VERUS INTERNATIONAL, INC. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

or

Commission File Number 001-34106

VERUS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (301) 329-2700

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common stock, $0.000001 par value

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

[  ] Yes [X] No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

[  ] Yes [X] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days.

[  ] Yes [X] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

[X] Yes [  ] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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:

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. [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Act).

[  ] Yes [X] No

The aggregate market value of the voting stock and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of April 30, 2019, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $14 million.

As of April 8, 2020, 2,320,876,565 shares of common stock were issued and outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference: None.

Verus International, Inc.

Form 10-K

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact could be deemed forward-looking statements. Statements that include words such as “may,” “will,” “might,” “projects,” “expects,” “plans,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “intends,” “hopes,” “aims,” “can,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “goal,” “potential,” “approximately,” “estimate,” “pro forma,” “continue” or “pursue” or the negative of these words or other words or expressions of similar meaning may identify forward-looking statements. For example, forward-looking statements include any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new products, services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; statements of belief and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.

These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other documents referred to and relate to a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events and Verus International, Inc. (the “Company”) cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. Furthermore, if such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that the Company will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all.

These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

PART I

Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the “Company,” “Verus,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refers to Verus International, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview

Since August 1, 2018, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Verus Foods, Inc. (“Verus Foods”), an international supplier of consumer food products, have been focused on international consumer packaged goods, foodstuff distribution and wholesale trade. Our fine food products are sourced in the United States and exported internationally. We market consumer food products under our own brand primarily to supermarkets, hotels and other members of the wholesale trade. Initially, we focused on frozen foods, particularly meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and french fries with beverages as a second vertical, and in 2018, we added cold-storage facilities and began seeking international sources for fresh fruit, produce and similar perishables, as well as other consumer packaged foodstuff with the goal to create vertical farm-to-market operations. We have also begun to explore new consumer packaged goods (“CPG”) non-food categories, such as cosmetic and fragrances, for future product offerings.

We currently have a significant regional presence in the Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) and sub-Saharan Africa (excluding The Office of Foreign Assets Control restricted nations), with deep roots in the Gulf Cooperation Council (“GCC”) countries, which includes the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”), Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Our long-term goal is to source goods and generate international wholesale and retail CPG sales in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

In addition to the foregoing, since our acquisition of Big League Foods, Inc. (“BLF”) during April 2019, pursuant to which we acquired a license with Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. (“MLB”) to sell MLB-branded frozen dessert products and confections, we have been selling pint size ice cream in grocery store-type packaging and are exploring novelty “grab-and-go” size ice cream in cone, bar, and sandwich versions under our frozen dessert product line. In addition, under our confections product line, we are selling gummi and chocolate candies. The MLB license covers all 30 MLB teams, and all of our current products pursuant to such license feature “home team” packaging that matches the fan base in each region.

Furthermore, during August 2019, we purchased all of the assets of a french fry business including customer contracts which provide us the right to earn revenue pursuant to such contracts throughout the Middle East.

Government Regulation

We are subject to the laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate.

Our food products are subject to local, national and multinational regulations related to labeling, health and nutrition claims, packaging, pricing, marketing and advertising, privacy and related areas. In addition, various jurisdictions regulate our operations by licensing and inspecting the manufacturing plants and facilities of our suppliers, enforcing standards for select food products, grading food products, and regulating trade practices related to the sale and pricing of our food products. Many of the food commodities we use in our operations are subject to government agricultural policy and intervention. These policies have substantial effects on prices and supplies and are subject to periodic governmental review.

Examples of laws and regulations that affect our business include selective food taxes, labeling requirements such as front-of-pack labeling and nutrient profiling, marketing restrictions, potential withdrawal of trade concessions as dispute settlement retaliation and sanctions on sales or sourcing of raw materials.

In addition, we are subject to U.S. and foreign anti-corruption laws including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) which prohibits us from providing anything of value to foreign officials for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage. We are also subject to the Export Sales Reporting Program of the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) which monitors U.S. agricultural export sales on a daily and weekly basis. The program requires U.S. exporters to report sales of certain commodities to the Foreign Agricultural Service of the USDA on a weekly basis. Commodities currently covered by the program include feed grains, wheat, wheat products, rye, flaxseed, linseed oil, cotton, cottonseed, oilseed products, rice, cattle hides and skins, and beef. In addition to the weekly requirement, daily reporting is required (except for soybean oil) when a single exporter sells 100,000 metric tons or more of one commodity in one day to a single destination, or cumulative sales of 200,000 tons or more of one commodity during the weekly reporting period to a single destination. In addition to the foregoing, we must comply with The Office of Foreign Assets Control trade sanctions. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the U.S. Department of Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals targeted against foreign countries and regimes, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and other threats to national security, foreign policy or economy of the United Stated.

Our failure to comply with any of the foregoing regulations or regulations that we may be subject to may be punishable by civil penalties, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions and asset seizures as well as criminal fines and imprisonment.

Market and Competition  

We generate a majority of our revenue from food imported into the GCC countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The GCC has highly developed wholesale, grocery, and retail infrastructures that attract thousands of brands from around the world. According to A.T. Kearney, there are approximately 600 food distributors in the GCC. According to reports published by Alpen Capital, halal food imports into the GCC are expected to exceed $50 billion by 2020, while food imports account for about 85% of food consumed in the GCC.

We also generate revenue from domestic U.S. sales of our MLB branded ice cream and gummi and chocolate candies. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, ice cream is an $11 billion industry with 1.4 billion gallons of ice cream and related frozen desserts produced in the U.S. in 2017 and according to the National Confectioners Association, the confectionary industry generates $35 billion annually.

In the branded product space, management believes that our key competitors in the GCC countries in which we operate include The Savola Group and Almarai which are based in Saudi Arabia; Americana Quality which is based in Kuwait; and Al Islami Foods which is based in the UAE and is currently ranked as the world’s largest Halal food vendor, with more than 80 frozen and specialty lines. In addition to the foregoing, we also compete with recognized international brands from multi-line companies such as Nestle and Mondelez International. In the U.S., management believes that our key competitors include premium ice cream brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, and Haagen-Dazs and domestic confectionary brands in the gummi and chocolate candy space such as Mars, Mondelez International, and Nestle.

Although many of our competitors have greater financial, distribution and marketing resources than us, management believes there are many food categories and niches in which we can successfully compete in this highly-fragmented market. In addition, we focus on the regional sensitivities and dietary requirements of the markets we export products to. We offer both Verus Foods-branded products along with products from other brands, particularly from brands that desire to enter the GCC market, but lack the infrastructure or resources to do so. Furthermore, management believes that we are one of the only U.S. based public companies operating in the GCC that can provide its own branded products and also act as a distributor for other brands across all of the major food sales categories. Management believes that a majority of the suppliers in this space are either non-U.S. based private companies or are public entities with a narrow focus on their own brands.

Recent Developments

Nutribrands

On October 30, 2019, we entered into a Contribution and Sale Agreement pursuant to which Nutribrands Holdings, LLC, our subsidiary, acquired all of the limited liability interests and equity interests of South Enterprise, LLC and Nutribrands, LTDA, respectively, in exchange for 49% of the membership interests of Nutribrands Holdings, LLC.

Effective March 31, 2020, we entered into a Termination Agreement with Nutribrands, LTDA pursuant to which, among other things, all agreements between the parties (including the October 30, 2019 Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Nutribrands International, LLC, and the Contribution and Sale Agreement and all related ancillary agreements (collectively, “Released Transactions”)) were terminated and the parties released each other from all obligations arising from the Released Transactions.

Financings

On January 9, 2020, we issued a convertible note in the principal amount of $605,000 (including a $90,000 original issuance discount) which note accrues interest at a rate of 4% per annum (increasing to 24% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default), matures on January 9, 2021 and is convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.015 per share, subject to adjustment.

