CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements and information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2019 (this “Report”), contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical facts, but rather reflect our current expectations concerning future events and results. We generally use the words “may,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “likely,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “will,” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including those concerning our expectations, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements, or industry results to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this Report.
CERTAIN TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT
“We,” “us,” “our,” “the Registrant,” the “Company,” and “Kaival” are synonymous with Kaival Brands Innovations Group, Inc., unless otherwise indicated.
Item 1. Business.
Corporate History
We were incorporated on September 4, 2018 in the State of Delaware.
USSE Corp. and USSE Delaware Merger
USSE Corp., a Nevada corporation (“USSE Corp.”), was incorporated with the Nevada Secretary of State on July 8, 1998 under the original name C&A Restaurants, Inc. (“C&A Restaurants”). On June 15, 2009, C&A Restaurants changed its name to USSE Corp.
Effective September 19, 2018, USSE Corp. re-domiciled from Nevada to Delaware pursuant to a merger of USSE Corp. with and into USSE Delaware, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“USSE Delaware” or “Predecessor”), with USSE Delaware as the surviving entity (the “Re-domestication Merger”). Each share of USSE Corp.’s capital stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective date of the Re-domestication Merger was automatically converted into one fully paid and nonassessable share of USSE Delaware.
Immediately following the Re-domestication Merger, USSE Delaware was authorized to issue up to 1,005,000,000 shares, which consisted of: (i) 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which 66,397,574 shares were issued and outstanding at such date; and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.001 per share, of which (a) 1,000,000 shares were designated as Convertible Series A, all of which were issued and outstanding at that date; and (b) 500,000 shares were designated as Convertible Series B, of which 71,700 shares of Convertible Series B preferred stock were issued and outstanding at that date.
Holding Company Reorganization
On September 4, 2018, USSE Delaware acquired 1,000 shares of common stock of the Company, which represented 100% of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock, for no consideration, resulting in the Company becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of USSE Delaware. Also, immediately prior to the Holding Company Reorganization (as defined below), USSE Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“USSE Merger Sub”), was our wholly-owned subsidiary.
Effective on September 19, 2018 (the “Effective Time”), and in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 251(g) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), USSE Merger Sub, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of USSE Delaware and the Company’s direct wholly-owned subsidiary, merged with an into USSE Delaware, our then parent (the “Holding Company Reorganization”). USSE Delaware was the surviving corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary. USSE Delaware also changed its name to USSE Corp. following the Holding Company Reorganization.
Upon completion of the Holding Company Reorganization, by virtue of the merger, and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, each share of USSE Delaware’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Holding Company Reorganization was automatically converted into one validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable share of the Company’s common stock. Additionally, each share of USSE Delaware’s preferred stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time was converted into one validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable share of the Company’s preferred stock, having the same designations, rights, powers, and preferences, and the qualifications, limitation, and restrictions thereof, as the corresponding share of USSE Delaware’s preferred stock. Each share of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding and held by USSE Delaware immediately prior to the Effective Time was cancelled.
This resulted in the Company being authorized to issue up to 1,005,000,000 shares, which consisted of: (i) 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share of which 66,397,574 shares were issued and outstanding; (ii) 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, of which (a) 1,000,000 shares were designated as Convertible Series A, all of which were issued and outstanding; and (b) 500,000 shares were designated as Convertible Series B, of which 71,700 shares of Convertible Series B preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
Post-Holding Company Reorganization
On October 19, 2018, the Company issued 500,000,000 shares of restricted common stock and 400,000 shares of Convertible Series B preferred stock to GMRZ Holdings LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“GMRZ”), for services rendered to the Company.
Commensurate with the filing of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 22, 2018, every issued and outstanding share of Convertible Series A preferred stock was converted into 1.25 shares of common stock with stockholders’ economic rights preserved. Additionally, at the same time, every share of Convertible Series B preferred stock issued and outstanding was converted into ten shares of common stock with stockholders’ economic rights adversely affected in the conversion. Immediately following the conversion of the aforementioned shares, and upon filing of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the authorized and unissued shares of Convertible Series A and Convertible Series B preferred stock were cancelled. As of October 22, 2018, the Convertible Series A and Series B preferred stock were removed from the status of authorized but unissued preferred stock.
