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Forward-looking Statements
The information in this report may contain forward-looking statements
.
Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, (a) our projected sales, profitability, and cash flows, (b) our growth strategies, (c) anticipated trends in our industries, (d) our future financing plans and (e) our anticipated needs for working capital. They are generally identifiable by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "estimate," "plans," potential," "projects," "continuing," "ongoing," "expects," "management believes," "we believe," "we intend" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. These statements may be found under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Plan of Operation" and "Business," as well as in this prospectus generally. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or business plans, future performance or results of current and anticipated products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, and financial results.
Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this report may turn out to be inaccurate. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Actual future results may vary materially as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, the risks outlined under "Risk Factors" and matters described in this prospectus generally. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this filing will in fact occur. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Potential investors are urged to carefully consider such factors. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements and the "Risk Factors" described herein.
PART I
ITEM 1BUSINESS
Our Corporate History and Background
We were incorporated as Tecton Corporation, a Nevada corporation, on January 19, 2006, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hemis Corporation. On December 1, 2006, Hemis declared a dividend of Tecton shares to all shareholders as of that date and concurrently cancelled its share ownership Tecton. The effect of this dividend declaration and share cancellation was that Tecton was spun off as an independent company. On January 2, 2014, we amended our Articles of Incorporation to change our name to Endurance Exploration Group, Inc. As used in this report, the terms we, us, our, Endurance and the Company mean Endurance Exploration Group, Inc. (formerly Tecton Corporation), unless otherwise indicated.
Prior to June 2008, we were engaged in the exploration and acquisition of uranium properties that were either past producers or had been the subject of prior work programs and/or contained historic resources. On or about June 1, 2008, we ceased/discontinued operations of our uranium exploration activities; and have incurred a net operating loss of approximately $4,900,000 since that period as we have sought to restructure and find a suitable business opportunity. We were deemed a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, from the discontinuance of operations in 2008 until the filing of our Form 8-K on December 31, 2013, relating to the acquisition of Endurance Exploration Group, LLC, on that date. During our restructuring period from June 2008 until December 31, 2013, we:
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·
Elected a new slate of directors and appointed a new management team focused on finding a suitable business opportunity for us;
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Attempted to reorganize our balance sheet through the US Bankruptcy courts by filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition, but later withdrew our petition at the request of the court;
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Brought current our filings with the State of Nevada and our financial reporting and disclosure filings with the SEC;
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Effected a reverse 1 for 40 reverse split of our common stock;
·
Amended and restated our Articles of Incorporation to increase the total authorized capital stock to 110,000,000 shares, being comprised of 100,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $.001;
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Paid approximately $292,000 of outstanding debt through the issuance of 12,733,499 newly issued common shares on December 31, 2013; and
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Entered into a Share Exchange Agreement, on December 31, 2013, to acquire the ownership interests of Endurance Exploration Group, LLC. for 20,550,539 shares of common stock.
Our fiscal year end was changed from January 31 to December 31 in November 2013. Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB electronic quotation system under the symbol EXPL.
Endurance Explorations Group, LLC
On December 31, 2013, we completed the purchase of 100% of the membership interests of Endurance Exploration Group, LLC (Endurance LLC), from its members in exchange for 20,550,539 shares of our common stock, valued at $0.0186 per share, based upon the net book value of the assets of Endurance LLC of $381,173as of December 31, 2013. Micah Eldred, who serves as our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Carl Dilley who serves as one of our directors and our Vice President, were the owners of all of the interests in Endurance LLC. Messrs. Eldred and Dilley were also the beneficial owners of a majority of our common stock at the time. Endurance LLC is now a wholly owned subsidiary of ours, and its operations are now our primary focus.
Endurance LLC was formed in 2009 to explore, from an operational and financial perspective, the feasibility and potential economic return of recovering historic and modern day shipwreck cargos. Based on the business started by Endurance LLC, we have developing a research methodology with three goals. The first goal is to establish a comprehensive understanding of the larger economic, technological and social trends that lead to the transport of physical wealth across oceans during different historical periods, along with creating a High Interest list of shipwrecks and their cargos lost across various historical periods. Conflict, accidents and acts of nature claimed a percentage of all voyages, and many of the shipwrecked vessels are believed to have carried a valuable cargo. The second objective is to identify, from this population of potential shipwreck losses, those shipwrecks that could be legally salvaged and recovered, and the cargos sold, with a positive return on the capital investment required for their location and recovery. The third goal is to move those projects which had the potential to generate positive investment returns into an operational phase with a high, risk-adjusted, chance of success; and, to develop a portfolio of projects in various stages of research, search, survey and recovery.
To that end, we have evaluated historical shipwreck databases holding in excess of 125,000 entries as well as undertaken contextual and keyword library and archival searches. It is important to note that even these massive repositories of data reflect just a small percentage of the 3,000,000+ shipwrecks the United Nations estimates lay on the ocean floor.
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From these databases and other searches, we have developed an initial High Interest list of approximately 400 shipwrecks. Using criteria including (but not limited to) depth, potential search area, legal concerns, difficulty of excavation and potential value, we further culled the High Interest list to approximately two-dozen targets, the Target List. In order for a shipwreck to qualify for our Target List, and to potentially move forward as an Operational Target (OT) -one that we may consider for the search and survey operation phase- the shipwreck must possess the following criteria:
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Known Cargo of Value. Based upon the historical and archival records, an OT must contain a quantifiable cargo of value. While the historical records may not provide our researchers with an exact present day value of a potential cargo, we must be able to determine a quantifiable range of its estimated value based upon cargo manifests or other archival documents.
·
Known Navigational Data. Our research must provide information that would allow us to establish a geographically definable search and sinking location and, subsequently, an economically feasible search area for any potential target.
·
Legal Salvage and Clear Path to Title. Admiralty law, salvage law, and various sovereign nations laws and regulations concerning the search and salvage of historical and modern shipwrecks are complex. Prior to pursuing an OT, we must be able to establish a clear legal path to the title of any potential recovery, and search and recovery must be made in compliance with international laws and regulations or under specific country permissions.
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Potential Returns Exceed Risk-Adjusted Cost of Search and Recovery. Prior to moving a shipwreck from our Target List to an Operational Target, we evaluate a large number of factors to determine the potential search and recovery costs, and the risks associated with such search and recovery. Items considered include: a targets location and likely depth, its location from the nearest operational port, the complexity and costs of potential search and salvage, legal issues to title, and many other factors; and, we develop an initial search plan and budget for each potential project. We recognize the high risk, yet potentially high rewards, of our business; and, we realize that we will not be successful finding or salvaging every project we undertake. Therefore, prior to moving any project onto the Operational Target list, we take a risk-adjusted approach to the potential returns that a project can provide; and we determine if, on a risk-adjusted basis, the potential target is economically feasible and appropriate to add to our portfolio of Operational Targets.
Projects code-named Sailfish and Black Marlin have now reached operational or pre-operational status. For project Sailfish we have now surveyed over 700 square miles in the Western Atlantic Ocean in search of a sunken passenger liner carrying a substantial cargo of gold coinage. In addition to this manifest cargo, we also expect to find additional valuables among the personal stores of the ships passengers. Please refer to Current & Ongoing Projects for additional information.
For project Black Marlin we have secured a three-year contract with a sovereign island nation in the Indian Ocean for the survey and recovery of a Colonial-era merchant vessel carrying silver. This contract also allows for other potentially valuable targets of opportunity within the territorial waters of this nation. Please refer to Current & Ongoing Projects for additional information.
