that are not within the control of management. Redeemable preferred stock is required to be classified outside of stockholders’ equity (in the mezzanine section). Because the Series G Preferred is redeemable at the holder’s option, we are required to record the residual from our allocation to the mezzanine section. This amount is further subject to accretion to the redemption value over the term to the earliest redemption date using the effective method. Accretion for the period from the inception date of the transactions to December 31, 2010 amounted to $383,050, bringing the total value of the mezzanine Series G Preferred to $4,019,523 at December 31, 2010.

Cumulative dividends on the Series G Preferred Stock from the inception date of the transactions to December 31, 2010 amount to $106,521. Dividends are recorded when they are declared, which they were not as of the balance sheet date. Accordingly, the cumulative dividends are in arrears as of December 31, 2010.

Warrants:

The warrants issued in the financing and exchange transactions have terms of three years and an exercise price of $2.50. The contractual exercise price is subject to adjustment for both traditional recapitalization events and sales of common stock or other common stock linked contracts below the contractual exercise price. The latter is referred to as down-round anti-dilution protections. The warrants did not fall within the scope of ASC 480 under any of the three conditions referred to above. However, the warrants required derivative liability accounting because certain down-round anti-dilution protections are terms that are not consistent with the definition for financial instruments indexed to a company’s own stock.

NOTE R – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY/(DEFICIT)

Common Stock

On May 6, 2010, we issued 1,300,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor upon conversion of 13 outstanding shares of our Series E Convertible Preferred Stock.

On April 20, 2010, we issued 600,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor upon conversion of 600,000 outstanding shares of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

On March 18, 2010, we issued 600,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor upon conversion of 600,000 outstanding shares of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

On February 12, 2010, we issued 500,000 shares of common stock to one institutional investor upon conversion of 500,000 outstanding shares of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock.

During January 2010, we entered into individual purchase agreements with certain investors pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of Odyssey’s common stock and warrants to purchase up to 2,400,000 shares of common stock to such investors. The common stock and warrants were sold as units, with each unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase 0.6 shares of common stock. The purchase price for each unit was $1.565. The warrants have an exercise price of $2.25 per share of common stock and are exercisable in accordance with their terms at any time on or before the close of business on January 29, 2013. The net proceeds to us from the registered direct public offering, after deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses were approximately $6.1 million.

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

Convertible Preferred Stock

We have 206,400 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as well as the 24 shares of Series G Preferred Stock described in Note Q. Series D is convertible into common stock at a ratio of 1 to 1. The liquidation preference for Series D is $3.50 per share of common stock into which the Series D could then be converted. There are no other rights attached to these convertible instruments.

 

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Stock-Based Compensation

We have two active stock incentive plans, the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. The 1997 Stock Incentive Plan expired on August 17, 2007. As of that date, options cannot be granted from that Plan but any granted and unexercised options will continue to exist until exercised or they expire. The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights. We initially reserved 2,500,000 of our authorized but unissued shares of common stock for issuance under the Plan, and, at the time the Plan was adopted, not more than 500,000 of these shares could be used for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. On January 16, 2008, the Board of Directors approved amendments to the Plan to add 2,500,000 shares of common stock to the Plan, to allow any number of shares to be used for restricted stock awards, to clarify certain other provisions in the Plan and to submit the amended Plan for stockholder approval. The amended Plan was approved at the annual meeting of stockholders on May 7, 2008. On June 3, 2010, the shareholders’ approved an amendment to the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan which resulted in the addition of 3,000,000 shares of common stock to the Plan. Any incentive option and non-qualified option granted under the Plan must provide for an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant, but the exercise price of any incentive option granted to an officer, director or eligible employee owning more than 10% of our outstanding common stock must not be less than 110% of fair market value on the date of the grant.

Share-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of share-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. As share-based compensation expense recognized in the statement of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it can be reduced for estimated forfeitures. The ASC topic Stock Compensation requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

The share based compensation charged against income for the periods ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $2,072,136, $2,027,340 and $1,846,341, respectively.