On February 6, 2019, the Company entered into a non-binding Share Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) by and among the Company, GMRZ, and Kaival Holdings, LLC (formerly known as Kaival Brands Innovations Group, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company (“KH”), pursuant to which, on February 20, 2019, GMRZ sold 504,000,000 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock, representing approximately 88.06 percent of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock, to KH, and KH paid GMRZ consideration in the amount set forth in the Agreement (the “Purchase Price”). The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement resulted in a change in control of the Company, with KH becoming the Company’s largest controlling stockholder. The sole members of KH are Nirajkumar Patel and Eric Mosser. The Purchase Price was paid with personal funds of the members of KH.
Effective July 12, 2019, we changed our corporate name from Quick Start Holdings, Inc. to Kaival Brands Innovations Group, Inc. The name change was effected through a parent/subsidiary short-form merger of Kaival Brands Innovations Group, Inc., our wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary formed solely for the purpose of the name change, with and into us. We were the surviving entity. To effectuate the merger, we filed Certificate of Ownership and Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 20, 2019 and a Certificate of Correction with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on July 15, 2019. The merger became effective at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on July 12, 2019 with the State of Delaware and, for purposes of the quotation of our common stock on the OTC Markets Group, Inc.’s Pink® Open Market (the “OTC Pink”), effective at the open of the market on July 15, 2019. Our board of directors approved the merger, which resulted in the name change on that date. In accordance with Section 253 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, stockholder approval of the merger was not required.
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Business Summary
Since inception, we have been engaged in limited organizational efforts; however, we intend to commence business operations in the near term. Currently, we are exploring and evaluating various business opportunities, which may include entering into distribution or other contractual arrangements, or acquiring the assets of an existing company. We anticipate exploring potential business opportunities within the electronic cigarettes and vaporizers and CBD industries as a result of our management’s prior and current business experience within such industries. As of the date of this Report, the Company has not entered into any definitive agreements with any party; however, we have engaged in discussions with various parties regarding potential business opportunities. Our principal business objective for the next 12 months and beyond such time will be to achieve long-term growth potential through a combination with a business or commencement of business operations, rather than immediate, short-term earnings.
In the event that management is unable to otherwise commence business operations, and determines that it is necessary to engage in one or more business combinations, we may consider a business that has recently commenced operations, including an entity without an established record of sales or earnings, is in need of additional funds for expansion into new products or markets, is seeking to develop a new product or service, or is an established business that may be experiencing financial or operating difficulties and is in need of additional capital. Our management believes that the public company status that results from a combination with us could provide such company greater access to the capital markets, increase its visibility in the investment community, and offer the opportunity to utilize our stock to make acquisitions. However, there is no assurance that we will have greater access to capital due to our public company status and, therefore, a business combination with an operating company in need of additional capital may expose us to additional risks and challenges, including risks inherent in the business and operations of financially unstable and early stage or potential emerging growth companies. In addition, we may commence business operations or combine with an entity in an industry characterized by a high level of risk and, although our management will endeavor to evaluate the risks inherent in a particular target business, there can be no assurance that we will properly ascertain or assess all significant risks.
In the alternative, a business combination may involve the acquisition of, or merger with, a company which does not need substantial additional capital, but which desires to establish a public trading market for its shares, while avoiding, among other things, the time delays, significant expense, and loss of voting control that may occur in a public offering. We do not anticipate paying a finder’s fee, either in cash or through the issuance of securities, for the consummation of any business acquisition.
We intend to search for business opportunities by contacting various sources including, but not limited to, our affiliates, lenders, investment banking firms, private equity funds, financial advisors and similar persons, accounting firms, and attorneys notwithstanding us contacting any business directly. The approximate number of persons or entities that will be contacted is unknown and dependent on whether any opportunities are presented by the sources that we contact. However, there is no assurance that we will identify any viable business opportunities.
The risks we may face if we are unable to commence business operations, if such business operations are unsuccessful, if we are unable to acquire or merger with another entity, or if such acquisition or merger is unsuccessful, include, but are not limited to, difficulty in achieving future financing, continuing operations, bankruptcy, litigation, and increasing business operations on a limited or no budget.
We do not currently engage in any business activities that provide cash flow. The costs of investigating and analyzing business combinations and opportunities for the next 12 months and beyond such time will be paid with money in our treasury, if any, or with additional amounts, as necessary, to be loaned to or invested in us by our stockholders, management, or other investors. At this time, we are entirely reliant upon cash contributions made by our officers and directors to pay for any and all expenses.