We believe this survey and recovery capability combined with our proprietary research will allow us to conduct approximately two deep-water surveys per yearly weather window, should we have sufficient capital to undertake such operational surveys.
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Description of Key Equipment
In 2011, Endurance LLC began purchasing key equipment for operations. Our equipment purchases have included a 100-foot survey vessel, tethered side-scan sonar units, and light work-class and inspection Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), Shackleton 1 and Squirt.
Survey Ship
Our 100-foot survey ship has been recently refurbished to include a sonar winch and the latest in electronics and side-scan sonar survey equipment. Depending on the timeframe, circumstances and our other commitments, we may use this ship or charter another vessel of similar capability.
Sidescan Sonar
Side-scan sonar is currently the industry-standard search methodology used for oceanic operations. An unmanned side-scan sonar unit, or towfish, is towed behind a manned surface vessel at a pre-set altitude above the seafloor. The sonar unit sends out a ping or sound-wave to acoustically map terrain, natural obstructions and man-made objects, including shipwrecks and jettison cargo.
To engage in search operations, we have purchased side-scan sonar systems. Our dual-frequency systems may be set for a range of velocities, search widths and resolutions for both area mapping and high-resolution target prosecution up to 2,000 meters in depth. Our system is compatible with third-party hardware and software systems and meets IHO & NOAA survey specifications. Beyond shipwreck surveys, the system is also capable of cable and pipeline surveys, channel conditioning, geophysical surveys, mine countermeasures and search and recovery operations.
Our sonar systems are a flexible platform from both a hardware and software standpoint, and may continue to be upgraded with industry-standard, off-the-shelf sensor packages.
The sonar towfish of one of our current survey systems was lost during the final days of our 2013 search operations. For more information on project Sailfish, please refer to Current & Ongoing Projects. We expect to replace this sonar equipment and capability before beginning 2014 search operations.
Potential shipwreck targets found by sonar will be catalogued, evaluated and eventually visually prosecuted using the Shackleton 1 or Squirt ROV systems.
ROV Shackleton 1
The Remotely-Operated Vehicle (ROV) system Shackleton 1 is a light work-class ROV. This system is comprised of underwater lighting, still and motion picture cameras and a single robotic manipulator arm. Initially designed for mid-water industrial applications, the ROV has been redesigned for shipwreck search, identification and cargo recovery operations. Beyond shipwreck operations, the system is also capable of cable and pipeline inspection and repair, geophysical sampling and search and recovery operations. ROV system Shackleton 1 is currently undergoing the final stages of a complete disassembly and overhaul, and we expect to have it ready for the 2014 summer season.
Employees
The Company has four corporate officers. Each officer is also an officer of another entity and not full time employees of the Company. A list of the Companys officers and the average number of hours per week each officer expects to devote to Company affairs are as follows:
Micah Eldred, Director, President and CEO, 15 hours per week.
Carl Dilley, Director and Vice President, 10 hours per week.
Christine Zitman, Director, Secretary, Treasurer and CFO, 15 hours per week.
Guy Zajonc, Director and Vice President, 15 hours per week.
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Other Employees and Contractors
We utilize contract personnel for vessel operation during our survey periods, and intend to continue to use contract technicians to perform marine survey and recovery operations in the future. From time to time, we have or intend to hire other contractors, subcontractors and consultants to perform specific services. During 2013, three individuals who joined our Board of Directors in January 2014 were employed in various capacities by us as independent contracts. See Item 10 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION - Compensation Paid to Messrs. Zajonc, Saint Amour and de Montille in 2013 below.
Project Operations Research
During the Colonial period (1500-1850), the world economy was highly dependent on the physical transportation of bullion coinage, precious metals and high-value non-ferrous metals. A small percentage of shipping during this period was lost to storm, fire, acts of war, natural disasters and other causes, both known and unknown. The administration of this economic system required state-level bureaucratic oversight and record-keeping. Many of these historic records are available in publications, libraries, archives and digitized formats in depositories across the world. Though many records have been lost to time, enough remain to create in-depth, credible project profiles for potential excavation targets.
To that end, have created a series of regional and period-specific databases from which to compare, evaluate and select potential targets for research, discovery and eventual excavation and recovery.
The graphics below are a visual representation of selected world regions containing our High Interest database of shipwrecks and their approximate location and time of sinking.
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Before search or recovery operations may begin, we seek to understand every factor necessary to mount a recovery operation with a high probability of success.
These factors include, but are not limited to:
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The historical context of the shipwreck, including political forces, technological developments, important contextual persons and events and the public reaction to the loss.
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Any images of the shipwreck, including still photography, motion pictures, drawing, paintings, recreations and/or models.
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A complete sinking timeline, including as much information as possible on weather patterns, departure date/time, intended course, course corrections, witness/observer statements. This includes any statement, fact or event material in any way to the sinking.
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A proposed search area with a high-probability of success, including an evaluation of all factors listed in the Sinking Timeline as well as any territorial boundaries or environmental factors.
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An Identification Guide, enabling rapid qualification or rejection of potential targets based on sonar and visual imagery, thus limiting expensive ship time on station.
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Cargo evaluation, evaluating the historical records on the targets cargo and potential modern-day value.
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Any encumbering factors, including territorial ownership of waters, insurance claims, potential cargo claims and sovereign rights. We will not begin a project without a legal path to possession.
All of the above information is gleaned from publications, libraries, archives and digitized medium. Development of further projects is a continuous, ongoing process.
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Search
Most operational projects begin with a sonar search phase. We have outfitted our vessel with state-of-the-art sonar systems, an industry standard for underwater search operations. Our vessel tows the sonar systems to map the seafloor and search for targets. Potential targets are then selected from the sonar imagery using a combination of computerized post-processing and expert evaluation. While some shipwreck targets may be positively identified using high-resolution sonar system, others may need visual identification using an underwater camera ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) system or an AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle).
Recovery
Once a target is positively identified, excavation and recovery operations will begin using our Shackleton 1 light-work class ROV system, or other chartered ROV systems. Shackleton 1 will document the site using sonar, still and motion-picture imagery. It will then be used for any necessary excavation, as well as coinage, bullion and/or other recovery operations.
Post-Recovery Conservation
Coinage, precious metals and non-ferrous metals typically require a minimum amount of post-recovery conservation. In order to preserve the value of the recovered cargo, we will have an on-site facility capable of properly storing and transporting all recovered coinage, precious metals and non-ferrous metals to definitive and final conservation and storage prior to sale.
Sales
We intend to recover coinage and bullion precious metals, including but not limited to gold and silver. We believe that bullion metals, numismatically-graded coinage and non-graded coinage have significant value in the collector market. We intend to sell the existing independent coin dealers as well as directly to the collector and consumer market through the internet.
Current & Ongoing Projects
Project Sailfish- Research Summary
The Sailfish was a steam-powered packet ship, part of a fast and indispensable transatlantic communication link, the perfect vessel to rapidly ferry mails and passengers between Britain and the United States. Large for her time, she was a side-wheel steamer constructed almost entirely of iron.
On her last voyage, the Sailfish left Great Britain, bound for the United States. She carried several dozen first-class passengers, more than four hundred steerage passengers and a full crew of nearly 130. The Sailfish also disembarked with a cargo of gold coins, and the Captain assumed an uneventful voyage
According to reports, when heavy seas set in, the Sailfish began to roll heavily. Though the initial problem was temporarily fixed, twelve hours later the same roll started again. Making matters worse, fire broke out. Buckets and pumps were manned, but the water rose rapidly and extinguished the furnaces, rendering the ship immobile. The fire quickly spread, driving the passengers above decks.