On February 10, 2020, we issued a convertible note in the principal amount of $420,000 (including a $70,000 original issuance discount) which note accrues interest at a rate of 4% per annum, matures on November 10, 2020 and is convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.0125 per share, subject to adjustment.

On March 31, 2020, we issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $312,500 (including a $62,500 original issuance discount) which note accrues interest at a rate of 4% per annum, subject to adjustment, and matures on July 1, 2020. The note is secured by an interest in all of the equity of our wholly-owned subsidiary, BLF.

Employees

As of April 8, 2020, we had 17 full-time employees and 6 part-time employees.

Corporate History

We were incorporated in the state of Delaware under the name Spectrum Gaming Ventures, Inc. on May 25, 1994. On October 10, 1995, we changed our name to Select Video, Inc. On October 24, 2007, we filed a Certificate of Ownership with the Delaware Secretary of State whereby Webdigs, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, was merged with and into us and we changed our name to Webdigs, Inc.

On October 9, 2012, we consummated a share exchange (the “Exchange Transaction”) with Monaker Group, Inc. (formerly known as Next 1 Interactive, Inc.), a Nevada corporation (“Monaker”) pursuant to which we received all of the outstanding equity in Attaché Travel International, Inc., a Florida corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Monaker (“Attaché”) in consideration for the issuance of 93 million shares of our newly designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to Monaker. Attaché owned approximately 80% of a corporation named RealBiz Holdings Inc. which is the parent corporation of RealBiz 360, Inc. (“RealBiz”). As a condition to the closing of the Exchange Transaction, on October 3, 2012, we filed a Certificate of Ownership with the Delaware Secretary of State whereby RealBiz Media Group, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, was merged with and into us and we changed our name to RealBiz Media Group, Inc.

We entered into a Contribution and Spin-off Agreement with NestBuilder.com Corp (“NestBuilder”). on October 27, 2017, as amended on January 28, 2018, whereby, effective as of August 1, 2018, we spun off our real estate division into NestBuilder. All of our stockholders as of July 2, 2018, the record date, which held their shares as of July 20, 2018, the ex-dividend date, received one share of NestBuilder common stock for each 900 shares of our Company owned.

On May 1, 2018, Verus Foods MENA Limited (“Verus MENA”) entered into a Share Purchase and Sale Agreement with a purchaser (the “Purchaser”) pursuant to which Verus MENA sold 75 shares (the “Gulf Agro Shares”) of Gulf Agro Trading, LLC (“Gulf Agro”), representing 25% of the common stock of Gulf Agro to the Purchaser. In consideration for the Gulf Agro Shares, the Purchaser was assigned certain contracts executed during a specified period of time.

Effective October 16, 2018, we changed our name from RealBiz Media Group, Inc. to Verus International, Inc. and our ticker symbol to “VRUS.”

On April 25, 2019, we entered into a stock purchase agreement with BLF and James Wheeler, the sole stockholder of BLF pursuant to which we purchased all of the outstanding capital stock of BLF. Upon the closing of such acquisition, BLF became our wholly-owned subsidiary and we acquired a license with MLB to sell MLB-branded frozen dessert products and confections covering all 30 MLB teams.

On August 30, 2019, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with a seller (“Seller”), to which we purchased all of the assets of the Seller’s french fry business in the Middle East.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves significant risks. Before deciding to invest in our securities, you should carefully consider each of the following risk factors and all of the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our business and results of operations could be seriously harmed by any of the following risks. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the value and trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

We have no history of profitability.

We commenced operations in 1994 and to date have not generated any profit. We do not have a significant operating history which would provide you with meaningful information about our past or future operations with respect to our international consumer packaged goods, foodstuff distribution and wholesale trade. We have not yet achieved positive cash flow on a monthly basis during any fiscal year including the current fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.

We have had net losses of $2,389,850 and $2,824,292 for the years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Furthermore, we had a working capital deficit of $1,787,284 at October 31, 2019. If we are unable to achieve profitability, we may be unable to continue our operations.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has expressed substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, which may hinder our ability to obtain future financing.

Our financial statements as of October 31, 2019 have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern for the next twelve months. Our independent registered public accounting firm included in its opinion for the year ended October 31, 2019 an explanatory paragraph referring to our recurring losses from operations and expressing substantial doubt in our ability to continue as a going concern without additional capital becoming available. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional equity or debt financing, reduce expenditures and to generate significant revenue. Our financial statements as of October 31, 2019 did not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The reaction of investors to the inclusion of a going concern statement by our independent registered public accounting firm, and our potential inability to continue as a going concern, in future years could materially adversely affect our share price and our ability to raise new capital or enter into strategic alliances.

We will require additional financing in the future to fund our operations which may cause dilution to our existing stockholders or restrict our operations.

We will need additional capital in the future to continue to execute our business plan. Therefore, we will be dependent upon additional capital in the form of either debt or equity to continue our operations. At the present time, we do not have arrangements to raise all of the needed additional capital, and we will need to identify potential investors and negotiate appropriate arrangements with them. Our ability to obtain additional financing will be subject to a number of factors, including market conditions, our operating performance and investor sentiment. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our stockholders will be diluted, and the terms of such financings may include liquidation or other preferences, anti-dilution rights, and other provisions that may adversely affect the rights of our stockholders, including rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our holders of common stock in the event of a liquidation. In addition, debt financing, if available, could include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take certain actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, or declaring dividends and may require us to grant security interests in our assets. If we are unable to raise additional capital when required or on acceptable terms we may need to curtail or cease our operations.

Our indebtedness and liquidity needs could restrict our operations and make us more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions.

Our existing indebtedness may adversely affect our operations and limit our growth, and we may have difficulty repaying our debt when due. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with covenants contained in our debt instruments may be impaired. If we violate any of the restrictions or covenants set forth in our debt instruments, all or a significant portion of our indebtedness may become immediately due and payable. Our inability to make payments on our indebtedness when due may have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.  

We depend on a small number of customers and the loss of one or more major customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

For the year ended October 31, 2019, approximately 42% of accounts receivable were concentrated with three customers and approximately 66% of revenues were concentrated with six customers, all of which customers are located outside the United States. For the year ended October 31, 2018, approximately 84% of accounts receivable were concentrated with six customers and approximately 64% of revenues were concentrated with five customers, all of which customers are located outside United States. The loss of one or more of our top customers, or a substantial decrease in demand by any of those customers for our products, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our reliance on distributors and retailers could affect our ability to efficiently and profitably distribute and market our products, maintain our existing customers and expand our business.

Our ability to maintain and expand our customer base, maintain our presence in existing markets and establish a presence in new markets is dependent on our ability to establish and maintain successful relationships with reliable distributors and retailers. Most of our distributors and retailers sell and distribute competing products and our products may represent a small portion of their businesses. The success of our distribution network will depend on the performance of the distributors and retailers. There is a risk that the retailers and distributors that we engage may fail to distribute our products or position our products in localities that may not be receptive to customers. Our ability to incentivize, motivate and retain distributors to manage and sell our products is affected by competition from other food companies that have greater resources than we do. To the extent that our distributors and retailers are distracted from selling our products or do not deploy sufficient resources to manage and sell our products, our sales and results of operations could be adversely affected. Furthermore, our distributors’ and retailers’ financial position or market share may deteriorate, which could adversely affect the distribution, marketing and sales activities related to our products thereby having a material adverse effect on our business.

Our ability to maintain and expand our distribution network and attract additional distributors and retailers depends on a number of factors, some of which are outside our control. Some of these factors include:

We may not be able to successfully manage all or any of these factors in any of our current or prospective markets which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operation and financial condition.

If we do not adequately manage our inventory levels, our operating results could be adversely affected.

