UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10
GENERAL FORM FOR REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES
Pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Video River Networks, Inc. |
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter) |
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Nevada |
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87-0627349 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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370 Amapola Ave., Suite 200A |
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Torrance, California |
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90501 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number including area code: (1) 310-895-1839
COPIES TO :
Law Office Of Mary Shea
1701 Broadway, #334
Vancouver, WA 98663
541-450-9943
360-326-1821
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which |
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to be so registered |
each class is to be registered |
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None |
None |
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, Par Value $0.001
(Title of class)
PREFERRED STOCK, Par Value $0.001
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer |
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Accelerated Filer |
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Non-Accelerated Filer |
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Smaller reporting company |
[X] |
Emerging growth company |
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]
EXPLANATORY NOTE
We are filing this General Form for Registration of Securities on Form 10 to register our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and our preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Once this Registration Statement is deemed effective, we will be subject to the requirements of Regulation 13A under the Exchange Act, which will require us to file annual reports on Form 10-K; quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; and, current reports on Form 8-K, and we will be required to comply with all other obligations of the Exchange Act applicable to issuers filing registration statements pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act. Unless otherwise noted, references in this Registration Statement to the “Registrant”, the “Company”, “Video River” “we”, “our”, or “us” means Video River Networks, Inc.
On October 29, 2019, Video River Networks, Inc. sold one (1) Special 2019 series A preferred share (one preferred share is convertible 150,000,000 share of common stocks) of the company for an agreed upon purchase price to Community Economic Development Capital LLC, (“CED Capital”) a California limited liability company CED. The Special preferred share controls 60% of the company’s total voting rights and thus, gave to CED Capital the controlling vote power to control and dominate the affairs of the company theretofor. Upon the closing of the transaction, the business of CED Capital was merged into the Company and CED Capital became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
There are statements in this Registration Statement that are not historical facts. These “forward-looking statements” can be identified by use of terminology such as “believe,” “hope,” “may,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “positioned,” “strategy” and similar expressions. You should be aware that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. For a discussion of these risks, you should read this entire Registration Statement carefully, especially the risks discussed under the section entitled “Risk Factors.” Although management believes that the assumptions underlying the forward looking statements included in this Registration Statement are reasonable, they do not guarantee our future performance, and actual results could differ from those contemplated by these forward looking statements. The assumptions used for purposes of the forward-looking statements specified in the following information represent estimates of future events and are subject to uncertainty as to possible changes in economic, legislative, industry, and other circumstances. As a result, the identification and interpretation of data and other information and their use in developing and selecting assumptions from and among reasonable alternatives require the exercise of judgment. To the extent that the assumed events do not occur, the outcome may vary substantially from anticipated or projected results, and, accordingly, no opinion is expressed on the achievability of those forward-looking statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the results and events contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this Registration Statement will in fact transpire. You are cautioned to not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES
This Form 10 contains references to our trademarks, service marks and trade names and to trademarks, service marks and trade names belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this Form 10, including logos, artwork and other visual displays, may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights thereto. Except as set forth in this Form 10, we do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names, service marks or trademarks or any artists’ or other individuals’ names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies or persons.
VIDEO RIVER NETWORKS, INC.
FORM 10
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Item 1. |
Business |
1 |
Item 1A. |
Risk Factors |
8 |
Item 2. |
Financial Information |
22 |
Item 3. |
Properties |
30 |
Item 4. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management |
30 |
Item 5. |
Directors and Executive Officers |
31 |
Item 6. |
Executive Compensation |
32 |
Item 7. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
33 |
Item 8. |
Legal Proceedings |
33 |
Item 9. |
Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matter |
34 |
Item 10. |
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities |
35 |
Item 11. |
Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered |
37 |
Item 12. |
Indemnification of Directors and Officers |
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Item 13. |
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
39 |
Item 14. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
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Item 15. |
Financial Statements and Exhibits |
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ITEM 1 |
BUSINESS |
When we use the terms “NIHK,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “the company,” we mean Video River Networks, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
Corporate History
Video River Networks, Inc. (“NIHK,” “PubCo” or “Company”), previously known as Nighthawk Systems Inc., a Nevada corporation, used to be a provider of wireless and IP-based control solutions for the utility and hospitality industries. Since 2002, the Company’s Power Controls Division has used wireless technology to control both residential utility meters and remote, mission-critical devices. The Set Top Box Division, acquired in October 2007, enables hotels to provide in-room high definition television (“HDTV”) broadcasts, integrated with video-on-demand, and customized guest services information.
On August 14, 2009, the Company filed Form 15D, Suspension of Duty to Report, and as a result, the Company was not required to file any SEC forms since August 14, 2009.
On October 29, 2019, Video River Networks, Inc. sold one (1) Special 2019 series A preferred share (one preferred share is convertible 150,000,000 share of common stocks) of the company for an agreed upon purchase price to Community Economic Development Capital LLC, (“CED Capital”) a California limited liability company CED. The Special preferred share controls 60% of the company’s total voting rights and thus, gave to CED Capital the controlling vote power to control and dominate the affairs of the company theretofor. Upon the closing of the transaction, the business of CED Capital was merged into the Company and CED Capital became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
Following the completion of above mentioned transactions, the Company pivoted its business model to become a specialty real estate holding company for specialized assets including, affordable housing, opportunity zones properties, medical real estate investments, hemp and cannabis farms, dispensaries facilities, CBD related commercial facilities, industrial and commercial real estate, and other real estate related services. Because our principal is a California Real Estate Broker, NIHK aspires to qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust in the near future and lead in providing real estate focused on hemp and medial-cannabis growth, to the public markets.
Furthermore, we are now, an internally-managed real estate holding company focused on the acquisition, ownership and management of specialized industrial properties leased to experienced, state-licensed operators for their regulated state-licensed cannabis facilities. We plan to acquire our properties through sale-leaseback transactions and third-party purchases. We expect to lease our properties on a triple-net lease basis, where the tenant is responsible for all aspects of and costs related to the property and its operation during the lease term, including structural repairs, maintenance, taxes and insurance.
Following the change of control transaction listed above, the Company appointed Mr. Frank I Igwealor as President and CEO. Our corporate office is located at 370 Amapola Ave., Suite 200A, Torrance, California 90501. Our telephone number is (310) 895-1839
As of December 31, 2019, we had no W-2 employee, but three of our officers and directors provide all the services without pay until we formally enter into employment contract with them as full-time employees.
Business Overview
Our Business Objectives and Growth Strategies
Our principal business objective is to maximize stockholder returns through a combination of (1) distributions to our stockholders, (2) sustainable long-term growth in cash flows from increased rents, which we hope to pass on to stockholders in the form of increased distributions, and (3) potential long-term appreciation in the value of our properties from capital gains upon future sale.
The Company is engaged primarily in the ownership, operation, management, acquisition, development and redevelopment of predominantly multifamily housing and specialized industrial properties in the United States. Additionally, our specialized industrial property strategy is to acquire and own a portfolio of specialized industrial properties, including multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities leased to tenants holding the requisite state licenses to operate in the regulated medical-use cannabis industry. This strategy includes the following components:
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Owning Specialized Real Estate Properties and Assets for Income. We intend to primarily acquire multifamily housings, economic development real estates, hemp farms, CBD processing facilities and multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities leased licensed growers who will continue their cultivation operations after our acquisition of the property. We expect to hold acquired properties for investment and to generate stable and increasing rental income from leasing these properties to licensed growers. |
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Owning Specialized Real Estate Properties and Assets for Appreciation. We intend to primarily lease our acquired properties under long-term, triple-net leases. However, from time to time, we may elect to sell one or more properties if we believe it to be in the best interests of our stockholders. Accordingly, we will seek to acquire properties that we believe also have potential for long-term appreciation in value. |
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Expanding into Additional States Permit Medical-Use Cannabis Cultivation and Production. We intend to acquire properties in the United States, with a focus on states that permit cannabis cultivation for medical use. |
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Affordable Housing. Our motto is: “acquiring distressed/troubled properties, securing generous government subsidies, empowering low-income families, and generating above-market returns to investors.” |
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Preserving Financial Flexibility on our Balance Sheet. We intend to focused on maintaining a conservative capital structure, in order to provide us flexibility in financing our growth initiatives. |
As of December 31, 2019, we owned three investment properties in California, and we expect to continue to expand to other real estate asset classes including hemp and multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities. We believe an intense focus on operations is necessary to realize consistent, sustained earnings growth. Ensuring tenants’ satisfaction, increasing rents as market conditions allow, maximizing rent collections, maintaining property occupancy at optimal levels, and controlling operating costs comprise our principal strategies to maximize property financial results. We believe a web-based property management and revenue management systems strengthen on-site operations and allow us to quickly adjust rental rates as local market conditions change. Lease terms are generally staggered based on vacancy exposure by property type so lease expirations are matched to each property's seasonal rental patterns. We generally offer leases ranging from twelve to fifteen months with individual property marketing plans structured to respond to local market conditions. In addition, we conduct ongoing customer service surveys to help ensure timely response to tenants' changing needs and a high level of satisfaction.
Our Affordable Housing Target Markets
Our multifamily affordable housing target market is focused on urban and suburban neighborhoods in California, Nevada and Maryland and other highly urbanized states. We are also open to acquiring properties in opportunity zone multifamily properties that includes most urban neighborhoods of the United States, including underserved suburbs of major cities across the country.
Research Driven Approach to Investments – The Company believes that successful real estate investment decisions and portfolio growth begin with extensive regional economic research and local market knowledge. The Company continually assesses markets where the Company operates, as well as markets where the Company considers future investment opportunities by evaluating markets and focusing on the following strategic criteria:
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Major metropolitan areas that have regional population in excess of one million; |
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Constraints on new supply driven by: (i) low availability of developable land sites where competing housing could be economically built; (ii) political growth barriers, such as protected land, urban growth boundaries, and potential lengthy and expensive development permit processes; and (iii) natural limitations to development, such as mountains or waterways; |
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Rental demand enhanced by affordability of rents relative to costs of for-sale housing; and |
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Housing demand based on job growth, proximity to jobs, high median incomes and the quality of life including related commuting factors. |
Recognizing that all real estate markets are cyclical, the Company regularly evaluates the results of its regional economic, and local market research, and adjusts the geographic focus of its portfolio accordingly. The Company seeks to increase its portfolio allocation in markets projected to have the strongest local economies and to decrease allocations in markets projected to have declining economic conditions. Likewise, the Company also seeks to increase its portfolio allocation in markets that have attractive property valuations and to decrease allocations in markets that have inflated valuations and low relative yields.
Multifamily Property Operations – The Company intends to manage its multifamily properties by focusing on activities that may generate above-average rental growth, tenant retention/satisfaction and long-term asset appreciation. The Company intends to achieve this by utilizing the strategies set forth below:
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Property Management – Oversee delivery and quality of the housing provided to our tenants and manage the properties financial performance. |
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Capital Preservation – The Company's asset management services are responsible for the planning, budgeting and completion of major capital improvement projects at the Company’s multifamily properties. |
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Business Planning and Control – Comprehensive business plans are implemented in conjunction with significant investment decisions. These plans include benchmarks for future financial performance based on collaborative discussions between on-site managers, the operations leadership team, and senior management. |
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Development and Redevelopment – The Company focuses on acquiring and developing apartment multifamily properties in supply constrained markets, and redeveloping its existing multifamily properties to improve the financial and physical aspects of the Company’s multifamily properties. |
Our Specialized Industrial Properties Target Markets
The target market for our CBD processing facilities, hemp farms and licensed-medical cannabis facilities include states that permit cannabis cultivation for medical use. As of December 31, 2019, we owned three properties in any of the states where medical-use cannabis has been legalized such as Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, As of December 31, 2019, 33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for medical use.
Although these states have approved the medical use of cannabis, the applicable state and local laws and regulations vary widely. For example, most states' laws allow commercial production and sales through dispensaries and set forth rigorous licensing requirements; in other states the licensing rules are unclear. In some states, dispensaries are mandated to operate on a not-for-profit basis. Some states permit home cultivation activities. The states also differ on the form in which cannabis can be sold. For example, some states do not permit cannabis-infused products such as concentrates, edibles and topicals, while other states ban smoking cannabis.
In addition, we expect other factors will be important in the development and growth of the medical-use cannabis industry in the United States, including the timeframes for developing regulations and issuing licenses in states that recently passed laws allowing for medical-use cannabis, and continued legislative authorization of medical-use cannabis at the state level. Progress in the regulated medical-use cannabis industry, while encouraging, is not assured and any number of factors could slow or halt progress in this area.
We believe we are well positioned in our current markets and have the expertise to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. These capabilities, combined with what we believe is a conservative financial structure, should allow us to concentrate our growth efforts toward selective opportunities to enhance our strategy of having a geographically diverse portfolio of assets which meet the requirements of our tenants.
We continue to operate in our core markets which we believe provides an advantage due to economies of scale. We believe, where possible, it is best to operate with a strong base of properties in order to benefit from the personnel allocation and the market strength associated with managing multiple properties in the same market. However, consistent with our goal of generating sustained earnings growth, we intend to selectively dispose of properties and redeploy capital for various strategic reasons, including if we determine a property cannot meet our long-term earnings growth expectations.
We try to maximize capital appreciation of our properties by investing in markets characterized by conditions favorable to multifamily property appreciation. These markets generally feature the following:
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Strong economic growth leading to household formation and job growth, which in turn should support higher demand for our properties; and |
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An attractive quality of life, which may lead to higher demand and retention for our properties and allow us to more readily increase rents. |
Subject to market conditions, we intend to continue to seek opportunities to develop new multifamily properties, and to redevelop, reposition and acquire existing multifamily properties. We also intend to evaluate our operating property and land development portfolio and plan to continue our practice of selective dispositions as market conditions warrant and opportunities arise.
We expect to maintain a strong balance sheet and preserve our financial flexibility by continuing to focus on our core fundamentals which currently are generating positive cash flows from operations, maintaining appropriate debt levels and leverage ratios, and controlling overhead costs. We intend to meet our near-term liquidity requirements through a combination of one or more of the following: cash flows generated from operations, draws on our unsecured credit facility or other short-term borrowing, proceeds from property dispositions, other unsecured borrowings, or secured mortgages.
Maintaining a Diversified Portfolio and Allocating Capital to Accretive Investment Opportunities.
We believe greater portfolio diversification, as defined by geographic concentration, location within a market (i.e., urban or suburban) and property quality (i.e., A or B), reduces the volatility of our same-store growth throughout the real estate cycle, appeals to a wider renter and investor audience and lessens the market risk associated with owning a homogenous portfolio.
We are focused on increasing our presence in markets with favorable job formation, high propensity to rent, low single-family home affordability, and a favorable demand/supply ratio for multifamily housing. Portfolio investment decisions consider internal analyses and third-party research.
Our operating focus is on balancing occupancy and rental rates to maximize our revenue while exercising tight cost control to generate the highest possible return to our shareholders. Revenue is maximized by attracting qualified prospects to our properties, cost-effectively converting these prospects into new tenants and keeping our tenants satisfied so they will renew their leases upon expiration. While we believe that it is our high-quality, well-located assets that bring our customers to us, it is the customer service and superior value provided by our on-site personnel that keeps them renting with us and recommending us to their friends.
We use technology to engage our tenants, stakeholder and customers in the way that they want to be engaged. Many of our tenants would utilize our web-based tenant portal and app which allows them to sign and renew their leases, review their accounts and make payments, provide feedback and make service requests on-line or with mobile devices.
Market Opportunity
The Industrial Real Estate Sub-Market
The industrial real estate sub-market continues to perform well in this real estate cycle. According to CBRE Group, Inc., the U.S. industrial property vacancy rate declined to 4.3% in the fourth quarter of 2018, reflecting the 35th consecutive quarter of positive net absorption. Nearly 30.0 million square feet of industrial real estate were absorbed in 2018, which resulted in the highest net asking rents since CBRE Group, Inc. began tracking this metric in 1989.
We believe this supply/demand dynamic creates significant opportunity for owners of industrial facilities, particularly those focused on niche categories, as options are limited for tenants requiring specialized buildings. We intend to capitalize on this opportunity by purchasing specialized industrial real estate assets that are critical to the medical-use cannabis industry.
The Regulated Medical-Use Cannabis Industry
Overview
We believe that a convergence of changing public attitudes and increased legalization momentum in various states toward regulated medical-use cannabis creates an attractive opportunity to invest in the industrial real estate sector with a focus on regulated multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities. We also believe that the increased sophistication of the regulated medical-use cannabis industry and the development of strong business, operational and compliance practices have made the sector more attractive for investment. Increasingly, state-licensed, medical-use cannabis cultivation and processing facilities are becoming sophisticated business enterprises that use state-of-the-art technologies and well-honed business and operational processes to maximize product yield and revenues. Additionally, medical-use cannabis growers and dispensers have developed a growing portfolio of products into which they are able to incorporate legal medical-use cannabis in a safe and appealing manner.
In the United States, the development and growth of the regulated medical-use cannabis industry has generally been driven by state law and regulation, and accordingly, the market varies on a state-by-state basis. State laws that legalize and regulate medical-use cannabis allow patients to consume cannabis for medicinal reasons with a doctor's recommendation, subject to various requirements and limitations. States have authorized numerous medical conditions as qualifying conditions for treatment with medical-use cannabis, which vary significantly from state to state and may include, among others, treatment for cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDs, wasting syndrome, pain, nausea, seizures, muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), migraines, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, lupus, residual limb pain, spinal cord injuries, inflammatory bowel disease and terminal illness. As of December 31, 2019, 33 states, plus the District of Columbia, have passed laws allowing their citizens to use medical cannabis.
We believe that the following conditions, which are described in more detail below, create an attractive opportunity to invest in industrial real estate assets that support the regulated medical-use cannabis industry:
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significant industry growth in recent years and expected continued growth; |
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a shift in public opinion and increasing momentum toward the legalization of medical-use cannabis under state law; and |
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limited access to capital by industry participants in light of risk perceived by financial institutions of violating federal laws and regulatory guidelines for offering banking services to cannabis-related businesses. |
Industry Growth and Trends
According to Arcview Market Research, sales of state-legal cannabis in the United States grew to $8.6 billion in 2017, including $5.9 billion of medical-use cannabis sales, and are expected to reach $22.2 billion by 2022.
According to ProCon.org, a non-profit organization, as of May 2018, over 2.1 million people used or were registered to use state-legalized medical cannabis in the United States, taking data available from the 26 states and Washington, D.C. that had implemented their medical cannabis programs as of that date. As the industry continues to evolve, new ways to consume medical-use cannabis are being developed in order for patients to have the treatment needed for their condition in a safe and appealing manner. In addition to smoking and vaporizing of dried leaves, cannabis can be incorporated into a variety of edibles, pills, spray products, transdermal patches and topicals, including salves, ointments, lotions and sprays with low or high levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant.
As with any nascent but growing industry, operational and business practices evolve and become more sophisticated over time. We believe that the quality and experience of industry participants and the development of sound business, operational and compliance practices have strengthened significantly over time, increasing the attractiveness for investment in the regulated medical-use cannabis industry.
Shifting Public Attitudes and State Law and Legislative Activity
We believe that the growth of the regulated medical-use cannabis industry has been fueled, in part, by the rapidly changing public attitudes in the United States. A 2018 poll by Quinnipiac University found that 93% of Americans support patient access to medical-use cannabis, if recommended by a doctor.
As of December 31, 2019, 33 states, plus the District of Columbia, have passed laws allowing their citizens to use medical cannabis. The first state to permit the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes was California in 1996, upon adoption of the Compassionate Care Act. The law allowed doctors to recommend cannabis for serious medical conditions and patients were permitted to use, possess and grow cannabis themselves. Several other states adopted medical-use cannabis laws in 1998 and 1999, and the remaining medical-use cannabis states adopted their laws on various dates through 2018.
Following the approval of medical-use cannabis, state programs must be developed and businesses must be licensed before commencing cannabis sales. Some states have developed the necessary procedures and licensing requirements quickly, while other states have taken years to develop their programs for production and sales of cannabis. Even where regulatory frameworks for medical-use cannabis production and sales are in place, states tend to revise these rules over time. These revisions often impact sales, making it difficult to predict the potential of new markets. States may restrict the number of medical-use cannabis businesses permitted, restrict the method by which medical cannabis can be consumed, limit the medical conditions that are eligible for cannabis treatment or require registration of doctors and/or patients, each of which can limit growth of the medical-use cannabis industry in those states. Alternatively, states may relax their initial regulations relating to medical-use cannabis production and sales, which would likely accelerate growth of the medical-use cannabis industry in such states.
Access to Capital
To date, the status of state-licensed cannabis under federal law has significantly limited the ability of state-licensed industry participants to fully access the U.S. banking system and traditional financing sources. These limitations, when combined with the high costs of maintaining licensed and stringently regulated multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities (including meeting extensive zoning requirements), substantially increase the cost of production. While future changes in federal and state laws may ultimately open up financing options that have not been available to date in this industry, we believe that such changes, if they do occur, will take time, thereby creating an opportunity over the next few years to provide our sale-leaseback and other real estate solutions to state-licensed industry participants that have limited access to traditional financing sources.
Market Opportunity and Associated Risks
We focus on purchasing specialized industrial real estate assets for the regulated medical-use cannabis industry, with emphasis on properties that we believe also have potential for long-term appreciation in value. We believe that our sale-leaseback and other real estate solutions offer an attractive alternative to state-licensed medical-cannabis cultivators who have limited access to traditional financing alternatives. We have acquired and intend to continue to acquire multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities in states that permit medical-use cannabis cultivation.
Notwithstanding the foregoing market opportunity and trends, and despite legalization at the state level, we continue to believe that the current state of federal law creates significant uncertainty and potential risks associated with investing in multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities, including but not limited to potentially heightened risks related to the use of such facilities for adult-use cannabis operations, if a state passes such laws. For a more complete description of these risks, see the sections "Risks Related to Regulation" and "Business — Governmental Regulation" under Item 1A, "Risk Factors."
STRATEGY
Our Financing Strategy
As part of our plan to finance our activities, we utilize proceeds from debt and equity offerings and refinancing to extend maturities, pay down existing debt, fund development and redevelopment activities, and acquire rental properties. We use mortgage with reasonable terms on all our acquisitions.
We intend to meet our long-term liquidity needs through cash flow from operations and the issuance of equity and debt securities, including common stock, preferred stock and long-term notes. Where possible, we also may issue limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership to acquire properties from existing owners seeking a tax-deferred transaction. We expect to issue equity and debt securities at times when we believe that our stock price is at a level that allows for the reinvestment of offering proceeds in accretive property acquisitions. We may also issue common stock to permanently finance properties that were previously financed by debt securities. However, we cannot assure you that we will have access to the capital markets at times and on terms that are acceptable to us. Our ability to access the capital markets and to obtain other financing arrangements is also significantly limited by our focus on serving the medical-use cannabis industry. Our investment guidelines initially provide that our aggregate borrowings (secured and unsecured) will not exceed 50% of the cost of our tangible assets at the time of any new borrowing, subject to our board of directors' discretion.
We may file a shelf registration statement, which would subsequently be declared effective by the SEC, which may permit us, from time to time, to offer and sell common stock, preferred stock, warrants and other securities to the extent necessary or advisable to meet our liquidity needs.
Portfolio Management
Our portfolio management strategy involves the allocation of investment capital to enhance rent growth and increase long-term capital values through portfolio design, emphasizing land value as well as location and submarket. We target geographic diversification in our portfolio in order to reduce the volatility of our rental revenue and to reduce the risk of undue concentration in any particular market. Similarly, we seek price point diversification by owning multifamily properties that offer properties at rents below those asked by competitive new building supply.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisitions and developments may be financed from various sources of capital, which may include retained cash flow, issuance of additional equity and debt, sales of properties and joint venture arrangements. In addition, the Company may acquire properties in transactions that include Operating Partnership (OP) Units as consideration for the acquired properties. Such transactions may, in certain circumstances, enable the sellers to defer, in whole or in part, the recognition of taxable income or gain that might otherwise result from the sales.
When evaluating potential acquisitions, we consider a wide variety of factors, including:
• whether it is located in a high barrier-to-entry market;
• population growth, cost of alternative housing, overall potential for economic growth and the tax and regulatory environment of the community in which the property is located;
• geographic location, including proximity to jobs, entertainment, transportation, and our existing communities which can deliver significant economies of scale;
• construction quality, condition and design of the property;
• current and projected cash flow of the property and the ability to increase cash flow;
• ability of the property’s projected cash flows to exceed our cost of capital;
• potential for capital appreciation of the property;
• ability to increase the value and profitability of the property through operations and redevelopment;
• terms of resident leases, including the potential for rent increases;
• occupancy and demand by tenants for properties of a similar type in the vicinity;
• prospects for liquidity through sale, financing, or refinancing of the property; and
• competition from existing multifamily communities and the potential for the construction of new multifamily properties in the area.