The purser and two men attempted to rescue the gold shipment, but were driven back by the smoke and flames. A nearby ship came to the rescue, bravely maneuvering close to the Sailfish and running a line between the two to facilitate transfer of passenger. Per age-old protocol, the Captain was the last man off the ship.
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Virtually nothing was saved. Nearly every trunk and stitch of clothing was lost, including all the money of the first-class passengers. Early the next morning, a passing ship fell in with the Sailfish, shadowing the stricken vessel through her final hours. The burning Sailfish exploded and sank by the stern, leaving only an overturned lifeboat, light portions of the decking and a few trunks. The passing ship spent an hour recovering debris, dutifully recorded the sinking position, and then sailed on to New York.
We believe the Sailfish lies at a depth of between 200-500 meters of water.
Project Sailfish Current Status
Side-scan sonar survey operations on Project Sailfish began in July of 2013, and continued through the summer weather window until September 2013. Over the course of this initial survey, approximately 700 square miles were digitally mapped. This sonar imagery was then post-processed and evaluated for potential targets.
Additional analysis conducted in early 2014 of the side scan sonar data we collected in 2013, reveals a shipwreck target with a number of characteristics that are consistent with what we believe we would see in a side scan sonar image of, our targeted shipwreck, Sailfish. At this point in time, we cannot confirm whether or not we have located and imaged Sailfish with our side scan sonar equipment. We intend to conduct an ROV inspection in early to mid-year 2014 and verify whether or not the target we have located is, or is not, SAILFISH.
Project Black Marlin- Research Summary
In the end of the 17th century, the world economy was fueled by the Spanish silver mines of the Americas, and the European demand for Asian drugs, spices, commodities and teas. This trade was based on the exchange of precious metals for goods, and silver was the only European payment acceptable to Asian trading partners.
The Black Marlin was one such vessel engaged in this trade. She was an English East Indiaman, more than 700 tons, three decks high and armed with many cannon. In addition to the silver coin expected by Asian merchants, she also carried lace, golden fabric, beaver fur, tobacco, wine, cloth and iron nails.
The shipping routes of the time took the English ship to the Indian Ocean for resupply in the middle of her long voyage to the East. According to reports, unknown to her Captain and crew, nearby European enemy ships were hunting for English shipping. They discovered the Black Marlin was in the area and sailed to intercept. The European enemy ships approached the English ship under a false flag and prepared to attack.
The trap set and ready to attack, the Europeans demanded the surrender of the English vessel. Instead of surrendering, the English captain counterattacked, and the vessels began to exchange heavy cannon fire, beginning a pitched fight that would continue over many hours. In a last-ditch effort to escape, the English ship unfurled her sails and attempted to sail away. The Europeans quickly caught up and soon the English ship was disabled and unable to continue fighting.
Rather than surrender, the Captain of the English ship set his own vessel on fire, escaping in a small boat with a chosen group of men while allowing his own ship and abandoned sailors to burn. The fire reached the gunpowder storage, and the English ship exploded and sank, taking with her a rich cargo of silver.
We believe this shipwreck lies at a depth of between 500-3000 meters of water.
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Project Black Marlin Current Status
In November 2013, Endurance LLC entered into a contract with the sovereign government of an island nation in the Indian Ocean. The contract provides us with a three-year period in which to operate within the territorial waters of the nation with full permission to survey for the location and recover the
Black Marlin
and her silver cargo. Net proceeds of our recovery efforts, after payment the costs to transport, store and insure any recovered items, will be split between us (75%) and the island government (25%).. The Company needs additional working capital to undertake the search for the
Black Marlin.
There can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in securing additional working capital and therefore cannot represent it will ever be in position to look for the
Black Marlin.
Project Black Marlin Targets of Opportunity Wahoo and Dolphin
As part of discussions pertaining to project Black Marlin, we have learned of two shallow-water targets of opportunity within the same territorial waters as the Black Marlin. Believed to be English East Indiaman, these wrecks (code-named Dolphin and Wahoo) remain unidentified at this time. Until these wrecks are identified, it will not be possible to generate any estimate on the potential value, if any. We expect to begin operations on these wrecks in conjunction with the Black Marlin in mid-2014.
Patents, trademarks, licenses, franchises and concession
Currently, we neither own nor rely on any patents, trademarks, licenses or franchises. We have been granted a concession for shipwreck search and recovery in the territorial waters of an East African island nation by the government of that nation. The contract provides us with a three-year period in which to operate within the territorial waters of the nation with full permission to survey for and recover the Black Marlin and her silver cargo. Net proceeds of our recovery efforts, after payment the costs to transport, store and insure any recovered items, will be split between us (75%) and the island government (25%).
Competition
There are a number of competing entities engaged in aquatic research, survey, inspection and the various aspects of the shipwreck salvage business. 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 shipwreck salvage.
Governmental and Environmental Regulation
We are subject to local, state and national taxation. Additionally, our operations are subject to a variety of national, federal, state, local and international laws. In particular, the legal, political, or civil initiatives of countries, international governing bodies and/or other maritime jurisdictions may restrict our operations and prevent or cause us to suspend or abort particular searches or salvage operations.
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Project Black Marlin Government or environmental regulations that may restrict our operations.
The island nation has signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (the LOS). In this capacity and in keeping with the provisions of the LOS, the island nation asserts jurisdiction over its territorial waters, defined by the LOS as 12 nautical miles, 22.2 kilometer or 13.1 miles from the low water mark of the coastal state. Based upon its historical research, we believe the
Black Marlin
sank within the territorial waters of the island nation. While the island nation is not a signatory to nor has it ratified the International Convention on Salvage (ICS), the Company and its contractors operate in accordance the provisions of the ICS. Those provisions state generally, that in undertaking salvage a salvage company shall exercise due care in order to minimizing damage to the environment. Damage to the environment is defined by the Treaty under Article 1 (d) as follows: Damage to the environment means substantial physical damage to human health or to marine life or resources in coastal or inland waters or areas adjacent thereto, caused by pollution, contamination, fire, explosion or similar major incidents. The Company and its contractors take into account complying with the ISC when estimating costs for the
Black Marlin
cargo recovery operations. The island country has no written laws or regulations with respect to salvage operations in general and has placed no additional restrictions on the operations of the Company when it begins operations to locate and recover the
Black Marlins
cargo.
Project Sailfish Government or environmental regulations that may restrict our operations.
We believe that
Sailfish
is the wreck of the
S.S. Connaught
a paddlewheel steamer that sank in October 1860. That shipwreck is located approximately 125 miles off the coast of the United States of America (U.S.). While the U.S. has not ratified the LOS, this location is recognized under U.S. law as being in international waters. The Company has elected to submit itself to the jurisdiction of the United States Federal Courts by filing a case in admiralty on October 3, 2014 in the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. The process of adjudicating ownership and claims, including the Companys request for a salvage claim or, in the alternative, title to the ship and its cargo, will proceed in the U.S. Court pursuant to U.S. admiralty law. The right to salvage a privately own vessel is not subject to approval of the U.S. Courts or any government agency. Once a party has submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Federal Courts, the Court can determine the ownership rights to the cargo salvaged and the amount of a salvage award according to precedent cases ruled upon by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Company makes its claims based upon those legal precedents.
