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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, both domestic and international. Equity investments in which we exercise significant influence but do not control and of which we are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. All significant inter-company and intra-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. The portion of the consolidated subsidiaries not wholly owned by the Company and any related activity is eliminated through Non-controlling interests in the consolidated balance sheets and Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in the consolidated statements of operations. The results of operations attributable to the non-controlling interest are presented within equity and net income (loss) and are shown separately from the Company’s equity and net income attributable to the Company. Some of the existing inter-company balances, which are eliminated upon consolidation, include features allowing the liabilities of Exploraciones Oceánicas S. de R.L. de CV (“ExO”) and Oceanica Resources, S. de R.L. (“Oceanica”), majority owned subsidiaries of the Company, to be converted into additional equity of a subsidiary, which, if exercised, could increase the Company’s direct or indirect interest in the non-wholly owned subsidiaries.

Use of Estimates

Management used estimates and assumptions in preparing these consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”). Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could vary from the estimates that were used.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines are within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC Topic 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied. Sales, value add, and other taxes collected on behalf of third parties are excluded from revenue.

The Company currently generates revenues from service contracts with customers. Currently, there are two sources of revenue, marine services and operating and other services. The contracts for the marine services provide research, scientific services, marine operations planning, management execution and project management. These services are billed generally on a monthly basis and recognized as revenue as the services are performed or provided. The Company generally does not receive any upfront consideration for these services, and there is no variable consideration for the services. Costs associated with both marine and operating and other services include all direct consulting labor, and minimal supplies, and is charged to operations as a component of Operations and Research.

Accounts receivable are based on amounts billed to customers. We evaluate our accounts receivable to estimate an allowance for credit losses over the remaining life of the financial instrument. The remaining life of our financial assets is determined by considering contractual terms among other factors. We estimate an allowance for credit losses based on ongoing evaluations of the accounts and notes receivable, the related credit risk characteristics, and the overall economic and environmental conditions affecting the financial assets. Credit losses are charged off against the allowance when we believe the uncollectibility of the financial asset is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance once received. A credit loss expense, or benefit, is recorded within marketing, general and administrative expense in the Statement of Operations in an amount necessary to adjust the allowance for credit losses to our estimate as of the end of each reporting period. At December 31, 2024 and 2023 we determined no allowance was necessary. If we were to have a recorded allowance, the accounts receivable would be stated net of the recorded allowance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and cash in banks and consists of deposits in one U.S. and one foreign bank. We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains certain of its cash balances in one U.S. bank, which at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not incurred and does not expect to incur any losses with respect to these balances. We limit investment of cash equivalents and investments to financial institutions with high credit ratings. Management believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk regarding these accounts as it performs periodic reviews of the creditworthiness of the financial institutions the Company uses.

Bismarck Exploration License

The Company follows the guidance pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”) in accounting for the exploration license held by Bismarck Mining Corporation, Ltd., (the “Bismarck Exploration License”). Management determined the rights to use the license to have an indefinite life. This assessment is based on the historical success of renewing the license every two years since 2006, and the fact that management believes there are no legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that would limit the useful life of the asset. The Company was notified in November 2023 that the 2022 exploration license renewal application was approved. The most recent renewal was submitted in July 2024, and we expect to receive a response by June 2025. The Bismarck Exploration License is not dependent on another asset or group of assets that could potentially limit the useful life of the exploration license. We test the Bismarck Exploration License for impairment annually, and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired, per the guidance of the ASC topic 350. We did not have any triggering events or impairments for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.

Derivative Financial Instruments

From time to time, we may enter into a financial instrument that may contain a derivative. In evaluating the fair value of derivative financial instruments, there are numerous assumptions which management must make that may influence the valuation of the derivatives that would be included in the financial statements.

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 a small or no initial net investment and permit net settlement. Derivative financial instruments may be free-standing or embedded in other financial instruments. We generally do not use derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to cash-flow, market or foreign-currency risks. However, we have entered into certain other financial instruments and contracts with features that are either (i) not afforded equity classification, (ii) embody risks not clearly and closely related to host contracts, or (iii) may be net-cash settled by the counterparty. As required by ASC 815 – Derivatives and Hedging, these instruments are required to be carried as derivative liabilities, at fair value, in our financial statements with changes in fair value reflected in our income.