We need to maintain adequate inventory levels to be able to deliver products on a timely basis. Our inventory supply depends on our ability to accurately estimate demand for our products. Our ability to estimate demand for our products is imprecise, particularly for new products, for seasonal promotions and in new markets. If we materially underestimate demand for our products or are unable to maintain sufficient inventory, we may not be able to satisfy demand on a short-term basis. Alternatively, if we overestimate demand for our products, we may have too much inventory on hand, which may result in higher storage costs and the risk of inventory spoilage. If we fail to manage our inventory to meet demand, we could damage our brand and our relationship with our customers which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

If we do not continually enhance our brand recognition, increase distribution of our products, attract new customers and introduce new products our business may suffer.

The food industry is subject to rapid and frequent changes in consumer demands. Because consumers in this industry are constantly seeking new products, our success relies heavily upon our ability to continue to market new products. We may not be successful in introducing or marketing new products on a timely basis, if at all. Our inability to commercialize new products may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Any damage to our brand or reputation could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We must protect and grow the value of our brand to continue to be successful in the future. Any incident that erodes consumer affinity for our brand could significantly reduce our value and damage our business. For example, negative third-party reports regarding our products, whether accurate or not, may adversely impact consumer perceptions. In addition, if we recall certain products irrespective of whether such recall is mandatory or voluntary, the public perception of the quality of our products may be diminished. We may also be adversely affected by news reports or other negative publicity, regardless of their accuracy, regarding other aspects of our business, such as public health concerns, illness and safety. This negative publicity could adversely affect our brand and reputation which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

We have no long-term contracts with our customers which require our customers to purchase a minimum amount of our products. The absence of long-term contracts could result in periods during which we must continue to pay costs and service indebtedness without revenues.  

We do not have long-term contacts with our customers which require our customers to purchase a minimum amount of our products. Accordingly, we could have periods during which we have no or limited orders for our products, which will make it difficult for us to operate as we will have to continue paying our expenses and servicing our debt. We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to timely locate new customers, if at all. The periods in which we have no or limited purchase orders for our products could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

Severe weather conditions and natural disasters may affect manufacturing facilities and distribution activities which may negatively impact the operating results of our business.

Severe weather conditions and natural disasters, such as fires, floods, droughts, frosts, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes may curtail or prevent the manufacturing or distribution of our products which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operation or financial condition.

Global or regional health pandemics or epidemics, including COVID-19, could negatively impact our business operations, financial performance and results of operations.

Our business and financial results could be negatively impacted by the recent outbreak of COVID-19 or other pandemics or epidemics. The severity, magnitude and duration of the current COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain, rapidly changing and hard to predict. During 2020, COVID-19 has significantly impacted economic activity and markets around the world, and it could negatively impact our business in numerous ways, including but not limited to those outlined below:

These and other impacts of the COVID-19 or other global or regional health pandemics or epidemics could have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this “Risk Factors” section such as those relating to our reputation, brands, product sales, results of operations or financial condition. We might not be able to predict or respond to all impacts on a timely basis to prevent near- or long-term adverse impacts to our results. The ultimate impact of these disruptions also depends on events beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of any outbreak and actions taken by parties other than us to respond to them. Any of these disruptions could have a negative impact on our business operations, financial performance and results of operations, which impact could be material.

Our international operations expose us to regulatory, economic, political and social risks in the countries in which we operate.

The international nature of our operations involves a number of risks, including changes in regulations, tariffs, taxes and exchange controls, economic downturns, inflation and political and social instability including retaliation, war, and civil unrest in the countries in which we operate. Moreover, consumers in different countries may have varying tastes, preferences and nutritional opinions. We cannot be certain that we will be able to enter and successfully compete in additional foreign markets or that we will be able to continue to compete in the foreign markets in which we currently operate.

Doing business outside the United States requires us to comply with the laws and regulations of various foreign jurisdictions, which place restrictions on our operations, trade practices, partners and investment decisions. In particular, our operations are subject to anti-corruption and trade control laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the FCPA and the Export Sales Reporting Program. The FCPA prohibits us from providing anything of value to foreign officials for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage. Our continued expansion outside the United States and our development of new partnerships and joint venture relationships worldwide could increase the risk of FCPA violations in the future. We have operations and deal with governmental clients in countries known to experience corruption, including certain emerging countries in the Middle East. Our activities in these countries create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by one of our employees or third parties that we engage that could be in violation of various laws including the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws, even though these parties are not always subject to our control. As a result of doing business in foreign countries and with foreign partners, we are exposed to a heightened risk of violating anti-corruption laws. In addition, we are subject to the Export Sales Reporting Program which monitors U.S. agricultural export sales on a daily and weekly basis, and we must comply with OFAC trade sanctions. Violations of anti-corruption, export and other regulations we may be subject to may be punishable by civil penalties, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions and asset seizures as well as criminal fines and imprisonment.

Disruptions in the worldwide economy may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Adverse and uncertain economic conditions may impact distributor, retailer and consumer demand for our products. In addition, our ability to manage normal commercial relationships with our suppliers, distributors, retailers and consumers may suffer. Consumers may shift to purchasing lower-priced products during economic downturns, making it more difficult for us to sell our premium products. During economic downturns, it may be more difficult to persuade existing consumers to continue to use our brand or persuade new consumers to select our brand without price promotions. Furthermore, during economic downturns, distributors and retailers may reduce their inventories of our products. Our results of operations depend upon, among other things, our ability to maintain and increase sales volume with our existing distributors and retailers, to attract new consumers and to provide products that appeal to consumers at prices they are willing and able to pay. Prolonged unfavorable economic conditions may have an adverse effect on our results of operation and financial condition.

We purchase substantially all of our food products from a limited number of regions and from a limited number of suppliers. Price increases and shortages in food products could adversely affect our operating results.

We purchase substantially all of our food products from a limited number of regions around the world or from a limited number of suppliers. Increases in the prices of the food products which we purchase could adversely affect our operating results if we are unable to offset the effect of these increased costs through price increases, and we can provide no assurance that we will be able to pass along such increased costs to our customers. Furthermore, if we cannot obtain sufficient food products or our suppliers cease to be available to us, we could experience shortages in our food products or be unable to meet our commitments to customers. Alternative sources of food products, if available, may be more expensive. Any such failure to supply or delay caused by our supplies may have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Price increases may not be sufficient to cover increased costs, or may result in declines in sales volume due to price elasticity in the marketplace.

We may be able to pass some or all input costs to our customers by increasing the selling price of our products or decreasing the size of our products; however, higher product prices or decreased product sizes may also result in a reduction in sales volume and/or consumption. If we are not able to increase our selling prices or reduce product sizes sufficiently, or in a timely manner, to offset increased input costs, including packaging, freight, direct labor, overhead and employee benefits, or if our sales volume decreases significantly, there could be a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We operate in a highly competitive industry.

The food industry is intensely competitive and consolidation in this industry continues. We face competition in the areas of brand recognition, taste, quality, price, advertising/promotion, convenience and service. A number of our competitors are larger than us and have substantial financial, marketing and other resources as well as substantial international operations. In addition, reduced barriers to entry are creating new competition. Furthermore, in order to protect our existing market share or capture increased market share in this highly competitive environment, we may be required to increase expenditures for promotions and advertising and continue to introduce and establish new products. Due to inherent risks in the marketplace associated with advertising and new product introductions, including uncertainties about trade and consumer acceptance, increased expenditures may not prove successful in maintaining or enhancing our market share and could impact our operating results. In addition, we may incur increased credit and other business risks because we operate in a highly competitive environment.

Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately.

The efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology systems. We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business data, communications, supply chain, order entry and fulfillment, and other business processes. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, and the loss of sales and customers, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. In particular, as we grow, we need to make sure that our information technology systems are upgraded and integrated throughout our business and able to generate reports sufficient for management to run our business. In addition, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to damage, interruption or security breaches from circumstances beyond our control, including fire, natural disasters, system failures, cyber-attacks, corporate espionage, and viruses. Any such damage, interruption or security breach could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We may be subject to significant liability and may have to recall our products if the consumption of any food product manufactured or marketed by us causes injury, illness or death. Regardless of whether such claims against us are valid, they may be expensive to defend and may generate negative publicity, both of which could materially adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

The sale of food products for human consumption involves the risk of injury to consumers. Such injuries may result from tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination or spoilage, including the presence of bacterial contamination, foreign objects, substances, chemicals, other agents or residues introduced during production processes. Our food products may also be subject to product tampering, contamination or spoilage or be mislabeled or otherwise damaged which may result in a product recall.

We are dependent on our third-party manufacturers for compliance with rules and regulations with respect to production of many of our products. Although we believe that we and our manufacturers are in material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, if the consumption of our products causes or is alleged to have caused an illness in the future, we may become subject to claims or lawsuits relating to such matters. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding an illness, injury or death could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The food industry has been subject to a growing number of claims, including class action lawsuits based on the nutritional content of food products as well as disclosure and advertising practices. In the future we may be subject to these types of claims and proceedings and, even if we are successful in defending such claims, publicity about these matters may harm our reputation and adversely affect our results. Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid, or whether we are ultimately held liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from our operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our performance. Furthermore, a significant judgment could materially and adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

Outbreaks of disease among livestock and poultry flocks could harm our revenues and operating margins.

As a supplier of meat products, we are subject to risks associated with the outbreak of disease in beef livestock and poultry flocks, including, but not limited to, avian influenza and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The outbreak of disease could adversely affect our supply of raw materials, increase the cost of production and reduce operating margins. Additionally, the outbreak of disease may hinder our ability to market and sell products which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We are dependent upon key personnel whose loss may adversely impact our business.

Our success materially depends upon the expertise, experience and continued service of our management and other key personnel, including but not limited to, our current Chief Executive Officer, Anshu Bhatnagar. If we lose the services of Anshu Bhatnagar or any of other member of management, our business would be materially and adversely affected.

Our future success also depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified management personnel and other employees. Any difficulties in obtaining, retaining and training qualified employees could have a material adverse effect on our results of operation or financial condition. The process of identifying such personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to carry out our business plan is often lengthy. Any difficulties in obtaining and retaining qualified managers and employees could have a material adverse effect on our results of operation or financial condition.

We may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of any entities which we acquire, such benefits may take longer to realize than expected or we may encounter significant difficulties integrating acquired businesses into our operations. If our acquisitions do not achieve their intended benefits, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We believe that businesses that we acquire will result in certain benefits, including certain cost synergies and operational efficiencies; however, to realize these anticipated benefits, the businesses we acquire must be successfully combined with our business. The combination of independent businesses is a complex, costly, and time-consuming process that will require significant management attention and resources. The integration process may disrupt the businesses and, if implemented ineffectively, would limit the expected benefits of these acquisitions to us. The failure to meet the challenges involved in integrating acquired businesses and realizing anticipated benefits could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, our activities and could adversely affect our results of operations.

The overall integration of acquired businesses may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses, loss of customer and other business relationships, and diversion of management’s attention. The difficulties of combining the operations of companies include, among others:

Many of these factors are outside of our control and any one of these factors could result in, among other things, increased costs and decreases in the amount of expected revenues, which could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, even if we are able to successfully integrate acquired businesses, the full benefits, including the synergies, cost savings, revenue growth, or other benefits that are expected, may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame, or at all. All of these factors could decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the acquisitions, and negatively impact our business, operating results, and financial condition.

Risks Relating to Our Securities

Certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), and our Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”) may have anti-takeover effects that could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control, which may cause our stock price to decline.

Our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if closing such a transaction would be beneficial to our stockholders. Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 125,000,000 shares of preferred stock. This preferred stock may be issued in one or more series, the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by our board of directors without further action by stockholders. The terms of any series of preferred stock may include voting rights (including the right to vote as a series on particular matters), preferences as to dividend, liquidation, conversion and redemption rights and sinking fund provisions. The issuance of any preferred stock could materially adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock, and therefore, reduce the value of our common stock. In particular, specific rights granted to holders of preferred stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell our assets to, a third party and thereby preserve control by the present management. As of April 8, 2020 we have designated (i) 120,000,000 shares of preferred stock as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, of which 41,444,601 are outstanding, (ii) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock as Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, none of which are outstanding and (iii) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock as Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, of which 430,801 shares are outstanding.

Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and Delaware law also could have the effect of discouraging potential acquisition proposals or making a tender offer or delaying or preventing a change in control, including changes a stockholder might consider favorable. Such provisions may also prevent or frustrate attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our management. In particular, our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and Delaware law, as applicable, among other things:

If we fail to comply with the rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) related to internal controls and procedures in the future, or, if we discover material weaknesses and other deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting, our stock price could decline significantly and raising capital could be more difficult.

Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. If we fail to comply with the rules under Sarbanes-Oxley related to disclosure controls and procedures in the future, or, if we discover material weaknesses and other deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting, our stock price could decline significantly and raising capital could be more difficult. If material weaknesses or significant deficiencies are discovered or if we otherwise fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to helping prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our common stock could drop significantly.

Because our management controls a significant percentage of our voting capital, they may have control over the actions requiring stockholder approval.

As of April 8, 2020, members of our management team beneficially owned approximately 61% of our outstanding voting capital. As a result, our management team may have the ability to control substantially all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval including:

In addition, management’s stock ownership may discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could reduce our stock price or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.

Our common stock is subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC and the trading market in the securities is limited, which makes transactions in the stock cumbersome and may reduce the value of an investment in the stock.

Rule 15g-9 under the Exchange Act 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, the rules require: (a) that a broker or dealer approve a person’s account for transactions in penny stocks; and (b) the broker or dealer receive 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: (a) obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person and (b) 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: (a) sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and (b) confirms 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 common stock.

Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker or dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.

We have never paid cash dividends and have no plans to pay cash dividends in the future

Holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors. To date, we have paid no cash dividends on our capital stock and we do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, to provide funds for operations of our business. Therefore, any return investors in our capital stock may have will be in the form of appreciation, if any, in the market value of their shares of common stock.

If we fail to remain current in our reporting requirements, we could be removed from the OTCQB which would limit the ability of broker-dealers to sell our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.

As a company listed on the OTCQB and subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, we must be current with our filings pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act in order to maintain price quotation privileges on the OTCQB. If we fail to remain current in our reporting requirements, we could be removed from the OTCQB. As a result, the market liquidity of our securities could be severely adversely affected by limiting the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities and the ability of stockholders to sell their securities in the secondary market.

Our common stock could be subject to extreme volatility.

The trading price of our common stock may be affected by a number of factors, including events described in the risk factors set forth in this Annual Report and in our other reports filed with the SEC from time to time, as well as our operating results, financial condition and other events or factors. In addition to the uncertainties relating to future operating performance and the profitability of operations, factors such as variations in interim financial results or various, and unpredictable, factors, many of which are beyond our control, may have a negative effect on the market price of our common stock. In recent years, broad stock market indices, in general, and smaller capitalization companies, in particular, have experienced substantial price fluctuations. In a volatile market, we may experience wide fluctuations in the market price of our common stock. In addition, securities markets have, from time to time, experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may have a material adverse effect the market price of our common stock.

Financial reporting obligations of being a public company in the United States are expensive and time-consuming, and our management will be required to devote substantial time to compliance matters.