The United States Coast Guard undertakes marine environmental protection in U.S. waters pursuant to Volume IX of its Marine Environmental Protection Marine Safety Manual COMDTINST M16000.14. As specified in Chapter 1 on page 16, the U.S. Coast Guard also looks to the International Convention on Salvage for guidance on salvage operations even though the U.S. has not ratified that treaty. The Company and its contractors conduct salvage operations within the guidelines of the ICS. The Company and its contractors take into account complying with the ISC when estimating costs for the
S.S. Connaught
cargo recovery operations.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
Risks Related To Our Overall Business Operations
We have a limited operating history with a history of losses and expect losses to continue for the foreseeable future.
We have yet to establish any history of profitable operations. We have not generated any revenues since January 19, 2006 (inception) and do not anticipate that we will generate revenues which will be sufficient to sustain our operations in the near future. Unless and until we are able to generate revenues we will continue to sustain losses.
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There is doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern due to recurring losses from operations and insufficient cash resources to meet our business objectives, all of which means that we may not be able to continue operations.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Our consolidated statements of operations for the
years ended
December 31, 2013, and 201
2
, reflect net losses of $
885,874 and $319,628
respectively. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
In light of the acquisition of the membership interests of Endurance Exploration Group, LLC on December 31, 2013,
and
since both entities were under common control, the comparative financial statements are presented as if the previously separated entities were combined.
We are currently evaluating acquisitions and other business opportunities. Our continuation as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain clients and investment capital from future funding opportunities. No assurance can be given that we will be successful in these efforts.
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 strategy to meet these changes or we may otherwise find it necessary to restructure our operations 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 will continue to experience losses from both pre-operational expenditures as well as planned operations.
We have experienced a net loss in every fiscal year since our inception. Even if we do generate operating income in the future, subsequent developments in our industry, customer base, business or cost structure, or an event such as litigation may cause us to experience operating losses. We may not become profitable in the future.
We are subject to macroeconomic and other factors beyond our control as well as the business, financial, operating and other risks of start-up companies, all of which may adversely affect our financial results and growth.
Macroeconomic and other factors beyond our control as well as the business, financial, operating and other risks of a shell company can adversely affect us. These factors include:
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changes and volatility in general economic conditions, including the severity and duration of any downturn in the U.S. and financial markets;
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war, civil unrest, terrorist activities or threats and heightened travel security measures instituted in response to these events;
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outbreaks of pandemic or contagious diseases;
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climate change and resource scarcity, such as water and energy scarcity;
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natural or man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, hurricanes, floods, oil spills and nuclear incidents;
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low consumer confidence, high levels of unemployment and depressed housing prices;
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domestic and international political and geo-political conditions;
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changes in taxes and governmental regulations that influence or set wages, prices, interest rates or construction and maintenance procedures and costs;
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the costs and administrative burdens associated with compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
·
changes in operating costs, including, but not limited to, energy, benefits, insurance and unanticipated costs resulting from force majeure events; and
·
the lack of availability, or increase in the cost, of capital for us.
We may seek to expand through acquisitions of and investments in other businesses or through business alliances. These acquisitions and investment activities may be unsuccessful or divert our managements attention.
We intend to consider strategic and complementary acquisitions of and investments in other businesses or other assets. Furthermore, we may pursue these opportunities in alliance with existing businesses. In many cases, we will be competing for these opportunities with third parties that may have substantially greater financial resources than we do. Acquisitions or investments in businesses, or assets, as well as these alliances, are subject to risks that could affect our business, including risks related to:
·
issuing shares of stock that could dilute the interests of our existing stockholders;
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spending cash and incurring debt;
·
assuming contingent liabilities; and
·
creating additional expenses.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify opportunities or complete transactions on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that we will actually realize any anticipated benefits from such acquisitions, investments or alliances. Similarly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain financing for acquisitions or investments on attractive terms or at all, or that the ability to obtain financing will not be restricted by the terms of a revolving credit facility or other indebtedness we may incur.
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The success of any such acquisitions or investments will also depend, in part, on our ability to integrate the acquisition or investment with our existing operations. We may experience difficulty with integrating acquired businesses, or other assets, including difficulties relating to:
·
coordinating sales, distribution and marketing functions;
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integrating technology information systems; and
·
preserving the important licensing, distribution, marketing, customer, labor and other relationships of the acquired assets.
In addition, any such acquisitions, investments, or alliances could demand significant attention from our management that would otherwise be available for our regular business operations, which could harm our business.
We may be unsuccessful in raising the necessary capital to fund operations and capital expenditures.
Our ability to generate cash flow is dependent upon our ability to find, excavate and monetize the cargo of shipwrecks. We cannot guarantee that the sales of the recovered cargo and/or related 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. Success in raising necessary funds is not guaranteed.
We depend on key personnel and face competition in hiring and retaining qualified personnel.
Key management and operational personnel may be difficult to replace. We do not have any employment or noncompetition agreements with our key personnel. We may not be able to recruit or retain qualified employees in the future, which could affect our business.
Our background research and data-gathering may prove unreliable.
The success of any marine salvage project is highly dependent on background research and data. Background research and data-gathering may prove to be imprecise, misleading, incomplete and/or unreliable. This data and research is further affected by the interpretation process due to factors such as analyst misinterpretations, erroneous calculations, and/or translation errors.
Operations may be hindered by natural hazards and weather patterns.
Marine salvage operations are inherently technologically challenging and may be delayed, suspended or aborted due to weather, sea conditions or other natural hazards. Operations may be dependent on both predictable and unpredictable seasonal weather cycles. We may not be able to logistically begin, continue or complete operations during favorable weather conditions. Both predictable and unpredictable weather events, including but not limited to storms, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis, may delay, suspend or cause us to abort particular salvage operations.
Because of the speculative nature of our operations, there is substantial risk that no commercially exploitable cargo will be found and our business will fail.
We have only just begun operations, and thus have no way to evaluate the likelihood that we will be successful in our efforts to locate and monetize lost shipwrecks. You should be aware of the difficulties normally encountered by similar companies and the high rate of failure of such enterprises. The search for shipwrecks as a business is inherently risky. We may not find any commercially exploitable shipwrecks. In such a case, we may be unable to continue operations, and you could lose your entire investment.
18
We may discover a commercially exploitable shipwreck cargo but be unable to successfully recover the cargo.
If our search program is successful in discovering a commercially exploitable cargo, we may require additional funds in order to advance operations into commercial recovery. In such an event, we may be unable to obtain the funds, equipment and/or personnel in order to continue operations, and we may be unable to generate revenues.
We may be unable to establish or maintain rights to recovered objects.
Other public and private entities may claim title to sites and/or recovered objects. Even if we are successful in locating and recovering shipwrecks and/or cargo, we cannot guarantee we will be able to establish or maintain legal possession over recovered objects if challenged by governmental entities, prior owners, decedents of prior owners, insurance interests, and other salvors.
We may experience delays in monetizing any recovered objects.
Even after a successful marine salvage operation, we may experience significant delays in monetizing any recovered objects. At this phase in operations, we have no sales personnel, distribution channels or sales contracts. Immediate access to buyers for recovered objects cannot be guaranteed, and delays in the monetization process may adversely affect our cash flows.
Legal, political, or civil issues may interfere with our marine salvage operations.
Legal, political, or civil initiatives of countries, international governing bodies and/or other maritime jurisdictions may prevent, restrict, suspend or abort our marine salvage operations.
Objects we recover could be taken from our possession.
Any marine salvage operation comes with a risk of theft or piracy prior to, during, or post marine salvage operations. Theft may not be adequately covered by insurance.
We may be unable to secure permission to conduct marine salvage operations.
It is possible that we will not be successful in obtaining title, permits or permission to excavate certain shipwrecks due to territorial, sovereign, or military concerns. Additionally, title, permits and permission may be denied, revoked, ruled illegal or not honored by the issuing entities.