The weighted average estimated fair value of stock options granted during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were $0.92 and $1.53, respectively. We did not grant stock options in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. These amounts were determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which values options based on the stock price at the grant date, the expected life of the option, the estimated volatility of the stock, the expected dividend payments, and the risk-free interest rate over the life of the option. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model were as follows for stock options granted in the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

     2010      2009      2008

Risk-free interest rate

     .56-.67%         1.1-2.0%       N/A

Expected volatility of common stock

     68.8-70.5%         61-63%       N/A

Dividend yield

     0%         0%       N/A

Expected life of options

     3-3.3 years         3-4 years       N/A

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

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

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

     2,920,166      $ 4.10   

Granted

     —        $ —     

Exercised

     (331,174   $ 2.93   

Cancelled

     (60,326   $ 4.31   
          

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

     2,528,666      $ 4.25   

Granted

     1,546,420      $ 3.53   

Exercised

     (2,500   $ 2.50   

Cancelled

     (340,750   $ 4.86   
          

Outstanding at December 31, 2009

     3,731,836      $ 3.89   

Granted

     271,500      $ 2.12   

Exercised

     —        $ —     

Cancelled

     (466,100   $ 3.87   
          

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

     3,537,236      $ 3.78   
          

Options exercisable at December 31, 2008

     1,796,793      $ 4.17   
          

Options exercisable at December 31, 2009

     2,669,844      $ 3.87   
          

Options exercisable at December 31, 2010

     3,032,194      $ 3.78   
          

 

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The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercisable for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $106,000, $0 and $25,560, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $180,360, $0 and $25,560, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are $0, $4,625 and $692,224, respectively, determined as of the date of the option exercise. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the positive difference between our closing stock price at the end of a respective period and the exercise price multiplied by the number of relative options. The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1,286,522, $1,914,702 and $740,168, respectively.

As of December 31, 2010, there was $873,086 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation awards granted to employees under the option plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.12 years.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2010:

Stock Options Outstanding

 

Range of

Exercise Prices

   Number of
Shares
Outstanding
     Weighted  Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life  in Years
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

$1.00 - $2.50

     271,500         3.33       $ 2.12   

$2.51 - $5.00

     2,515,736         2.08       $ 3.52   

$5.01 - $7.50

     750,000         1.91       $ 5.27   
                          
     3,537,236         2.14       $ 3.78   
                          

The estimated fair value of each restricted stock award is calculated using the share price at the date of the grant. A summary of the status of the restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2010 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2010 is presented as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 

Unvested at December 31, 2009

     81,662      $ 4.82   

Granted

     895,666      $ 1.45   

Vested

     (697,529   $ 1.83   

Cancelled

     —        $ —     
          

Unvested at December 31, 2010

     279,799      $ 1.50   
          

The fair value of restricted stock awards vested during the years ended December 31 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $1,234,465, $178,290 and $405,605, respectively. The fair value of unvested restricted stock awards remaining at the periods ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is $777,839, $115,143 and $504,458, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the periods ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were $1.45, $2.72 and $4.87, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual term of these restricted stock awards at the periods ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are .98, 1.0 and 2.0 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, there was a total of $400,876 unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards.

 

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The following table summarizes our common stock warrants outstanding at December 31, 2010:

 

Common
Stock

Warrants
     Exercise Price      Termination Date  
  100,000       $ 5.25         —   (A) 
  2,400,000       $ 2.25         1/13/2013   
  270,000       $ 2.25         8/20/2013   
  1,800,000       $ 2.50         10/11/2013 (B) 
           
  4,570,000         
           

 

(A): There were 100,000 Common Stock Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2009. These warrants were issued during the quarter ended September 30, 2005 at an exercise price of $5.25 per share to a vendor for services relating to a marketing program. These warrants become vested and earned based upon future performance of the program, and may not be exercised until vested and earned, therefore expense will not be recorded until the warrants are vested and earned. The warrants have a two-year exercise period commencing on the date when the warrants would be vested and earned. At December 31, 2010 these warrants have not been earned nor have they commenced with vesting.
(B): See NOTE Q.