As a publicly traded company we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. The obligations of being a public company in the United States require significant expenditures and places significant demands on our management and other personnel, including costs resulting from public company reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations regarding corporate governance practices, including those under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. These rules require the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and procedures, internal control over financial reporting and changes in corporate governance practices, among many other complex rules that are often difficult to implement, monitor and maintain compliance with. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to ensure that we comply with all of these requirements and to keep pace with new regulations, otherwise we may fall out of compliance and risk becoming subject to litigation or being delisted from the OTCQB, among other potential problems.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

On April 11, 2017, we entered into a sublease with Buchanan Partners, LLC, pursuant to which we lease offices at 9841 Washingtonian Blvd, #390, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. We currently lease our office which consists of 2,798 square feet for $7,643.63 per month. Effective as of April 1, 2020, our rent will increase to $7,872.93 per month. Our lease will expire on December 31, 2021.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as set forth herein, management believes that there are no claims against us, which it believes will result in a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.

On December 1, 2018, Mid-Atlantic CFO Advisory Services (“Mid-Atlantic”) commenced a lawsuit against Verus Foods, Inc. and Anshu Bhatnagar in the Fairfax Circuit Court, Case No. 2018-16824. This case stems from the Company’s use of Mid-Atlantic’s services for certain business transactions and the Company’s failure to pay for such services. On December 28, 2018, a Confirmation of Arbitration Award and Final Judgment Order was approved, awarding Mid-Atlantic an amount which included claimed services, attorney’s fees, arbitration costs and fees, and interest of 4% percent per annum from November 22, 2018. During October 2019, we paid $205,300 and received a Final Judgment Order releasing Verus Foods, Inc. and Anshu Bhatnagar from all claims.

On April 4, 2019, Auctus Fund, LLC (“Auctus”) commenced a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. On August 27, 2019 the Company filed a motion to dismiss this lawsuit. On September 30, 2019, Auctus responded by filing a First Amended Complaint. The Company then filed a second motion to dismiss on October 24, 2019. This case stems from a securities purchase agreement and convertible note issued in May 2017, a securities purchase agreement and convertible note issued in July 2018, the spin-off of the Company’s real estate division into NestBuilder including the issuance of shares of NestBuilder in the spin-off to the Company’s stockholders and an inducement agreement, release and payoff agreement executed by the parties in February 2019 whereby the Company settled the balance of outstanding amounts owed to Auctus in consideration for cash and shares of NestBuilder. Auctus has requested that the court grant it injunctive and equitable relief and specific performance with respect to the Company’s obligations; determine that the Company is liable for all damages, losses and costs and award Auctus actual losses sustained; award Auctus costs including, but not limited to, costs required to prosecute the action including attorneys’ fees; and punitive damages.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Market Information

Our common stock is currently quoted on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets under the symbol “VRUS”. Our common stock was listed on the following tiers of the OTC Markets under the following symbols: (i) we began trading on the OTC Markets (on the Grey Market) on October 14, 2008 under the symbol “WBDG” (ii) on November 10, 2008, our common stock began trading under the symbol “WBDG” on the OTCQB; (iii) on September 21, 2011, our common stock began trading under the symbol “WBDG” on the OTC Pink tier of the OTC Markets; (iv) on June 6, 2012, our common stock began trading under the symbol “WBDG” on the OTCQB; (v) on November 2, 2012, we changed our symbol to “RBIZ” (vi) on April 10, 2018, our common stock began trading under the symbol “RBIZ” on the OTC Pink tier of the OTC Markets, (vii) on October 16, 2018, our common stock began trading under the symbol “VRUS” on the OTC Pink tier of the OTC Markets and (viii) on July 17, 2019, our common stock began trading under the symbol “VRUS” on the OTCQB. Any over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

Stockholders

As of April 8, 2020 we had 437 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividend Policy

We have not paid any dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any such dividends in the near future. Instead, we intend to use any earnings for future acquisitions and expanding our business.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.  

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this item.

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

You should read this discussion together with the financial statements, related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion contains assumptions, estimates and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. To the extent that this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements regarding the financial condition, operating results, business prospects or any other aspect of our Company, please be advised that our actual financial condition, operating results and business performance may differ materially from that projected or estimated by us in forward-looking statements and thus you should not unduly rely on these statements.

Overview

Since August 1, 2018, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Verus Foods, an international supplier of consumer food products, have been focused on international consumer packaged goods, foodstuff distribution and wholesale trade. Our fine food products are sourced in the United States and exported internationally. We market consumer food products under our own brand primarily to supermarkets, hotels and other members of the wholesale trade. Initially, we focused on frozen foods, particularly meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and french fries with beverages as a second vertical, and during 2018, we added cold-storage facilities and began seeking international sources for fresh fruit, produce and similar perishables, as well as other consumer packaged foodstuffs with the goal to create vertical farm-to-market operations. We have also begun to explore new CPG non-food categories, such as cosmetic and fragrances, for future product offerings.

We currently have a significant concentration of our business in MENA and sub-Saharan Africa (excluding The Office of Foreign Assets Control restricted nations), especially in the and GCC countries, which includes the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

In addition to the foregoing, since our acquisition of BLF during April 2019 pursuant to which we acquired a license with MLB to sell MLB-branded frozen dessert products and confections, we have been selling pint size ice cream in grocery store-type packaging and are exploring novelty “grab-and-go” size ice cream in cone, bar, and sandwich versions under our frozen dessert product line. In addition, under our confections product line, we are selling gummi and chocolate candies.

Furthermore, during August 2019, we purchased all of the assets of a french fry business.

Recent Developments

Nutribrands

On October 30, 2019, we entered into a Contribution and Sale Agreement pursuant to which Nutribrands Holdings, LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired all of the limited liability interests and equity interests of South Enterprise, LLC and Nutribrands, LTDA, respectively, in exchange for 49% of the membership interests of Nutribrands Holdings, LLC.

Effective March 31, 2020, we entered into the Termination Agreement with Nutribrands, LTDA pursuant to which, among other things, all agreements between the parties (including the October 30, 2019 Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Nutribrands International, LLC, the Contribution and Sale Agreement and all related ancillary agreements (collectively, “Released Transactions”)) were terminated and (the parties released each other from all obligations arising from the Released Transactions.

Financings

On January 9, 2020, we issued a convertible note in the principal amount of $605,000 (including a $90,000 original issuance discount) which note accrues interest at a rate of 4% per annum (increasing to 24% per annum upon the occurrence of an event of default), matures on January 9, 2021 and is convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.015 per share, subject to adjustment.

On February 10, 2020, we issued a convertible note in the principal amount of $420,000 (including a $70,000 original issuance discount) which note accrues interest at a rate of 4% per annum, matures on November 10, 2020 and is convertible into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.0125 per share, subject to adjustment.

On March 31, 2020, we issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $312,500 (including a $62,500 original issuance discount) which note accrues interest at a rate of 4% per annum, subject to adjustment, and matures on July 1, 2020. The note is secured by an interest in all of the equity of our wholly-owned subsidiary, BLF.

Results of Operations for the Years Ended October 31, 2019 and 2018

Continuing Operations

Revenues

Our revenue increased to $13,611,101 for the year ended October 31, 2019, compared to $5,802,037 for the year ended October 31, 2018, an increase of $7,809,064 or 135%. The increase is the result of reducing the order backlog with customers due to increased working capital funding that allow us to procure additional products for sale coupled with $51,439 in sales of our MLB branded products.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenue totaled $11,546,413 for the year ended October 31, 2019, compared to $5,053,453 for the year ended October 31, 2018, representing an increase of $6,492,960 or 128%. The increase is the result of higher revenue and related product costs.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses, which include salaries and benefits, stock-based compensation, selling and promotions expense, legal and professional fees and general and administrative expenses increased to $6,181,569 for the year ended October 31, 2019, compared to $1,659,082 for the year ended October 31, 2018, an increase of $4,522,487, or 273%. The increase is primarily due to an increase of $3,380,469 in stock-based compensation expense recognized during 2019 related to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and higher expenses across all other categories to support the increase in revenue and launch of our MLB branded products.