We may not have access to the equipment and personnel needed for operations, which could cause delays or suspension of our operations
Competitive demands for contractors and unforeseen shortages of personnel and/or equipment may result in the disruption of planned operations. Fluctuations in demand for equipment and personnel could result in suitable equipment and personnel being unavailable at the scheduled times in our operations. Fuel prices are also subject to market fluctuation. We will attempt to locate suitable equipment personnel and fuel if sufficient funds are available. If we cannot find the equipment and personnel needed for our operations, we may have to suspend some or all operations until equipment, personnel, fuel, and/or funds can be obtained.
19
Technological obsolescence or critical failure of our marine salvage equipment could put a strain on our capital requirements and/or operational capabilities.
Our search and salvage operations will require the use of highly specialized and costly equipment, including but not limited to side-scan sonar, remotely-operated vehicles, winch systems, and computer processing equipment. This equipment may or may not be insured, insurable, repairable or replaceable, and may require difficult or time-consuming to source customized and/or specialized components. While we construct, upgrade, repair and maintain our equipment on a best-efforts basis, technological advances in new equipment may provide superior efficiencies and capability than our existing equipment. Such an industry shift may require us to purchase new equipment, requiring additional needs for capital.
Our business and operational results may be harmed if we fail to manage our growth or change.
Our business may experience periods of rapid change and/or growth that could place significant demands on our personnel and financial resources. To manage possible growth and change, we must continue to try to locate equipment, skilled personnel and funds in a timely manner.
The market for gold, silver and numismatically-graded coins are highly volatile and a decrease in the price of any would have a material adverse effect on our business.
The profitability of our operations are directly related to the market price of metals and the numismatic coin market. The market prices of metals and the numismatic coin market fluctuate significantly and are affected by a number of factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the rate of inflation, the exchange rate of the dollar to other currencies, interest rates, global economic and political conditions, and the collectors market. Price fluctuations in the metals and numismatic market from the conception of a potential target to the conclusion of operations can significantly affect profitability. We may begin one or more operations at a time when the price of metals or numismatic coins make operations economically feasible and subsequently incur losses due to market decreases. Adverse fluctuations in the metals or numismatic market may force us to curtail or cease our business operations.
We face significant competition from better-established competitors
We compete with other interests possessing greater financial resources and technical facilities than we do in connection with the discovery and excavation of shipwrecks.
20
Risks Related To the Market for Our Stock
The market price of our common stock can be volatile, leading to the possibility of its value being depressed at a time when you may want to sell your holdings.
The market price of our shares is volatile. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, may cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly. These factors include: our earnings releases, actual or anticipated changes in our earnings, fluctuations in our operating results or our failure to meet the expectations of financial market analysts and investors; changes in financial estimates by us or by any securities analysts who might cover our stock; speculation about our business in the press or the investment community; significant developments relating to our relationships with our customers or suppliers; stock market price and volume fluctuations of other publically traded companies and, in particular, those that are in our industry; customer demand for our products; investor perceptions of our industry in general and us in particular; the operating and stock performance of comparable companies; general economic conditions and trends; announcements by us or our competitors of new products, significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships or divestitures; changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretation or principles; loss of external funding sources; sales of our common stock, including sales by our directors, officers or significant shareholders; and additions or departures of key personnel. Securities class action litigation is often instituted against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price. Should this type of litigation be instituted against us, it could result in substantial costs to us and divert our managements attention and resources.
Moreover, securities markets may from time to time experience significant price and volume fluctuations for reasons unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may adversely affect the price of our common stock at a time when you want to sell your stock.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on shares of our common stock and we are not likely to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
We intend to retain any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. We do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future but will review this policy as circumstances dictate. Should we decide in the future to do so, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends and meet other obligations depends upon the receipt of dividends or other payments from our operating subsidiaries. In addition, our operating subsidiaries, from time to time, may be subject to restrictions on their ability to make distributions to us, including restrictions on the conversion of local currency into U.S. dollars or other hard currency and other regulatory restrictions.
We may be subject to penny stock regulations and restrictions and you may have difficulty selling shares of our common stock.
The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define so-called penny stocks to be an equity security that has a market price less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exemptions. As our common stock is a penny stock, it is subject to Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act, the so called Penny Stock Rule. This rule imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally, individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual incomes exceeding $200,000, or $300,000 together with their spouses). For transactions covered by the Penny Stock Rule, a broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and have received the purchasers written consent to the transaction prior to sale. As a result, this rule may affect the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and may affect the ability of purchasers to sell any of our securities in the secondary market.
21
For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require delivery, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule prepared by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. Disclosure is also required to be made about sales commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, monthly statements are required to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stock.
Our common stock is illiquid and subject to price volatility unrelated to our operations.
If a liquid market for our common stock does develop, its market price could fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including market perception of our ability to achieve our planned growth, quarterly operating results of other companies in the same industry, trading volume in our common stock, changes in general conditions in the economy and the financial markets or other developments affecting us or our competitors. In addition, the stock market itself is subject to extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance and could have the same effect on our common stock.
A large number of shares may be eligible for future sale and may depress our stock price.
We may be required, under terms of future financing arrangements, to offer a large number of common shares to the public, or to register for sale by future private investors a large number of shares sold in private sales to them.
Sales of substantial amounts of common stock, or a perception that such sales could occur, and the existence of options or warrants to purchase shares of common stock at prices that may be below the then-current market price of our common stock, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities, either of which would decrease the value of any earlier investment in our common stock.
ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
22
ITEM 2PROPERTIES
We currently share, at no charge, leased office space at 15500 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 301, Clearwater, FL 33760, with Island Capital Management, an affiliate controlled by Micah Eldred. We believe that such space is sufficient for our needs.
ITEM 3LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As of December 31, 2013, there are no material, pending legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business, if any) to which we are a party or of which any of our properties is the subject. Also, our management is not aware of any legal proceedings contemplated by any governmental authority against us.
ITEM 4MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock has been quoted on the OTCQB electronic quotation system under the symbol TTNC. As a result of changing our company name to Endurance Exploration Group, Inc., our common stock is now quoted on the OTCQB electronic quotation system under the symbol EXPL. These prices reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission, and may not necessarily reflect actual transactions. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for the common stock as reported for each quarterly period from the last two years. The prices have been adjusted for the 1 for 40 reverse stock split on May 31, 2013.
High and Low Bid Prices on Our Common Stock
| | | |
| | | |
Year
| Quarter Ended
| High
| Low
|
2013
| December 31
| $0.495
| $0.022
|
2013
| September 30
| $0.5799
| $0.10
|
2013
| June 30
| $0.64
| $0.075
|
2013
| March 31
| $1.24
| $0.008
|
2012
| December 31
| $0.008
| $0.008
|
2012
| September 30
| $0.02
| $0.008
|
2012
| June 30
| $0.04
| $0.02
|
2012
| March 31
| $0.08
| $0.008
|
We are a voluntary filer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As such, we make available our annual report which includes audited financial statements, and our quarterly reports which include unaudited financial statements.
As of December 31, 2013 there were 357 shareholders of record. The Board of Directors believes that the number of beneficial owners is greater than the number of record holders because a portion of our outstanding common stock is held in broker street names for the benefit of individual investors.
Dividends
We have not declared any cash dividends since inception and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the near future. The payment of dividends is within the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other relevant factors. There are no restrictions that currently limit our ability to pay dividends on its common stock other than those generally imposed by applicable state law.