During the next 12 months we anticipate incurring costs related to the filing of Exchange Act reports (legal, accounting, and auditing fees) in the amount of approximately $25,000, or more. We believe we will be able to meet the costs of filing Exchange Act reports during the next 12 months through use of funds to be loaned to or invested in us by Mr. Nirajkumar Patel and Mr. Eric Mosser, our officers and directors, or other stockholders or investors; however, to date, we have had no discussions with these parties regarding funding and no funding commitment for future expenses has been obtained. If in the future we need funds to pay expenses, we will consider these and other yet to be identified options for raising funds and/or paying expenses. However, there is no guarantee that such additional funds will be made available to us or on terms that are favorable to us. Obviously, if our officers and directors, or other stockholders or investors do not loan or invest sufficient funds, then we will not be able to meet our reporting obligations.
If we pursue any mergers or acquisitions, we anticipate incurring expenses of approximately between $10,000 and $20,000, or more, to pay for legal fees and audit fees. If we enter into a business combination with a target entity, we will attempt to require the target company to pay the acquisition related fees and expenses as a condition precedent to such an agreement.
Emerging Growth Company
We are an emerging growth company (“EGC”), that is exempt from certain financial disclosure and governance requirements for up to five years as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). The JOBS Act eases restrictions on the sale of securities and increases the number of stockholders a company must have before becoming subject to the reporting and disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under Section 102(b)(2) of the JOBS Act, that allows us to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As a result of this election, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.
“Blank Check” and Shell Company
We, based on current and proposed business activities, are a "blank check" company. The SEC defines a "blank check" company as "any development stage company that is issuing a penny stock, within the meaning of Section 3(a)(51)-1 of the Exchange Act, and that has no specific business plan or purpose, or has indicated that its business plan is to engage in a merger or acquisition with an unidentified company or companies or other entity or person." Pursuant to Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act, we also qualify as a shell company, because we have no or nominal assets (other than cash) and no or nominal operations. In addition, many states have enacted statutes, rules, and regulations limiting the sale of securities of "blank check" companies in their respective jurisdictions.
Employees
We presently have no employees apart from our management, which consists of two individuals, Mr. Nirajkumar Patel and Mr. Eric Mosser. Our officers and directors are engaged in outside business activities and anticipate that they will devote to our business approximately five (5) hours per week until the acquisition of a successful business opportunity has been identified, or we otherwise commence business operations. We expect no significant changes in the number of our employees other than such changes, if any, incident to a business combination or commencement of business operations.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The Company qualifies as a smaller reporting company, as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K and, thus, is not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
We currently neither rent nor own any properties. We currently have no policy with respect to investments or interests in real estate, real estate mortgages or securities of, or interests in, persons primarily engaged in real estate activities. We currently utilize the home office space and equipment of our management at no cost.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we may become party to litigation or other legal proceedings that we consider to be a part of the ordinary course of our business. We are not currently involved in legal proceedings that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, or results of operations. To the best of our knowledge, no adverse legal activity is anticipated or threatened.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Pink under the symbol “KAVL.” There is currently a limited trading market in the Company’s shares of common stock.
Set forth below are the range of high and low bid closing bid prices for the periods indicated as reported by the OTC Markets Group Inc. The market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
(1) From the period November 5, 2018 (the date our common stock first was quoted on the OTC Pink) through January 31, 2019.
(2) From September 4, 2018 (inception) through October 31, 2018, our common stock was not quoted on the OTC Pink; thus, no price data is available.
On January 21, 2020, the closing bid price of our common stock as reported by the OTC Markets Group Inc. was $0.014 per share.
Holders
As of January 21, 2020 , we had 572,364,574 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding. We had approximately 176 stockholders of record.
Dividends and Share Repurchases
We have not paid any dividends to our stockholders. There are no restrictions, which would limit our ability to pay dividends on common equity or that are likely to do so in the future.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
We do not have any equity compensation plans, either approved or not approved, by our security holders.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Uses of Proceeds from Registered Securities
On October 19, 2018, we issued 500,000,000 shares of restricted common stock and 400,000 shares of Convertible Series B Preferred Stock to GMRZ for services rendered to us. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock was convertible into ten (10) shares of our common stock. The Series B Preferred Stock was converted into shares of common stock in October 2018. Such shares were issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act in that the issuance of shares by us did not involve a public offering. The offering did not qualify as a public offering due to the insubstantial number of persons involved in the deal, the size of the offering, the manner of the offering, and the number of shares offered. We did not undertake an offering in which we sold a high number of shares to a high number of investors. In addition, this stockholder had the necessary investment intent as required by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act since it agreed to and received share certificates bearing a legend stating that such shares are restricted. This restriction ensures that these shares would not be immediately redistributed into the market and, therefore, could not be part of a public offering. Based on an analysis of the above factors, we believe we met the requirements to qualify for the exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act for this transaction.