Other Income (Expenses)

Our other income (expense), net increased by $3,900,011 for the year ended October 31, 2019. The increase is primarily the result of gains realized upon the extinguishment of certain debt and upon the settlement of certain notes payable, coupled with lower legal settlement losses of accounts payable and convertible debt coupled with an expense related to certain default provisions of convertible notes payable incurred during the year ended October 31, 2018 that did not recur during the year ended October 31, 2019, partially offset by an increase in interest expense.

Net Loss from Continuing Operations

We had a net loss from continuing operations of $2,389,850 for the year ended October 31, 2019, compared to a net loss of $3,083,478 for the year ended October 31, 2018, a decrease of $693,628. The decrease in net loss is primarily driven by the increase in gross profit and other income, partially offset by the increase in operating expenses as disclosed above.

Discontinued Operations

As our discontinued operations were spun-off effective August 1, 2018 (see Note 16), there was no revenue, cost of revenue, operating expenses, other income (expense), or net (loss) income from discontinued operations for the year ended October 31, 2019. During the year ended October 31, 2018, we generated $216,316 of revenue, incurred $56,800 of cost of revenue, incurred $237,863 of operating expenses, generated $337,533 of other income, and generated $259,186 of net income from discontinued operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources; Anticipated Financing Needs

At October 31, 2019, we had $371,898 of cash on-hand, an increase of $343,344 from $28,554 at October 31, 2018.

Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations was $2,238,364 for the year ended October 31, 2019, an increase of $1,572,798 from $715,566 used during the year ended October 31, 2018. This increase was primarily due to increases in accounts receivable and inventory due to the increase in revenue and related operations during fiscal year 2019, coupled with a net increase in non-cash charges, partially offset by a reduced net loss for the year ended October 31, 2019.

Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations was $111,120 for the year ended October 31, 2019, compared to $15,622 for the year ended October 31, 2018. This increase was due to the BLF acquisition.

Financing activities of continuing operations increased by $1,902,578 to $2,692,828 for the year ended October 31, 2019, compared to $790,250 for the year ended October 31, 2018. This increase was primarily due to increased proceeds from issuances of convertible promissory notes and a note payable, coupled with proceeds from the sale of common stock, partially offset by increases in payments toward convertible promissory notes.

Critical Accounting Policies

We have identified the policies below as critical to our understanding of the results of our business operations. We discuss the impact and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results.

In the ordinary course of business, we have made a number of estimates and assumptions in preparing our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions. The following critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our consolidated financial statements. For a summary of our significant accounting policies, including the critical accounting policies discussed below, refer to Note 2 — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in the notes to consolidated financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2019 included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We consider the following accounting policies to be those most important to the portrayal of our results of operations and financial condition:

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is derived from the sale of food and beverage products. We recognize revenue when obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied. Product sales occur once control is transferred upon delivery to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring products. The amount of consideration we receive and revenue we recognize varies with changes in customer incentives we offer to our customers and their customers. In the event any discounts, sales incentives, or similar arrangements are agreed to with a customer, such amounts are estimated at time of sale and deducted from revenue. Sales taxes and other similar taxes are excluded from revenue (see Note 8).

Income Taxes

We accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Accordingly, deferred tax assets and liabilities arise from the difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax amounts are determined using the tax rates expected to be in effect when the taxes will actually be paid or refunds received, as provided under currently enacted tax law. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Income tax expense or benefit is the tax payable or refundable, respectively, for the period plus or minus the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the period. we have recorded a full valuation allowance for our net deferred tax assets as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 because realization of those assets is not reasonably assured.

We will recognize a financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

We believe our income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained upon examination and, accordingly, no reserves, or related accruals for interest and penalties has been recorded at October 31, 2019 and 2018.

Share-Based Compensation

We account for stock incentive plans by measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all stock-based awards based on estimated fair values, net of estimated forfeitures. Share-based compensation expense recognized for the year ended October 31, 2019 and 2018 includes compensation cost for restricted stock awards and warrants. We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of options and warrants granted as of the grant date.

Accounts Receivable

We regularly review outstanding receivables and provide for estimated losses through an allowance for doubtful accounts. In evaluating the level of established loss reserves, we make judgments regarding our customers’ ability to make required payments, economic events, and other factors. As the financial condition of these parties’ change, circumstances develop or additional information becomes available, adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be required. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses, and such losses traditionally have been within our expectations. At October 31, 2019 and 2018, we determined there was no requirement for an allowance for doubtful accounts.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this item.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

See financial statements starting on page F-1.

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

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of October 31, 2019 to determine whether our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of October 31, 2019. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2019. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that, as of October 31, 2019, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on such criteria.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Furthermore, smaller companies face additional limitations. Smaller companies employ fewer individuals and find it difficult to properly segregate duties. Smaller companies tend to utilize general accounting software packages that lack a rigorous set of software controls.

Attestation Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting due to the rules of the SEC for smaller reporting companies.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended October 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors, Executive Officers, and Other Key Employees

The following table sets forth the names and ages of the members of our Board of Directors and our executive officers and the positions held by each as of April 8, 2020.

Biographies for the members of our Board of Directors and our management team are set forth below.

Anshu Bhatnagar – Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

Anshu Bhatnagar has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our board of directors since January 2, 2017. In addition, since January 2019, Mr. Bhatnagar has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of mPhase Technologies, Inc. Mr. Bhatnagar is a food distribution veteran and previously was the Chief Executive Officer of American Agro Group, an international trading and distribution company that specialized in exporting agricultural commodities and food products from May 2012 to January 2016. Mr. Bhatnagar was also a Managing Member of Blue Capital Group, a real estate oriented multi-family office focused on acquiring, developing, and managing commercial real estate as well as investing in operating businesses from January 2008 to December 2016. He has also owned NS operated other successful businesses in technology, construction and waste management. We believe Mr. Bhatnagar is qualified to serve as a member of our board because of his extensive business experience including his experience in the food industry.

Christopher Cutchens – Chief Financial Officer

Christopher Cutches has served as our Chief Financial Officer since June 2019. In addition, since June 2019, Mr. Cutchens has served as the Chief Financial Officer of mPhase Technologies, Inc, and since June 2018 he has served as the Managing Partner of Cutchens Group, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in providing operational and financial services to both public and private companies. From January 2016 until June 2018, Mr. Cutchens served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Financial Officer of MidAmerica Administrative & Retirement Solutions, LLC, a private company that provides employee benefit programs to plan sponsors and employees. From January 2013 to January 2016, Mr. Cutchens served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Aspire Financial Services, LLC (“Aspire”), and from April 2012 to January 2013, he served as Vice President of Accounting and Finance of Aspire. Aspire is a service provider of retirement solutions. In addition, Mr. Cutchens has served in various other capacities including Corporate Controller of Watsco, Inc. (NYSE: WSO); Corporate Controller of Carrier Enterprise, LLC; Director of Corporate Accounting and Financial Reporting and Assistant Corporate Controller of MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE: HZO); and Senior Auditor at KPMG LLP. Mr. Cutchens received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a masters degree in accounting information systems from the University of South Florida. Mr. Cutchens is a CPA licensed in the State of Florida.

Michael O’Gorman – Director

Michael O’Gorman has served as a member of our board of directors since August 11, 2017. Mr. O’Gorman has over 35 years of successful food brokerage, food manufacturing, project management, finance and legal experience in the international arena. Since 1982 Mr. O’Gorman has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Crassus Group of companies, including entities whose subsidiaries specialize in sourcing and marketing all natural, healthy food and consumer products. In addition, from 1976 to 1979 he served as Chief of Staff in both the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. Mr. O’Gorman has firsthand experience with agriculture since he owned and operated a 252-acre farm where he raised both crops and Black Angus cattle. Mr. O’Gorman has spent a number of years working at major international law firms as well serving as a Member of the Corporate Law Department, Director of Litigation Support Group of Peabody International Corporation from 1979 to 1986. Mr. O’Gorman received his JD with a concentration in international law from the University of Connecticut, MBA in international finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University and BS in organic chemistry from St. Peters College. We believe Mr. O’Gorman is qualified to serve as a member of our board because of his experience in agriculture and the food industry.