23
Warrants and Options
As of December 31, 2013, we had issued non-qualified options to purchase 5,000,000 shares of our common stock at any time prior to December 15, 2015, with an exercise price of $0.25 per share.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes the equity compensation plans under which our equity securities could be issued as of December 31, 2013:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (a)
| | | (b)
| | | (c)
| |
| | Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options, Warrants
and Rights
| | | Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
| | | Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in
Column (a))
| |
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders(1)
| | 5,000,000
| | | | $
0.25
| | | | 2,000,000
| |
|
Totals
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
(1)
| Includes shares of our common stock authorized for awards under the 2014 Non-qualified Stock Option Plan.
|
Our Board of Directors adopted the 2014 Non-qualified Stock Option Plan on December 31, 2013. The Plan will terminate on December 31, 2018, unless earlier terminated by the Board. Under the Plan, 7 million shares of common stock are reserved for issuance to non-employee directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors. The terms of each option award will be determined by the Board, or a duly appointed board committee, provided that no employee may receive options to purchase more than 5 million shares under the Plan, the exercise price must be at least equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock (as defined in the Plan) on the date of grant, and no option may be exercisable more than 10 years after the date of grant. Shares awarded under the Plan may be from authorized and unissued shares or treasury shares.
Transfer Agent
Our transfer agent is Island Capital Management, LLC, doing business as Island Stock Transfer, and can be reached at the following address:
Island Stock Transfer
15500 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 301
Clearwater, FL 33760
Tel: (727) 289-0010
Our transfer agent is controlled by Micah Eldred, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President.
24
Issuances of Unregistered Securities
On May 6, 2013, we entered into a Debt Conversion Agreement with Endeavour Cooperative Partners LLC, a company controlled by Micah Eldred and Carl Dilley which was our largest shareholder at the time, relating to the conversion of indebtedness to Endeavour in the amount of $272,356. This amount represents the debt payable to Endeavour as of that date. The terms of the agreement allowed for Endeavour to convert this debt into preferred stock at $.000172 per share (pre-reverse split), which value was determined by the Board of Directors to be fair and reasonable at the time. The Company did not have sufficient common shares available for issuance in exchange for the debt on these terms, so it was agreed that the Company would issue shares of preferred stock, and such preferred shares would be exchanged on a one-for-one basis in the future for shares of common stock. Although the market price of the common stock was hovering around $0.0002 per share at the time, the Board determined that the market price was not reflective of the true value of the stock. Indications of this included the following facts:
·
there was very minimal trading activity in the Companys stock,
·
as of April 30, 2013, the Company had no assets and negative shareholders equity of $352,786, and
·
between December 15, 2012 and May 3, 2013, Endeavour Cooperative Partners LLC had purchased approximately 29,900,000 shares of Company stock from other shareholders at a price of $0.0001 per share.
On May 8, 2013, Endeavour filed a notice of conversion for $3,400 of its debt, in exchange for 19,736,560 of pre-reverse split preferred shares. These shares converted to 493,414 shares of preferred stock after the reverse split, and were converted into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis on December 31, 2013.
On December 31, 2013, we entered into an Addendum to the Debt Conversion Agreement, dated May 6, 2013, with Endeavour Cooperative Partners LLC, relating to the conversion of indebtedness to Endeavour in the amount of $289,390. This amount represents the related party debt payable to Endeavour as of that date. The terms of the agreement allowed for Endeavour to convert this debt into common stock at $0.022727 per share, which the Board believed to be based on the value of the stock prior to the closing of the acquisition of Endurance Exploration Group, LLC later that day, based on recent trading activity. Endeavour converted all of such debt into shares on such date, as a result of which we issued 12,733,499 shares to Endeavour.
On December 31, 2013, we completed the purchase of 100% of the membership interests of Endurance Exploration Group, LLC (Endurance LLC), from its members in exchange for 20,550,539 shares of our common stock, valued at $0.0186 per share, based upon the net book value of the assets of Endurance LLC of $381,173 as of December 31, 2013.
On December 31, 2013, our Board of Directors authorized the issuance of, and we issued, options to purchase an aggregate of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock at $0.25 per share any time prior to December 15, 2015. Options were issued to our directors (Micah Eldred, Carl Dilley and Christine Zitman), our employees and certain consultants and service providers as compensation for services rendered and as an inducement for the consultants (Guy Zajonc, Steven Saint Amour and Errol de Montille) to join our Board of Directors.
All of the foregoing shares issuances were exempt from registration under Section 4(2)(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
25
ITEM 6SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable
ITEM 7MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The results presented in this Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations are those of Endurance Exploration Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries as reflected in the audited consolidated financial statements included herein.
Plan of Operation
Side-scan sonar survey operations on Project
Sailfish
began in July of 2013. Over the course of this initial survey, approximately 700 square miles were digitally mapped. This sonar imagery was then post-processed and evaluated for potential targets. In October of 2014 we believe we positively identified the target of Project Sailfish, the Steamship
S.S. Connaught
. We intend to return to the site of the
S.S. Connaught
in 2015 to recover its cargo. The cost of recovering the cargo of the S.S. Connaught is estimated to be $1,200,000. The Company needs additional working capital to recover the cargo of the
S.S. Connaught
. There can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in securing additional working capital and therefore cannot represent it will ever be in position to recover the cargo of the
S.S. Connaught
.
In November 2013, Endurance LLC entered into a contract with the sovereign government of an island nation in the Indian Ocean. The contract provides us with a three-year period in which to operate within the territorial waters of the nation with full permission to survey for and recover the
Black Marlin
and her silver cargo. Net proceeds of our recovery efforts, after payment the costs to transport, store and insure any recovered items, will be split between us (75%) and the island government (25%).. The cost of finding and recovering the cargo of the
Black Marlin
is estimated to be $2,000,000. The Company needs additional working capital to undertake the search for the
Black Marlin
. There can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in securing additional working capital and therefore cannot represent it will ever be in position to search for and recover the cargo of the
Black Marlin
.
Results of Operations
The following information represents our results of operations for the
years
ended December 31, 2013 and 201
2. Since both entities were under common control, the comparative financial statements are presented as if the previously separated entities were combined.
Revenue
Since our inception on January 19, 2006 to September 30, 2014, we have not generated any revenues. The Company cannot represent that, in the future, it will ever generate revenue from aquatic research, survey, inspection and recovery projects, as well as maritime contract services and consulting.
26
Expenses
We incurred $19,925 in stock based compensation for the
year
ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $0 for the year ended
December 31
, 201
2
, an increase of $19,925. The stock based compensation is a result of the options issued at December 31, 2013.
We incurred general and administrative expenses of $
121,013
for the
year
ended December 31, 2013 as compared to $
33,567
for the year ended
December 31
, 201
2
, an increase of $
87,446
. The general and administrative costs consist primarily of legal and professional fees.
Net Losses
For the
year
ended December 31, 2013, we incurred a net loss of $
885,874
as compared to $
319,628
for the year ended
December
31, 201
2
.
Current Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since Endeavour Cooperative Partners, LLC, acquired control of us in January 2013, we have funded our operations primarily through the sale of equity securities in private placements and debt financing.
As of December 31, 2013, we had $2,540 in cash.
Net cash used by operating activities was $
763,924
for the
year
ended December 31, 2013.
Net cash
used
by investing activities was $
59,198
for the
year
ended December 31, 2013
.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $
772,102
for the
year
ended December 31, 2013. This amount represents funds advanced from related parties to facilitate operations for the period.