As discussed in Note 9, Derivative Financial Instruments to the consolidated financial statements, we have certain litigation financing with detachable warrants that is included in "Litigation financing and other" on the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023. The litigation financing agreement involved numerous amendments, significant non-cash financing, issuance of warrants, and issuance costs requiring judgment of the facts and circumstances, in particular with respect to the determination of the fair value of the derivative. The fair value of the derivative at December 31, 2024, was based on amounts funded and management's good-faith estimates of the potential outcomes of enforcement and collection of the Arbitral Award, the potential outcomes conditional on Odyssey winning Mexico’s proceeding to set aside the Arbitral Award, the potential repayment date, and certain market variables.

The fair value of the derivative at December 31, 2023, was based on the amounts funded and management’s good-faith estimates of other inputs including the potential outcomes of the NAFTA case, potential repayment date, and certain market variables.

The Company determines the accounting classification of warrants it issues as either liability or equity classified by first assessing whether the warrants meet liability classification in accordance with ASC 480-10, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, then in accordance with ASC 815-40, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock. After all relevant assessments, the Company concludes whether the warrants are classified as liability or equity. Liability classified warrants require fair value accounting at issuance and subsequent to initial issuance with all changes in fair value after the issuance date recorded in the Statements of Operations. Equity classified warrants only require fair value accounting at issuance with no changes recognized subsequent to the issuance date.

As of December 31, 2024, the 2022 Warrants, the March 2023 Warrants and the December 2023 Warrants were determined to meet the definition of derivative liability, and their respective fair value was estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model.

The 37N Note was determined to include an embedded derivative liability related to the share settled redemption feature of the Note in accordance with ASC 815. The embedded derivative fair value is determined using the with-and-without valuation method. In

October 2024, the remainder of the indebtedness under the 37N Note was converted into shares of the Company's common stock, pursuant exercise notices delivered by 37North. Refer to Note 7, Loans Payable, for further information on the conversion.

During December 2024, the Company entered into amendments of the March 2023 Notes and the December 2023 Notes that resulted in additional embedded liabilities in those notes. Refer to Note 9, Derivative Financial Instruments, for details on such transactions.

Investment in Unconsolidated Entities

As discussed in Note 5, Investment in Unconsolidated Entities, the Company has cost basis method investments and an equity method investment with related parties. We account for the investments we make in certain legal entities in which equity investors do not have (1) sufficient equity at risk for the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (2) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have either the power, through voting or similar rights, to direct the activities of the legal entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, or (3) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the legal entity or the right to receive expected residual returns of the legal entity. The Company has entered into agreements with a certain related parties that required analysis of ASC 810-10 to determine if the investment is considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”). If the investment is determined to be a VIE, then the Company evaluates whether it is considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that meets both of the following criteria: (i) has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We determine whether any of the entities in which we have made investments is a VIE at the start of each new venture and if a reconsideration event has occurred. At such times, we also consider whether we must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about our involvement in a VIE. This analysis required judgment and review of the facts and circumstances to determine the proper accounting for the cost and equity method investments. A reporting entity must consolidate a VIE if that reporting entity has a variable interest (or combination of variable interests) that will absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses, receive a majority of the VIE’s expected residual returns, or both. A reporting entity must consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests and the relationship of its variable interests with variable interests held by other parties to determine whether its variable interests will absorb a majority of a VIE’s expected losses, receive a majority of the VIE’s expected residual returns, or both. For investments in VIEs in which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary, the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the VIE are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no VIEs for which the Company was the primary beneficiary. We also review these investments for any potential impairment annually.

We use the equity method to account for investments in companies if our investment provides us with the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. Our Consolidated Statement of Operations includes our Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of these companies. It is our policy to account for our share of the investee’s net income or loss using a three-month lag period with an estimate of the most recent quarter results, if final information has not been received. Our judgment regarding the level of influence over each equity method investee includes considering key factors, such as our ownership interest, representation of the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions, other commercial arrangements and material intercompany transactions.