Thomas Butler Fore – Director

Thomas Butler Fore has served as a member of our Board since August 11, 2017. Mr. Fore is a multi-faceted entrepreneur and executive with experience in numerous categories of business, including real estate, media, personal care products and fashion. Since 2007, Mr. Fore has served as Chief Executive Officer of Sora Development, an award-winning real estate development firm focused on large mixed-use projects with a specialty in public-private partnerships. In addition, since 2012 he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Tiderock Media, a film production company and in 2014 he founded Digital2go Media Networks where he also serves as a member of its board. Mr. Fore is also involved as an advisor and partner in numerous other enterprises in media, real estate and consumer products. Mr. Fore received his BA from Towson University. We believe Mr. Fore is qualified to serve as a member of our board because of his background and experience in the consumer products industry.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among our executive officers and directors.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

We are not aware of any of our directors or officers being involved in any legal proceedings in the past ten years relating to any matters in bankruptcy, insolvency, criminal proceedings (other than traffic and other minor offenses), or being subject to any of the items set forth under Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K.

Corporate Governance

Board Committees

The Company presently does not have an audit committee, compensation committee or nominating and corporate governance committee or committee performing similar functions, as management believes that the Company is in an early stage of development to form such committees. The board of directors acts in place of such committees. The Company currently does not have an audit committee financial expert for the same reason that it does not have board committees.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers, and stockholders holding more than 10% of our outstanding securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in beneficial ownership of our securities. To our knowledge, based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4, and 5 filed with the SEC during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, we believe that, except as set forth below, our directors, executive officers, and greater than 10% beneficial owners have complied with all applicable filing requirements during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which is applicable to our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 filed with the SEC on March 19, 2019. Disclosure regarding any amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of the code of conduct and ethics that apply to our directors, principal executive and financial officers will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K, which we will file within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver.

Changes in Nominating Procedures

None.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the compensation paid to our principal executive officer (“named executive officer”) during our fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 and 2018.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

None.

Director Compensation

Our non-employee directors have elected to forego any cash compensation for participating in board of directors and committee meetings until such time as we become profitable over the course of an entire fiscal year, at which time the board of directors may reconsider the structure of its director compensation. In general, director compensation will be subject to review and adjustment from time to time at the discretion of our board of directors. Accordingly, our non-employee directors received no compensation during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.

Employment Agreements

Anshu Bhatnagar Employment Agreement 

On January 31, 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Anshu Bhatnagar (the “Bhatnagar Employment Agreement”), effective as of January 2, 2017. Pursuant to the terms of the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement, Mr. Bhatnagar will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company a for a term which shall expire on December 31, 2021 (the “Initial Term”) unless such term is earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement. The Bhatnagar Employment Agreement may be renewed after the Initial Term upon written notice by the Company and Mr. Bhatnagar. Pursuant to the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement, the Company shall pay Mr. Bhatnagar (i) an annual base salary of $175,000 and (ii) an annual discretionary bonus, as determined by the board of directors. In addition, Mr. Bhatnagar shall be eligible to receive warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase 7.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to $240 per share. Mr. Bhatnagar may exercise the Warrants until such time as he owns 20% of the Company’s then issued and outstanding shares of common stock.

In addition to the foregoing, commencing January 1, 2018, Mr. Bhatnagar shall receive warrants to acquire up to 3% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock at the beginning of each calendar year.

If the Company terminates the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement for death or for Cause (as defined in the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement) or Mr. Bhatnagar terminates the Employment Agreement for other than Good Reason (as defined in the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement), Mr. Bhatnagar shall receive (i) any earned but unpaid base salary, (ii) any accrued but unpaid annual bonus, (iii) any earned but unpaid incentive compensation, (iv) unpaid business expense reimbursements, (v) accrued but unused vacation, (vi) accrued but unused sick leave and (vii) any vested benefits Mr. Bhatnagar may be eligible to receive pursuant to the Company’s employee benefit plans (collectively, the “Accrued Benefits”). If the Company terminates the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement due to disability or without Cause (as defined in the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement) or Mr. Bhatnagar terminates the Employment Agreement for Good Reason, the Company shall continue to pay Mr. Bhatnagar (i) his then base salary and Plans (as defined in the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement) for the balance of the Employment Period (as defined in the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement), (ii) the Accrued Benefits and (ii) any pro-rata share of the annual bonus that Mr. Bhatnagar would have or could have been earned prior to the Date of Termination (as defined in the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement). In addition to the foregoing, if Mr. Bhatnagar executes a general release of claims (the “Release”) in favor of the Company within 21 days from the Date of Termination, Mr. Bhatnagar shall receive an additional 24 months of his then base salary. If within one year after a Change in Control (as defined in the Bhatnagar Employment Agreement), Mr. Bhatnagar’s employment is terminated by the Company due to a disability or without Cause or Mr. Bhatnagar terminates his employment for Good Reason then, subject to Mr. Bhatnagar signing the Release within 21 days from the Date of Termination, Mr. Bhatnagar shall receive a lump sum in cash in an amount equal Mr. Bhatnagar’s then base salary (or base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, if higher).

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

The following table sets forth information as of April 8, 2020, as to each person or group who is known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding voting securities and as to the security and percentage ownership of each of our executive officers and directors and of all of our officers and directors as a group. As of April 8, 2020, we had 2,320,876,565 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, 41,444,601 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding and 430,801 shares of Series C Preferred Stock outstanding.

Beneficial ownership is determined under the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power over securities. Except in cases where community property laws apply or as indicated in the footnotes to this table, we believe that each stockholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power over all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by the stockholder.

Shares of common stock that are currently exercisable or convertible within 60 days of April 8, 2020 are deemed to be beneficially owned by the person holding such securities for the purpose of computing the percentage beneficial ownership of that person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

* Less than one percent.

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of the stockholder is c/o Verus International, Inc., 9841 Washingtonian Blvd #390, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

(2) Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share, holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to 0.05 votes per share and holders of our Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to 10,000 votes per share. Accordingly, as of April 8, 2020, holders of our common stock are entitled to 2,320,876,565 votes, holders of our Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to 20,722,301 votes and holders of our Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to 4,308,010,000 votes.

(3) Includes 142,500,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants.

(4) Excludes 15,000,000 shares of common stock which vests in two equal installments on June 1, 2021 and June 1, 2022.

(5) William Kerby is the Chief Executive Officer of Monaker Group, Inc, and in such capacity has voting and dispositive power over the securities held by such entity.

(6) Pursuant to the Schedule 13D/A filed by ARJ Consulting, LLC (“ARJ”) on June 4, 2019 (“ARJ Schedule 13D/A”), Andrew Garnock is the Sole Member and Sole Manager of ARJ and in such capacity has voting and dispositive power over the securities held by such entity.

(7) Includes 553,999,999 shares of common stock. Excludes 500,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants which contain an ownership limitation such that the holder may not convert any of such securities to the extent that such conversion would result in the holder’s beneficial ownership being in excess of 9.99% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock together with all shares owned by the holder and its affiliates.

(8) Frederick Berdon is the Sole Managing Member of Berdon Ventures Associates, LLC (“Berdon Ventures”) and in such capacity has voting and dispositive power over the securities held by such entity.

(9) Includes 81,920,000 shares of common stock and (ii) 80,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants.