Our Acquisition Process and Underwriting Criteria
We identify property acquisition opportunities primarily through relationships developed over time by our officers with borrowers, joint venture partners, real estate investors and brokers. We are interested in acquiring the following types of properties:
• Class B or better properties with strong and stable cash flows in markets where we believe there exists opportunity for rental growth and further value creation;
• Class B or better properties that offer significant potential for capital appreciation through repositioning or rehabilitating the asset to drive rental growth;
• properties available at opportunistic prices providing an opportunity for a significant appreciation in value; and
• development of Class A properties in markets where we believe we can generate significant returns from the operation and if appropriate, sale of the development.
We regularly monitor our assets to increase the quality and performance of our portfolio. Factors we consider in deciding whether to dispose of a property include:
• current market price for an asset compared to projected economics for that asset;
• potential increases in new construction in the market area;
• areas with low job growth prospects;
• markets where we do not intend to establish a long-term concentration; and
• operating efficiencies.
Additionally, as part of our strategy, the Company may purchase properties at various stages of occupancy and completion and may acquire land parcels to hold and/or sell as well as options to buy more land in the future. The Company may also seek to acquire properties by providing mezzanine financing/equity and/or purchasing defaulted or distressed debt that encumbers desirable properties.
The Company has done an extensive positioning planning of its portfolio into urban and highly walkable, close-in suburban communities. The Company targets properties and primarily located in markets and submarkets it believes will remain attractive long-term because they are primarily located in the urban and high-density suburban areas noted above.
Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)
We endeavor to provide a richly diverse work environment that employs the highest performers, cultivates the best ideas and creates the widest possible platform for success. We are committed to elevating and supporting the core values of diversity and inclusion, “Total Well-Being” (which brings together physical, financial, career, social and community well-being into a cohesive whole), and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”), which includes sustainability and social responsibility, by actively engaging in these areas. Each member of the executive team maintains an annual goal related to these core values, which is evaluated by the Company’s Board of Trustees. Our goal is to create and sustain an inclusive environment where diversity will thrive, employees will want to work and tenants will want. We are committed to providing our employees with encouragement, guidance, time and resources to learn and apply the skills required to succeed in their jobs. We provide many classroom and on-line training courses to assist our employees in interacting with prospects and tenants as well as extensive training for our customer service specialists in maintaining our properties and improvements, equipment and appliances. We actively promote from within and many senior corporate and property leaders have risen from entry level or junior positions. We monitor our employees’ engagement by surveying them annually and find most employees say they are proud to work at the Company, value one another as colleagues, believe in our mission and values and feel their skills meet their job requirements.
We have a commitment to sustainability and consider the environmental impacts of our business activities. Sustainability and social responsibility are key drivers of our focus on creating the best properties for tenants operate, work and play. We have a dedicated in-house team that initiates and applies sustainable practices in all aspects of our business, including investment activities, development, property operations and property management activities. With its high density, multifamily housing is, by its nature, an environmentally friendly property type. Our recent acquisition and development activities have been primarily concentrated in pedestrian-friendly urban and close-in suburban locations near public transportation. When developing and renovating our properties, we strive to reduce energy and water consumption by investing in energy saving technology while positively impacting the experience of our tenants and the value of our assets. We continue to implement a combination of irrigation, lighting, HVAC and renewable energy improvements at our properties that will reduce energy and water consumption. For 2020, we continue to have an express company-wide goal for Total Well-Being, which includes enhanced ESG efforts. Employees, including our executives, will have their performance against our various Total Well - Being goals evaluated as part of our annual performance review process.
Buyouts of Joint Venture Partners
From time to time, we acquire our joint venture partner's equity interest in projects and as a result, these properties are wholly-owned by us.
Risk Management
As of December 31, 2019, we owned three properties. We embraced portfolio diversification at acquisitions as our main risk management strategy. We will continue to diversify the investment size and location of our portfolio of properties in order to manage our portfolio-level risk. Over the long term, we intend that no single property will exceed 25% of our total assets and that no single tenant will exceed 30% of our total assets.
We expect that single tenants will occupy our properties pursuant to triple-net lease arrangements in general and, therefore, the success of our investments will be materially dependent on the financial stability of these tenants. We expect the success of our future tenants, and their ability to make rent payments to us, to significantly depend on the projected growth and development of the applicable state market; as many of these state markets have a very limited history, and other state markets are still forming their regulations, issuing licenses and otherwise establishing the market framework, significant uncertainty exists as to whether these markets will develop in the way that we or our future tenants project.
We intend to evaluate the credit quality of our future tenants and any guarantors on an ongoing basis by reviewing, where available, the publicly filed financial reports, press releases and other publicly available industry information regarding our future tenants and any guarantors. In addition, we intend to monitor the payment history data for all of our future tenants and, in some instances, we monitor our future tenants by periodically conducting site visits and meeting with the tenants to discuss their operations. In many instances, we will generally not be entitled to financial results or other credit-related data from our future tenants. See the section "Risks Related to Our Business" under Item 1A, "Risk Factors."
Competition
The current market for properties that meet our investment objectives is limited. In addition, we believe finding properties that are appropriate for the specific use of allowing medical-use cannabis growers may be limited as more competitors enter the market, and as medical-use cannabis growers obtain greater access to alternative financing sources, including but not limited to equity and debt financing sources. We face significant competition from a diverse mix of market participants, including but not limited to, other companies with similar business models, independent investors, hedge funds and other real estate investors, hard money lenders, and cannabis operators themselves, all of whom may compete with us in our efforts to acquire real estate zoned for multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities. In some instances, we will be competing to acquire real estate with persons who have no interest in the cannabis industry, but have identified value in a piece of real estate that we may be interested in acquiring.
These competitors may prevent us from acquiring desirable properties or may cause an increase in the price we must pay for properties. Our competitors may have greater financial and operational resources than we do and may be willing to pay more for certain assets or may be willing to accept more risk than we believe can be prudently managed. In particular, larger companies may enjoy significant competitive advantages that result from, among other things, a lower cost of capital and enhanced operating efficiencies. Our competitors may also adopt transaction structures similar to ours, which would decrease our competitive advantage in offering flexible transaction terms. In addition, due to a number of factors, including but not limited to potential greater clarity of the laws and regulations governing medical-use cannabis by state and federal governments, the number of entities and the amount of funds competing for suitable investment properties may increase substantially, resulting in increased demand and increased prices paid for these properties. If we pay higher prices for properties, our profitability may decrease, and you may experience a lower return on our common stock. Increased competition for properties may also preclude us from acquiring those properties that would generate attractive returns to us.
Competitive Strengths in Affordable Housing
On affordable housing, all of the Company’s targeted properties are located in developed areas that include other properties. The number of competitive properties in a particular area could have a material effect on the Company’s ability to lease units at its properties and on the rents charged. The Company may be competing with other entities that have greater resources than the Company and whose managers have more experience than the Company’s managers. In addition, other forms of rental properties provide alternatives to potential renters of our properties. See Item 1A, Risk Factors ,for additional information with respect to competition.
We believe that, in general, we are well-positioned to compete effectively for tenants and investments. We believe our competitive advantages include:
• a fully integrated organization with property management, development, redevelopment, acquisition, marketing, sales and financing expertise;
• scalable operating and support systems, which include automated systems to meet the changing electronic needs of our residents and to effectively focus on our Internet marketing efforts;
• access to sources of capital;
• geographic diversification with a presence in markets across the country; and
• significant presence in many of our major markets that allows us to be a local operating expert.
Moving forward, we will continue to optimize lease management, improve expense control, increase resident retention efforts and align employee incentive plans with our bottom line performance. We believe this plan of operation, coupled with the portfolio’s strengths in targeting renters across a geographically diverse platform, should position us for continued operational upside.
The real estate business is cyclical. Real estate cycles are generally impacted by many factors, including availability of equity and debt capital, borrowing cost, rent levels, and asset values. Our strategy will result in a strong track record of creating both asset and entity value for the benefit of our shareholders and partners over these various real estate cycles.
Governmental Regulation
Federal Laws Applicable to the Medical-Use Cannabis Industry
Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency ("DEA") and the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") with no medical use, and therefore it is illegal to grow, possess and consume cannabis under federal law. The Controlled Substances Act of 1910 ("CSA") bans cannabis-related businesses; the possession, cultivation and production of cannabis-infused products; and the distribution of cannabis and products derived from it. Moreover, on two separate occasions the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the CSA trumps state law. That means that the federal government has the option of enforcing U.S. drug laws, creating a climate of legal uncertainty regarding the production and sale of medical-use cannabis.
Under the Obama administration, the DOJ previously issued memoranda, including the so-called “Cole Memo” on August 29, 2013, providing internal guidance to federal prosecutors concerning enforcement of federal cannabis prohibitions under the CSA. This guidance essentially characterized use of federal law enforcement resources to prosecute those complying with state laws allowing the use, manufacture and distribution of cannabis as an inefficient use of such federal resources when state laws and enforcement efforts are effective with respect to specific federal enforcement priorities under the CSA.
On January 4, 2018, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a written memorandum rescinding the Cole Memo and related internal guidance issued by the DOJ regarding federal law enforcement priorities involving cannabis (the “Sessions Memo”). The Sessions Memo instructs federal prosecutors that when determining which cannabis-related activities to prosecute under federal law with the DOJ’s finite resources, prosecutors should follow the well-established principles set forth in the U.S. Attorneys’ Manual governing all federal prosecutions. The Sessions Memo states that “these principles require federal prosecutors deciding which cases to prosecute to weigh all relevant considerations, including federal law enforcement priorities set by the Attorney General, the seriousness of the crime, the deterrent effect of criminal prosecution, and the cumulative impact of particular crimes on the community.” The Sessions Memo went on to state that given the DOJ’s well-established general principles, “previous nationwide guidance specific to marijuana is unnecessary and is rescinded, effective immediately.” It is unclear what impact the Sessions Memo will have on the medical-use cannabis industry, if any.
In addition, pursuant to the current omnibus spending bill previously approved by Congress, the DOJ is prohibited from using funds appropriated by Congress to prevent states from implementing their medical-use cannabis laws. A similar provision was also included in each prior Congressional omnibus spending bill since 2014. This provision, however, is currently set to expire on September 30, 2019, and there is no assurance that Congress will approve inclusion of a similar prohibition on DOJ spending in the appropriations bills for future years. In USA vs. McIntosh, the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that this provision prohibits the DOJ from spending funds from relevant appropriations acts to prosecute individuals who engage in conduct permitted by state medical-use cannabis laws and who strictly comply with such laws. However, the Ninth Circuit's opinion, which only applies in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii and Idaho, also held that persons who do not strictly comply with all state laws and regulations regarding the distribution, possession and cultivation of medical-use cannabis have engaged in conduct that is unauthorized, and in such instances the DOJ may prosecute those individuals.
Furthermore, while we target the acquisition of multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities, our leases do not prohibit cannabis cultivation for adult-use that is permissible under the state and local laws where our facilities are located. Consequently, certain of our future tenants cultivate adult-use cannabis now (or may in the future) in our multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities that are permitted by such state and local laws, which may in turn subject the tenant, us and our properties to greater and/or different federal legal and other risks than exclusively multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities, including not providing protection under the above Congressional spending provision.
Federal prosecutors have significant discretion and no assurance can be given that the federal prosecutor in each judicial district where we purchase a property will not choose to strictly enforce the federal laws governing cannabis production or distribution. Any change in the federal government's enforcement posture with respect to state-licensed cultivation of medical-use cannabis, including the enforcement postures of individual federal prosecutors in judicial districts where we purchase properties, would result in our inability to execute our business plan, and we would likely suffer significant losses with respect to our investment in multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities in the United States, which would adversely affect the trading price of our securities. Furthermore, following any such change in the federal government's enforcement position, we could be subject to criminal prosecution, which could lead to imprisonment and/or the imposition of penalties, fines, or forfeiture. See “Risk Factors – Risks Relating to Regulation.”
State Laws Applicable to the Medical-Use Cannabis Industry
In most states that have legalized medical-use cannabis in some form, the growing and/or dispensing of cannabis generally requires that the operator obtain one or more licenses in accordance with applicable state requirements. In addition, many states regulate various aspects of the growing and/or dispensing of medical-use cannabis. For example, New York limits the types of treatable medical conditions, requires registration of both patients and recommending physicians, limits the types of strains that can be grown, sets prices through the State Program Commissioner, requires that a registered pharmacist be on the premises of all dispensaries during hours of operation, and prohibits cannabis in flower form. Local governments in some cases also impose rules and regulations on the manner of operating cannabis businesses. As a result, applicable state and local laws and regulations vary widely. As a result of licensing requirements, if our future tenants default under their leases, we may not be able to find new tenants that have the requisite license to engage in the cultivation of medical cannabis on the properties.
Laws Applicable to Banking for Cannabis Industry
All banks are subject to federal law, whether the bank is a national bank or state-chartered bank. At a minimum, all banks maintain federal deposit insurance which requires adherence to federal law. Violation of federal law could subject a bank to loss of its charter. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by cannabis-related conduct can form the basis for prosecution under the federal money laundering statutes, unlicensed money transmitter statutes and the Bank Secrecy Act. For example, under the Bank Secrecy Act, banks must report to the federal government any suspected illegal activity, which would include any transaction associated with a cannabis-related business. These reports must be filed even though the business is operating in compliance with applicable state and local laws. Therefore, financial institutions that conduct transactions with money generated by cannabis-related conduct could face criminal liability under the Bank Secrecy Act for, among other things, failing to identify or report financial transactions that involve the proceeds of cannabis-related violations of the CSA.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCen") issued guidance in February 2014 which clarifies how financial institutions can provide services to cannabis-related businesses consistent with their obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act. Concurrently with the FinCen guidance, the DOJ issued supplemental guidance directing federal prosecutors to consider the federal enforcement priorities enumerated in the Cole Memo with respect to federal money laundering, unlicensed money transmitter and Bank Secrecy Act offenses based on cannabis-related violations of the CSA. The FinCen guidance sets forth extensive requirements for financial institutions to meet if they want to offer bank accounts to cannabis-related businesses, including close monitoring of businesses to determine that they meet all of the requirements established by the DOJ, including those enumerated in the Cole Memo. This is a level of scrutiny that is far beyond what is expected of any normal banking relationship.
As a result, many banks are hesitant to offer any banking services to cannabis-related businesses, including opening bank accounts. While we currently have a bank account, our inability to maintain that account or the lack of access to bank accounts or other banking services in the future, would make it difficult for us to operate our business, increase our operating costs, and pose additional operational, logistical and security challenges. Similarly, if our proposed tenants are unable to access banking services, they will not be able to enter into triple-net leasing arrangements with us, as our leases will require rent payments to be made by check or wire transfer.
Furthermore, it is unclear what impact the rescission of the Cole Memo will have, but federal prosecutors may increase enforcement activities against institutions or individuals that are conducting financial transactions related to cannabis activities. The increased uncertainty surrounding financial transactions related to cannabis activities may also result in financial institutions discontinuing services to the cannabis industry. See “Risk Factors – Risks Relating to Regulation.”
Agricultural Regulation
The medical-use cannabis properties that we acquire are used primarily for cultivation and production of medical-use cannabis and are subject to the laws, ordinances and regulations of state, local and federal governments, including laws, ordinances and regulations involving land use and usage, water rights, treatment methods, disturbance, the environment, and eminent domain.
Each governmental jurisdiction has its own distinct laws, ordinances and regulations governing the use of agricultural lands. Many such laws, ordinances and regulations seek to regulate water usage and water runoff because water can be in limited supply, as is the case in certain locations where our properties are located. In addition, runoff from rain or from irrigation is governed by laws, ordinances and regulations from state, local and federal governments. Additionally, if any of the water used on or running off from our properties flows to any rivers, streams, ponds, the ocean or other waters, there may be specific laws, ordinances and regulations governing the amount of pollutants, including sediments, nutrients and pesticides, that such water may contain.
We believe that our existing properties have, and other properties that we acquire in the future will have, sources of water, including wells and/or surface water that provide sufficient amounts of water necessary for the current operations at each location. However, should the need arise for additional water from wells and/or surface water sources, we may be required to obtain additional permits or approvals or to make other required notices prior to developing or using such water sources. Permits for drilling water wells or withdrawing surface water may be required by federal, state and local governmental entities pursuant to laws, ordinances, regulations or other requirements, and such permits may be difficult to obtain due to drought, the limited supply of available water within the districts of the states in which our properties are located or other reasons.
In addition to the regulation of water usage and water runoff, state, local and federal governments also seek to regulate the type, quantity and method of use of chemicals and materials for growing crops, including fertilizers, pesticides and nutrient rich materials. Such regulations could include restricting or preventing the use of such chemicals and materials near residential housing or near water sources. Further, some regulations have strictly forbidden or significantly limited the use of certain chemicals and materials. Licenses, permits and approvals must be obtained from governmental authorities requiring such licenses, permits and approvals before chemicals and materials can be used at grow facilities. Reports on the usage of such chemicals and materials must be submitted pursuant to applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations and the terms of the specific licenses, permits and approvals. Failure to comply with laws, ordinances and regulations, to obtain required licenses, permits and approvals or to comply with the terms of such licenses, permits and approvals could result in fines, penalties and/or imprisonment.
The use of land for agricultural purposes in certain jurisdictions is also subject to regulations governing the protection of endangered species. When agricultural lands border, or are in close proximity to, national parks, protected natural habitats or wetlands, the agricultural operations on such properties must comply with laws, ordinances and regulations related to the use of chemicals and materials and avoid disturbance of habitats, wetlands or other protected areas.
Because properties we intend to own may be used for growing medical-use cannabis, there may be other additional land use and zoning regulations at the state or local level that affect our properties that may not apply to other types of agricultural uses. For example, certain states in which our properties would be located require stringent security systems in place at grow facilities, and require stringent procedures for disposal of waste materials. As an owner of agricultural lands, we may be liable or responsible for the actions or inactions of our future tenants with respect to these laws, regulations and ordinances.
Environmental Matters
Our properties and the operations thereon are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, including laws relating to water, air, solid wastes and hazardous substances. Our properties and the operations thereon are also subject to federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations and requirements related to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, as well as comparable state statutes relating to the health and safety of our employees and others working on our properties. Although we believe that we and our future tenants are in material compliance with these requirements, there can be no assurance that we will not incur significant costs, civil and criminal penalties and liabilities, including those relating to claims for damages to persons, property or the environment resulting from operations at our properties.
Real Estate Industry Regulation
Generally, the ownership and operation of real properties are subject to various laws, ordinances and regulations, including regulations relating to zoning, land use, water rights, wastewater, storm water runoff and lien sale rights and procedures. These laws, ordinances or regulations, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Compensation Liability Act and its state analogs, or any changes to any such laws, ordinances or regulations, could result in or increase the potential liability for environmental conditions or circumstances existing, or created by tenants or others, on our properties. Laws related to upkeep, safety and taxation requirements may result in significant unanticipated expenditures, loss of our properties or other impairments to operations, any of which would adversely affect our cash flows from operating activities.
Our property management activities, to the extent we are required to engage in them due to lease defaults by tenants or vacancies on certain properties, will likely be subject to state real estate brokerage laws and regulations as determined by the particular real estate commission for each state.
Insurance
We carry comprehensive general liability coverage on our communities, with limits of liability customary within the multi-family properties industry to insure against liability claims and related defense costs. We are also insured, with limits of liability customary within the real estate industry, against the risk of direct physical damage in amounts necessary to reimburse us on a replacement cost basis for costs incurred to repair or rebuild each property, including loss of rental income during the reconstruction period.
Our primary lines of insurance coverage are property, general liability and workers’ compensation. We believe that our insurance coverages adequately insure our multifamily properties against the risk of loss attributable to fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, flood, terrorism and other perils, and adequately insure us against other risk. Our coverage includes deductibles, retentions and limits that are customary in the industry. We have established loss prevention, loss mitigation, claims handling and litigation management procedures to manage our exposure.
Seasonality
Our business has not been, and we do not expect it to become subject to, material seasonal fluctuations.
Employees
As of December 31, 2019, we had 3 non-W2 staff considered to be part of our management team. Those three include our sole officer, Frank I Igwealor and Director, Patience Ogbozor. We have not experienced any work stoppages, and we consider our relations with our officers to be good.
Going Concern
We are dependent upon the receipt of capital investment and other financing to fund our ongoing operations and to execute our business plan. If continued funding and capital resources are unavailable at reasonable terms, we may not be able to implement our plan of operations. We may be required to obtain alternative or additional financing, from financial institutions or otherwise, in order to maintain and expand our existing operations. The failure by us to obtain such financing would have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our 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 financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. We may be required to cease operations which could result in our stockholders losing all or almost all of their investment.
Where You Can Find More Information
We have restarted filing annual, quarterly, and special reports, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. You can also access these reports and other filings electronically on the SEC’s web site, www.sec.gov.
ITEM 1A. |
RISK FACTORS |
Certain factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below, in addition to other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment.
For purposes of this section, the term "stockholders" means the holders of shares of Video River Networks, Inc.’s common stock. Set forth below are the risks that we believe are material to Video River Networks, Inc.’s stockholders. You should carefully consider the following factors in evaluating our Company, our properties and our business.
Our business, operating results, cash flows and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, those set forth below, any one of which could cause our actual operating results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results.
Risks Related to Our Business
We have a limited operating history, and may not be able to operate our business successfully or generate sufficient cash flow to sustain distributions to our stockholders.
We have a limited operating history. We currently own three investment properties. We are subject to many of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business enterprise. We cannot assure you that we will be able to operate our business successfully or profitably or find additional suitable investments. Our ability to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders over the long term is dependent on our ability both to generate sufficient cash flow to pay an attractive dividend and to achieve capital appreciation, and we cannot assure you we will do either. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to generate sufficient revenue from operations to pay our operating expenses and make distributions to stockholders. The results of our operations and the execution on our business plan depend on several factors, including the availability of additional opportunities for investment, the performance of our existing properties and tenants, the availability of adequate equity and debt financing, the federal and state regulatory environment relating to the medical-use cannabis industry, conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions.
Risks Related to Our Real Estate Investments and Operations
Our current real estate portfolio consists of three investment properties and will likely continue to be concentrated in a limited number of properties in the future, which subjects us to an increased risk of significant loss if any property declines in value or if we are unable to lease a property.
As at December 31, 2019, we currently own three investment properties. We have no tenant nor rental revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019. Lease payment defaults by any of our future tenants or a significant decline in the value of any single property would materially adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations, including our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. A lack of diversification may also increases the potential that a single underperforming investment could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows and the price we could realize from the sale of our properties. Any adverse change in the financial condition of any of our future tenants, including but not limited to the state medical-use cannabis markets not developing and growing in ways that we or our future tenants projected, or any adverse change in the political climate regarding medical-use cannabis where our properties are located, would subject us to a significant risk of loss.
In addition, failure by any our future tenants to comply with the terms of its lease agreement with us could require us to find another lessee for the applicable property. We may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-leasing that property. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that we will be able to re-lease that property for the rent we currently receive, or at all, or that a lease termination would not result in our having to sell the property at a loss. The result of any of the foregoing risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
General real estate investment risks may adversely affect property income and values.
Real estate investments are subject to a variety of risks. If the multifamily properties and other real estate investments do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, cash flow and the ability to make distributions to NIHK's stockholders or the Operating Partnership's unitholders will be adversely affected. Income from the multifamily properties may be further adversely affected by, among other things, the following factors:
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changes in the general or local economic climate, including layoffs, plant closings, industry slowdowns, relocations of significant local employers and other events negatively impacting local employment rates and wages and the local economy; |
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local economic conditions in which the multifamily properties are located, such as oversupply of housing or a reduction in demand for rental housing; |
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the attractiveness and desirability of our multifamily properties to tenants, including, without limitation, our technology offerings and our ability to identify and cost effectively implement new, relevant technologies, and to keep up with constantly changing consumer demand for the latest innovations; |
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inflationary environments in which the costs to operate and maintain multifamily properties increase at a rate greater than our ability to increase rents, or deflationary environments where we may be exposed to declining rents more quickly under our short-term leases; |
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competition from other available housing alternatives; |
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changes in rent control or stabilization laws or other laws regulating housing; |
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the Company’s ability to provide for adequate maintenance and insurance; |
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declines in the financial condition of our tenants, which may make it more difficult for us to collect rents from some tenants; |
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tenants' perceptions of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of our multifamily properties and the neighborhoods where they are located; and |
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changes in interest rates and availability of financing. |
As leases at the multifamily properties expire, tenants may enter into new
leases on terms that are less favorable to the Company. Income and real estate
values also may be adversely affected by such factors as applicable laws,
including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (the
"Disabilities Act"), Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988 (the
"FHAA"), permanent and temporary rent control laws, rent
stabilization laws, other laws regulating housing that may prevent the Company
from raising rents to offset increased operating expenses, and tax laws.
Short-term leases expose us to the effects of declining market rents, and the Company may be unable to renew leases or relet units as leases expire.