NOTE S – INCOME TAXES

As of December 31, 2010, we had consolidated income tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $107,000,000. The federal NOL carryforward will expire in various years ending through the year 2030.

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

 

     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2010
     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2009
     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2008
 

Current

        

Federal

   $ —         $ —         $ —     

State

     —           —           —     
                          
   $ —         $ —         $ —     
                          

Deferred

        

Federal

   $ —         $ —         $ —     

State

     —           —           —     
                          
   $ —         $ —         $ —     
                          

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

 

Deferred tax assets:

  

Net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 38,772,046   

Accrued expenses

     62,816   

Reserve for accounts receivable

     2,980,939   

Reserve for inventory return

     168,251   

Stock option expense

     1,955,816   

Start-up costs

     107,397   

Excess of book over tax depreciation

     1,088,744   

Investment – unconsolidated entity

     965,078   

Less: valuation allowance

     (45,983,926
        
     117,161   
        

Deferred tax liability:

  

Prepaid expenses

     47,692   

Property and equipment basis

     69,469   
        
     117,161   
        

Net deferred tax asset

   $ —     
        

 

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As reflected above, we have recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0 at December 31, 2010. As required by the Accounting for Income Taxes topic in the ASC, we have evaluated whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on the available evidence, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that those assets would not be realizable without the recovery and rights of ownership or salvage rights of high value shipwrecks and thus a valuation allowance has been recorded as of December 31, 2010. While we have recovered more than 17 tons of silver and hundreds of gold coins and other artifacts from the “Black Swan” project, we do not have the ability to immediately monetize the recovered cargo until we are awarded title or a salvage award by the U.S. District Court.

The change in the valuation allowance is as follow:

 

December 31, 2010

   $ 45,983,926       December 31, 2009    $ 39,693,015   

December 31, 2009

   $ 39,693,015       December 31, 2008    $ 33,209,323   
                    

Change in valuation allowance

   $ 6,290,911       Change in valuation allowance    $ 6,483,692   
                    

Income taxes for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 differ from the amounts computed by applying the effective income tax rate of 34.0% to income taxes as a result of the following:

 

     12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2010
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2009
    12 Month
Period Ended
December 31,
2008
 

Expected benefit

   $ (7,936,643   $ (6,333,587   $ (8,446,032

Effects of:

      

State income taxes net of federal benefits

     (190,311     (277,292     (301,052

Nondeductible expenses

     15,606        17,428        15,985   

Stock options exercised

     627,684        4,584        (126,581

Derivatives

     1,367,186        —          —     

Change in valuation allowance

     6,290,911        6,483,692        8,943,967   

Change in net operating loss

     —          —          (898

Inventory capitalization

     —          —          —     

Change in rate estimate

     (174,913     105,267        (86,451

Other, net

     480        (92     1,062   
                        

Income tax provision (benefit)

   $ —        $ —        $ —     
                        

During the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we recognized certain tax benefits and (liabilities), prior to any valuation allowances, related to stock option plans in the amount of $(647,841) and $(4,785), respectively. If we did not have a full valuation allowance, such benefits would be recorded as an increase in the deferred tax asset and an increase in additional paid-in capital.

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

The earliest tax year still subject to examination by a major taxing jurisdiction is 2007.

NOTE T – MAJOR CUSTOMERS

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, we had three customers who accounted for 12.9%, 41.4% and 41.2% of our total revenue. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, we had two customers who accounted for 48.0% and 23.7% of our total product revenue.

 

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NOTE U – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Rights to Future Revenues, If Any

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

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

Revenue from the SS Republic shipwreck or its cargo is not subject to revenue sharing.