Other Recent Financings
On December 31, 2013, we entered into an Addendum to the Debt Conversion Agreement, dated May 6, 2013, with Endeavour Cooperative Partners LLC, a company controlled by Micah Eldred and Carl Dilley, in the amount of $289,390. This amount represents the related party debt payable to Endeavour as of that date. The terms of the agreement allowed for Endeavour to convert this debt into common stock at $0.022727 per share, which Endeavour did, as a result of which we issued 12,733,496 shares to Endeavour.
Future Capital Requirements
Our current available cash and cash equivalents are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements. Our capital requirements for 2014 will depend on numerous factors, including managements evaluation of the timing of projects to pursue. Subject to our ability to generate revenues and cash flow from operations and our ability to raise additional capital (including through possible joint ventures and/or partnerships), we expect to incur substantial expenditures to carry out our business plan, as well as costs associated with our capital raising efforts and being a public company.
Our plans to finance our operations include seeking both equity and debt financing, alliances or other partnership agreements, or other business transactions, that would generate sufficient resources to ensure continuation of our operations.
27
We will require substantial funds, not only for administration and public company costs, but also to conduct full marine survey and recovery operations. Our principal shareholder, Micah Eldred has committed to loan to us, or cause companies controlled by him to loan to us, up to $15,000 per month, if necessary, as the amount estimated for those administration and public company costs. In addition, Mr. Eldred has also committed to loan funds during the second quarter sufficient to conduct preliminary ROV inspection of selected targets identified in the 2013 survey season. We have based our estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong.
The sale of additional equity or debt securities may result in additional dilution to our shareholders. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of debt securities or preferred stock, these securities could have rights senior to those of our common stock and could contain covenants that would restrict our operations. Any such required additional capital may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all. If we were unable to obtain additional financing, we may be required to reduce the scope of, delay or eliminate some or all of our planned activities and limit our operations which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Research and Development
For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we incurred expenses for research consultants and travel of $32,533 and $9,029
.
Inflation
The amounts presented in the our consolidated financial statements do not provide for the effect of inflation on our operations or financial position. The net operating losses shown would be greater than reported if the effects of inflation were reflected either by charging operations with amounts that represent replacement costs or by using other inflation adjustments.
Critical Accounting Estimates Stock Based Compensation
We apply the provisions of FASB ASC 718, Compensation Stock Compensation, to account for our stock-based compensation. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award. We measure the fair value of each stock option grant at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during 2013 was $.003985. We used the following Black-Scholes assumptions in arriving at the fair value of options granted on December 31, 2013:
| |
Expected Life In Years
| 1.5
|
Risk-free Interest Rates
| .350%
|
Volatility
| 145.04%
|
Dividend Yield
| 0%
|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2013, we had no off balance sheet transactions.
ITEM 7AQUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
28
ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ENDURANCE EXPLORATION GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
34
ENDURANCE EXPLORATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2013
NOTE A - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.
Description of Business
Endurance Exploration Group, Inc. (formerly Tecton Corporation) (the Company) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on January 19, 2006, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hemis Corporation. On December 1, 2006 Hemis declared a dividend of Tecton shares to all shareholders as of that date and concurrently cancelled its share ownership in the Company. The effect of this dividend declaration and share cancellation was that Tecton was spun off as an independent company.
On November 8, 2013, the Board of Directors approved a change of the Companys fiscal year from January 31, to December 31. Thus, our next full fiscal year will begin on January 1, 2014. These financial statements are being filed as part of a transition report on Form 10-K covering the transition period that began February 1, 2013 and ended December 31, 2013.
Since both entities were under common control, the comparative financial statements are presented as if the previously separated entities were combined.
On December 31, 2013 the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Endurance Exploration Group LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company, in exchange for 20,550,539 shares of the Companys Common Stock being issued to the former members. Endurance Exploration Group LLC is now a wholly owned subsidiary with its operations being the Companys primary focus.
Endurance Exploration Group LLC is engaged in the archaeologically sensitive exploration and recovery of deep-ocean shipwrecks throughout the world. We intend to recover bullion precious metals, numismatic-grade coinage, high-value non-ferrous metals and other valuable cargos from both historic and modern shipwrecks.
On January 2, 2014 the Company changed its name to Endurance Exploration Group, Inc.
Our corporate headquarters are located in Clearwater, Florida.
The company discontinued operations on or about June 1, 2008 and has incurred losses of $4,940,214 since inception through December 31, 2013. The company was formerly an exploration stage company but is no longer reporting as such.
Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation
These consolidated financial statements include the assets and liabilities of Endurance Exploration Group, Inc. (formerly Tecton Corporation) and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013.
The
acquisition of the membership interests of Endurance Exploration Group LLC and its wholly owned Panamanian subsidiary formed to hold the registry of a research vessel, occurred as of the close of its business on December 31, 2013
.
Since both entities were under common control, the comparative financial statements are presented as if the previously separated entities were combined.
All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
35
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events through February 20, 2014 to assess the need for potential recognition or disclosure in this report. Based upon this evaluation, management determined that all subsequent events that require recognition in the financial statements have been included.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets are 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. When retired or otherwise disposed, the related carrying value and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and the net difference less any amount realized from disposition, is reflected in earnings. Leasehold improvements are amortized over their estimated useful lives or lease term, if shorter. Equipment and 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 vessels 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.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the liability method to record income tax activity. Deferred taxes are determined based upon the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of currently enacted tax laws.
The accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises financial statements uses the threshold of more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination for inclusion or exclusion. Measurement of the tax uncertainty occurs if the recognition threshold has been met.
Net Earnings (Losses) Per Common Share
The Company computes earnings (loss) per share by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the year. Dilutive common stock equivalents may consist of shares issuable upon conversion of convertible preferred shares and the exercise of the Companys stock options and warrants (calculated using the treasury stock method). As of December 31, 2013, there were 5,000,000 common stock equivalents that were anti-dilutive and were not included in the calculation. Common stock issuable is considered outstanding as of the original approval date for purposes of earnings per share computations.
36
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of financial instruments, which include cash, loans receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and advances from related parties were estimated to approximate their carrying values due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Management is of the opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from financial instruments.
Comprehensive Income
The Company records comprehensive income as the change in equity of a business during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Other comprehensive income (loss) includes foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities. As of December 31, 2013 the Company had no items that represent comprehensive loss and, therefore, has not included a schedule of comprehensive loss in the financial statements.
Stock Based Compensation
Stock based compensation costs are measured at fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The Company determines the fair value of awards using the Black - Scholes valuation model.
New Accounting Pronouncements
The Company reviews new accounting standards as issued. No new standards had any material effect on these financial statements. The accounting pronouncements issued subsequent to the date of these financial statements that were considered significant by management were evaluated for the potential effect on these consolidated financial statements. Management does not believe any of the subsequent pronouncements will have a material effect on these consolidated financial statements as presented and does not anticipate the need for any future restatement of these consolidated financial statements because of the retro-active application of any accounting pronouncements issued subsequent to December 31, 2013 through the date these financial statements were issued.
NOTE B GOING CONCERN MATTERS
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As shown in the accompanying financial statements for the period January 19, 2006 (date of inception) to December 31, 2013, the Company incurred losses of $4,940,214. The Company has minimal liquid assets. These factors, among others, indicate that the Company will be unable to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
The Companys existence is dependent upon managements ability to develop profitable operations and resolve its liquidity problems. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
NOTE C ACQUISITION OF ENDURANCE EXPLORATION GROUP LLC MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS
On December 31, 2013 the Company acquired 100% of the membership interests of Endurance Exploration Group LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company by issuing 20,550,539 shares of its common stock.