Substantially all of our apartment leases are for a term of one year or less. If the Company is unable to promptly renew the leases or relet the units, or if the rental rates upon renewal or reletting are significantly lower than expected rates, then the Company’s results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected. With these short term leases, our rental revenues are impacted by declines in market rents more quickly than if our leases were for longer terms.
National and regional economic environments can negatively impact the Company’s liquidity and operating results.
The Company's forecast for the national economy assumes growth of the gross domestic product of the national economy and the economies of the west coast states. In the event of a recession, the Company could incur reductions in rental rates, occupancy levels, property valuations and increases in operating costs such as advertising and turnover expenses. A recession may affect consumer confidence and spending and negatively impact the volume and pricing of real estate transactions, which could negatively affect the Company’s liquidity and its ability to vary its portfolio promptly in response to changes to the economy. Furthermore, if residents do not experience increases in their income, they may be unable or unwilling to pay rent increases, and delinquencies in rent payments and rent defaults may increase.
Rent control, or other changes in applicable laws, or noncompliance with applicable laws, could adversely affect the Company's operations or expose us to liability.
The Company must own, operate, manage, acquire, develop and redevelop its properties in compliance with numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, some of which may conflict with one another or be subject to limited judicial or regulatory interpretations. These laws and regulations may include zoning laws, building codes, rent control or stabilization laws, federal, state and local tax laws, landlord tenant laws, environmental laws, employment laws, immigration laws and other laws regulating housing or that are generally applicable to the Company's business and operations. Noncompliance with laws could expose the Company to liability. If the Company does not comply with any or all of these requirements, it may have to pay fines to government authorities or damage awards to private litigants, and/or may have to decrease rents in order to comply with such requirements. The Company does not know whether these requirements will change or whether new requirements will be imposed. Changes in, or noncompliance with, these regulatory requirements could require the Company to make significant unanticipated expenditures, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In addition, rent control or rent stabilization laws and other regulatory restrictions may limit our ability to increase rents and pass through new or increased operating costs to our tenants. There has been a recent increase in municipalities, including those in which we own properties, considering or being urged by advocacy groups to consider rent control or rent stabilization laws and regulations or take other actions which could limit our ability to raise rents based solely on market conditions. These initiatives and any other future enactments of rent control or rent stabilization laws or other laws regulating multifamily housing, as well as any lawsuits against the Company arising from such rent control or other laws, may reduce rental revenues or increase operating costs. Such laws and regulations limit our ability to charge market rents, increase rents, evict tenants or recover increases in our operating expenses and could reduce the value of our multifamily properties or make it more difficult for us to dispose of properties in certain circumstances. Expenses associated with our investment in these multifamily properties, such as debt service, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in rental income from the community. Furthermore, such regulations may negatively impact our ability to attract higher-paying tenants to such multifamily properties.
Acquisitions of multifamily properties involve various risks and uncertainties and may fail to meet expectations.
The Company intends to continue to acquire apartment multifamily properties. However, there are risks that acquisitions will fail to meet the Company’s expectations. The Company’s estimates of future income, expenses and the costs of improvements or redevelopment that are necessary to allow the Company to market an acquired apartment community as originally intended may prove to be inaccurate. In addition, following an acquisition, the value and operational performance of an apartment community may be diminished if obsolescence or neighborhood changes occur before we are able to redevelop or sell the community. Also, in connection with such acquisitions, we may assume unknown liabilities, which could ultimately lead to material costs for us that we did not expect to incur. The Company expects to finance future acquisitions, in whole or in part, under various forms of secured or unsecured financing or through the issuance of partnership units by the Operating Partnership or related partnerships or joint ventures or additional equity by the Company. The use of equity financing, rather than debt, for future developments or acquisitions could dilute the interest of the Company’s existing stockholders. If the Company finances new acquisitions under existing lines of credit, there is a risk that, unless the Company obtains substitute financing, the Company may not be able to undertake additional borrowing for further acquisitions or developments or such borrowing may be not available on advantageous terms.
Development and redevelopment activities may be delayed, not completed, and/or not achieve expected results.
The Company pursues development and redevelopment projects and these projects generally require various governmental and other approvals, which have no assurance of being received and/or the timing of which may be delayed from the Company’s expectations. The Company defines development projects as new multifamily properties that are being constructed or are newly constructed and are in a phase of lease-up and have not yet reached stabilized operations, and redevelopment projects as existing properties owned or recently acquired that have been targeted for additional investment by the Company with the expectation of increased financial returns through property improvement.
The Company’s development and redevelopment activities generally entail certain risks, including, among others:
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funds may be expended and management's time devoted to projects that may not be completed on time or at all; |
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construction costs of a project may exceed original estimates possibly making the project economically unfeasible; |
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projects may be delayed due to, without limitation, adverse weather conditions, labor or material shortage, or environmental remediation; |
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occupancy rates and rents at a completed project may be less than anticipated; |
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expenses at completed development or redevelopment projects may be higher than anticipated, including, without limitation, due to costs of environmental remediation or increased costs for labor, materials and leasing; |
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we may be unable to obtain, or experience a delay in obtaining, necessary zoning, occupancy, or other required governmental or third party permits and authorizations, which could result in increased costs or delay or abandonment of opportunities; |
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we may be unable to obtain financing with favorable terms, or at all, for the proposed development or redevelopment of a community, which may cause us to delay or abandon an opportunity; and |
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we may incur liabilities to third parties during the development process, for example, in connection with managing existing improvements on the site prior to tenant terminations and demolition (such as commercial space) or in connection with providing services to third parties (such as the construction of shared infrastructure or other improvements.) |
These risks may reduce the funds available for distribution to Essex’s stockholders and the Operating Partnership's unitholders. Further, the development and redevelopment of multifamily properties is also subject to the general risks associated with real estate investments. For further information regarding these risks, please see the risk factor above titled "General real estate investment risks may adversely affect property income and values."
Our apartment multifamily properties may be subject to unknown or contingent liabilities which could cause us to incur substantial costs.
The properties that the Company owns or may acquire are or may be subject to unknown or contingent liabilities for which the Company may have no recourse, or only limited recourse, against the sellers. In general, the representations and warranties provided under the transaction agreements related to the sales of the properties may not survive the closing of the transactions. While the Company will seek to require the sellers to indemnify us with respect to breaches of representations and warranties that survive, such indemnification may be limited and subject to various materiality thresholds, a significant deductible or an aggregate cap on losses. As a result, there is no guarantee that we will recover any amounts with respect to losses due to breaches by the sellers of their representations and warranties. In addition, the total amount of costs and expenses that may be incurred with respect to liabilities associated with apartment multifamily properties may exceed our expectations, and we may experience other unanticipated adverse effects, all of which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The geographic concentration of the Company’s multifamily properties and fluctuations in local markets may adversely impact the Company’s financial condition and operating results.
The geographic concentration of our properties could present risks if local property market performance falls below expectations. In general, factors that may adversely affect local market and economic conditions include, among others, the following:
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the economic climate, which may be adversely impacted by a reduction in jobs or income levels, industry slowdowns, changing demographics and other factors; |
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local conditions, such as oversupply of, or reduced demand for, apartment homes; |
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declines in household formation or employment or lack of employment growth; |
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rent control or stabilization laws, or other laws regulating rental housing, which could prevent the Company from raising rents to offset increases in operating costs, or the inability or unwillingness of tenants to pay rent increases; |
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competition from other available apartments and other housing alternatives and changes in market rental rates; |
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economic conditions that could cause an increase in our operating expenses, including increases in property taxes, utilities and routine maintenance; and |
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regional specific acts of nature (e.g., earthquakes, fires, floods, etc.). |
Because the Company’s multifamily properties are primarily located in Southern California, Northern California and the Seattle metropolitan area, the Company is exposed to greater economic concentration risks than if it owned a more geographically diverse portfolio. The Company is susceptible to adverse developments in California and Washington economic and regulatory environments, such as increases in real estate and other taxes, and increased costs of complying with governmental regulations. In addition, the State of California is generally regarded as more litigious and more highly regulated and taxed than many states, which may reduce demand for the Company’s properties. Any adverse developments in the economy or real estate markets in California or Washington, or any decrease in demand for the Company’s multifamily properties resulting from the California or Washington regulatory or business environments, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Specialized Industrial Properties and Operations
Competition for the acquisition of properties suitable for the cultivation and production of medical-use cannabis may impede our ability to make acquisitions or increase the cost of these acquisitions, which could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We compete for the acquisition of properties suitable for the cultivation and production of medical-use cannabis with other entities engaged in agricultural and real estate investment activities, including corporate agriculture companies, cultivators and producers of medical-use cannabis, private equity investors, and other real estate investors (including public and private REITs). We also compete as a provider of capital to medical-use cannabis operators with alternative financing sources to these companies, including both equity and debt financing alternatives. These competitors may prevent us from acquiring desirable properties, may cause an increase in the price we must pay for properties or may result in us having to lease our properties on less favorable terms than we expect. Our competitors may have greater financial and operational resources than we do and may be willing to pay more for certain assets or may be willing to accept more risk than we believe can be prudently managed. In particular, larger companies may enjoy significant competitive advantages that result from, among other things, a lower cost of capital and enhanced operating efficiencies. Our competitors may also adopt transaction structures similar to ours, which would decrease our competitive advantage in offering flexible transaction terms. In addition, due to a number of factors, including but not limited to potential greater clarity of the laws and regulations governing medical-use cannabis by state and federal governments, the number of entities and the amount of funds competing for suitable investment properties may increase, resulting in increased demand and increased prices paid for these properties. If we pay higher prices for properties or enter into leases for such properties on less favorable terms than we expect, our profitability and ability to generate cash flow and make distributions to our stockholders may decrease. Increased competition for properties may also preclude us from acquiring those properties that would generate attractive returns to us.
Our growth will depend upon future acquisitions of multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities, and we may be unable to consummate acquisitions on advantageous terms.
Our growth strategy will be focused on the acquisition of specialized industrial real estate assets on favorable terms as opportunities arise. Our ability to acquire these real estate assets on favorable terms is subject to the following risks:
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competition from other potential acquirers or increased availability of alternative debt and equity financing sources for tenants may significantly increase the purchase price of a desired property; |
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we may not successfully purchase and lease our properties to meet our expectations; |
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we may be unable to obtain the necessary equity or debt financing to consummate an acquisition on satisfactory terms or at all; |
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agreements for the acquisition of properties are typically subject to closing conditions, including satisfactory completion of due diligence investigations, and we may spend significant time and money and divert management attention on potential acquisitions that we do not consummate; and |
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we may acquire properties without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, for liabilities, whether known or unknown, against the former owners of the properties. |
Our failure to consummate acquisition on advantageous terms without substantial expense or delay would impede our growth and negatively affect our results of operations and our ability to generate cash flow and make distributions to our stockholders.
There may only be a limited number of multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities operated by suitable tenants available for us to acquire, which could adversely affect the return on our common stock.
We target multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities for acquisition and leasing to licensed growers under triple-net lease agreements. We also target properties owned by growers that have been among the top candidates in the rigorous state licensing process and have been granted one or more licenses to operate multiple facilities. In light of the current regulatory landscape regarding medical-use cannabis, including but not limited to, the rigorous state licensing processes, limits on the number of licenses granted in certain states and in counties within such states, zoning regulations related to multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities, the inability of potential tenants to open bank accounts necessary to pay rent and other expenses and the ever-changing federal and state regulatory landscape, we may have only a limited number of multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities available to purchase that are operated by licensees that we believe would be suitable tenants. These tenants may also have increased access to alternative equity and debt financing sources over time, which may limit our ability to negotiate leasing arrangements that meet our investment criteria. Our inability to locate suitable investment properties and tenants would have a material adverse effect on our ability to generate cash flow and make distributions to our stockholders.
We may acquire our properties "as-is," which increases the risk of an investment that requires us to remedy defects or costs without recourse to the prior owner.
We may acquire other real estate properties, "as is" with only limited representations and warranties from the property seller regarding matters affecting the condition, use and ownership of the property. There may also be environmental conditions associated with properties we acquire of which we are unaware despite our diligence efforts. In particular, multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities may present environmental concerns of which we are not currently aware. If environmental contamination exists on properties we acquire or develops after acquisition, we could become subject to liability for the contamination. As a result, if defects in the property (including any building on the property) or other matters adversely affecting the property are discovered, including but not limited to environmental matters, we may not be able to pursue a claim for any or all damages against the property seller. Such a situation could harm our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
We face significant risks associated with the development and redevelopment of properties that we acquire.
We may, from time to time, engage in development or redevelopment of properties that we acquire. Development and redevelopment activities entail risks that could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations, including:
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construction costs, which may exceed our original estimates due to increases in materials, labor or other costs, which could make the project less profitable; |
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permitting or construction delays, which may result in increased project costs, as well as deferred revenue; |
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unavailability of raw materials when needed, which may result in project delays, stoppages or interruptions, which could make the project less profitable; |
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claims for warranty, product liability and construction defects after a property has been built; |
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health and safety incidents and site accidents; |
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poor performance or nonperformance by, or disputes with, any of our contractors, subcontractors or other third parties on whom we rely; |
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unforeseen engineering, environmental or geological problems, which may result in delays or increased costs; |
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labor stoppages, slowdowns or interruptions; |
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liabilities, expenses or project delays, stoppages or interruptions as a result of challenges by third parties in legal proceedings; and |
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weather-related and geological interference, including landslides, earthquakes, floods, drought, wildfires and other events, which may result in delays or increased costs. |
Failure to complete development or redevelopment activities on budget or on schedule may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and the ability of our future tenants at such properties to make payments under their leases with us.
Liability for uninsured losses could adversely affect our financial condition.
While the terms of our leases with our future tenants would generally require property and casualty insurance, losses from disaster-type occurrences, such as earthquakes, floods and weather-related disasters, and other types of insurance, such as landlord's rental loss insurance, may be either uninsurable or not insurable on economically viable terms. Should an uninsured loss occur, we could lose our capital investment or anticipated profits and cash flows from one or more properties.
Contingent or unknown liabilities could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
We may in the future acquire properties, subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if a claim were asserted against us based on ownership of any of these properties, we may have to pay substantial amounts to defend or settle the claim. If the magnitude of such unknown liabilities is high, individually or in the aggregate, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
The assets we acquire may be subject to impairment charges.
We would periodically evaluate the real estate investments we acquire and other assets for impairment indicators. The judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based upon factors such as market conditions, tenant performance and legal structure. For example, the termination of a lease by a tenant may lead to an impairment charge. If we determine that an impairment has occurred, we would be required to make an adjustment to the net carrying value of the asset which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which the impairment charge is recorded.
Due to our involvement in the regulated medical-use cannabis industry, we may have a difficult time obtaining the various insurance policies that are desired to operate our business, which may expose us to additional risks and financial liabilities.
Insurance that is otherwise readily available, such as workers' compensation, general liability, and directors' and officers' insurance, could be more difficult for us to find and more expensive, because we lease our properties to companies in the regulated medical-use cannabis industry. There are no guarantees that we will be able to find such insurance in the future, or that the cost will be affordable to us. If we are forced to go without such insurance, it may prevent us from entering into certain business sectors, may inhibit our growth, and may expose us to additional risk and financial liabilities.
We may purchase properties subject to ground leases that expose us to the loss of such properties upon breach or termination of the ground leases.
A ground lease agreement permits a tenant to develop and/or operate a land parcel (property) during the lease period, after which the land parcel and all improvements revert back to the property owner. Under a ground lease, property improvements are owned by the property owner unless an exception is created and all relevant taxes incurred during the lease period are paid for by the tenant. Ground leases typically have a long duration generally ranging from 50 to 99 years with additional extension options. As a lessee under a ground lease, we would be exposed to the possibility of losing the property upon termination, or an earlier breach by us, of the ground lease, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the trading price of our common stock.
The occurrence of cyber incidents or cyber attacks could disrupt our operations, result in the loss of confidential information and/or damage our business relationships and reputation.
We rely on technology to run our business, and as such we are subject to risk from cyber incidents, including cyber attacks attempting to gain unauthorized access to our systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data or steal confidential information, and other electronic security breaches. While we have implemented measures to help mitigate these threats, such measures cannot guarantee that we will be successful in preventing a cyber incident. The occurrence of a cyber incident or cyber attack could disrupt our operations, compromise the confidential information of our employees or tenants, and/or damage our business relationships and reputation.
We cannot predict every event and circumstance that may affect our business, and therefore, the risks and uncertainties discussed herein may not be the only ones you should consider.
We are not aware of any other community development holding company that focuses on the acquisition, ownership and management of multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities. Therefore, we may encounter risks of which we are not aware at this time, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.
Risks Related to Regulation
Cannabis remains illegal under federal law, and therefore, strict enforcement of federal laws regarding cannabis would likely result in our inability and the inability of our future tenants to execute our respective business plans.
Cannabis is a Schedule I controlled substance under the CSA. Even in those jurisdictions in which the manufacture and use of cannabis has been legalized at the state level, the possession, use and cultivation all remain violations of federal law that are punishable by imprisonment, substantial fines and forfeiture. Moreover, individuals and entities may violate federal law if they intentionally aid and abet another in violating these federal controlled substance laws, or conspire with another to violate them. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Coop. and Gonzales v. Raich that it is the federal government that has the right to regulate and criminalize the sale, possession and use of cannabis, even for medical purposes. We would likely be unable to execute our business plan if the federal government were to strictly enforce federal law regarding cannabis.
In January 2018, the DOJ rescinded certain memoranda, including the so-called “Cole Memo” issued on August 29, 2013 under the Obama Administration, which had characterized enforcement of federal cannabis prohibitions under the CSA to prosecute those complying with state regulatory systems allowing the use, manufacture and distribution of medical cannabis as an inefficient use of federal investigative and prosecutorial resources when state regulatory and enforcement efforts are effective with respect to enumerated federal enforcement priorities under the CSA. The impact of the DOJ's recent rescission of the Cole Memo and related memoranda is unclear, but may result in the DOJ increasing its enforcement actions against the regulated cannabis industry generally, including our future tenants and us.
Congress previously enacted an omnibus spending bill that includes a provision prohibiting the DOJ (which includes the DEA) from using funds appropriated by that bill to prevent states from implementing their medical-use cannabis laws. This provision, however, expires on September 30, 2019, and must be renewed by Congress. In USA vs. McIntosh, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that this provision prohibits the DOJ from spending funds from relevant appropriations acts to prosecute individuals who engage in conduct permitted by state medical-use cannabis laws and who strictly comply with such laws. However, the Ninth Circuit's opinion, which only applies to the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Idaho, also held that persons who do not strictly comply with all state laws and regulations regarding the distribution, possession and cultivation of medical-use cannabis have engaged in conduct that is unauthorized, and in such instances the DOJ may prosecute those individuals. Furthermore, while we target the acquisition of multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities, our leases do not prohibit cannabis cultivation for adult-use that is permissible under the state and local laws where our facilities are located, such as in California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Michigan. Consequently, certain of our future tenants currently (and additional tenants may in the future) cultivate adult-use cannabis in our multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities, as permitted by such state and local laws now or in the future, which may in turn subject the tenant, us and our properties to greater and/or different federal legal and other risks as compared to facilities where cannabis is cultivated exclusively for medical use, including not providing protection under the Congressional spending bill provision described above.
Additionally, financial transactions involving proceeds generated by cannabis-related conduct can form the basis for prosecution under the federal money laundering statutes, unlicensed money transmitter statutes and the Bank Secrecy Act. The penalties for violation of these laws include imprisonment, substantial fines and forfeiture. Prior to the DOJ's rescission of the Cole Memo, supplemental guidance from the DOJ issued under the Obama administration directed federal prosecutors to consider the federal enforcement priorities enumerated in the Cole Memo when determining whether to charge institutions or individuals with any of the financial crimes described above based upon cannabis-related activity. With the rescission of the Cole Memo, there is increased uncertainty and added risk that federal law enforcement authorities could seek to pursue money laundering charges against entities or individuals engaged in supporting the cannabis industry.
Federal prosecutors have significant discretion and no assurance can be given that the federal prosecutor in each judicial district where we purchase a property will not choose to strictly enforce the federal laws governing cannabis production or distribution. Any change in the federal government's enforcement posture with respect to state-licensed cultivation of cannabis, including the enforcement postures of individual federal prosecutors in judicial districts where we purchase properties, would result in our inability to execute our business plan, and we would likely suffer significant losses with respect to our investment in cannabis facilities in the United States, which would adversely affect the trading price of our securities. Furthermore, following any such change in the federal government's enforcement position, we could be subject to criminal prosecution, which could lead to imprisonment and/or the imposition of penalties, fines, or forfeiture.
Certain of our future tenants engage in operations for the adult-use cannabis industry in addition to or in lieu of operations for the medical-use cannabis industry, and such tenants, we and our properties may be subject to additional risks associated with such adult-use cannabis operations.
We expect that leases that we enter into with future tenants at other properties we acquire will not, prohibit cannabis cultivation for adult-use that is permissible under state and local laws where our facilities are located and certain of our future tenants are currently engaged in operations for the adult-use cannabis industry, which may subject our future tenants, us and our properties to different and greater risks, including greater prosecution risk for aiding and abetting violation of the CSA and federal laws governing money laundering. For example, the prohibition in the current omnibus spending bill that prohibits the DOJ from using funds appropriated by Congress to prevent states from implementing their medical-use cannabis laws does not extend to adult-use cannabis laws. In addition, while we may purchase properties in states that only permit medical-use cannabis at the time of acquisition, such states may in the future authorize by state legislation or popular vote the legalization of adult-use cannabis, thus permitting our future tenants to engage in adult-use cannabis operations at our properties. For example, the voters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed an initiative to legalize cannabis for adult-use in 2016, having previously voted to legalize medical-use cannabis in 2012. Massachusetts began issuing licenses to operators for the sale of adult-use cannabis in July 2018. Our existing leases at our Massachusetts properties do not prohibit our future tenants from conducting adult-use cannabis cultivation, processing or dispensing that is permissible under state and local laws. Similarly, the states of California and Colorado permit licensed adult-use cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensing, and our leases with tenants in California and Colorado allow for adult-use cannabis operations to be conducted at the properties in compliance with state and local laws. In addition, Michigan voters passed an initiative in November 2018 to legalize cannabis for adult-use.
New laws that are adverse to the business of our future tenants may be enacted, and current favorable national, state or local laws or enforcement guidelines relating to cultivation and production of cannabis may be modified or eliminated in the future.
We are targeting for acquisition properties that are owned by state-licensed cultivators and producers of cannabis. Relevant state or local laws may be amended or repealed, or new laws may be enacted in the future to eliminate existing laws permitting cultivation and production of cannabis. If our future tenants were forced to close their operations, we would need to replace those tenants with tenants who are not engaged in the cannabis industry, who may pay significantly lower rents. Moreover, any changes in state or local laws that reduce or eliminate the ability to cultivate and produce cannabis would likely result in a high vacancy rate for the kinds of properties that we seek to acquire, which would depress our lease rates and property values. In addition, we would realize an economic loss on any and all improvements made to properties that were specific to the cannabis industry.
Our ability to grow our business depends on state laws pertaining to the cannabis industry.
Continued development of the medical-use cannabis industry depends upon continued legislative authorization of cannabis at the state level. The status quo of, or progress in, the regulated medical-use cannabis industry is not assured and any number of factors could slow or halt further progress in this area. While there may be ample public support for legislative action permitting the manufacture and use of cannabis, numerous factors impact the legislative process. For example, many states that voted to legalize medical and/or adult-use cannabis have seen significant delays in the drafting and implementation of industry regulations and issuance of licenses. In addition, burdensome regulation at the state level could slow or stop further development of the medical-use cannabis industry, such as limiting the medical conditions for which medical cannabis can be recommended by physicians for treatment, restricting the form in which medical cannabis can be consumed, imposing significant registration requirements on physicians and patients or imposing significant taxes on the growth, processing and/or retail sales of cannabis, which could have the impact of dampening growth of the cannabis industry and making it difficult for cannabis businesses, including our future tenants, to operate profitably in those states. Any one of these factors could slow or halt additional legislative authorization of medical-use cannabis, which could harm our business prospects.
FDA regulation of medical-use cannabis and the possible registration of facilities where medical-use cannabis is grown could negatively affect the medical-use cannabis industry, which would directly affect our financial condition.
Should the federal government legalize cannabis for medical-use, it is possible that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") would seek to regulate it under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938. Additionally, the FDA may issue rules and regulations including certified good manufacturing practices, or cGMPs, related to the growth, cultivation, harvesting and processing of medical cannabis. Clinical trials may be needed to verify efficacy and safety. It is also possible that the FDA would require that facilities where medical-use cannabis is grown register with the FDA and comply with certain federally prescribed regulations. In the event that some or all of these regulations are imposed, we do not know what the impact would be on the medical-use cannabis industry, including what costs, requirements and possible prohibitions may be enforced. If we or our future tenants are unable to comply with the regulations or registration as prescribed by the FDA, we and or our future tenants may be unable to continue to operate their and our business in its current form or at all.