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

Legal Proceedings

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

Other commitments and contingencies

At December 31, 2010, the Company’s future contractual obligations are as follows:

 

     Payments due by period  

Contractual

Obligations

   Total      2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      More than 5
years
 

Commitments

   $ 15,938,541       $ 3,863,399       $ 4,477,838       $ 6,335,558       $ 720,513       $ 541,235       $ —     

Interest on debt

     392,177         130,980         122,561         83,518         35,797         19,321         —     
                                                              

Total contractual obligations

   $ 16,330,718       $ 3,994,379       $ 4,600,399       $ 6,419,076       $ 756,310       $ 560,556       $ —     
                                                              

Commitments represent amounts due on our existing mortgages as described in NOTE L – Mortgages and Loans Payable as well as our vessel charter. The vessel charter has a lease period is March 2010 to February 2013 as well as a ninety-day termination notice clause.

See “NOTE L – Mortgage and Loans Payable.”

Trends and Uncertainties

Our current 2011 business plan estimates positive cash flow from operation activities, which assumes that several of our planned projects are financed through project syndications or other partnership opportunities. One or more of these projected project financing or partnership opportunities may not be realized which may require the need for additional cash. We are also estimating capital expenditure needs of approximately $3.5 million primarily related to specialized equipment necessary for several of our upcoming projects. Based upon our current expectations, we believe our cash position will be sufficient to fund operating cash flows throughout the rest of 2011 taking into account our current cash flow expectations and expected revenues from multiple sources, including projected sales, syndicated projects and potential financing opportunities. Based upon current discussions with Fifth Third Bank, we expect to renew or extend our existing credit facility before termination in April 2011. However, we cannot be assured of our ability to do so and may need to seek additional capital in 2011 to pay off our existing balance. We have experienced several years of net losses resulting in a stockholders’ deficit. Our capacity to generate net income in future periods is dependent upon our success in recovering and monetizing high-value shipwrecks, or to generate income from other projects. While we have recovered more than 17 tons of silver coins and hundreds of gold coins and other artifacts from the “Black Swan” project, we will not have the ability to immediately monetize any recovered cargo unless we are awarded title or a salvage award by the U.S. District Court or negotiate a settlement with other claimants in the case. At the present time, we cannot determine how long that process may take. We have also identified one of our potential high value target shipwrecks, HMS Victory and at least one of our Robert Fraser shipwreck targets. We may not be able to begin recovery operations on projects as planned or monetize any potential cargo in the short term. If cash flow is not sufficient to meet our projected business plan requirements, we will be required to raise additional capital or curtail expenses. While we have been successful in raising the necessary funds in the past, there can be no assurance that we can continue to do so.

 

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NOTE V – QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA – UNAUDITED

The following tables present certain unaudited consolidated quarterly financial information for each of the past eight quarters ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. This quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the Consolidated Financial Statements and includes all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information for the periods presented.

 

    