We eliminate from our financial results all significant intercompany transactions, including the intercompany portion of transactions with equity method investees.

Long-Lived Assets

Property and equipment is stated at historical cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method at rates based on the assets' estimated useful lives which are normally three years for computers and peripherals, five years for furniture and office equipment and between five and ten years for marine equipment. Items that may require major overhauls (such as marine equipment) that enhance or extend the useful life of these assets qualify to be capitalized and depreciated over the useful life or remaining life of that asset, whichever was shorter. All other repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred.

Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For purposes of evaluating the recoverability of long-lived assets, the recoverability test is performed using undiscounted net cash flows related to the long-lived assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. There was no impairment recorded to long-lived assets as of December 31, 2024 or 2023, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

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, equity securities, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, derivative financial instruments and loans payable. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. Loans payable are measured at fair value based on valuation techniques using observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices in active markets 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. Derivative financial instruments are initially, and subsequently, measured at fair value and recorded as liabilities or, in rare instances, assets.

We adopted ASC Topic 820 for certain financial instruments measured as fair value on a recurring basis. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, established a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with US GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 established a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.

Fair Value Hierarchy

The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

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

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

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

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

Leases

When we enter into a new arrangement, we must determine, at the inception date, whether the arrangement contains a lease. This determination generally depends upon whether the arrangement conveys to us the right to control the use of an explicitly or implicitly identified fixed asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control of an underlying asset is conveyed to us if we obtain the rights to direct the use of and to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from using the underlying asset.

If a lease exists, we must then determine the separate lease and non-lease components of the arrangement. Each right to use an underlying asset conveyed by a lease arrangement should generally be considered a separate lease component if it both: (i) can benefit us without depending on other resources not readily available to us and (ii) does not significantly affect and is not significantly affected by other rights of use conveyed by the lease. Aspects of a lease arrangement that transfer other goods or services to us but do not meet the definition of lease components are considered non-lease components. The consideration owed by us pursuant to a lease arrangement is generally allocated to each lease and non-lease component for accounting purposes. However, we have elected to not separate lease and non-lease components. Each lease component is accounted for separately from other lease components, but together with the associated non-lease components.

For each lease, we must then determine:

•

The lease term – The lease term is the period of the lease not cancellable by us, together with periods covered by: (i) renewal options we are reasonably certain to exercise or that are controlled by the lessor and (ii) termination options we are reasonably certain not to exercise.

•

The present value of lease payments is calculated based on:

Lease payments – Lease payments include certain fixed and variable payments, less lease incentives, together with amounts probable of being owed by us under residual value guarantees and, if reasonably certain of being paid, the cost of certain renewal options and early termination penalties set forth in the lease arrangement. Lease payments exclude consideration that is: (i) not related to the transfer of goods and services to us and (ii) allocated to the non-lease

components in a lease arrangement, except for the classes of assets where we have elected to not separate lease and non-lease components.

Discount rate – The discount rate must be determined based on information available to us upon the commencement of a lease. Lessees are required to use the rate implicit in the lease whenever such rate is readily available; however, if the implicit rate a lease is not readily determinable, we would use the hypothetical incremental borrowing rate we would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments, on a collateralized basis, over a timeframe similar to the lease term.

•

Lease classification – In making the determination of whether a lease is an operating lease or a finance lease, we consider the lease term in relation to the economic life of the leased asset, the present value of lease payments in relation to the fair value of the leased asset and certain other factors, including the lessee’s and lessor’s rights, obligations and economic incentives over the term of the lease.

Generally, upon the commencement of a lease, we will record a lease liability and a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset. However, we have elected, for certain classes of underlying assets with initial lease terms of twelve months or less (known as short-term leases), to not recognize a lease liability or ROU asset. Lease liabilities are initially recorded at lease commencement as the present value of future lease payments. ROU assets are initially recorded at lease commencement as the initial amount of the lease liability, together with the following, if applicable: (i) initial direct costs and (ii) lease payments made, net of lease incentives received, prior to lease commencement.

Over the lease term, we increase our lease liabilities using the effective interest method and decrease our lease liabilities for lease payments made. We generally amortize the ROU asset over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease term and assess our ROU assets for impairment, similar to other long-lived assets.