We and our future tenants may have difficulty accessing the service of banks, which may make it difficult to contract for real estate needs.
Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by cannabis-related conduct can form the basis for prosecution under the federal money laundering statutes, unlicensed money transmitter statute and the Bank Secrecy Act. Previous guidance issued by the FinCen, a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, clarifies how financial institutions can provide services to cannabis-related businesses consistent with their obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act. Prior to the DOJ’s announcement in January 2018 of the rescission of the Cole Memo and related memoranda, supplemental guidance from the DOJ directed federal prosecutors to consider the federal enforcement priorities enumerated in the Cole Memo when determining whether to charge institutions or individuals with any of the financial crimes described above based upon cannabis-related activity. It is unclear what impact the rescission of the Cole Memo will have, but federal prosecutors may increase enforcement activities against institutions or individuals that are conducting financial transactions related to cannabis activities. The increased uncertainty surrounding financial transactions related to cannabis activities may also result in financial institutions discontinuing services to the cannabis industry.
Consequently, those businesses involved in the regulated medical-use cannabis industry continue to encounter difficulty establishing banking relationships, which may increase over time. Our inability to maintain our current bank accounts would make it difficult for us to operate our business, increase our operating costs, and pose additional operational, logistical and security challenges and could result in our inability to implement our business plan.
The terms of our leases require that our future tenants make rental payments via check or wire transfer. The inability of our current and potential tenants to open accounts and continue using the services of banks will limit their ability to enter into triple-net lease arrangements with us or may result in their default under our lease agreements, either of which could materially harm our business and the trading price of our securities.
Owners of properties located in close proximity to our properties may assert claims against us regarding the use of the property as a medical cannabis cultivation and processing facility, which if successful, could materially and adversely affect our business.
Owners of properties located in close proximity to our properties may assert claims against us regarding the use of our properties for medical cannabis cultivation and processing, including assertions that the use of the property constitutes a nuisance that diminishes the market value of such owner's nearby property. Such property owners may also attempt to assert such a claim in federal court as a civil matter under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. If a property owner were to assert such a claim against us, we may be required to devote significant resources and costs to defending ourselves against such a claim, and if a property owner were to be successful on such a claim, our future tenants may be unable to continue to operate their business in its current form at the property, which could materially adversely impact the tenant's business and the value of our property, our business and financial results and the trading price of our securities.
Laws and regulations affecting the regulated cannabis industry are constantly changing, which could materially adversely affect our proposed operations, and we cannot predict the impact that future regulations may have on us.
Local, state and federal cannabis laws and regulations are broad in scope and subject to evolving interpretations, which could require us to incur substantial costs associated with compliance or alter our business plan. In addition, violations of these laws, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our operations. It is also possible that regulations may be enacted in the future that will be directly applicable to our proposed business. We cannot predict the nature of any future laws, regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can we determine what effect additional governmental regulations or administrative policies and procedures, when and if promulgated, could have on our business.
Applicable state laws may prevent us from maximizing our potential income.
Depending on the laws of each particular state, we may not be able to fully realize our potential to generate profit. For example, some states have residency requirements for those directly involved in the medical-use cannabis industry, which may impede our ability to contract with cannabis businesses in those states. Furthermore, cities and counties are being given broad discretion to ban certain cannabis activities. Even if these activities are legal under state law, specific cities and counties may ban them.
Assets leased to cannabis businesses may be forfeited to the federal government.
Any assets used in conjunction with the violation of federal law are potentially subject to federal forfeiture, even in states where cannabis is legal. In July 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a new policy directive regarding asset forfeiture, referred to as the "equitable sharing program." Under this new policy directive, federal authorities may adopt state and local forfeiture cases and prosecute them at the federal level, allowing for state and local agencies to keep up to 80% of any forfeiture revenue. This policy directive represents a reversal of the DOJ's policy under the Obama administration, and allows for forfeitures to proceed that are not in accord with the limitations imposed by state-specific forfeiture laws. This new policy directive may lead to increased use of asset forfeitures by local, state and federal enforcement agencies. If the federal government decides to initiate forfeiture proceedings against cannabis businesses, such as the multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities that we have acquired and intend to acquire, our investment in those properties may be lost.
We may have difficulty accessing bankruptcy courts.
As discussed above, the cannabis is illegal under federal law. Therefore, there is a compelling argument that the federal bankruptcy courts cannot provide relief for parties who engage in the cannabis or cannabis related businesses. Recent bankruptcy rulings have denied bankruptcies for dispensaries upon the justification that businesses cannot violate federal law and then claim the benefits of federal bankruptcy for the same activity and upon the justification that courts cannot ask a bankruptcy trustee to take possession of, and distribute cannabis assets as such action would violate the CSA. Therefore, we may not be able to seek the protection of the bankruptcy courts and this could materially affect our business or our ability to obtain credit.
The properties that we acquire are subject to extensive regulations, which may result in significant costs and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Our properties are and other properties that we expect to acquire will be subject to various local laws and regulatory requirements. Local property regulations, including restrictive covenants of record, may restrict the use of properties we acquire and may require us to obtain approval from local authorities with respect to the properties that we expect to acquire, including prior to acquiring a property or when developing or undertaking renovations. Among other things, these restrictions may relate to cultivation of medical-use cannabis, the use of water and the discharge of waste water, fire and safety, seismic conditions, asbestos-cleanup or hazardous material abatement requirements. We cannot assure you that existing regulatory policies will not materially and adversely affect us or the timing or cost of any future acquisitions, developments or renovations, or that additional regulations will not be adopted that would increase such delays or result in additional costs. Our failure to obtain such regulatory approvals could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Compliance with environmental laws could materially increase our operating expenses.
There may be environmental conditions associated with properties we acquire of which we are unaware. If environmental contamination exists on properties we acquire, we could become subject to liability for the contamination. The presence of hazardous substances on a property may materially and adversely affect our ability to sell the property and we may incur substantial remediation costs. In addition, although we may require in our leases that tenants operate in compliance with all applicable laws and indemnify us against any environmental liabilities arising from a tenant's activities on the property, we could nonetheless be subject to liability by virtue of our ownership interest and we cannot be sure that our future tenants would satisfy their indemnification obligations to us. Such environmental liability exposure associated with properties we acquire could harm our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Risks Related to Financing Our Business
Our growth depends on external sources of capital, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all. In addition, banks and other financial institutions may be reluctant to enter into lending transactions with us, including secured lending, because we acquire properties used in the cultivation and production of medical-use cannabis. If this source of funding is unavailable to us, our growth may be limited and our levered return on the properties we purchase may be lower.
We expect to acquire additional real estate assets, which we intend to finance primarily through newly issued equity or debt. We may not be in a position to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities for growth if we are unable, due to global or regional economic uncertainty, changes in the state or federal regulatory environment relating to the medical-use cannabis industry, our own operating or financial performance or otherwise, to access capital markets on a timely basis and on favorable terms or at all.
Our access to capital will depend upon a number of factors over which we have little or no control, including general market conditions and the market's perception of our current and potential future earnings. If general economic instability or downturn leads to an inability to borrow at attractive rates or at all, our ability to obtain capital to finance the purchase of real estate assets could be negatively impacted. In addition, banks and other financial institutions may be reluctant to enter into lending transactions with us, particularly secured lending, because we intend to acquire properties used in the cultivation and production of medical-use cannabis. If this source of funding is unavailable to us, our growth may be limited and our levered return on the properties we purchase may be lower.
If we are unable to obtain capital on terms and conditions that we find acceptable, we likely will have to reduce the number of properties we can purchase. In addition, our ability to refinance all or any debt we may incur in the future, on acceptable terms or at all, is subject to all of the above factors, and will also be affected by our future financial position, results of operations and cash flows, which additional factors are also subject to significant uncertainties, and therefore we may be unable to refinance any debt we may incur in the future, as it matures, on acceptable terms or at all. All of these events would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Any future indebtedness reduces our cash available for distribution and may expose us to the risk of default.
Payments of principal and interest on our borrowings that we may incur in the future may leave us with insufficient cash resources to operate the properties that we expect to acquire. Our level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by debt agreements could have significant material and adverse consequences, including the following:
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our cash flow may be insufficient to meet our required principal and interest payments; |
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we may be unable to borrow additional funds as needed or on favorable terms, or at all; |
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we may be unable to refinance our indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms may be less favorable than the terms of our original indebtedness; |
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to the extent we borrow debt that bears interest at variable rates, increases in interest rates could materially increase our interest expense; |
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we may be forced to dispose of one or more of the properties that we expect to acquire, possibly on disadvantageous terms; |
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we may default on our obligations or violate restrictive covenants, in which case the lenders may accelerate these debt obligations; and |
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our default under any loan with cross default provisions could result in a default on other indebtedness. |
If any one of these events were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure
We are dependent on our key personnel for our success.
We depend upon the efforts, experience, diligence, skill and network of business contacts of our senior management team, and our success will depend on their continued service. The departure of any of our executive officers or key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. If any of our key personnel were to cease their employment, our operating results could suffer. Further, we do not intend to maintain key person life insurance that would provide us with proceeds in the event of death or disability of any of our key personnel.
We believe our future success depends upon our senior management team's ability to hire and retain highly skilled managerial, operational and marketing personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot assure you that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such skilled personnel. If we lose or are unable to obtain the services of key personnel, our ability to implement our investment strategies could be delayed or hindered, and the value of our common stock may decline.
Furthermore, we may retain independent contractors to provide various services for us, including administrative services, transfer agent services and professional services. Such contractors have no fiduciary duty to us and may not perform as expected or desired.
Our senior management team would manage our portfolio subject to very broad investment guidelines.
Our senior management team will have broad discretion over our investments, and our stockholders will have no opportunity to evaluate the terms of transactions or other economic or financial data concerning our investments that are not described in periodic filings with the SEC. We will rely on the senior management team's ability to execute acquisitions and dispositions of multifamily properties, hemp farms, CBD processing and medical-use cannabis facilities, subject to the oversight and approval of our board of directors. Our senior management team will be authorized to pursue acquisitions and dispositions of real estate investments in accordance with very broad investment guidelines, subject to approval of our board of directors.
Our board of directors may change our investment objectives and strategies without stockholder consent.
Our board of directors determines our major policies, including with regard to financing, growth, debt capitalization and distributions. Our board of directors may amend or revise these and other policies without a vote of the stockholders. Our stockholders generally have a right to vote only on the following matters:
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the election or removal of directors; |
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the amendment of our charter, except that our board of directors may amend our charter without stockholder approval to: |
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change our name; |
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change the name or other designation or the par value of any class or series of stock and the aggregate par value of our stock; |
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increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock that we have the authority to issue; |
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increase or decrease the number of our shares of any class or series of stock that we have the authority to issue; and |
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effect certain reverse stock splits; |
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our liquidation and dissolution; and |
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our being a party to a merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets or statutory share exchange. |
All other matters are subject to the discretion of our board of directors.
Our authorized but unissued shares of common and preferred stock may prevent a change in our control.
Our Articles of Incorporation permits our board of directors to authorize us to issue additional shares of our authorized but unissued common or preferred stock. In addition, our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, amend our Articles of Incorporation to increase the aggregate number of our shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have the authority to issue and classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common or preferred stock and set the terms of the classified or reclassified shares. As a result, our board of directors may establish a class or series of shares of common or preferred stock that could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
Severance agreements with our executive officers could be costly and prevent a change in our control.
The severance agreements that we entered into with our executive officers provide that, if their employment with us terminates under certain circumstances (including upon a change in our control), we may be required to pay them significant amounts of severance compensation, including accelerated vesting of equity awards, thereby making it costly to terminate their employment. Furthermore, these provisions could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in our control that might involve a premium paid for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Because of our holding company structure, we depend on our Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries for cash flow and we will be structurally subordinated in right of payment to the obligations of such operating subsidiary and its subsidiaries.
We are a holding company with no business operations of our own. Our only significant asset is and will be the general and limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership. We conduct, and intend to conduct, all of our business operations through our Operating Partnership. Accordingly, our only source of cash to pay our obligations is distributions from our Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries of their net earnings and cash flows. We cannot assure our stockholders that our Operating Partnership or its subsidiaries will be able to, or be permitted to, make distributions to us that will enable us to make distributions to our stockholders from cash flows from operations. Each of our Operating Partnership's subsidiaries is or will be a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from such entities. In addition, because we are a holding company, your claims as stockholders will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations of our Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries. Therefore, in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, our assets and those of our Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries will be able to satisfy your claims as stockholders only after all of our and our Operating Partnership's and its subsidiaries' liabilities and obligations have been paid in full. Furthermore, U.S. bankruptcy courts have generally refused to grant bankruptcy protections to cannabis businesses.
Our Operating Partnership may issue additional limited partnership interests to third parties without the consent of our stockholders, which would reduce our ownership percentage in our Operating Partnership and would have a dilutive effect on the amount of distributions made to us by our Operating Partnership and, therefore, the amount of distributions we can make to our stockholders.
We are the sole general partner of our Operating Partnership and own, directly or through a subsidiary, 100% of the outstanding partnership interests in our Operating Partnership. We may, in connection with our acquisition of properties or otherwise, cause our Operating Partnership to issue additional limited partnership interests to third parties. Such issuances would reduce our ownership percentage in our Operating Partnership and affect the amount of distributions made to us by our Operating Partnership and, therefore, the amount of distributions we can make to our stockholders. Because our stockholders will not directly own any interest in our Operating Partnership, our stockholders will not have any voting rights with respect to any such issuances or other partnership level activities of our Operating Partnership.
If we issue limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership in exchange for property, the value placed on such partnership interests may not accurately reflect their market value, which may dilute your interest in us.
If we issue limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership in exchange for property, the per unit value attributable to such interests will be determined based on negotiations with the property seller and, therefore, may not reflect the fair market value of such limited partnership interests if a public market for such limited partnership interests existed. If the value of such limited partnership interests is greater than the value of the related property, your interest in us may be diluted.
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could limit your recourse in the event of actions not in your best interests.
We intend to enter into indemnification agreements with each of our executive directors and officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Nevada law.
We plan to continue to operate our business so that we are not required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
We intend to engage primarily in the business of investing in real estate and we have not and do not intend to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. If our primary business were to change in a manner that would require us register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we would have to comply with substantial regulation under the Investment Company Act which could restrict the manner in which we operate and finance our business and could materially and adversely affect our business operations and results.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
There currently is only a minimal public market for our common stock. Failure to develop or maintain a trading market could negatively affect the value of our common stock and make it difficult or impossible for you to sell your shares.
There currently is only a minimal public market for shares of our common stock and an active market may never develop. Our common stock is quoted on the OTC Pink Market operated by the OTC Market’s Group, Inc. under the symbol “NIHK”. We may not ever be able to satisfy the listing requirements for our common stock to be listed on any stock exchange, including the trading platforms of the NASDAQ Stock Market which are often more widely-traded and liquid markets. Some, but not all, of the factors which may delay or prevent the listing of our common stock on a more widely-traded and liquid market include the following: our stockholders’ equity may be insufficient; the market value of our outstanding securities may be too low; our net income from operations may be too low; our common stock may not be sufficiently widely held; we may not be able to secure market makers for our common stock; and we may fail to meet the rules and requirements mandated by, any of the several exchanges and markets to have our common stock listed.
Some of the factors that could negatively affect the share price or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our common stock include:
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our actual or projected operating results, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity or changes in business strategy or prospects; |
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changes in government policies, regulations or laws; |
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our ability to make acquisitions on preferable terms or at all; |
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the performance of our current properties and additional properties that we acquire; |
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equity issuances by us, or share resales by our stockholders, or the perception that such issuances or resales may occur; |
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actual or anticipated accounting problems; |
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publication of research reports about us, the real estate industry or the cannabis industry; |
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changes in market valuations of similar companies; |
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adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we may incur in the future; |
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interest rate changes; |
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additions to or departures of our senior management team; |
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speculation in the press or investment community or negative press in general; |
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our failure to meet, or the lowering of, our earnings estimates or those of any securities analysts; |
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refusal of securities clearing firms to accept deposits of our securities; |
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the realization of any of the other risk factors presented in this report; |
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actions by institutional stockholders; |
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price and volume fluctuations in the stock market generally; and |
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market and economic conditions generally, including the current state of the credit and capital markets and the market and economic conditions. |
Market factors unrelated to our performance could also negatively impact the market price of our common stock. One of the factors that investors may consider in deciding whether to buy or sell our common stock.
The market price for our common stock is particularly volatile given our status as a relatively unknown company with a small and thinly traded public float, limited operating history and lack of profits which could lead to wide fluctuations in our share price. You may be unable to sell your common stock at or above your conversion price, which may result in substantial losses to you.
The market for our common stock is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. The volatility in our share price is attributable to a number of factors. First, as noted above, our common stock are sporadically and thinly traded. As a consequence of this lack of liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our shareholders may disproportionately influence the price of those shares in either direction. The price for our shares could, for example, decline precipitously in the event that a large number of our common stock are sold on the market without commensurate demand, as compared to a seasoned issuer which could better absorb those sales without adverse impact on its share price. Secondly, we are a speculative or “risky” investment due to our limited operating history and lack of profits to date, and uncertainty of future market acceptance for our potential products and services. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a seasoned issuer. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our common stock will be at any time, including as to whether our common stock will sustain their current market prices, or as to what effect that the sale of shares or the availability of common stock for sale at any time will have on the prevailing market price.
The application of the “penny stock” rules could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and increase your transaction costs to sell those shares.
The SEC has adopted rule 3a51-1 which establishes the definition of a “penny stock,” for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, Rule 15g-9 requires:
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that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, and |
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the broker or dealer receives from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. |
In order to approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must:
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obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person, and |
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make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks. |
The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form:
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sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination, and |
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that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. |
Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the “penny stock” rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our common stock and cause a decline in the market value of our stock.
The application of Rule 144 creates some investment risk to potential investors; for example, existing shareholders may be able to rely on Rule 144 to sell some of their holdings, driving down the price of the shares you purchased.
The SEC adopted amendments to Rule 144 which became effective on February 15, 2008 that apply to securities acquired both before and after that date. Under these amendments, a person who has beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that: (i) such person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding a sale, (ii) we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the sale and (iii) if the sale occurs prior to satisfaction of a one-year holding period, we provide current information at the time of sale.
Persons who have beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least six months but who are our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the three months preceding a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period only a number of securities that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:
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1% of the total number of securities of the same class then outstanding (shares of common stock as of the date of this Report); or |
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the average weekly trading volume of such securities during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale; |
provided, in each case, that we are subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least three months before the sale. Such sales by affiliates must also comply with the manner of sale, current public information and notice provisions of Rule 144.
Frank I Igwealor, our majority stockholder, director and executive officer, owns a large percentage of our voting stock, which allows him to exercise significant influence over matters subject to stockholder approval.
Frank I Igwealor, our majority stockholder, director and executive officer, will have substantial influence over the outcome of corporate actions requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors, any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets or any other significant corporate transaction. In particular, because our President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and a director, Mr. Igwealor, who controls 60% of our voting stock as of November 21, 2019, will be able to exert such influence. This shareholder may also delay or prevent a change of control or otherwise discourage a potential acquirer from attempting to obtain control of us, even if such a change of control would benefit our other shareholders. This significant concentration of stock and voting ownership may adversely affect the value of our common stock due to investors’ perception that conflicts of interest may exist or arise.
We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock.
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently anticipate that we will retain all of our available cash, if any, for use as working capital and for other general corporate purposes. Any payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends and other considerations that the Board of Directors deems relevant. Investors must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize a return on their investment. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our common stock.
We may enter into acquisitions and take actions in connection with such transactions that could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our future growth rate depends in part on our selective acquisition of additional businesses and assets. We may be unable to identify suitable targets for acquisition or make further acquisitions at favorable prices. If we identify a suitable acquisition candidate, our ability to successfully complete the acquisition would depend on a variety of factors, and may include our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and requisite government approvals. In addition, any credit agreements or credit facilities that we may enter into in the future may restrict our ability to make certain acquisitions. In connection with future acquisitions, we could take certain actions that could adversely affect our business, including:
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using a significant portion of our available cash; |
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issuing equity securities, which would dilute current stockholders’ percentage ownership; |
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incurring substantial debt; |
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incurring or assuming contingent liabilities, known or unknown; |
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incurring amortization expenses related to intangibles; and |
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incurring large accounting write-offs or impairments. |
We may also enter into joint ventures, which involve certain unique risks, including, among others, risks relating to the lack of full control of the joint venture, potential disagreements with our joint venture partners about how to manage the joint venture, conflicting interests of the joint venture, requirement to fund the joint venture and its business not being profitable.
In addition, we cannot be certain that the due diligence investigation that we conduct with respect to any investment or acquisition opportunity will reveal or highlight all relevant facts that may be necessary or helpful in evaluating such investment opportunity. For example, instances of fraud, accounting irregularities and other deceptive practices can be difficult to detect. Executive officers, directors and employees may be named as defendants in litigation involving a company we are acquiring or have acquired. Even if we conduct extensive due diligence on a particular investment or acquisition, we may fail to uncover all material issues relating to such investment, including regarding controls and procedures of a particular target or the full scope of its contractual arrangements. We rely on our due diligence to identify potential liabilities in the businesses we acquire, including such things as potential or actual lawsuits, contractual obligations or liabilities imposed by government regulation. However, our due diligence process may not uncover these liabilities, and where we identify a potential liability, we may incorrectly believe that we can consummate the acquisition without subjecting ourselves to that liability. Therefore, it is possible that we could be subject to litigation in respect of these acquired businesses. If our due diligence fails to identify issues specific to an investment or acquisition, we may obtain a lower return from that transaction than the investment would return or otherwise subject ourselves to unexpected liabilities. We may also be forced to write-down or write-off assets, restructure our operations or incur impairment or other charges that could result in our reporting losses. Charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our shares of common stock.
Social Media Presents Risks.
The use of social media could cause us to suffer brand damage or unintended information disclosure. Negative posts or communications about us on a social networking website could damage our reputation. Further, employees or others may disclose non-public information regarding us or our business or otherwise make negative comments regarding us on social networking or other websites, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. As social media evolves we will be presented with new risks and challenges.
ITEM 2. |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
The discussion of our financial condition and operating results should be read together with our accompanying audited consolidated financial statements included in this Registration Statement.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations together with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes to such financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties regarding, among other things, (a) our projected sales, profitability, and cash flows, (b) our growth strategy, (c) anticipated trends in our industry, (d) our future financing plans, and (e) our anticipated needs for, and use of, working capital. They are generally identifiable by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “continuing,” “ongoing,” “expects,” “management believes,” “we believe,” “we intend,” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. 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.
The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and other sections in this Form 10.
Overview
Video River Networks, Inc. (“NIHK,” “PubCo” or “Company”), previously known as Nighthawk Systems Inc., a Nevada corporation, used to be a provider of wireless and IP-based control solutions for the utility and hospitality industries. On October 29, 2019, Video River Networks, Inc. sold one (1) Special 2019 series A preferred share (one preferred share is convertible 150,000,000 share of common stocks) of the company for an agreed upon purchase price to Community Economic Development Capital LLC, (“CED Capital”) a California limited liability company CED. The Special preferred share controls 60% of the company’s total voting rights and thus, gave to CED Capital the controlling vote power to control and dominate the affairs of the company theretofor. Upon the closing of the transaction, the business of CED Capital was merged into the Company and CED Capital became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
Following the completion of above mentioned transactions, the Company pivoted its business model to become a specialty real estate holding company for specialized assets including, affordable housing, opportunity zones properties, medical real estate investments, hemp and cannabis farms, dispensaries facilities, CBD related commercial facilities, industrial and commercial real estate, and other real estate related services.
As the result of the combination and the change in business and operations of the Company, from provider of wireless and IP-based control solutions for the utility and hospitality industries to become a specialty real estate holding company for specialized assets including hemp and cannabis farms, dispensaries, CBD related commercial facilities, industrial and commercial real estate, and other real estate related services to the CBD and the legal cannabis industry, a discussion of the consolidated financial results of PubCo, under applicable accounting principles includes the historical financial results of CED Capital.
The following discussion highlights the Company’s consolidated results of operations and the principal factors that have affected our financial condition as well as our liquidity and capital resources for the periods described, and provides information that management believes is relevant for an assessment and understanding of the statements of financial condition and results of operations presented herein. You should read this discussion and analysis together with such financial statements and the related notes thereto.
Furthermore, we are now, an internally-managed real estate holding company focused on the acquisition, ownership and management of specialized industrial properties leased to experienced, state-licensed operators for their regulated state-licensed cannabis facilities. We plan to acquire our properties through sale-leaseback transactions and third-party purchases. We expect to lease our properties on a triple-net lease basis, where the tenant is responsible for all aspects of and costs related to the property and its operation during the lease term, including structural repairs, maintenance, taxes and insurance.