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010

Quarter Ending

 
     March 31     June 30     September 30     December 31  

Revenue - net

   $ 2,928,425      $ 4,334,708      $ 9,829,768      $ 3,907,794   

Gross profit

     2,883,780        4,239,970        9,798,787        3,887,067   

Net loss

     (3,118,750     (3,491,246     (1,307,313     (15,425,757

Basic and diluted net income per share

   $ (0.05   $ (0.05   $ (0.02   $ (0.24
    

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009

Quarter Ending

 
     March 31     June 30     September 30     December 31  

Revenue - net

   $ 606,702      $ 426,665      $ 845,388      $ 2,468,710   

Gross profit

     411,581        301,051        617,703        2,336,600   

Net loss

     (5,268,991     (5,006,070     (4,396,252     (3,956,885

Basic and diluted net income per share

   $ (0.10   $ (0.09   $ (0.07   $ (0.07

NOTE W - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

During January 2011, Odyssey executed agreements to provide marine archaeological excavation and related services on an existing project to certain client companies of Robert Fraser Partners (RFP) to verify the existence of a target shipwreck. The work will be conducted on a shipwreck site that Odyssey discovered and inspected during a recently completed survey carried out under contract with the RFP client companies. Odyssey is providing the research vessel, equipment, technical and archaeological crew to conduct the operation. The contract provides for cash payments totaling approximately U.S. $2.3 million to Odyssey plus additional payments based upon revenue derived from the project. After the repayment of all recovery costs, Odyssey will receive at least 50% of net revenue until an additional £1.9 Million (approximately U.S. $3.1 million) has been received and then will receive a minimum of 50% of further net revenue in accordance with the search contracts.

During February 2011 we executed an agreement with Galt Resources, LLC under which Galt will have the right of revenue participation in one of our projects to be chosen by Galt before the end of 2011. Under the terms of the agreement, Galt will receive half the net proceeds from the selected project until it has realized their investment plus three times the amount of their investment. Thereafter, Galt will receive a residual 1% of net proceeds for each $1 million invested from that project up to a maximum $10 million. The return to Galt is based solely on the potential success from one project. We have received $5.6 million under this agreement and may opt to receive a maximum of $10 million total only with the approval of both parties. Net proceeds under the agreement are all proceeds to us after any amounts payable to governments or other priority claimants and after direct selling expenses not to exceed 10%. Galt Resources is managed by JCM Marine Ventures, LLC, a company founded and controlled by John Morris who continues to be a consultant for us. John Morris is a co-founder of Odyssey Marine Exploration and former CEO who retired from the Company’s management team in 2008.

During February 2011, Odyssey entered into a charter agreement with Neptune Minerals PLC (a UK Company) and Neptune Minerals, Inc. (a Nevada Corp.) and Neptune Resources Ltd. (a New Zealand Company) for the Dorado Discovery to supply geological exploration services to Neptune Minerals to explore their tenements in the waters surrounding New Zealand in the first half of 2011. This operation provides for a charter rate paid to Odyssey as well as equity in Neptune Minerals, Inc. John Morris is a principal in Neptune Minerals, Inc. and is also the cofounder and former CEO of Odyssey and continues to be a consultant to Odyssey.

 

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SCHEDULE II – VALUATION and QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the Fiscal Years of 2008, 2009 and 2010

ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

Deferred recovery cost reserve

              

2008

     2,002,945         355,118         —           —           2,358,063   

2009

     2,358,063         170,217         —           —           2,528,280   

2010

     2,528,280         28,869         —           —           2,557,149   

Inventory reserve

              

2008

     559,098         39,175         —           —           598,273   

2009

     598,273         —           —           114,566         483,707   

2010

     483,707         —           —           4,248         479,459   

Accounts receivable reserve

              

2008

     —           —           —           —           —     

2009

     —           —           —           —           —     

2010

     —           8,494,672         —           —           8,494,672   

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

    ODYSSEY MARINE EXPLORATION, INC.
Dated: February 28, 2011   By:  

/S/ GREGORY P. STEMM

    Chief Executive Officer

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

 

SIGNATURE

 

TITLE

 

DATE

/S/    GREGORY P. STEMM        

  Chief Executive Officer   February 28, 2011
Gregory P. Stemm   (Principal Executive Officer)  

/S/    MICHAEL J. HOLMES        

  Chief Financial Officer   February 28, 2011
Michael J. Holmes   (Principal Financial Officer)  

/S/    MARK D. GORDON        

  President and Chief Operating Officer   February 28, 2011
Mark D. Gordon    

/S/    JAY A. NUDI        

  Controller & Treasurer   February 28, 2011
Jay A. Nudi   (Principal Accounting Officer)  