For operating leases, a single lease cost is generally recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Foreign Currency

The Company’s functional and reporting currency is U.S. dollars. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are remeasured into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Results of operations and cash flows of businesses conducted in foreign currency are remeasured using the average exchange rates throughout the period. The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on the remeasurement of assets and liabilities is included in Other expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, and amounted to a $1.1 million gain and a $0.7 million loss for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Earnings Per Share ("EPS")

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS has been computed pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share, and is computed by dividing income or loss 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, restricted stock units and warrants and use the if-converted method to compute potential common shares from preferred stock, convertible notes or other convertible securities.

Dilutive common stock equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money stock equivalents, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method, excluding any common stock equivalents if their effect would be anti-dilutive. The potential common shares in the following tables represent potential common shares from outstanding options, restricted stock awards, convertible notes and other convertible securities that were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS during periods due to having an anti-dilutive effect are:


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2024		2023
Average market price during the period	$	3.23	$	3.47
Option awards		1,511,402		916,111
Unvested restricted stock awards		—		10,087
Convertible notes		17,865,600		462,628
Common Stock Warrant related		7,498,460		7,948,176
Put Options		—		4,063,759

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


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2024			2023

Net income (loss) attributable to Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.	$	15,657,934		$	5,345,819
Numerator:
Basic net income (loss) available to stockholders	$	15,657,934		$	5,345,819
Change in fair value of Equity Exchange Agreement and loss on equity method investment (1)		(6,358,401	)		—
Fair value change of warrants		(7,408,743	)		(4,811	)
Diluted net income (loss) available to stockholders	$	1,890,790		$	5,341,008

Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic		20,977,521			19,943,633
Dilutive effect of options		95,006			5,557
Dilutive effect of other derivative instruments (1)		3,871,880			—
Dilutive effect of warrants		3,432,542			169,687
Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted		28,376,949			20,118,877

Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.75		$	0.27
Diluted	$	0.07		$	0.27

(1)

As further discussed in Note 5, Investment In Unconsolidated Entities, the Equity Exchange Agreement expired on January 3, 2025. As a result, the numerator and denominator adjustments related to the Equity Exchange Agreement will not have an effect on diluted earnings per share on any subsequent period.

Income Taxes

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

Operations and research

Operations and research expenses are charged to operations as incurred.

Stock-based Compensation

Our stock-based compensation is recorded in accordance with the guidance in the ASC Topic 718 Stock-Based Compensation. All share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The amount of compensation costs recognized at any date is to be at least equal to the portion of grant-date value of the award that is vested as of that date. For performance-based share awards, the Company recognizes expense when it is determined the performance criteria are probable of being met. The probability of vesting is reassessed at each reporting date and compensation cost is adjusted using a cumulative catch-up adjustment. Forfeitures are recognized in compensation cost when they occur. Benefits or deficiencies of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation costs are reported within operating cash flows.

See Note 12, Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit) for further discussion related to the Company’s share-based compensation plans.

Segment Reporting

We evaluate the products and services that produce our revenue and the geographical regions in which we operate to determine reportable segments in accordance with ASC 280 – Segment Reporting. Based on that evaluation, we have determined that we have only one operating segment.

See Note 17, Segment Reporting for further discussion related to the segment information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In 2024, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, on a retrospective basis. The amendments are intended to increase reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. Refer to Note 17, Segment Reporting for further information.

In December 2023, the FASB issued new guidance on income tax disclosures (ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”). Among other requirements, this update adds specific disclosure requirements for income taxes, including: (1) disclosing specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) providing additional information for reconciling items that meet quantitative thresholds. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2023-09 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses”. The guidance in ASU 2024-03 requires public business entities to disclose in the notes to the financial statements, among other things, specific information about certain costs and expenses including purchases of inventory; employee compensation; and depreciation, amortization and depletion expenses for each caption on the income statement where such expenses are included. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments may be applied prospectively to reporting periods after the effective date or retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance and assessing the potential impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.

Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, the AICPA and the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material effect, if any, on the Company’s financial statements.