We plan to conduct our affordable housing business through a traditional umbrella partnership real estate holding company, in which our properties are owned by our Operating Partnership, directly or through subsidiaries. We shall be the sole general partner of our Operating Partnership and own, directly or through a subsidiary, 100% of the limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership. Our property acquisitions would target all the states where medical-use marijuana has been legalized. We believe that NIHK will become a leader in providing real estate focused on hemp and cannabis growth, to the public markets because our principal is a California Real Estate Broker.
Basis of Presentation
The following discussion and analysis are based on Video River Networks’ financial statements contained in this Current Report, which we have prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. Accompanying financial statements for CED Capital fiscal year 2019 include a summary of our significant accounting policies and should be read in conjunction with the discussion below. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for such periods have been included in these audited financial statements. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
Overview
We have two lines of real estate business: (1) promote and preserve affordable housing and economic development across urban neighborhoods in the United States; and (2) acquire hold and manage specialized assets including hemp and cannabis farms, dispensaries, CBD related commercial facilities, industrial and commercial real estate, and other real estate related services to the CBD and the legal cannabis industry. To achieve our objectives, we plan to acquire, own, renovate, develop, redevelop, operate, dispose of, and manage specialized assets including hemp and cannabis farms, dispensaries, CBD related commercial facilities, industrial and commercial real estate, affordable housing and rental property and multi-family properties both on our own and through our investment management platform. We focus primarily on commercial and multifamily properties located in urban and high-density suburban markets throughout the United States. Our real estate platform is internally managed with primarily focused on: (1) the acquisition, ownership and management of specialized industrial properties leased to experienced, state-licensed operators for their regulated state-licensed cannabis facilities; and (2) ownership, operation and development of multi-family affordable housing properties.
Our value is primarily derived from our ownership in income producing real estate assets as well as management's track record of producing attractive returns on its investments. In addition to our income producing real estate, we engage in development, redevelopment and value add initiatives through which we enhance cash flows or reposition asset to increase value.
Our Specialty Real Estate Business Objectives and Growth Strategies
Our principal business objective is to maximize stockholder returns through a combination of (1) distributions to our stockholders, (2) sustainable long-term growth in cash flows from increased rents, which we hope to pass on to stockholders in the form of increased distributions, and (3) potential long-term appreciation in the value of our properties from capital gains upon future sale. Our primary strategy to achieve our business objective is to acquire and own a portfolio of specialized industrial properties, including medical-use cannabis facilities leased to tenants holding the requisite state licenses to operate in the regulated medical-use cannabis industry.
We believe an intense focus on operations is necessary to realize consistent, sustained earnings growth. Ensuring tenants’ satisfaction, increasing rents as market conditions allow, maximizing rent collections, maintaining property occupancy at optimal levels, and controlling operating costs comprise our principal strategies to maximize property financial results. We believe a web-based property management and revenue management systems strengthen on-site operations and allow us to quickly adjust rental rates as local market conditions change. Lease terms are generally staggered based on vacancy exposure by property type so lease expirations are matched to each property's seasonal rental patterns. We generally offer leases ranging from twelve to fifteen months with individual property marketing plans structured to respond to local market conditions. In addition, we conduct ongoing customer service surveys to help ensure timely response to tenants' changing needs and a high level of satisfaction.
Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and New Accounting Pronouncements
Management's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and plan of operations is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. At each balance sheet date, management evaluates its estimates. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The estimates and critical accounting policies that are most important in fully understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations include those stated in our financial statements and those listed below:
Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As shown in the accompanying financial statements, we had zero cash flows from operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. These conditions raise substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern. Management intends to finance these deficits by making additional shareholder notes and seeking additional outside financing through either debt or sales of its Common Stock.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases" that requires for leases longer than one year, a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial condition a right·of·use asset, representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability, representing the liability to make lease payments. The accounting update also requires that for finance leases, a lessee recognize interest expense on the lease liability, separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statements of earnings, while for operating leases, such amounts should be recognized as a combined expense. In addition, this accounting update requires expanded disclosures about the nature and terms of lease agreements. The Company has reviewed the new standard and does not expect it to have a material impact to the statement of financial condition or its net capital. The adoption of this guidance resulted in no significant impact to our results of operations or cash flows.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires that five basic steps be followed to recognize revenue: (1) a legally enforceable contract that meets criteria standards as to composition and substance is identified; (2) performance obligations relating to provision of goods or services to the customer are identified; (3) the transaction price, with consideration given to any variable, noncash, or other relevant consideration, is determined; (4) the transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations; and (5) revenue is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to the customer with consideration given, whether that control happens over time or not. Determination of criteria (3) and (4) are based on our management’s judgments regarding the fixed nature of the selling prices of the products and services delivered and the collectability of those amounts. The adoption of ASC 606 did not result in a change to the accounting for any of the in-scope revenue streams; as such, no cumulative effect adjustment was recorded. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company did recognized revenue of $0.00 and $0.00 respectively.
Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized.
Loss Contingencies
Consistent with ASC 450-20-50-1C, if the Company determines that there is a reasonable possibility that a material loss may have been incurred, or is reasonably estimable, regardless of whether the Company accrued for such a loss (or any portion of that loss), the Company will confer with its legal counsel, consistent with ASC 450. If the material loss is determinable or reasonably estimable, the Company will record it in its accounts and as a liability on the balance sheet. If the Company determines that such an estimate cannot be made, the Company's policy is to disclose a demonstration of its attempt to estimate the loss or range of losses before concluding that an estimate cannot be made, and to disclose it in the notes to the financial statements under Contingent Liabilities.
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic net loss per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding, assuming all dilutive potential common shares were issued. Dilutive loss per share excludes all potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Except for the October 29, 2019 transaction in which the company sold one (1) Special 2019 series A preferred share (one preferred share is convertible 150,000,000 share of common stocks) to CED Capital, no other potentially dilutive debt or equity instruments were issued or outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Stock-Based Compensation
We measure the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award. For employees and directors, the fair value of the award is measured on the grant date and for non-employees, the fair value of the award is generally re-measured on vesting dates and interim financial reporting dates until the service period is complete. The fair value amount is then recognized over the period during which services are required to be provided in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded by us in the same expense classifications in the consolidated statements of operations, as if such amounts were paid in cash.
Related Party Transactions
We follow ASC subtopic 850-10, “Related Party Transactions,” for the identification of related parties and disclosure of related party transactions.
Pursuant to ASC 850-10-20, related parties include: a) affiliates of the Company; b) entities for which investments in their equity securities would be required, absent the election of the fair value option under the Fair Value Option Subsection of Section 825–10–15, to be accounted for by the equity method by the investing entity; c) trusts for the benefit of employees, such as pension and profit-sharing trusts that are managed by or under the trusteeship of management; d) principal owners of the Company; e) management of the Company; f) other parties with which the Company may deal if one party controls or can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the other to an extent that one of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests; and g) other parties that can significantly influence the management or operating policies of the transacting parties or that have an ownership interest in one of the transacting parties and can significantly influence the other to an extent that one or more of the transacting parties might be prevented from fully pursuing its own separate interests.
Material related party transactions are required to be disclosed in the financial statements, other than compensation arrangements, expense allowances, and other similar items in the ordinary course of business. However, disclosure of transactions that are eliminated in the preparation of or combined financial statements is not required in those statements. The disclosures shall include: a) the nature of the relationship(s) involved; b) a description of the transactions, including transactions to which no amounts or nominal amounts were ascribed, for each of the periods for which statements of operation are presented, and such other information deemed necessary to an understanding of the effects of the transactions on the financial statements; c) the dollar amounts of transactions for each of the periods for which statements of operations are presented and the effects of any change in the method of establishing the terms from that used in the preceding period; and d) amounts due from or to related parties as of the date of each balance sheet presented and, if not otherwise apparent, the terms and manner of settlement.
A related party is generally defined as (i) any person that holds 10% or more of our membership interests including such person's immediate families, (ii) our management, (iii) someone that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with us, or (iv) anyone who can significantly influence our financial and operating decisions. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties. During the period under review, the Company recorded a loan of $1,459,971 to from company that is controlled by the Company’s majority stockholder.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Fiscal Years 2019 and 2018
Our general and administrative expenses were $0.00 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, versus $0.00 for the same period in 2018. We do not have enough information to recognize either revenue or expenses in the periods under review.
Comparison of Fiscal Years 2019 and 2018
Our financial statements are prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. We have limited ongoing business or income and for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we reported a net loss of $0.00 for both period and an accumulated deficit of $19,120,096 and $19,113,872 respectively. As of December 31, 2019. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of these uncertainties. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to raise additional debt or equity funding to meet our ongoing operating expenses and ultimately in merging with another entity with experienced management and profitable operations. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in achieving these objectives.
Real Estate Properties Owned
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we bought three single family residences (SFR) with a carrying amount of $1,459,971, in Los Angeles. We financed the purchase with borrowing from our controlling shareholder. We intend to rehabilitee these properties and deliver same to eligible homebuyers as part of our mission of promoting homeownership affordable housing.
Future financing of our operation depends largely on our controlling shareholder advancing most or all our operating budget.
We have not established significant operations and will be dependent upon obtaining financing to pursue any future extensive acquisitions and activities. For these reasons, our auditors stated in their report on our audited financial statements that they have substantial doubt that we will be able to continue as a going concern without further financing.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2019, we had $850 cash on hand. We anticipate that our cash position is not sufficient to fund current operations. We have limited lending relationships with commercial banks and are dependent upon the completion of one or more financings or equity-raises to fund our continuing operations. We anticipate that we will seek additional capital through debt or equity financings. While we are aggressively pursuing financing, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in our capital raising efforts. Any additional equity financing may result in substantial dilution to our stockholders.
Our financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. Since inception, we have generated minimal commission fee revenue and accumulated deficits. In addition, we do not have sufficient working capital to meet current operating needs for the next 12 months, as described above. All of these factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Since 2019, all of our operations have been financed through advances from a company controlled by our president and CEO. As of December 31, 2019, the company controlled by our president and CEO has loaned $1,459,971 to us, with no formal commitments or arrangements to advance or loan any additional funds to us in the future. We have not yet achieved significant profitability. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We expect that our general and administrative expenses will continue to increase and, as a result, we will need to generate significant revenues to achieve significant profitability. We may never achieve significant profitability.
The revenues, if any, generated from our operations or acquisitions may not be sufficient to fund our operations or planned growth. We will require additional capital to continue to operate our business, and to further expand our business. Sources of additional capital through various financing transactions or arrangements with third parties may include equity or debt financing, bank loans or revolving credit facilities. We may not be successful in locating suitable financing transactions in the time period required or at all, and we may not obtain the capital we require by other means. Unless the Company can attract additional investment, the future of the Company operating as a going concern is in serious doubt.
We will now be obligated to file annual, quarterly and current reports with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) and the rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board have imposed various requirements on public companies, including requiring changes in corporate governance practices. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities of ours more time- consuming and costly. In order to meet the needs to comply with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act, we will need investment of capital.
Management has determined that additional capital will be required in the form of equity or debt securities. There is no assurance that management will be able to raise capital on terms acceptable to the Company. If we are unable to obtain sufficient amounts of additional capital, we may have to cease filing the required reports and cease operations completely. If we obtain additional funds by selling any of our equity securities or by issuing common stock to pay current or future obligations, the percentage ownership of our shareholders will be reduced, shareholders may experience additional dilution, or the equity securities may have rights preferences or privileges senior to the common stock.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2019, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Contractual Obligations
Not applicable.
Plan of Operation for the Next Twelve (12) Months
As NIHK moves ahead to implement its business plan based on CED Capital platform, NIHK will begin to identify, acquire and internally-manage a real estate holdings focused of specialized industrial properties and CBD related real properties leased to experienced, state-licensed operators for their regulated state-licensed cannabis facilities. We plan to acquire our properties through sale-leaseback transactions and third-party purchases. We expect to lease our properties on a triple-net lease basis, where the tenant is responsible for all aspects of and costs related to the property and its operation during the lease term, including structural repairs, maintenance, taxes and insurance.
We plan to conduct our affordable housing business through a traditional umbrella partnership real estate holding company, in which our properties are owned by our Operating Partnership, directly or through subsidiaries. We shall be the sole general partner of our Operating Partnership and own, directly or through a subsidiary, 100% of the limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership. Our property acquisitions would target all the states where medical-use marijuana has been legalized.
NIHK through CED Capital, currently own three real properties in Los Angeles County. The total cost of these properties as at December 31, 2019 is $1,459,971. Because these properties are in varying stages of rehabilitation, it is expected that the eventual cost would increase far above $1,459,971 before the company could put the properties to productive use.
Using the real properties as collateral, we believe that we could always obtain the capital needed to complete the rehabilitation of these three properties. Although there is no assurance that we would be able to put the three properties to good use such as renting them to tenants. If we are unable to put them to productive use, we would be forced to sell them and use the money generated from the sales to pay off the loans used to acquire them.
To effectively fund our business plan, we must raise additional capital. But there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise the capital necessary to acquire, own or hold these specialized real properties. Moreover, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise the capital necessary to execute our business plan and also to acquire, own or hold specialized real properties.
Our operations will be conducted on five platforms comprising of: (1) specialized real properties; and (2) affordable housing real estate operation. Within the next twelve months, we intend to use income generated from our three properties to hire employees that would help us to raise capital to build our company.
We intend to implement the following tasks within the next twelve months:
As noted above, the execution of our current plan of operations requires us to raise significant additional capital immediately. If we are successful in raising capital through the sale of shares offered for sale in this Filing we believe that the Company will have sufficient cash resources to fund its plan of operations for the next twelve months. If we are unable to do so, our ability to continue as a going concern will be in jeopardy, likely causing us to curtail and possibly cease operations.
We continually evaluate our plan of operations discussed above to determine the manner in which we can most effectively utilize our limited cash resources. The timing of completion of any aspect of our plan of operations is highly dependent upon the availability of cash to implement that aspect of the plan and other factors beyond our control. There is no assurance that we will successfully obtain the required capital or revenues, or, if obtained, that the amounts will be sufficient to fund our ongoing operations. The inability to secure additional capital would have a material adverse effect on us, including the possibility that we would have to sell or forego a portion or all of our assets or cease operations. If we discontinue our operations, we will not have sufficient funds to pay any amounts to our stockholders.
Even if we raise additional capital in the near future, if our current business plan is not successfully executed, our ability to fund our biopharmaceutical research and development, or our financial product deployment and services efforts would likely be seriously impaired.
Because our working capital requirements depend upon numerous factors there can be no assurance that our current cash resources will be sufficient to fund our operations. At present, we have no committed external sources of capital, and do not expect any significant product revenues for the foreseeable future. Thus, we will require immediate additional financing to fund future operations. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to obtain funds on acceptable terms, if at all.
ITEM 3. |
PROPERTIES. |
While we currently own three investment properties in Los Angeles California, we do not own any commercial or industrial property as at the date of filing. Our principal business, executive and registered statutory office is located at 370 Amapola Ave., Suite 200A, Torrance, CA 90501 and our telephone number is (310) 895-1839 and email contact is invest@cbdxfund.com. The space is a shared office space, which at the current time is suitable for the conduct of our business.
ITEM 4. |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT. |
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock by (i) each person who is known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) each director and named executive officer (defined above) individually; and (iii) all directors and executive officers as a group. Beneficial ownership of common stock has been determined for this purpose in accordance with Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These rules provide, among other things, that a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of common stock if such person, directly or indirectly, has or shares voting power or investment power with respect to the common stock or has the right to acquire such ownership within sixty days after the date of this registration statement.
Title of Class |
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
|
Percent of Class |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock |
(a) |
|
Frank I Igwealor |
|
1 |
|
100% |
Common stock |
(b) |
|
Frank I Igwealor |
|
30,769,230 |
|
18.11% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock |
(c) |
|
Directors and officers as a group |
|
30,769,230 |
|
18.11% |
NOTES:
(a) The control share sold to CED Capital is convertible to 150 million shares of our Common stock. Same share reverted to Frank I Igwealor as part of the process of merging CED Capital into NIHK
(b) Hire-on-Bonus paid to Mr. Igwealor upon his acceptance of the CEO position of the Company
(c) As reported on 12/31/2008 and based on 169,922,436 shares of common stock outstanding as at December 31, 2019.
ITEM 5. |
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. |
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our current executive officers and directors as of December 31, 2019:
Name |
Age* |
Position within the Company |
|
Term |
||
Mr. Frank I Igwealor |
|
48 |
|
Chairman, Director and Chief Executive and Financial Officer |
October 2019 to present |
|
Mr. Patience Ogbozor |
|
34 |
|
Director |
October 2019 to present |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Age as at December 31, 2019.
Term of Office
Each of our directors is appointed to hold office until the next annual meeting of our shareholders or until his respective successor is elected and qualified, or until she resigns or is removed in accordance with the provisions of the Nevada Statues. Our officers are appointed by our board of directors and hold office until removed by the board of directors or until their resignation.
Background and Business Experience
The business experience during the past five years of the persons listed above as an Officer or Director of the Company either presently or during the year ended December 31, 2019 is as follows:
Frank Igwealor, CPA, CMA, JD, MBA, MSRM is a financial manager with broad technical and management experience in accounting, finance, and business advisory. Mr. Igwealor is a Certified Financial Manager, Certified Management Accountant, and Certified Public Accountant.
Frank has an extensive freelance consulting experience for the cannabis industry. As a CPA, CMA, CFM consultant, Frank have provided top-level financial reporting, Accounting, SEC Reporting, Business Valuation, Mergers & Acquisitions, GAAP/ IFRS Conversion, Pre IPO/RTO Prep, 280E Tax, and Biological Assets Valuation to more than 26 cannabis businesses across 21 states. Frank have substantial experience with Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, having worked for/with investors in the cannabis industry and helped them analyze the COGS and Operating expenses of dispensaries. Frank has been part of a team that shepherded both big and small cannabis investments through the required audit and conducted all the filings to take them public through IPO, DPO or RTO transactions. I have worked with single dispensaries with cultivation as well as ROLL-UP of multiple dispensaries that wanted to achieve revenue scale at debut on the exchanges. Frank has been an important part of the team that successfully delivered on the following:
· Helped Cannabis business owners and investors with top-level financial reporting for SEC and Canadian Securities Exchanges (CSE), and investor consumption.
· Consolidated dispensaries and cultivations and shepherd the consolidated holding company through GAAP and IFRS audit and get them listed on the US and Canadian exchanges.
· Prepared complete audit packages, which includes workpapers and all necessary documentation. Frank does not do audits or any attest work. This is as a result of Sarbanes-Oxley legislation which prohibits auditors from preparing financial statements or conducting any accounting work for their clients.
· Help dispensaries and cultivation owners to set up standardized (best practice) accounting and financial reporting systems.
· Frank continues to have ongoing consulting project for legal-cannabis businesses such as managing the filing of Form 10-K , 10-Q and the associated audit, or just assisting on a technical accounting question such as providing a journal entry for a specific transaction.
Ms. Patience C. Ogbozor, President and CEO: Ms. Ogbozor joined Cannabinoid Biosciences in May 2015 as a Finance Manager and became the President and CEO in November 2018. Ms. Ogbozor is the Chief Executive Officer, Director and controlling shareholder of the Company. Prior to joining the company, Ms. Ogbozor was with New Haven Pharmacy, Abuja, from 2013 to 2015.
All directors hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and the election and qualification of their successors. Officers are elected annually by the board of directors and serve at the discretion of the board.
Family Relationships
Except for Patience and Frank who have spousal relationship, none of our directors are related to any of our other directors and none have any pending legal claims or litigation against them.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, as amended, will require our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial statements of beneficial ownership, reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership of the our common stock and other equity securities, on Form 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission regulations to furnish our company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Mr. Igwealor has filed all required reports under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
Board Committee
The Company does not have a formal Audit Committee, Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee. As the Company’s business expands, the directors will evaluate the necessity of an Audit Committee.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a corporate code of ethics. We believe our code of ethics is reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct; provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in public reports; comply with applicable laws; ensure prompt internal reporting of code violations; and provide accountability for adherence to the code. We adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct which is applicable to our future employees and which also includes a Code of Ethics for our chief executive and principal financial officers and any persons performing similar functions. A code of ethics is a written standard designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
· |
honest and ethical conduct, |
· |
full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in regulatory filings and public statements, |
· |
compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, |
· |
the prompt reporting violation of the code, and |
· |
accountability for adherence to the code. |
Our adopted a code of ethics applies to all our directors, officers and employees. Our code of ethics is intended to comply with the requirements of Item 406 of Regulation S-K.
We will provide our code of ethics in print without charge to any stockholder who makes a written request to Frank I Igwealor, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, at Video River Networks, Inc., 370 Amapola Ave., Suite 200A, Torrance, CA 90501. Any waivers of the application, and any amendments to, our code of ethics must be made by our board of directors. Any waivers of, and any amendments to, our code of ethics will be disclosed promptly on our Internet website.
ITEM 6. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. |
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
As the Board of Directors does not have a Compensation Committee, the independent directors of the Board oversee the Company’s executive compensation program. We currently do not have independent directors on our Board. Compensation for the CEO and the CFO is approved by the Independent Directors of the Board or the general Board. Compensation for other executive officers and senior management is determined by the CEO and CFO pursuant to the Board of Directors delegating to the CEO and CFO authority to do so.
Elements to Executive Compensation
The Company’s executive compensation program is designed to attract and retain executives responsible for the Company’s long-term success, to reward executives for achieving both financial and strategic company goals and to provide a compensation package that recognizes individual contributions as well as overall business results. The Company’s executive compensation program also takes into account the compensation practices of companies with whom Video River Networks, Inc. competes for executive talent.
The two components of the Company’s executive compensation program are base salary and annual discretionary bonuses. Overall compensation is intended to be competitive for comparable positions at peer companies.
Objectives. The objectives of the Company’s executive compensation policies are to attract and retain highly qualified executives by designing the total compensation package to motivate executives to provide excellent leadership and achieve Company goals; to align the interests of executives, employees, and stockholders by establishing cohesive management, financial, operation and marketing goals that reflect the Company’s strategic growth plan; and to provide executives with reasonable security, through retirement plan and annual discretionary bonuses that motivate them to continue employment with the Company and achieve goals that will make the Company thrive and remain competitive in the long-run.
Linkage between compensation programs and Company objective and values. We link executive compensation closely with the Company objectives, which we believe are dependent on the level of employee engagement, operational excellence, cost management and profitability achieved. Currently, the primary quantifiable measurement of operational excellence for the Company is the achievement of profitability, which is directly related to increasing annual revenue. Executives’ annual performance evaluations are based in part on their achievement of the aforementioned goals and in part on revenue targets that may be established by the Board of Directors at the beginning of each fiscal year. The Board of Directors has not set a specific revenue goal for the award of bonuses for fiscal 2008. The Company currently does not have a defined non-equity incentive plan in place for its named executives. Instead, the disinterested members of the Board of Directors determine if any annual discretionary bonuses should be awarded to named executives in conjunction with the named executives’ annual performance evaluations. As indicated in the table below, during the last three fiscal years, the Board of Directors has not elected to award any annual discretionary bonuses to any named executives.
The roles of various elements of compensation. Executive compensation includes base salary, annual discretionary bonuses awarded by the Board of Directors in conjunction with named executives’ annual performance evaluations and other annual compensation granted under the noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan. Collectively, the Board’s objective is to ensure a total pay package that is appropriate given the performance of both the Company and the individual named executive.
Governance practices concerning compensation. The Board of Directors has implemented a number of procedures that the Board follows to ensure good governance concerning compensation. These include setting CEO and CFO salaries, authorizing the CEO or the CFO to determine the salaries of presidents and vice presidents, including Mrs. Huang, President of Shanghai operations, establishing annual goals for the Company, reviewing proposals for stock incentive plans, exercising fiduciary responsibilities over retirement plans, overseeing management development and succession planning, and keeping adequate records of its activities.
Base Salary
Each executive’s base salary is initially determined with reference to competitive pay practices of peer companies (where such information is publicly available) and is dependent upon the executive’s level of responsibility and experience. The Board uses its discretion, rather than a formal weighting system, to evaluate these factors and to determine individual base salary levels. Thereafter, base salaries are reviewed periodically, and increases are made based on the Board of Director’s subjective assessment of individual performance, as well as the factors discussed above.
Annual Discretionary Bonuses
In future years we shall pay variable incentive compensation to our executives, however, due to our overall performance in 2019, our executive officers were not awarded bonuses.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information about the compensation paid or accrued by our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and one other most highly compensated executive officer (our “named officers”) for the last three completed fiscal years:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary ($) |
|
|
Bonus ($) |
|
|
Stock Awards ($) |
|
|
Option Awards ($) |
|
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
|
|
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
|
|
All Other Compensation ($) |
|
|
Total ($) |
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Frank I Igwealor |
|
2019 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0 |
|
(i) |
|
|
0 |
|
Chair, CEO, CFO |
|
2018 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0 |
|
(ii) |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
2017 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
0 |
|
(iii) |
|
|
0 |
|
Notes:
(i) |
|
|
|
(ii) |
|
|
|
(iii) |
Stock Option Grants in the Last Fiscal Year; Exercises of Stock Options
There were no grants of stock options during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. The Company has never granted any stock options.