/S/    DAVID J. BEDERMAN        

  Chairman of the Board   February 28, 2011
David J. Bederman    

/S/    DAVID J. SAUL

  Director   February 28, 2011
David J. Saul    

/S/    BRADFORD B. BAKER        

  Director   February 28, 2011
Bradford B. Baker    

/S/    JON D. SAWYER        

  Director   February 28, 2011
Jon D. Sawyer    

 

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EXHIBITS INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  3.1    Articles of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended February 28, 2001)
  3.2    Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated February 28, 2006)
  3.3    Designation of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated February 28, 2001)
  3.4    Amended Certificate of Designation of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated September 19, 2002)
  3.5    Certificate of Designation of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated March 13, 2006)
  3.6    Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Designation of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated January 22, 2007)
  3.7    Certificate of Designation of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2007)
  3.8    Certificate of Withdrawal of Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2007)
  3.9    Certificate of Designation of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated December 18, 2007)
  3.10    Certificate of Withdrawal of Certificate of Designation of Series F Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated February 2, 2009)
  3.11    Certificate of Designation of Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010)
  3.12    Amendment to Certificate of Designation of Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010)
  3.13    Certificate of Correction to Amendment to Certificate of Designation of Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010)
  3.14    Certificate of Withdrawal of Certificate of Designation of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 22, 2010)
  4.1    Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed November 22, 2006)
  4.2    Warrant to Purchase Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (D1) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K For the year ended December 31, 2006)
  4.3    Warrant to Purchase Series D Convertible Preferred Stock (D2) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K For the year ended December 31, 2006)
  4.4    Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed January 26, 2010)
  4.5    Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock 5% Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010)
10.1    1997 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended February 28, 2001)
10.2    Partnering Agreement Memorandum Concerning the Shipwreck of HMS Sussex, dated September 27, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB For the quarter ended August 31, 2002)
10.3    2005 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated August 3, 2005)
10.4    Form of Stock Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed November 22, 2006)

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

10.5    Series D Convertible Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K For the year ended December 31, 2006)
10.6    Series E Convertible Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated September 14, 2007)
10.7    Series F Convertible Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 dated December 21, 2007)
10.8    Transition Agreement – Departing Chief Executive Officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K For the year ended December 31, 2007)
10.9    Revolving Credit Loan and Security Agreement with Fifth Third Bank dated February 7, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2008)
10.10    Revolving Credit Note with Fifth Third Bank dated February 7, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2008)
10.11    Loan Agreement with Fifth Third Bank dated July 11, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 17, 2008)
10.12    Commercial Promissory Note with Fifth Third Bank dated July 11, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 17, 2008)
10.13    Mortgage and Security Agreement with Fifth Third Bank dated July 11, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated July 17, 2008)
10.14    Expedition Agreement with JWM Productions LLC dated May 20, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated August 11, 2008)
10.15    Stock Purchase Agreement dated August 18, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated August 19, 2008)
10.16    Stock Purchase Agreement dated May 22, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated May 26, 2009)
10.17    Sale of Research File Relating to Project “Enigma” (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q For the quarter ended September 30, 2009)
10.18    Uniform Time Charter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q For the quarter ended September 30, 2009)
10.19    Enigma” Completion Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q For the quarter ended September 30, 2009)
10.20    Form of Stock Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed January 26, 2010)
10.21    Form of Securities Purchase Agreement 5% Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010)
10.22    Form of Purchase Agreement of Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010)
10.23    Share Subscription Agreement – Dorado Ocean Resources dated April 28, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed May 4, 2010)
10.24    First Amendment to Revolving Credit Loan and Security Agreement with Fifth Third Bank dated April 20, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2010)
10.25    Renewal to Revolving Credit with Fifth Third Bank dated April 20, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2010)
10.26    Shipwreck Project Agreement with Gault Resources LLC dated February 11, 2011 (filed herewith electronically)
  21    Subsidiaries of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K For the year ended December 31, 2005)
23.1    Consent of Ferlita, Walsh & Gonzalez, P.A., Independent Accountants (filed herewith electronically)
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith electronically)

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

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

 

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