37
The majority shareholders of Endurance Exploration Group, Inc. (formerly Tecton Corporation) also held a majority interest in Endurance Exploration Group LLC, and maintained controlling interests in both entities both before and after the transaction. Accordingly, the acquisition has been accounted for as a corporate re-organization because of the common control. The book value of Endurance Exploration Group LLC at the time of the acquisition was as follows:
| | | | | | |
Cash
| | | | | $
1,940
|
Fixed assets - net
| | | | 448,980
|
Other assets
| | | | | 3,805
|
| | | | | | |
| Total assets
| | | | $
454,725
|
| | | | | | |
Accounts payable assumed
| | | $
8,927
|
Accrued expenses assumed
| | | 4,625
|
Shareholder loans assumed
| | | 60,000
|
Equity acquired
| | | | 381,173
|
| | | | | | |
| Total liabilities and equity
| | | $
454,725
|
NOTE D FIXED ASSETS
Fixed assets consist of the following at December 31, 2013 and
2012
:
| | | | | | |
| | | | December 31,
| |
December 31
,
|
| | | | 2013
| |
2012
|
| | | | | | |
Vessels and equipment
| | $
599,545
| | $
540,347-
|
Computers and peripherals
| | 11,716
| | 11,716-
|
| | | | 611,261
| | 552,063-
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation
| | (162,281)
| | (73,032)
|
Fixed Assets - net
| | | $
448,980
| | $
479,031
|
Depreciation expense was $89,249 and $49,623 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively.
NOTE E ADVANCES FROM RELATED PARTIES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On April 27, 2011, the Company borrowed $25,000 from Island Capital Management, LLC, under a promissory note bearing interest at 6%. Island Capital Management, LLC is related through common shareholders. The original maturity of the note was April 27, 2012. This note was paid through the issuance of common shares on December 31, 2013.
On December 31, 2013, the Company issued 12,733,499 common shares in satisfaction of $289,390 of related party debt, which included the $25,000 owed to Island Capital Management, LLC under the promissory note dated April 27, 2011.
On December 31, 2013, as a consequence of acquiring the membership interests of Endurance Exploration Group LLC, the Company assumed certain liabilities to related parties in the amount of $62,500. This amount is comprised an advance from a related party in the amount of $2,500 and a demand promissory note in the amount of $60,000 with no stipulated maturity date, payable to Micah Eldred, dated June 19, 2012, bearing interest at 5%.
38
Total amounts remaining due to related parties through advances and the promissory note were $62,500 and $169,150 as of December 31, 2013 and January 31, 2013 respectively. Except for the terms stipulated in the promissory note, all other amounts advanced are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no specific terms of repayment.
NOTE F PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK TRANSACTIONS AND REVERSE SPLIT
On May 6, 2013, the Company entered into a Debt Conversion Agreement with Endeavour Cooperative Partners LLC in the amount of $272,356. This amount represents the related party debt payable to Endeavour as of that date. The terms of the agreement allow for Endeavour to convert this debt into preferred stock at $.000172 per share. On May 8, 2013 Endeavour filed a notice of conversion for $3,400 of its debt, in exchange for 19,736,560 of pre-reverse split preferred shares. These shares converted to 493,414 shares of preferred stock after the reverse split.
On May 31, 2013, the Company affected a 1 share for 40 shares reverse split of its common and preferred stock. As a result, the issued and outstanding shares at that date were decreased from 79,736,560 to 1,993,495. The authorized shares at that date were then decreased from 100,000,000 to 2,500,000; 2,000,000 shares of common stock and 500,000 preferred shares.
On July 22, 2013, the Company amended and restated its Articles of Incorporation to increase the total authorized capital stock of the corporation to 110,000,000 shares, being comprised of 100,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $.001.
On December 31, 2013, the Company issued 12,733,499 common shares in satisfaction of $289,390 of related party debt.
On December 31, 2013, the Company issued 493,414 common shares as a conversion of the previously issued 493,414 preferred shares on a 1 for 1 basis.
On December 31, 2013, the Company issued 20,550,539 common shares, valued at $381,173, in conjunction with the acquisition of 100% of the membership interests of Endurance Explorations Group LLC.
NOTE G COMMON STOCK ISSUABLE
In April 2008, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with a non-U.S. investor for the purchase of 533,333 at a price of $0.42 per share, resulting in cash proceeds of $224,000. This issuance was exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act. The Company was unable to issue these shares and at December 31, 2013 considers this common stock issuable and has recorded it in the equity section. As a result of the 1 for 40 reverse split, the number of shares issuable has been decreased from 533,333 to 13,333 at December 31, 2013 and January 31, 2013.
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NOTE H INCOME TAXES
Potential benefits of income tax losses are not recognized in the accounts until realization is more likely than not. The Company has net operating losses of $4,940,214 since inception on January 19, 2006. The Company computes tax asset benefits for net operating losses carried forward. Potential benefit of net operating losses have not been recognized in these financial statements because the Company cannot be assured it is more likely than not it will utilize the net operating losses carried forward in future years. The net operating loss will start to expire in the year ended January 31, 2026. Due to discontinuing operation in June 2008 and the change in ownership, restrictions may apply.
The components of the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2013 and
December 31
,
2012
and the statutory tax rate, the effective tax rate and the elected amount of the valuation allowance are indicated below:
| | | |
| December 31,
| |
December 31
,
|
| 2013
| |
2012
|
| | | |
Net Operating Losses
| $
4,940,214
| | $
4,881,101
|
Statutory Tax Rate
| 35%
| | 35%
|
Effective Tax Rate
| -
| | -
|
Deferred Tax Asset
| 1,729,075
| | 1,708,385
|
Valuation Allowance
| (1,729,075)
| | (1,708,385)
|
Net Deferred Tax Asset
| $
-
| | $
-
|
The tax years ended
December
31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 are open for audit by both federal and state taxing authorities.
NOTE I SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
None.
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ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There have been no disagreements on accounting and financial disclosures from the inception of our company through the date of this Report. Our audited consolidated financial statements have been included in this annual report in reliance upon DKM Certified Public Accountants, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, as an expert in accounting and auditing.
ITEM 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and the principal financial officer (our president), we have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded as of the evaluation date that our disclosure controls and procedures were
not
effective
.
The following material weaknesses were noted:
1.
We have no audit committee and none of our Directors were considered independent. We had not adopted a policy on fraud or code of ethics.
2.
We have no financial expert on our Board of Directors who is able to detect a material misstatement.
3.
We had no processes in place for someone to review and determine financial impacts of contracts and agreements.
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.
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 our assets; (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 our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of its management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, and accordingly, even effective internal control can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect material misstatements. In addition, effective internal control at a point in time may become ineffective in future periods because of changes in conditions or due to deterioration in the degree of compliance with our established policies and procedures.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our president, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2013, based on the framework set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our evaluation under this framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of the evaluation date.
41
The following material weaknesses were noted:
1.
We have no audit committee and none of our Directors were considered independent. We had not adopted a policy on fraud or code of ethics.
2.
We have no financial expert on our Board of Directors who is able to detect a material misstatement.
3.
We had no processes in place for someone to review and determine financial impacts of contracts and agreements.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
Management is in the process of establishing the necessary controls over financial reporting to address the above material weaknesses. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART III
ITEM 10 - DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Set forth below is the name, age and present principal occupation or employment, and material occupations, positions, offices or employments for the past five years of our current directors and executive officers:
Officers and Directors