ITEM 7. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Our officers and directors are Mr. Igwealor, our chief executive officer and secretary, and Ms patience C Ogbozor, a Director are also directors of Goldstein Franklin Inc.
Except for the $1,459,971 zero interest loan from Los Angeles Community Capital, an entity controlled by Mr. Igwealor, to CED Capital, there were no related parties transactions during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Policy and Procedures with Respect to Related Person Transactions
Our Board of Directors is charged with reviewing and approving all potential related party transactions. All such related party transactions must then be reported under applicable SEC rules. We have not adopted other procedures for review, or standards for approval, of such transactions, but instead review them on a case-by-case basis.
We recognize that Related Person Transactions may raise questions among shareholders as to whether those transactions are consistent with the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. (Related Person Transaction is defined as a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we were, are or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets for the last two fiscal years, and in which any Related Person (defined below) had, has or will have a direct or indirect interest.) It is our policy to enter into or ratify Related Person Transactions only when the Board of Directors determines that the Related Person Transaction in question is in, or is not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, including but not limited to situations where we may obtain products or services of a nature, quantity or quality, or on other terms, that are not readily available from alternative sources or when we provide products or services to Related Persons on an arm’s length basis on terms comparable to those provided to unrelated third parties or on terms comparable to those provided to employees generally.
“Related Person” is defined as follows:
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1. |
any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of the Company’s last fiscal year was, a director or executive officer of the Company or a nominee to become a director of the Company; |
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2. |
any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of the Company’s voting securities; |
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3. |
any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer, nominee or more than 5% beneficial owner; and |
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4. |
any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a general partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest. |
Directors and executive officers are required to submit to the Board of Directors, acting in its role as audit committee, a list of immediate family members and a description of any current or proposed Related Person Transactions on an annual basis and provide updates during the year.
In our review of any Related Person Transactions, the Board of Directors must consider all of the relevant facts and circumstances available to it, including (if applicable) but not limited to: the benefits to the Company; the impact on a director’s independence in the event the Related Person is a director, an immediately family member of a director or an entity in which a director is a partner, shareholder or executive officer; the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; the terms of the transaction; and the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally. No member of the Board of Directors may participate in any review, consideration or approval of any Related Person Transaction with respect to which such member or any of his or her immediate family members is the Related Person. The Board of Directors will approve or ratify only those Related Person Transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, as the Board of Directors determines in good faith. The Board of Directors will convey the decision to the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer, who will convey the decision to the appropriate persons within the Company.
Director Independence
Our board of directors is currently composed of Mr. Igwealor, our chief executive officer and secretary, and Ms patience C Ogbozor, a Director. Neither of them qualifies as an independent director in accordance with the published listing requirements of the NASDAQ Global Market. The NASDAQ independence definition includes a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not, and has not been for at least three years, one of our employees and that neither the director, nor any of his family members has engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, our board of directors has not made a subjective determination as to each director that no relationships exist which, in the opinion of our board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director, though such subjective determination is required by the NASDAQ rules. Had our board of directors made these determinations, our board of directors would have reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and us with regard to each director’s business and personal activities and relationships as they may relate to us and our management.
ITEM 8. |
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. |
From time to time we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of the operation of our business in the normal course of business. Other than as described below, as of the date of this Registration Statement we are not aware of potential dispute or pending litigation and are not currently involved in a litigation proceeding or governmental actions the outcome of which in management’s opinion would be material to our financial condition or results of operations. An adverse result in these or other matters may have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
On February 20, 2019, Plaintiff Maria De Lourdes Perez filed a complaint against defendants City of Carson, Goldstein Franklin, Inc., Frank Igwealor, Healthy Foods Markets, LLC, Optimal Foods, LLC, and Blockchain Capital LLC. The complaint alleged statutory liability pursuant to government code section 835, gross negligence, and premises liability for a trip-and-fall that occurred on April 11, 2018 at a property owned and controlled by Healthy Foods Markets, LLC. Defendants Goldstein Franklin, Inc., Frank Igwealor, Optimal Foods, LLC, and Blockchain Capital LLC. had answered the complaint and also requested a demurrer on the grounds that (1) Defendants are not a proper party in interest and there was a misjoinder of defendants. Our attorney has advised that the complaint would not have an adverse impact on Mr. Igwealor or the Company because the scope of liability is restricted to healthy Food Markets, LLC.
As of December 31, 2019, except for the complaint listed above, there was no material proceeding to which any of our directors, officers, affiliates or stockholders is a party adverse to us. During the past ten years, no present director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or an executive officer of us:
(1) had a petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within ten years before the time of such filing;
(2) was convicted in a criminal proceeding or subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);
(3) was subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from or otherwise limiting his involvement in any of the following activities:
i. acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;
ii. engaging in any type of business practice; or
iii. engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of federal or state securities laws or federal commodities laws; or
(4) was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of an federal or state authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in paragraph (3) (i), above, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; or
(5) was found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and for which the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated.
ITEM 9. |
MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
(a) Market for Common Equity
Our common stock trades on the OTC market ("Pinksheet") under the symbol "NIHK". The high and low bid quotations for our common stock were as follows for the periods below (as reported by OTC Market Pink Sheet).
The market prices noted below were obtained from the OTC market and reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions. For the periods indicated, the following table sets forth the high and low bid prices per share of common stock based on inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not represent actual transactions.
The quotations below reflect inter-dealer prices without retail markup, markdown, or commission, and may not represent actual transactions:
Fiscal Year Ended on December 31, 2019 |
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High Bid |
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Low Bid |
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1 st Quarter |
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0.0010 |
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0.0004 |
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2 nd Quarter |
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0.0013 |
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0.0004 |
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3 rd Quarter |
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0.0080 |
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0.0008 |
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4 th Quarter |
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0.0100 |
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0.0031 |
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Fiscal Year Ended on December 31, 2018 |
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High Bid |
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Low Bid |
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1 st Quarter |
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0.0007 |
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0.0007 |
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2 nd Quarter |
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0.0017 |
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0.0017 |
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3 rd Quarter |
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0.0009 |
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0.0009 |
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4 th Quarter |
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0.0008 |
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0.0004 |
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(b) Security Holders
As of December 31, 2019, we had 169,922,436 shares of our Common Stock, par value $.001. The number of record holders of our common stock at December 31, 2019 was 164 according to our transfer agent. This figure excludes an indeterminate number of shareholders whose shares are held in "street" or "nominee" name.
(c) Dividend Policy
There have been no cash dividends declared or paid on the Company’s common stock since the inception of the Company, and no cash dividends are contemplated in the foreseeable future. The Company may consider a potential dividend in the future in either common stock or the stock of future operating subsidiaries.
(d) Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent for our capital stock is Issuer Direct Corporation, with an address of 1981 Murray Holladay Rd Suite 100, SLC UT 84117, with a telephone of 801-272-9294.
(e) Penny Stock Regulations
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. Our Common Stock is currently within the definition of a penny stock and will be subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1,000,000, or annual incomes exceeding $200,000 individually, or $300,000, together with their spouse).
For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such securities and have received the purchaser’s prior written consent to the transaction. Additionally, for any transaction, other than exempt transactions, involving a penny stock, the rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document mandated by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer’s presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Consequently, the “penny stock” rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our Common Stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell their Common Stock in the secondary market.
In addition to the “penny stock” rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. The FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our Common Stock, which may limit the investors’ ability to buy and sell our stock.
(f) Equity Compensation Plan Information
Currently, there is no equity compensation plan in place.
In November 2019, the Company created its “2019 INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN,” which it plans to use to incentivize the hiring of top real estate talents to implement our business plan. The plan is subject to Form S-8 statement and subsequent amendments heretofor, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 27, 2019.
(g) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Registrant and Affiliated Purchasers
We have not repurchased any shares of our common stock during the fiscal years ended December 31 2019 and 2018, respectively.
ITEM 10. |
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES. |
The following information represents securities sold by the Company within the past three years which were not registered under the Securities Act. Included are sales of reacquired securities, as well as new issues, securities issued in exchange for property, services, or other securities, and new securities resulting from the modification of outstanding securities.
On October 29, 2019, the company sold one (1) Special 2019 series A preferred share (one preferred share is convertible 150,000,000 share of common stocks) of the company for an agreed upon purchase price to CED Capital. The Special preferred share controls 60% of the company’s total voting rights. The issuance of the preferred share to CED Capital gave to CED Capital, the controlling vote to control and dominate the affairs of the company going forward. The purchase was made pursuant to the exemption from registration including, but not limited to, Section 506 of Reg. D and Section 4.1.
The securities described immediately above were issued to investors in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as set forth in Section 4(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 504, 505 or 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder relative to sales by an issuer not involving any public offering, to the extent an exemption from such registration was required. The purchaser of the securities described immediately above this paragraph represented to us in connection with their purchase that they were accredited investors and were acquiring the shares for investment purposes only and not for distribution, that they could bear the risks of the investment and could hold the securities for an indefinite period of time.
The purchasers received written disclosures that the securities had not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and that any resale must be made pursuant to a registration statement or an available exemption from such registration. Each participant in the offering or offerings described above was given access to full and complete information regarding us, together with the opportunity to meet with our officers and directors for purposes of asking questions and receiving answers in order to facilitate such participant's independent evaluation of the risks associated with the purchase of our securities.
ITEM 11. |
DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED. |
Common Stock
This Form 10 relates to our common stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”). We are authorized to issue 1,119,000,000 shares of Common Stock. We are also authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001(the “Preferred Stock”). As of December 31, 2019, there were 169,922,436 shares of Common Stock and 1 shares of Preferred Stock outstanding.
The holders of our Common Stock have equal ratable rights to dividends from funds legally available therefore, when, as and if declared by our board of directors. Holders of Common Stock are also entitled to share ratably in all of our assets available for distribution to holders of Common Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs.
The holders of shares of our Common Stock do not have cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of such outstanding shares, voting for the election of directors, can elect all of the directors to be elected, if they so choose and in such event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any of our directors. The holders of 50% percent of the outstanding Common Stock constitute a quorum at any meeting of shareholders, and the vote by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares or a majority of the shareholders at a meeting at which quorum exists are required to effect certain fundamental corporate changes, such as liquidation, merger or amendment of our articles of incorporation.
Preferred Stock
We have authority to issue 1,000,000 shares of “blank check” Preferred Stock. Our Board of Directors may issue the authorized Preferred Stock in one or more series and may fix the number of shares of each series of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors also has the authority to set the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, including the dividend rights, dividend rate, terms of redemption, redemption price or prices, conversion and voting rights and liquidation preferences. Preferred Stock can be issued and its terms set by our Board of Directors without any further vote or action by our stockholders.
Series A Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2019, there are 1 special Preferred Stock share issued and outstanding. The Preferred shares (i) vote on all matters with the holders of common stock as if each shares of Series A was converted into 150,000,000 shares of common stock; and, (ii) are convertible into shares of common stock, at any time in the discretion of the holders of the special preferred shares, at a ratio of 150,000,000 shares of common stock for each share of special preferred share.
ITEM 12. |
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. |
Under our Bylaws, every person who was or is a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, by reason of the fact that he, or a person of whom he is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director or officer of another corporation, or as its representative in a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, shall be indemnified and held harmless to the fullest extent legally permissible under the laws of the State of Nevada from time to time against all expenses, liability, and loss (including attorneys’ fees judgments, fines, and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by him in connection therewith. Such right of indemnification shall be a contract right, which may be enforced in any manner desired by such person. The expenses of officers and directors incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding must be paid by the Company as they are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the company. Such right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other right which such directors, officers, or representatives may have or hereafter acquire, and, without limiting the generality of such statement, they shall be entitled to their respective rights of indemnification under any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders, provision of law, or otherwise.
Without limiting the application of the foregoing, the Board of Directors may adopt bylaws from time to time with respect to indemnification, to provide at all times the fullest indemnification permitted by the laws of the State of Nevada, and may cause the Company to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director or officer of another corporation, or as its representative in a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred in any such capacity or arising out of such status, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify such person. The indemnification provided shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
We have not entered into any agreements with our directors and executive officers that require us to indemnify these persons against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred (including expenses of a derivative action) in connection with any proceeding, whether actual or threatened, to which any such person may be made a party by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director or officer of our Company or any of our affiliated enterprises. We do not maintain any policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures its directors and officers against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment under any circumstances.
ITEM 13. |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. |
Our financial statements, notes thereto and the related independent registered accounting firm’s report are set forth immediately following the signature page to this registration statement beginning at page F-1 and are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. |
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. |
None.
ITEM 15. |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. |
(a) Financial Statements
The following financial statements are being filed as part of this Registration Statement:
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements |
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Page |
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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F-1 |
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For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 |
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Consolidated Balance Sheets |
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F-2 |
Consolidated Statements of Operations |
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F-3 |
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Deficit |
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F-4 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
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F-5 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
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F-6 |
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors
Video River Networks Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Video River Networks Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2019, the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). The December 31, 2018 had not been audited and was included for comparative presentation purpose only. In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The Company's financial statements are prepared using the generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has an accumulated deficit of $18,952,701 for the year ended December 31, 2019. These factors as discussed in Note 2 of the financial statements raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
Albert Garcia, CPA
Dylan Floyd Accounting & Consulting
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.
Newhall, California
May 28, 2020
VIDEO RIVER NETWORKS INC |
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BALANCE SHEETS |
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As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 |
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DECEMBER 31, |
|||||
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2019 |
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2018 |
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ASSETS |
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Current Assets |
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Cash and Cash Equivalents |
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$ |
850 |
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$ |
0 |
|
Marketable Securities |
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|
|
|
|
0 |
|
Total Current Assets |
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|
850 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
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|
|
|
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Real Estate Holdings |
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|
1,690,000 |
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$ |
0 |
|
Fixed Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
1,690,000 |
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|
0 |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
Total Assets |
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$ |
1,690,850 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT |
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|
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Current Liabilities |
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Accounts Payable |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
69,708 |
|
|
0 |
|
Loans – Unrelated Parties |
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
Loans – Related Parties |
|
|
1,459,971 |
|
|
|
|
Total Current Liabilities |
|
|
1,529,679 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
1,529,679 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' Deficit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, 1 issued and outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock ($0.001 par value) |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
200,000,000 shares authorized, no par 139,153,206 and 169,922,436 issued and outstanding on 12/31/2018 and 2019 |
|
|
169,922 |
|
|
139,153 |
|
Additional Paid-In Capital |
|
|
18,943,950 |
|
|
18,974,719 |
|
Accumulated Deficit |
|
|
(18,952,701) |
|
|
(19,113,872) |
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Other Comprehensive Income/Loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Shareholders' Equity |
|
|
161,171 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit |
|
$ |
1,690,850 |
|
$ |
- |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited financial statements |
F- 3 |
|
VIDEO RIVER NETWORKS INC |
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STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS |
||||||||||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 |
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DECEMBER 31, |
||||||||||||||||||||
2019 |
|
2018 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
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REVENUE |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
||||||||||||
COST OF SALES |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0 |
|
||||||||||||
GROSS PROFIT |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
0 |
|
||||||||||||
EXPENSES |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
6,224 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Total Expenses |
|
|
6,224 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
||||||||||||
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
OPERATING PROFIT/LOSS |
|
|
(6,224) |
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|
|
0 |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
OTHER INCOME |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Net unrealized gain on real estate |
|
|
237,103 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES |
|
|
230,879 |
|
|
|
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
TAXES |
|
|
69,708 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) |
|
$ |
161,171 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share: Basic and Diluted |
|
$ |
0.000821 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding: Basic and Diluted |
|
|
196,223,806 |
|
|
|
139,153,206 |
|
||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited financial statements |
||||||||||||||||||||
F- 4 |
||||||||||||||||||||
VIDEO RIVER NETWORKS INC |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Additional |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Common |
Paid-In |
Accumulated |
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
Capital |
|
Deficit |
|
Total |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
|
139,153,206 |
$ |
139,153 |
|
$ |
18,974,719 |
$ |
(19,113,872) |
$ |
- |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2018 |
|
139,153,206 |
$ |
139,153 |
|
$ |
18,974,719 |
$ |
(19,113,872) |
$ |
- |
|
||||||||
Issuance of common stock to employee |
|
30,769,230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Cumulative Restructuring adjustment |
|
- |
|
30,769 |
|
|
(30,769) |
|
- |
|
- |
|
||||||||
Net income for the period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- |
|
(6,224) |
|
(6,224) |
|
||||||||
Other Comprehenssive Income (loss) |
|
- |
|
|
|
|
- |
|
167,395 |
|
167,395 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2019 |
|
169,922,436 |
$ |
169,922 |
|
$ |
18,943,950 |
$ |
(18,952,701) |
$ |
161,171 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited financial statements |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||
F- 5 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
- |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
VIDEO RIVER NETWORKS INC |
||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CASHFLOWS |
||||||||
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 |
||||||||
DECEMBER 31, |
||||||||
2019 |
|
2018 |
||||||
|
||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss) |
|
$ |
161,171 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
net cash used in operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
69,708 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities |
|
|
230,879 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate:5125 Harold Way #307 |
|
|
(710,000) |
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate: SFR - 4904 S Wilton Place 90062 |
|
|
(485,000) |
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate: SFR - 831 E 94TH ST 90002 |
|
|
(495,000) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities |
|
|
(1,690,000) |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan from related parties |
|
|
1,459,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
New Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
|
|
1,459,971 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Change in Cash: |
|
|
849.97 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Beginning cash: |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Ending Cash: |
|
|
850 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Cash paid for tax |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Financing Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares issued to settle accounts payable |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Shares issued to settle accruals - related parties |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited financial statements |
||||||||
F- 6 |
||||||||
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Nature of Business
The Company and Nature of Business
Video River Networks, Inc., a real estate holding company, focuses on the acquisition, ownership, and management of specialized industrial properties. The company was formerly known as Nighthawk Systems, Inc. and changed its name to Video River Networks, Inc. in March 2011.
The current structure of the Company resulted from a purchase of voting control of the Company by Community Economic Development Capital LLC, (“CED Capital”) a California limited liability company, in a reverse merger transaction that resulted in CED Capital becoming an operating subsidiary of the Company.
As previously disclosed on our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on December 8, 2019, on October 29, 2019, the company sold one (1) Special 2019 series A preferred share (one preferred share is convertible 150,000,000 share of common stocks) of the company for an agreed upon purchase price to Community Economic Development Capital LLC, a California limited liability company. The Special preferred share controls 60% of the company’s total voting rights. The issuance of the preferred share to Community Economic Development Capital LLC gave to Community Economic Development Capital LLC, the controlling vote to control and dominate the affairs of the company theretofor.
Following the completion of above mentioned transactions, the company pivoted the business model of NIHK to become a specialty real estate holding company for specialized assets including, affordable housing, opportunity zones properties, hemp and cannabis farms, dispensaries facilities, CBD related commercial facilities, industrial and commercial real estate, and other real estate related services. Because our principal is a California Real Estate Broker, NIHK aspires to qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust in the near future and lead in providing real estate focused on hemp and medial-cannabis growth, to the public markets.
Furthermore, we are now, an internally-managed real estate holding company focused on the acquisition, ownership and management of specialized industrial properties leased to experienced, state-licensed operators for their regulated state-licensed cannabis facilities. We plan to acquire our properties through sale-leaseback transactions and third-party purchases. We expect to lease our properties on a triple-net lease basis, where the tenant is responsible for all aspects of and costs related to the property and its operation during the lease term, including structural repairs, maintenance, taxes and insurance.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries, in which the Company has a controlling voting interest and entities consolidated under the variable interest entities (“VIE”) provisions of ASC 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). Inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
NOTE 2. GOING CONCERN
Our financial statements are prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. We have a limited ongoing business or income. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we reported net income of $161,171 and an accumulated deficit of $18,952,701 as of December 31, 2019. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of these uncertainties. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to raise additional debt or equity funding to meet our ongoing operating expenses and ultimately in merging with another entity with experienced management and profitable operations. No assurances can be given that we will be successful in achieving these objectives.
Basis of Presentation
The summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist in the understanding of the financial statements. These policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and have been consistently applied. The Company has elected a calendar year of December 31 year-end.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the Company and Community Economic Development Capital LLC, (“CED Capital”) a California limited liability company. All inter-company accounts have been eliminated during consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We maintain cash balances in a non-interest-bearing account that currently does not exceed federally insured limits. For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we did maintain $850.00 and $0.00 balance of cash equivalents respectively.
Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values for financial instruments were determined at discrete points in time based on relevant market information. These estimates involved uncertainties and could not be determined with precision. The carrying amount of the our accounts payable and accruals, our accruals- related parties and loans – related parties approximate their fair values because of the short-term maturities of these instruments.
Investments
Real Estate Investments The real estate investments are carried at estimated fair value based on the following procedures and parameters:
· Newly acquired real estate investments are carried at the acquisition price until their first scheduled valuation approximately 12 months after acquisition unless within the first 12 months, market factors indicate cost may not be a reliable indicator of fair value.
· Real estate investments are valued on at least an annual basis. The fair value of the investments is determined by an annual valuation prepared by the Company in accordance with standard industry practice. An external third party appraisal is performed at least every three years.
· Any capitalized costs relating to the real estate investments incurred during periods between valuations will be added to the most recent valuation to determine the current fair value of the investments.
Fair value measurement guidelines establish a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable input be used when available. Observable inputs are used by the market participants in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available in the circumstances.
Fair Value Measurements:
ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"), provides a comprehensive framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures which are required about fair value measurements. Specifically, ASC 820 sets forth a definition of fair value and establishes a hierarchy prioritizing the inputs to valuation techniques, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable value inputs. ASC 820 defines the hierarchy as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices, such as equities listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The types of assets and liabilities in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts or priced with models using highly observable inputs.
Level 3 – Significant inputs to pricing that are unobservable as of the reporting date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation, such as complex and subjective models and forecasts used to determine the fair value of financial transmission rights.
Our financial instruments consist of accounts payable and accruals and our accruals- related parties. The carrying amount of the out accounts payable and accruals, accruals- related parties and loans – related parties approximates their fair values because of the short-term maturities of these instruments.
Related Party Transactions:
A related party is generally defined as (i) any person that holds 10% or more of our membership interests including such person's immediate families, (ii) our management, (iii) someone that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with us, or (iv) anyone who can significantly influence our financial and operating decisions. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties. During the period under review, the Company recorded a loan of $1,459,971 to from company that is controlled by the Company’s majority stockholder.
Leases:
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases" that requires for leases longer than one year, a lessee to recognize in the statement of financial condition a right·of·use asset, representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability, representing the liability to make lease payments. The accounting update also requires that for finance leases, a lessee recognize interest expense on the lease liability, separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statements of earnings, while for operating leases, such amounts should be recognized as a combined expense. In addition, this accounting update requires expanded disclosures about the nature and terms of lease agreements. The Company has reviewed the new standard and does not expect it to have a material impact to the statement of financial condition or its net capital.
Income Taxes:
The provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized.
Uncertain Tax Positions:
We evaluate tax positions in a two-step process. We first determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. If a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold it is then measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We classify gross interest and penalties and unrecognized tax benefits that are not expected to result in payment or receipt of cash within one year as long term liabilities in the financial statements.
Revenue Recognition:
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires that five basic steps be followed to recognize revenue: (1) a legally enforceable contract that meets criteria standards as to composition and substance is identified; (2) performance obligations relating to provision of goods or services to the customer are identified; (3) the transaction price, with consideration given to any variable, noncash, or other relevant consideration, is determined; (4) the transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations; and (5) revenue is recognized when control of goods or services is transferred to the customer with consideration given, whether that control happens over time or not. Determination of criteria (3) and (4) are based on our management’s judgments regarding the fixed nature of the selling prices of the products and services delivered and the collectability of those amounts. The adoption of ASC 606 did not result in a change to the accounting for any of the in-scope revenue streams; as such, no cumulative effect adjustment was recorded. During the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018, the Company did recognized revenue of $0.00 and $0.00 respectively.
Advertising Costs:
We expense advertising costs when advertisements occur. During the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018, the Company did recognized advertising costs of $0.00 and $0.00 respectively.
Stock Based Compensation:
The cost of equity instruments issued to non-employees in return in accordance with ASC 505-50 “Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees” for goods and services is measured by the fair value of the goods or services received or the measurement date fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is the more readily determinable. Measurement date for non-employees is the earlier of performance commitment date or the completion of services. The cost of employee services received in exchange for equity instruments is based on the grant date fair value of the equity instruments issued in accordance with ASC 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation.”
Net Loss per Share Calculation:
Basic net loss per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing loss available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average shares outstanding, assuming all dilutive potential common shares were issued. Dilutive loss per share excludes all potential common shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Except for the October 29, 2019 transaction in which the company sold one (1) Special 2019 series A preferred share (one preferred share is convertible 150,000,000 share of common stocks) to Community Economic Development Capital LLC, no other potentially dilutive debt or equity instruments were issued or outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018.
Subsequent Events:
Pursuant to ASC 855-10, the Company has evaluated all events or transactions that occurred from January 1, 2020 to April 02, 2020. The Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events that required disclosure in these financial statements.
NOTE 3. REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS
At December 31, 2019 and 2018 investment properties consist of:
Cost basis |
Fair Value |
|||||||
2019 |
2018 |
2019 |
2018 |
|||||
5125 Harold Way #307 |
$ |
555,031 |
$ - |
$ |
710,000 |
$ - |
||
SFR - 4904 S Wilton Place 90062 |
530,739 |
- |
485,000 |
- |
||||
SFR - 831 E 94TH ST 90002 |
367,128 |
- |
495,000 |
- |
||||
$ |
1,452,897 |
|
$ - |
$ |
1,690,000 |
|
$ - |
On April 23, 2019, the Company acquired land and building located at 4904 S Wilton Place, Los Angeles, CA 90062, to hold as investment property for $498,983.51. The Company plans to improve the property and then sell it for profit. As at 12/31/2019, the Company had spent about $31,755 on its rehabilitation and improvement.
On April 24, the Company acquired land and building located at 831 E 94th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90002, for $325,000. The Company plans to improve the property and then sell it for profit. As at 12/31/2019, the Company had spent about $42,128 on its rehabilitation and improvement processes.
On the same April 24, the Company acquired a Condominium unit located at 5125 Harold Way #307, Los Angeles, CA 90027, for $540,000. The Company plans to improve the property and then sell it for profit. As at 12/31/2019, the Company had spent about $15,031 on its rehabilitation and improvement processes.
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2019:
2019 |
2018 |
|||
Beginning Balance |
$ |
- |
$ - |
|
Net unrealized gain on fair value |
237,103 |
- |
||
Purchases |
1,452,897 |
|||
Ending balance |
$ |
1,690,000 |
- |
NOTE 4. COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES
Legal Proceedings
We were not subject to any legal proceedings the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and, to the best of our knowledge, no legal proceedings are pending or threatened.
The Company has no real property and do not presently owned any interests in real estate. The Company’s executive, administrative and operating offices are located at 370 Amapola Ave, Suite 200A, Torrance, CA 90501. We have not formalized a lease for the use of the space which belongs to our controlling shareholder.
From time to time, the Company may be involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business. Management is of the opinion that such matters will be resolved without material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Contractual Obligations
We were not subject to any contractual obligations during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
NOTE 5. ACCRUALS - RELATED PARTIES
N/A
NOTE 6. LOANS- RELATED PARTIES
During the period under review, the Company recorded a loan of $1,459,971 to from company that is controlled by the Company’s majority stockholder.
Real Estate Properties
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we bought three single family residences (SFR) with a carrying amount of $1,459,971, in Los Angeles. We financed the purchase with borrowing from our controlling shareholder. We intend to rehabilitee these properties and deliver same to eligible homebuyers as part of our mission of promoting homeownership affordable housing.
NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. A full valuation allowance is established against all net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 based on estimates of recoverability. While the Company has optimistic plans for its business strategy, it determined that such a valuation allowance was necessary given the current and expected near term losses and the uncertainty with respect to its ability to generate sufficient profits from its business model.
We did not provide any current or deferred US federal income tax provision or benefit for any of the periods presented in these financial statements because we have accumulated substantial operating losses over the years. When it is more likely than not, that a tax asset cannot be realized through future income, we must record an allowance against any future potential future tax benefit. We have provided a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset, consisting of net operating loss carry forwards, because management has determined that it is more likely than not that we will not earn income sufficient to realize the deferred tax assets during the carry forward periods.
The Company has not taken a tax position that, if challenged, would have a material effect on the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 as defined under ASC 740, "Accounting for Income Taxes." We did not recognize any adjustment to the liability for uncertain tax position and therefore did not record any adjustment to the beginning balance of the accumulated deficit on the balance sheet.
A reconciliation of the differences between the effective and statutory income tax rates for the period ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
Percent |
31-Dec-19 |
31-Dec-18 |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|||||||||
Federal statutory rates |
|
34 |
% |
|
$ |
(6,500,833) |
) |
|
$ |
(6,498,716) |
) |
State income taxes |
|
5 |
% |
|
|
(956,005) |
) |
|
|
(955,694) |
) |
Permanent differences |
|
-0.5 |
% |
|
|
95,600 |
|
|
|
95,569 |
|
Valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets |
|
-38.5 |
% |
|
|
7,361,237 |
|
|
|
7,358,841 |
|
Effective rate |
|
0 |
% |
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the significant components of the deferred tax assets are summarized below:
31-Dec-19 |
31-Dec-18 |
|||||
Deferred income tax asset |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operation loss carryforwards |
|
19,120,096 |
|
|
19,113,872 |
|
Total deferred income tax asset |
|
7,456,837 |
|
|
|
7,454,410 |
Less: valuation allowance |
|
(7,456,837) |
|
|
(7,454,410) |
|
Total deferred income tax asset |
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
The Company has recorded as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, a valuation allowance of $7,456,837 and $7,454,410 respectively, as it believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future years. Management has based its assessment on the Company’s lack of profitable operating history.
The valuation allowance $7,456,837 as at December 31, 2019 increased by $2,427 compared to December 31, 2018 of $7,454,410 as a result of the Company generating additional net operating losses of $6,224.
The Company conducts an analysis of its tax positions and has concluded that it has no uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
For the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $19,120,096 and $19,113,872 respectively. Such amounts are subject to IRS code section 382 limitations and expire in 2033.
NOTE 8. RECENTLY ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which amends FASB ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. In addition, in May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Targeted Transition Relief, which updates FASB ASU 2016-13. These ASU’s require financial assets measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount to be collected and broadens the information, including forecasted information incorporating more timely information, that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimate for assets measured. These ASU’s are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Most of our financial assets are excluded from the requirements of this standard as they are measured at fair value or are subject to other accounting standards. In addition, certain of our other financial assets are short-term in nature and therefore are not likely to be subject to significant credit losses beyond what is already recorded under current accounting standards. As a result, we currently do not anticipate this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements, which amends FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements. This ASU eliminates, modifies and adds various disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Certain disclosures are required to be applied using a retrospective approach and others using a prospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The various disclosure requirements being eliminated, modified or added are not significant to us. As a result, we currently do not anticipate this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract, which amends FASB ASC Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software. This ASU adds certain disclosure requirements related to implementation costs incurred for internal-use software and cloud computing arrangements. The amendment aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either using a retrospective or prospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We currently do not anticipate this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 on “Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) – Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern”. Currently, there is no guidance in U.S. GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments in this update provide such guidance. In doing so, the amendments are intended to reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. The amendments require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term substantial doubt, (2) require an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The amendments in this update are effective for public and nonpublic entities for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We currently do not anticipate this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, "Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities." This ASU clarifies that the scope of ASU No. 2011-11, "Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities." applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in FASB Accounting Standards Codification or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after January 1, 2013. We currently do not anticipate this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, "Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." The ASU adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component and their corresponding effect on net income. The ASU is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. We currently do not anticipate this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued ASU No. 2013-04, "Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for which the Total Amount of the Obligation Is Fixed at the Reporting Date." This ASU addresses the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of certain obligations resulting from joint and several arrangements including debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings. The ASU is effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We currently do not anticipate this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity." This ASU addresses the accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. The guidance outlines the events when cumulative translation adjustments should be released into net income and is intended by FASB to eliminate some disparity in current accounting practice. This ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We currently do not anticipate this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-07, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205): Liquidation Basis of Accounting.” The amendments require an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent. Liquidation is imminent when the likelihood is remote that the entity will return from liquidation and either (a) a plan for liquidation is approved by the person or persons with the authority to make such a plan effective and the likelihood is remote that the execution of the plan will be blocked by other parties or (b) a plan for liquidation is being imposed by other forces (for example, involuntary bankruptcy). If a plan for liquidation was specified in the entity’s governing documents from the entity’s inception (for example, limited-life entities), the entity should apply the liquidation basis of accounting only if the approved plan for liquidation differs from the plan for liquidation that was specified at the entity’s inception. The amendments require financial statements prepared using the liquidation basis of accounting to present relevant information about an entity’s expected resources in liquidation by measuring and presenting assets at the amount of the expected cash proceeds from liquidation. The entity should include in its presentation of assets any items it had not previously recognized under U.S. GAAP but that it expects to either sell in liquidation or use in settling liabilities (for example, trademarks). The amendments are effective for entities that determine liquidation is imminent during annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, and interim reporting periods therein. We currently do not anticipate this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
We have reviewed all the recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements. Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards could have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements. As new accounting pronouncements are issued, we will adopt those that are applicable under the circumstances.
NOTE 9. SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Preferred Stock
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we were authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001.
The Company has 1 and 0 shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively.
Common Stock
The Company is authorized to issue 1,200,000,000 and 100,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 as at December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively.
Year ended December 31, 2019
The Company has issued 169,922,436 and 139,153,206 shares of our common stock to more than 163 shareholders as at December 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively.
Warrants
No warrants were issued or outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Stock Options
The Company has never adopted a stock option plan and has never issued any stock options.
NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluated subsequent events after December 31, 2019 through the date these financial statements were issued and has determined there have been no subsequent events for which disclosure is required except for the following:
As shown in Note 6, during the year ended December 31, 2019, we bought three single family residences (SFR) with a carrying amount of $1,459,971, in Los Angeles. We financed the purchase with borrowing from our controlling shareholder. We intend to rehabilitee these properties and deliver same to eligible homebuyers as part of our mission of promoting homeownership affordable housing. We sold two of the three properties in February and April of 2020.
Item 15(b)
EXHIBIT NO |
|
DESCRIPTION |
3.5* |
|
Bylaws of the Registrant adopted in 2019. |
2.01* |
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Securities Purchase Agreement. |
21.1* |
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List of subsidiaries of the Registrant. |
* Filed herewith.
Item 15 (c)
None
SIGNATURES |
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. |
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VIDEO RIVER NETWORKS, INC. |
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DATED: |
June 9, 2020 |
BY: |
/s/Frank I Igwealor |
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Frank I Igwealor, CPA, CMA, CFM, JD |
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President; Chief Executive Officer; |
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Chief Financial Officer; Secretary |
Exhibit 3.2
VIDEO RIVER NETWORKS, INC.
ARTICLE I. OFFICES
Section 1.01 P rincipal Office. Video River Networks, Inc. (the “Corporation”) will maintain its
principal office within or without the State of Nevada as the Board of Directors (the “Board”) may determine from time to time.
Section 1.02 R egistered Office and Other Offices. The registered office of the Corporation in Nevada
shall be that of its registered agent most recently appointed in the Articles (as defined in Section 1.03), or as evidenced by a certificate of acceptance executed by a registered agent and filed with the Secretary of State of Nevada in the manner prescribed by the Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”). The Corporation may also maintain offices at such other place or places, either within or without the State of Nevada, as may be designated from time to time by the Board, where the business of the Corporation may be transacted with the same effect as though done at the principal office.
Section 1.03 R ecords. The Corporation will keep and maintain at its registered office a certified copy
of its articles of incorporation and all amendments thereto (the “Articles”) and a certified copy of these bylaws and all amendments hereto (the “Bylaws”). The Corporation will also keep at its registered office a stock ledger or duplicate stock ledger, revised annually, containing the names, alphabetically arranged, of all stockholders of the Corporation, showing their places of residence, if known, and the number of shares held by them respectively, or a statement setting out the name of the custodian of the stock ledger or duplicate stock ledger, and the present and complete postal address, including street and number, if any, where such stock ledger or duplicate ledger is kept.
Section 2.01 S tockholders’ Meetings. All meetings of stockholders will be held at such places as may
be fixed from time to time by the Board, or in the absence of direction by the Board, by the President or Secretary, either within or without the State of Nevada, as will be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof. If authorized by the Board, in its sole discretion and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board may adopt, stockholders may participate in a meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, through electronic communications, videoconferencing, teleconferencing, or other available technology which allows the stockholders to communicate simultaneously or sequentially. Such participation in a meeting will constitute presence in person at the meeting.
Section 2.02 A nnual Meetings. Annual meetings of stockholders will be held each year on a date and at
a time to be designated by the Board. Stockholders will, at the annual meeting, elect the directors to serve on the Board and transact such other business as properly may be brought before the meeting.
Section 2.03 S pecial Meetings of Stockholders. Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose
or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Articles, may be called by the President and will be called by the President or Secretary at the request in writing of a majority of the Board. Such request will state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.
Section 2.04 L ist of Stockholders. The Transfer Agent (as defined in Section 6.04) or, if a Transfer
Agent has not been appointed, the Secretary, will prepare, and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list is not required to include stockholders’ electronic email addresses or facsimile numbers. Such list will be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a
period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place will be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list will also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.
Section 2.05 Notice of Meetings.
(a) Written notice stating the time and place of any meeting of the stockholders will be delivered to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty
(60) days before the date of the meeting.
(b) In the case of an annual meeting, the notice of meeting need not specifically state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. In the case of a special meeting, the notice of meeting shall specifically state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.
(c) If a meeting is adjourned for sixty (60) days or more after the date fixed for the original meeting, notice of the adjourned meeting will be given as in the case of an original meeting. When a meeting is adjourned for a period of less than sixty (60) days in any one adjournment, it is not necessary to give any notice of the date, time, or place of the adjourned meeting other than by announcement at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless a new record date is set for the meeting.
(d) If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the stockholder at his, her, or its address as it appears on the record of stockholders of the Corporation, with postage prepaid.
(e) Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given to stockholders, any notice to a stockholder may be given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given and in the manner prescribed in NRS Section 78.370, as amended. Any such consent may be revoked by the stockholder by written or electronic notice to the Corporation. Any such consent will be deemed revoked if: (i) the Corporation is unable to deliver two (2) consecutive electronic transmissions given by the Corporation in accordance with such consent; and (ii) such inability becomes known to the Secretary or the Transfer Agent or other person responsible for giving of notice or other communications; p rovided, however, that the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action. For purposes of this Section 2.05(e), “electronic transmission” means facsimile transmission, electronic mail, posting on an electronic network, or any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper or other tangible medium, which is suitable for the retention, retrieval, and reproduction of information by the recipient, and which is retrievable and reproducible in paper form by the recipient through an automated process used in conventional commercial practice. An affidavit of the Secretary or the Transfer Agent or any other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given, whether by a form of electronic transmission or otherwise, shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
Section 2.06 W aiver of Notice. Attendance of a stockholder at a meeting, in person or by proxy, will
constitute waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the stockholder attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and so objects at the beginning of the meeting. Any stockholder may waive notice of any annual or special meeting of stockholders by executing a written waiver of notice either before or after the time of the meeting.
Section 2.07 Fixing of Record Date.
(a) For the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any distribution or the allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion, or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such
meeting, if applicable. When a determination of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been made as provided in this Section 2.07, such determination will, unless otherwise provided by the Board, also apply to any adjournment thereof.
(b) If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders: (i) entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; and (ii) for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, h owever, that the Board may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting and must fix a new record date if the meeting is adjourned to a date more than sixty (60) days later than the date set
for the original meeting.
Section 2.08 Q uorum and Adjournment. The holders of at least one-third (1/3) of the voting power of
all classes and series of stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, regardless of whether the proxy has authority to vote on all matters, will constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided by the NRS or by the Articles. Once a quorum is established at any meeting of the stockholders, the voluntary withdrawal of any stockholder from the meeting shall not affect the authority of the remaining stockholders to conduct any business which properly comes before the meeting. If, however, such quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, will have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present or represented by proxy. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present or represented by proxy any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified. If the adjournment is for more than sixty
(60) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting will be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.
Section 2.09 Nominations for Director.
(a) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.09 will be eligible for election to the Board. Nominations of persons for election to the Board at a meeting of the stockholders at which directors are being elected may be made (i) by or at the direction of the Board or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at such meeting who complies with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.09. Such nominations by any stockholder must be made pursuant to timely notice in proper written form to the Secretary.
(b) To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed to and received by the Secretary at the principal office of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days in advance of the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, h owever, that in the event that (i) no annual meeting was held in the previous year or
(ii) the date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than thirty (30) days from the date of the previous year’s meeting, or in the event of a special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the meeting was made, whichever occurs first. In no event will the public disclosure of an adjournment or postponement of a stockholders meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above.
(c) To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth in writing:
(i) as to each person whom such stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including, without limitation, such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as director if elected as well as (A) such person’s name, age, business address and residence address, (B) his or her principal occupation or employment, (C) the class and number of shares of the Corporation that are beneficially
owned by such person, and (D) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nominations are to be made by the stockholder; and (ii) as to such stockholder (A) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, and (B) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made, and any material interest of such stockholder and owner. At the request of the Board, any person nominated by the Board for election as a director will furnish to the Secretary the information required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee.
(d) No person will be eligible for election by the stockholders as a director unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.09. The chairman of the meeting will, if the facts warrant, determine and declare at the meeting that a nomination was not made in accordance with the procedures prescribed in this Section 2.09, and if he or she so determines, he or she will so declare at the
meeting that the defective nomination will be disregarded. Section 2.10 Stockholder Proposals.
(a) At any special meeting of the stockholders, only such business will be conducted as has been brought
before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board.
(b) At any annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business will be conducted as has been brought before the meeting (i) specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board, (ii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board, or (iii) by any stockholder who complies with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.10.
(c) For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must give timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary and such business must otherwise be a proper matter for stockholder action.
(d) To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed to and received by the Secretary at the principal office of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days in advance of the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, h owever, that in the event that (i) no annual meeting was held in the previous year or
(ii) the date of the annual meeting has been changed by more than thirty (30) days before or after the date of the previous year’s meeting, not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the meeting was made, whichever occurs first. In no event will the public disclosure of an adjournment or postponement of a stockholders meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above.
(e) To be in proper written form, a stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth in writing as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting; (ii) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, of the stockholder proposing such business, and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration) and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting;
(iv) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially by such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (v) any material interest in such business of the stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (vi) any other information that is required to be provided by the stockholder pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act in such stockholder’s capacity as a proponent of a stockholder proposal; (vii) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business; and (viii) a representation whether the stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, intends or is part of a group which
intends (A) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or (B) otherwise to solicit proxies from stockholders in support of such proposal. The foregoing notice requirements will be deemed satisfied by a stockholder if the stockholder has notified the Corporation of his, her, or its intention to present a proposal at an annual meeting in compliance with Rule 14a-8 (or any successor thereof) promulgated under the Exchange Act and such stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting.
(f) No business will be conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.10. The chairman of an annual meeting will, if the facts warrant, determine and declare at the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 2.10, and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare at the meeting that any such business not properly brought before the meeting will not be transacted.
Section 2.11 Public Disclosure; Conduct of Nominations, and Proposals by Stockholders.
(a) For purposes of Sections 2.09 and 2.10, “public disclosure” means disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Reuters or any comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed or furnished by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(b) Notwithstanding Sections 2.09 and 2.10, if the stockholder (or a representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual meeting to present a nomination or proposal, such nomination and proposal will be disregarded, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been
received by the Corporation.
(c) Without limiting Sections 2.09 and 2.10, a stockholder will also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in Sections 2.09 and 2.10. Nothing in Sections 2.09 or 2.10 will affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
Section 2.12 C onduct of Meetings. The President, or any person so designated by the President, or if
the President is absent, did not so designate, or otherwise is unable to so serve, any Vice President, will chair all meetings of the stockholders. The Secretary or, in his or her absence, such other person as the chairman of the meeting may designate, will serve as secretary of the meeting. The chairman of the meeting will conduct all meetings of the stockholders in accordance with the best interests of the Corporation and will have the authority and discretion to establish reasonable procedural rules for the conduct of such meetings, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as he or she deems appropriate.
Section 2.13 Voting; Proxies.
(a) Each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting may vote either in person or by proxy. Unless otherwise specified in the Articles or in resolutions of the Board providing for the issuance of different classes or series of shares, each stockholder entitled to vote will be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of capital stock registered in his, her, or its name on the transfer books or records of the Corporation.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, all votes with respect to shares standing in the name of an individual at the close of business on the record date (including pledged shares) shall be cast only by that individual or such individual’s duly authorized proxy. With respect to shares held by a representative of the estate of a deceased stockholder, or a guardian, conservator, custodian or trustee, even though the shares do not stand in the name of such holder, votes may be cast by such holder upon proof of such representative capacity. In the case of shares under the control of a receiver, the receiver may cast votes carried by such shares even though the shares do not stand of record in the name of the receiver; provided, that the order of a court of competent jurisdiction which appoints the receiver contains the authority to cast votes carried by such shares. If shares stand of record in the name of a minor, votes may be cast by the duly appointed
guardian of the estate of such minor only if such guardian has provided the Corporation with written proof of such appointment.
(c) With respect to shares standing of record in the name of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity on the record date, votes may be cast: (i) in the case of a corporation, by such individual as the bylaws of such other corporation prescribe, by such individual as may be appointed by resolution of the Board of Directors of such other corporation or by such individual (including, without limitation, the officer making the authorization) authorized in writing to do so by the chairman of the board, if any, president, chief executive officer, if any, or any vice president of such corporation; and (ii) in the case of a partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity, by an individual representing such stockholder upon presentation to the Corporation of satisfactory evidence of his or her authority to do so.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein and except for the Corporation’s shares held in a fiduciary capacity, the Corporation shall not vote, directly or indirectly, shares of its own stock owned by it; and such shares shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to vote.
(e) Any holder of shares entitled to vote on any matter may cast a portion of the votes in favor of such matter and refrain from casting the remaining votes or cast the same against the proposal, except in the case of elections of directors. If such holder entitled to vote does vote any of such stockholder’s shares affirmatively and fails to specify the number of affirmative votes, it will be conclusively presumed that the holder is casting affirmative votes with respect to all shares held.
(f) With respect to shares standing of record in the name of two (2) or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, husband and wife as community property, tenants by the entirety, voting trustees or otherwise and shares held by two (2) or more persons (including proxy holders) having the same fiduciary relationship in respect to the same shares, votes may be cast in the following manner: (i) if only one (1) person votes, the vote of such person binds all; (ii) if more than one (1) person casts votes, the act of the majority so voting binds all; and (iii) if more than one
(1) person casts votes, but the vote is evenly split on a particular matter, the votes shall be deemed cast proportionately, as split.
(g) Each stockholder entitled to vote may authorize another person or persons to act for his, her, or it by proxy. All proxies must be in writing, signed by the stockholder or by his, her, or its duly authorized attorney-in-fact, and will be filed with the Secretary before being voted; provided, that no proxy will be valid after six (6) months from the date of its execution unless the person executing it specifies in it the length of time for which it is to continue in force, which in no event will exceed seven (7) years. A duly executed proxy is not revoked and will continue in full force and effect until another instrument or transmission revoking it or a properly created proxy bearing a later date is filed with or transmitted to the Secretary. The mere attendance at a meeting by a stockholder who has previously given a proxy applicable to such meeting will not constitute a revocation of such proxy.
(h) Except for the election of directors or as otherwise provided by applicable law, the Articles, or these Bylaws, at all meetings of stockholders, action by the stockholders on a matter is approved if the number of votes cast in favor of the action exceeds the number of votes cast in opposition to the action.
(i) Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Articles, or these Bylaws, directors will be elected to the Board by a plurality of the votes cast by each of the holders of the shares of capital stock present and entitled to vote at the meeting. Cumulative voting for directors will not be required or permitted.
Section 2.14 I nspectors of Election. In advance of any meeting of stockholders, the Board will appoint
one (1) or more persons, other than officers, directors, or nominees for office, as inspectors of election to act at such meeting or any adjournment thereof. Such appointment will not be altered at the meeting. If inspectors of election are not so appointed, the chairman of the meeting will make such appointment at the meeting. If any person
appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act at the meeting, the vacancy so created may be filled by appointment by the Board in advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the chairman of the meeting. The duties of the inspectors of election will include determining the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each; determining the shares represented at the meeting; determining the existence of a quorum; determining the validity and effect of proxies; receiving votes, ballots, or consents; hearing and deciding all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote; counting and tabulating all votes, ballots, or consents; determining the results of any election, vote, or other determination; and doing such acts as are proper to the conduct of the election or the vote with fairness to all stockholders. Any report or certificate made by them will be prima facie evidence of the facts stated and of the vote as certified by them. Each inspector will be entitled to a reasonable compensation for his or her services, to be paid by the Corporation.
Section 2.15 Action Without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of a majority of the voting power of all classes and series of stock entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter of the action, except that if any greater proportion of voting power is required for such an action at a meeting, then the greater proportion of written consents is required. Such written consents will be delivered to the Secretary. Every written consent must bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent. No written consent will be effective unless it is delivered, with signatures of stockholders holding sufficient shares to authorize or take such action, to the Secretary within sixty (60) days after the earliest dated signature on such consent. In no instance where action is authorized by written consent need a meeting of stockholders be called or notice given.
Section 3.01 G eneral Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the
direction of the Board except as otherwise provided by the Articles or by applicable law.
Section 3.02 N umber, Term, and Qualification. The number of directors on the Board will be
determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board. In the absence of such resolution, the number of directors elected at the meeting shall constitute the number of directors of the Corporation until the next annual meeting of stockholders, unless the number is changed prior to such meeting by action of the Board. Unless otherwise required or permitted by applicable law, a majority of the members of the Board must be Independent Directors (as defined in Section 4.04). Each director’s term shall expire at the annual meeting next following the director’s election as a director; p rovided, that, notwithstanding the expiration of the term of the director, the director shall continue to hold office until a successor is elected and qualifies or until his death, resignation, retirement, removal, or disqualification or until there is a decrease in the number of directors. Directors need not be residents of the State of Nevada or stockholders of the Corporation. No decrease in the number of directors
constituting the Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent directors.
Section 3.03 R emoval. Directors may be removed from office with or without cause, at an annual or
special meeting of the stockholders upon a vote of stockholders holding at least two-thirds (2/3) of the voting power of all classes and series of stock entitled to vote at such meeting. The notice of the stockholders’ meeting at which such action is to be taken must state that a purpose of the meeting is removal of the director.
Section 3.04 Vacancies. A vacancy occurring on the Board, including, without limitation, a vacancy resulting from death, resignation, retirement, removal, disqualification, an increase in the number of directors, or from the failure by the stockholders to elect the full authorized number of directors, may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors or by the sole director remaining in office, in either case though less than a quorum.
Section 3.05 Compensation. The Corporation may compensate directors for their service on the Board as such and may provide for the payment of expenses incurred by the directors in connection with such services. Any director may serve the Corporation in any other capacity and receive compensation therefor.
Section 3.06 C hairman and Vice Chairman of the Board. The chairman of the Board (the “Chairman
of the Board”) and vice chairman of the Board (the “Vice Chairman of the Board”) will be elected by the Board,
the Chairman of the Board, or if the Chairman of the Board is unable to attend the meeting or if the Chairman of the Board is not then an Independent Director and a meeting on the Independent Directors is called, the Vice Chairman of the Board, will preside at meetings of the Board, and each shall have such other authority and perform such other duties as the Board may designate.
Section 3.07 P lace of Meetings; Meetings by Telephone. The Board may hold meetings, both regular
and special, either within or outside the State of Nevada. Members of the Board or any committee designated by the Board may participate in a meeting of the Board or committee through electronic communications, videoconferencing, teleconferencing or other available technology which allows the stockholders to communicate simultaneously or sequentially. Such participation in a meeting will constitute presence in person at the meeting.
Section 3.08 R egular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be held without notice at such
date, time, and place as the Board will determine from time to time.
Section 3.09 S pecial Meetings; Notice. Special meetings of the Board may be called at any time by the
Chairman of the Board, the President, or any two (2) directors. Notice of the date, time, and place of special meetings of the Board will be delivered personally, by first class mail, overnight courier, telephone, facsimile, or electronic mail to each director at that director’s address as shown on the records of the Corporation.
Section 3.10 W aiver of Notice. Notice of the date, time, place, and purpose of any meeting of directors
may be waived in writing, signed by the person entitled to notice, either before or after such meeting, and a director’s attendance at a meeting waives objection to lack of notice or defective notice of the meeting, unless the director at the beginning of the meeting objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither of the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the directors, or members of a committee of directors, need to be specified in a written waiver of notice.
Section 3.11 Q uorum; Vote. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, at all meetings of the
Board, a majority of the authorized number of directors will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum will be the act of the Board. If a quorum is present at the call of a meeting, the directors may continue to transact business until adjournment notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough directors to leave less than a quorum. In the event of a tie vote of the Board and one (1) or more directors is absent from the meeting, the matter will be deferred until the next meeting of the Board. In the event of a tie vote and all directors have participated in the meeting and have voted or abstained from voting, the Chairman of the Board will cast an additional vote and the matter will be approved or disapproved based upon such vote. In the event the Chairman of the Board has abstained from voting on the issue, the matter will be deemed disapproved due to the matter failing to obtain a majority of affirmative votes.
Section 3.12 A djourned Meeting; Notice. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board, then
the directors present at the meeting may adjourn the meeting from time to time without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present, but may not transact business.
Section 3.13 C onduct of Business. Meetings of the Board will be presided over by the Chairman of the
Board, if any, or in his or her absence by the President, or in his or her absence by a chairman chosen at the meeting. The Secretary will act as secretary of the meeting, but in his or her absence the chairman of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting. The chairman of the meeting will determine the order of business and the procedures at the meeting.
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Section 3.14 A ction by Written Consent. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting
of the Board, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or
committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.
Section 4.01 A udit Committee. The Board by resolution will designate an audit committee (the “Audit
Committee”) consisting of at least three (3) members. All of the members of the Audit Committee must be Independent Directors. The Audit Committee will review the internal financial controls of the Corporation, and the integrity of its financial reporting, and have such other powers and duties as the Board determines. The Board will adopt a charter, which may be amended from time to time, setting forth the powers and duties of the Audit Committee. The Board will designate by resolution a member of the Audit Committee as a “financial expert” within the meaning of Item 401 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act.
Section 4.02 C ompensation Committee. The Board by resolution will designate a compensation
committee (the “Compensation Committee”) consisting of at least two (2) members. All members of the Compensation Committee must be Independent Directors. The Compensation Committee will administer the Corporation’s compensation plans and have such other powers and duties as the Board determines. The Board will adopt a charter, which may be amended from time to time, setting forth the powers and duties of the Compensation Committee.
Section 4.03 N ominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board by resolution will
designate a nominating and corporate governance committee (the “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee”) consisting of at least two (2) members. All members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must be Independent Directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will nominate candidates for election to the Board, formulate corporate governance principles, and have such other powers and duties as the Board determines. The Board will adopt a charter, which may be amended from time to time, setting forth the powers and duties of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Section 4.04 I ndependent Directors. For purposes of this Article 4, “Independent Director” means a
director who is not an officer or employee of the Corporation or its affiliates and who does not have any other relationship with the Corporation which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. Without limiting the foregoing, all Independent Directors must satisfy the requirements set forth in the applicable rule concerning director independence of the national securities exchange on which the Corporation’s common stock or other equity security is then listed, and if not listed then the requirements set forth in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules.
Section 4.05 O ther Committees. The Board, by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board,
may designate other committees of directors of one (1) or more directors, which shall serve at the Board’s pleasure and have such powers and duties as the Board determines.
Section 4.06 Meetings and Action of Committees.
(a) The members of all committees will serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Board may designate one (1) or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee; p rovided, that such alternate members of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must be Independent Directors. Each committee will keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board at its next meeting. Each committee may adopt rules of procedure and shall meet as provided by those rules or by resolutions of the Board. Subject to the provisions requiring Independent Directors, any director may serve simultaneously on multiple committees.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in resolutions or charters adopted by the Board, all meetings and actions of committees will be governed by, and held and taken in accordance with, the provisions of Sections 3.07 through 3.14, with such changes in the context of those Bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee and its members for the Board and its members; provided, however, that (i) the time of
regular meetings of committees may be determined either by resolution of the Board or by resolution of the committee; (ii) special meetings of committees may also be called by resolution of the Board; (iii) notice of special meetings of committees will also be given to all alternate members, who will have the right to attend all meetings of the committee; (iv) a majority of the members of a committee will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting; and (v) the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of a committee will be required to take action in respect of any matter presented to or requiring the approval of the committee.
Section 5.01 D esignation. The officers of the Corporation will be chosen by the Board and will be a
President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Board may also choose one (1) or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries, and assistant treasurers, and such other officers as may be deemed necessary. Any person may hold two
(2) or more offices.
Section 5.02 A ppointment of Officers. The Board at its first meeting after each annual meeting of
stockholders will choose a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Chief Financial Officer and may choose a Chairman of the Board, each of whom will serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Board at any time may appoint such other officers as it deems necessary who will hold their offices at the pleasure of the Board and who will exercise such powers and perform such duties as will be determined from time to time by the Board.
Section 5.03 C ompensation. The compensation of the officers will be fixed from time to time by the
Board, upon recommendation from the Compensation Committee, and no officer will be prevented from receiving such compensation by reason of the fact that he or she is also a director of the Corporation. The compensation of the officers or the method by which compensation is set will be set forth in the minutes of the meetings of the Board.
Section 5.04 V acancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal,
disqualification, or otherwise may be filled by the Board at any time.
Section 5.05 R esignation and Removal. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to
the President. Any resignation will take effect on the date the President receives such notice or at any later time specified in such notice; and, unless otherwise specified in such notice, acceptance of the resignation will not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation is without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party, or of the Board to remove an officer at any time as provided in this Section 5.05. Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment, the Board may remove any officer, either with or without cause, at any regular or special meeting of the Board.
Section 5.06 C hairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board, if one is appointed and serving, or if
the Chairman of the Board is unable to attend the meeting or the Chairman of the Board is not then an Independent Director and a meeting of the Independent Directors is called, the Vice Chairman of the Board, will preside at all meetings of the Board and will perform such other duties as may be from time to time assigned to him or her by the Board.
Section 5.07 P resident. The President will serve as the chief executive officer (the “Chief Executive
Officer”) of the Corporation may be designated as the Chief Executive Officer if determined by the Board, and will, subject to the control of the Board, be responsible for the general supervision, direction, and control of the business and affairs and supervision of the other officers of the Corporation. The President will have the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the president or chief executive officer of a corporation and will have such other powers and duties as may be from time to time prescribed by the Board.
Section 5.08 V ice Presidents. There will be as many vice presidents (each a “Vice President”) as may
be determined from time to time and they will perform such duties as may be from time to time assigned to them by the Board or the President. Any one of the vice presidents, as authorized by the Board, will have all the powers and perform all the duties of the President in case of the President’s temporary absence or inability to act. In case of the
President’s permanent absence or inability to act, the office will be declared vacant by the Board and a successor chosen by the Board.
Section 5.09 S ecretary. The secretary (the “Secretary”) will see that the minutes of all meetings of the
Board and of any standing committees are kept. The Secretary will be the custodian of the corporate seal, if any, and will affix it to all proper instruments when deemed advisable. The Secretary will give or cause to be given required notices of all meetings of the Board. The Secretary will have charge of all the books and records of the Corporation except the books of account and in general will perform all the duties incident to the office of secretary of a corporation and such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Board or the President.
Section 5.10 T reasurer. The treasurer (the “Treasurer”) will have general custody of all of the funds
and securities of the Corporation except such as may be required by applicable law to be deposited with any state official. The Treasurer will see to the deposit of the funds of the Corporation in such bank or banks as the Board may designate. If required by the Board, the Treasurer will give the Corporation such fidelity bond as may be required, and the premium therefor will be paid by the Corporation as an operating expense.
Section 5.11 Chief Financial Officer. The chief financial officer (the “Chief Financial Officer”) shall keep or cause to be kept the books of account of the Corporation in a thorough and proper manner and shall render statements of the financial affairs of the Corporation in such form and as often as required by the Board or the President. The Chief Financial Officer shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall perform such other duties and have such others powers as the Board or the President may from time to time delegate.
Section 5.12 A ssistant Secretaries. There may be such number of assistant secretaries (each an
“Assistant Secretary”) as the Board may from time to time determine, and such persons will perform such functions as may be from time to time assigned to them.
Section 5.13 A ssistant Treasurers. There may be such number of assistant treasurers (each an
“Assistant Treasurer”) as the Board may from time to time determine, and such persons will perform such functions as may be from time to time assigned to them.
Section 6.01 Issuance. Shares of the Corporation’s authorized stock shall, subject to any provisions or limitations of the laws of the State of Nevada, the Articles, or any contracts or agreements to which the Corporation may be a party, be issued in such manner, at such times, upon such conditions and for such consideration as shall be prescribed by the Board.
Section 6.02 Stock Certificates and Uncertificated Shares.
(a) Every holder of stock in the Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by or in the name of the Corporation by two (2) officers or agents so authorized by the Board, certifying the number of shares of stock owned by him, her, or it in the Corporation; provided, however, that the Board may authorize the issuance of uncertificated shares of some or all of the Corporation’s stock. Any such issuance of uncertificated shares shall have no effect on existing certificates for shares until such certificates are surrendered to the Corporation, or on the respective rights and obligations of the stockholders. Whenever such certificate is countersigned or otherwise authenticated by a Transfer Agent, or a transfer clerk and by a registrar (other than the Corporation), then a facsimile of the signatures of any corporate officers or agents, the Transfer Agent, transfer clerk, or the registrar of the Corporation may be printed or lithographed upon the certificate in lieu of the actual signatures. In the event that any officer or officers who have signed, or whose facsimile signatures have been used on any certificate or certificates for stock cease to be an officer or officers because of death, resignation, or other reason, before the certificate or certificates for stock have been delivered by the Corporation, the certificate or certificates may nevertheless be adopted by the Corporation and be issued and delivered as though the person or persons who signed the certificate or certificates, or whose facsimile signature or signatures have been used thereon, had not ceased to be an officer or officers of the Corporation.
(b) Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated shares, the Corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written statement certifying the number of shares owned by him, her, or it in the Corporation and, at least annually thereafter, the Corporation shall provide to such stockholders of record holding uncertificated shares, a written statement confirming the information contained in such written statement previously sent. Except as otherwise expressly provided by applicable law, the rights and obligations of the stockholders shall be identical whether or not their shares of stock are represented by certificates.
(c) Certificates of stock shall be in such form consistent with applicable law and the Articles as shall be prescribed by the Board. All certificates evidencing shares of the Corporation’s stock or other securities issued by the Corporation shall contain such legend or legends as may from time to time be required by the Board, the NRS, or such other federal, state, or local laws or regulations then in effect.
Section 6.03 T ransfer of Shares. Shares shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by applicable
law, the Articles, and in these Bylaws. Transfers of Shares shall be made on the books of the Corporation only by the person named in the certificate or by his, her, or its attorney lawfully constituted in writing and, if such Shares are certificated, upon the surrender of the certificate therefore properly endorsed, and payment of all necessary transfer taxes, which certificate shall be canceled before a new certificate shall be issued; or, in the case of uncertificated Shares, upon receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered holder of the Shares or by such person’s attorney lawfully constituted in writing, and upon payment of all necessary transfer taxes and compliance with appropriate procedures for transferring Shares in uncertificated form. Any transfer shall be accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment, or authority and, upon receipt of such evidence and compliance with the other applicable provisions of these Bylaws and applicable law; it shall be the duty of the Corporation to record the transaction in its books. The Corporation may treat, as the absolute owner of Shares, the person or persons in whose name or names the Shares are registered on the books of the Corporation.
Section 6.04 T ransfer Agent. The Board may appoint one (1) or more transfer agents (each a
“Transfer Agent”) for the transfer and registration of certificates of stock of any class and may require that stock certificates be countersigned and registered by one (1) or more of such Transfer Agents. The Transfer Agent will keep the stock transfer records of the Corporation, which will reflect the name and address of each stockholder of record, the number and class or series of shares issued to each stockholder of record and the date of issue of each such share.
Section 6.05 L ost, Stolen, or Destroyed Certificates. The Board may authorize the issuance of a new
certificate in place of a certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon receipt of: (a) an affidavit from the person explaining the loss, theft, or destruction; and (b) a bond or other security from the owner or legal representative of the owner in a sum as the Corporation may reasonably direct to indemnify the Corporation against any claim with respect to the certificate claimed to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed. The Board may, in its discretion, waive the affidavit and bond or other security and authorize the issuance of a new certificate in place of a certificate claimed to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Section 7.01 Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
(a) For purposes of this Article, (A) “Indemnitee” shall mean each director or officer who was or is a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, or is otherwise involved in, any Proceeding (as hereinafter defined), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or member, manager, or managing member of a predecessor limited liability company or affiliate of such limited liability company, or is or was serving in any capacity at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent, partner, member, manager, or fiduciary of, or in any other capacity for, another corporation or any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, or other enterprise or affiliate; (B) “Proceeding” shall mean any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding (including, without limitation, an action, suit, or proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation), whether
civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative; and (C) “Liabilities” shall mean any and all expenses, liabilities, and losses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, taxes, penalties, and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement).
(b) Each Indemnitee shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Nevada law, against Liabilities actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by the Indemnitee in connection with any Proceeding; provided, that such Indemnitee either is not liable pursuant to NRS 78.138 or acted in good faith and in a manner such Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any Proceeding that is criminal in nature, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any Proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the Indemnitee is liable pursuant to NRS 78.138 or did not act in good faith and in a manner in which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or that, with respect to any criminal Proceeding he or she had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
(c) With regard solely to a Proceeding that is an action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in the Corporation’s favor, the Corporation shall not indemnify an Indemnitee against Liabilities for any claim, issue, or matter as to which the Indemnitee has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable to the Corporation or for any amounts paid in settlement to the Corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the Proceeding was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that in view of all the circumstances of the case, the Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such amounts as the court deems proper.
(d) Except as so ordered by a court and for advancement of expenses pursuant to this Article 7, indemnification may not be made to or on behalf of an Indemnitee if a final adjudication establishes that his or her acts or omissions involved intentional misconduct, fraud, or a knowing violation of law and was material to the cause of action.
(e) The expenses of Indemnitees must be paid by the Corporation or through insurance purchased and maintained by the Corporation or through other financial arrangements made by the Corporation, as they are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent that a director or officer of the Corporation is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding, including in the defense of any claim, issue, or matter arising out of an action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in the Corporation’s favor, the Corporation shall indemnify him or her against Liabilities actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense.
Section 7.02 E nforcement. Without the necessity of entering into an express contract, all rights to
indemnification and advances to persons under this Article 7 will be deemed to be contractual rights and be effective to the same extent and as if provided for in a contract between the Corporation and the Indemnitee. an Indemnitee may enforce any right to indemnification or advances under this Article 7 in any court of competent jurisdiction if:
(a) the Corporation denies the claim for indemnification or advances, in whole or in part; or (b) the Corporation does not dispose of such claim within ninety (90) days of request therefor. The claimant in such enforcement action, if successful in whole or in part, will be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting his claim. The burden of proof is on the claimant to substantiate that he is entitled to be indemnified under this Article 7. The Corporation will be entitled to raise as a defense to any such action that the claimant has not met the standard of conduct that makes it permissible under NRS Section 78.7502 for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including the Board, independent legal counsel, or the stockholders) to have, prior to the commencement of such action, made a determination that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because the claimant has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in NRS
Section 78.7502, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including the Board, independent legal counsel, or the stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, will be a defense to the action or create a presumption that claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
Section 7.03 N on Exclusivity of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Article 7 will not
be exclusive of any other right which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Articles, Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders, or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in the person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while serving the Corporation. The Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees, or agents respecting indemnification and advances, to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law.
Section 7.04 S urvival of Rights. Indemnification pursuant to this Section shall continue as to an
Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer of the Corporation or member, manager, or managing member of a predecessor limited liability company or affiliate of such limited liability company, or a director, officer, employee, agent, partner, member, manager, or fiduciary of, or to serve in any other capacity for, another corporation or any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, or other enterprise or affiliate and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors, and administrators.
Section 7.05 Insurance; Other Financial Arrangements.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by NRS Section 78.752, the Corporation, upon approval by the Board, may purchase and maintain insurance or make other financial arrangements on behalf of any person required or permitted to be indemnified pursuant to this Article 7 for any liability asserted against him or her and liability and expenses incurred by him or her in his or her capacity as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, managing member, or agent, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation has the authority to indemnify him or her against such liability and expenses.
(b) The other financial arrangements which may be made by the Corporation may include the following (i) the creation of a trust fund; (ii) the establishment of a program of self-insurance; (iii) the securing of its obligation of indemnification by granting a security interest or other lien on any assets of the Corporation; and/or (iv) the establishment of a letter of credit, guarantee or surety. No financial arrangement made pursuant to this subsection may provide protection for a person adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable for intentional misconduct, fraud, or a knowing violation of law, except with respect to advancement of expenses or indemnification ordered by a court.
(c) Any insurance or other financial arrangement made on behalf of a person pursuant to this Article 7 may be provided by the Corporation or any other person approved by the Board, even if all or part of the other person’s stock or other securities is owned by the Corporation. In the absence of fraud (i) the decision of the Board as to the propriety of the terms and conditions of any insurance or other financial arrangement made pursuant to this Article 7 and the choice of the person to provide the insurance or other financial arrangement is conclusive; and (ii) the insurance or other financial arrangement is not void or voidable and does not subject any director approving it to personal liability for his action; even if a director approving the insurance or other financial arrangement is a beneficiary of the insurance or other financial arrangement.
Section 7.06 I ndemnification of Employees and Other Persons. The Corporation may, by action of its
Board and to the extent provided in such action, indemnify employees and other persons as though they were Indemnitees.
Section 7.07 A mendment. The provisions of this Article 7 relating to indemnification shall constitute a
contract between the Corporation and each of its directors and officers which may be modified as to any director or officer only with that person’s consent or as specifically provided in this Section 7.07. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws relating to their amendment generally, any repeal or amendment of this Article 7 which is adverse to any director or officer shall apply to such director or officer only on a prospective basis, and shall not limit, eliminate, or impair the rights of an Indemnitee to indemnification with respect to any action or failure to act
occurring prior to the time of such repeal or amendment. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws (including, without limitation, Section 8.08 below), no repeal or amendment of these Bylaws shall affect any or all of this Article 7 so as to limit or reduce the indemnification in any manner unless adopted by the unanimous vote of the directors of the Corporation then serving; provided, that no such amendment shall have a retroactive effect inconsistent with the preceding sentence.
Section 8.01 Corporate Seal. The Board may, but is not require to, adopt a corporate seal, which shall be in the form of a circle and shall bear the Corporation’s name and the year and state in which it was incorporated.
Section 8.02 F iscal Year. The Board may by resolution determine the Corporation’s fiscal year. Until
changed by the Board, the Corporation’s fiscal year shall be the calendar year.
Section 8.03 Voting of Shares in Other Corporations. Unless another person is designated by the Board, shares in other corporations which are held by the Corporation may be represented and voted by the President or a Vice President of the Corporation or by proxy or proxies appointed by one of them.
Section 8.04 C hecks; Drafts; Evidences of Indebtedness. From time to time, the Board will determine
by resolution which person or persons may sign or endorse all checks, drafts, other orders for payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness that are issued in the name of or payable to the Corporation, and only the persons so authorized shall sign or endorse those instruments.
Section 8.05 C orporate Contracts and Instruments; How Executed. The Board may authorize any
officers or agents to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section 8.06 P rovisions Additional to Provisions of Law. All restrictions, limitations, requirements,
and other provisions of these Bylaws shall be construed, insofar as possible, as supplemental and additional to all provisions of law applicable to the subject matter thereof and shall be fully complied with in addition to the said provisions of law unless such compliance shall be illegal.
Section 8.07 P rovisions Contrary to Law. Any article, section, subsection, subdivision, sentence,
clause, or phrase of these Bylaws which is contrary to or inconsistent with any applicable provisions of law, shall not apply so long as said provisions of law shall remain in effect, but such result shall not affect the validity or applicability of any other portions of these Bylaws.
Section 8.08 Amendments. The Board may make the Bylaws of the Corporation. Unless otherwise prohibited by applicable law, the Board may adopt, amend, or repeal these Bylaws, or any portion hereof, including any bylaw adopted by the stockholders. Whenever an amendment or new Bylaws are adopted, the amendment or the new Bylaws will be copied in the Corporation’s minute book with the original Bylaws.
Section 8.09 C hanges in Nevada Law. References in these Bylaws to Nevada law or the NRS or to any
provision thereof shall be to such law as it existed on the date these Bylaws were adopted or as such law thereafter may be changed; p rovided, that (a) in the case of any change which expands the liability of directors or officers or limits the indemnification rights or the rights to advancement of expenses which the Corporation may provide in Article 7 hereof, the rights to limited liability, to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses provided in the Articles and/or these Bylaws shall continue as theretofore to the extent permitted by applicable law; and (b) if such change permits the Corporation, without the requirement of any further action by stockholders or directors, to limit further the liability of directors or limit the liability of officers or to provide broader indemnification rights or rights to the advancement of expenses than the Corporation was permitted to provide prior to such change, then liability thereupon shall be so limited and the rights to indemnification and the advancement of expenses shall be so broadened to the extent permitted by applicable law.
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
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Name of consolidated |
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization |
Date of incorporation or formation (date of acquisition, if applicable) |
Attributable Interest |
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subsidiary or entity |
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Community Economic Capital LLC |
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California |
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3/22/2019 |
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100 |
% |