(10) Pursuant to the ARJ Schedule 13D/A, includes (i) 553,999,999 shares of common stock held by ARJ and (ii) 23,000,000 shares of common stock held by Andrew Garnock. Excludes (i) 500,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants issued in favor of ARJ which contains an ownership limitation such that the holder may not convert any of such securities to the extent that such conversion would result in the holder’s beneficial ownership being in excess of 9.99% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock together with all shares owned by the holder and its affiliates and (ii) 146,068 shares owned by Andrew Garnock’s spouse which his spouse has sole voting and dispositive power over. Pursuant to the ARJ Schedule 13D/A, Andrew Garnock is the Sole Member and Sole Manager of ARJ and in such capacity has voting and dispositive power over the securities held by such entity.

(11) Includes (i) 81,920,000 shares of common stock held by Berdon Ventures, (ii) 80,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants issued in favor of Berdon Ventures, (iii) 1,000,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held by F. Berdon & Co, LLC and (iii) 1,700,000 shares of common stock held by F. Berdon & Co, LLC. Frederick Berdon is the Sole Managing Member of Berdon Ventures and the Managing Member of F. Berdon & Co, LLC and in such capacities has voting and dispositive power over the securities held by such entities.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans.

The following provides information concerning compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance as of October 31, 2019:

2015 Stock Incentive Plan

Purpose

On July 24, 2015, our board of directors adopted the 2015 Plan. The purpose of our 2015 Plan is to further align the interests of employees, directors, and non-employee consultants with those of our stockholders. The 2015 Plan is also intended to advance the interests of the Company and its stockholders by attracting, retaining and motivating key personnel upon whose judgment, initiative and effort the successful conduct of the Company’s business is largely dependent.

Authorized Shares

The 2015 Plan authorizes the issuance of 33,520,000 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment. As of October 31, 2019, we have issued 360,000 shares of common stock under the 2015 Plan.

Administration

Our board of directors administers the 2015 Plan and has full power to grant awards including stock options and stock awards pursuant such plan. In addition, the board of directors has the authority to, among other things, (i) determine the persons eligible to participate in the 2015 Plan, and (ii) the terms of the awards including, but not limited to, (A) time or times at which, awards may be granted, (B) the number of shares, units or other rights subject to each award, (C) the exercise or purchase price of an award (if any), (D) the time or times at which an award will become vested or exercisable, (E) the performance goals and other conditions of an award and (F) the duration of the award. The board of directors also has discretionary authority to interpret the 2015 Plan and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for administration of the 2015 Plan.

Stock Options

The board of directors may grant eligible participants incentive stock option and nonqualified stock options under the 2015 Plan. The exercise price of options granted under the 2015 Plan may not be less than 85% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant; provided, however, that the exercise price for a participant who owns more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our outstanding stock shall not be less than 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of a stock option may not exceed 10 years. The board of directors will determine the methods of payment of the exercise price of an option, which may include cash, shares or other form of payment acceptable to the board of directors.

Stock Awards

The board of directors may grant eligible participants restricted stock awards. The deemed issuance price of shares of common stock subject to each stock award shall not be less than 85% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant; provided, however, that the deemed issuance price of shares of common stock subject to each stock award shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant for a participant who owns more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our outstanding stock.

Plan Amendment or Termination

The 2015 Plan expires ten years from the date of adoption by the board of directors. In addition, the board of directors at any time and from time to time and in any respect, amend or modify the 2015 Plan.

2018 Equity Incentive Plan

Summary

Our 2018 Plan was adopted by our board of directors on December 26, 2018. Having an adequate number of shares available for future equity compensation grants is necessary to promote our long-term success and the creation of stockholders value by:

The 2018 Plan permits the discretionary award of incentive stock options (“ISOs”), nonstatutory stock options (“NQSOs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), other equity awards and/or cash awards to selected participants. The 2018 Plan will remain in effect until the earlier of (i) December 26, 2028 and (ii) the date upon which the 2018 Plan is terminated pursuant to its terms, and in any event subject to the maximum share limit of the 2018 Plan.

The 2018 Plan provides for the reservation of 149,900,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder (the “Share Limit”), and provides that the maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs is 149,900,000 (the “ISO Limit”). The number of shares available for issuance under the 2018 Plan constitutes approximately 10% of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of the date of Board approval.

Key Features of the 2018 Plan

Certain key features of the 2018 Plan are summarized as follows:

Eligibility to Receive Awards. Employees, consultants and board members of the Company and certain of our affiliated companies are eligible to receive awards under the 2018 Plan. The Committee determines, in its discretion, the selected participants who will be granted awards under the 2018 Plan.

Shares Subject to the 2018 Plan. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that can be issued under the 2018 Plan is 149,900,000 shares.

The shares underlying forfeited or terminated awards (without payment of consideration), or unexercised awards become available again for issuance under the 2018 Plan. No fractional shares may be issued under the 2018 Plan. No shares will be issued with respect to a participant’s award unless applicable tax withholding obligations have been satisfied by the participant.

Administration of the 2018 Plan. The 2018 Plan will be administered by our board or our compensation committee which shall consist of independent board members, acting as the Committee. With respect to certain awards issued under the 2018 Plan, the members of the Committee also must be “Non-Employee Directors” under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act. Subject to the terms of the 2018 Plan, the Committee has the sole discretion, among other things, to:

The Committee may suspend vesting, settlement, or exercise of awards pending a determination of whether a selected participant’s service should be terminated for cause (in which case outstanding awards would be forfeited). Awards may be subject to any policy that the board may implement on the recoupment of compensation (referred to as a “clawback” policy). The members of the board, the Committee and their delegates shall be indemnified by the Company to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law for actions taken or not taken regarding the 2018 Plan. In addition, the Committee may use the 2018 Plan to issue shares under other plans or sub-plans as may be deemed necessary or appropriate, such as to provide for participation by non-U.S. employees and those of any of our subsidiaries and affiliates.

Types of Awards.

Stock Options. A stock option is the right to acquire shares at a fixed exercise price over a fixed period of time. The Committee will determine, among other terms and conditions, the number of shares covered by each stock option and the exercise price of the shares subject to each stock option, but such per share exercise price cannot be less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant of the stock option. The exercise price of each stock option granted under the 2018 Plan must be paid in full at the time of exercise, either with cash, or through a broker-assisted “cashless” exercise and sale program, or net exercise, or through another method approved by the Committee. Stock options granted under the 2018 Plan may be either ISOs or NQSOs. In order to comply with Treasury Regulation Section 1.422-2(b), the 2018 Plan provides that no more than 149,900,000 shares may be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs.

SARs. A SAR is the right to receive, upon exercise, an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of the SAR’s exercise and the aggregate exercise price of the shares covered by the exercised portion of the SAR. The Committee determines the terms of SARs, including the exercise price (provided that such per share exercise price cannot be less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant), the vesting and the term of the SAR. Settlement of a SAR may be in shares of common stock or in cash, or any combination thereof, as the Committee may determine. SARs may not be repriced or exchanged without stockholder approval.

Restricted Stock. A restricted stock award is the grant of shares of our common stock to a selected participant and such shares may be subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture until specific conditions or goals are met. The restricted shares may be issued with or without cash consideration being paid by the selected participant as determined by the Committee. The Committee also will determine any other terms and conditions of an award of restricted stock.

RSUs. RSUs are the right to receive an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares covered by the RSU at some future date after the grant. The Committee will determine all of the terms and conditions of an award of RSUs. Payment for vested RSUs may be in shares of common stock or in cash, or any combination thereof, as the Committee may determine. RSUs represent an unfunded and unsecured obligation for us, and a holder of a stock unit has no rights other than those of a general creditor.

Other Awards. The 2018 Plan also provides that other equity awards, which derive their value from the value of our shares or from increases in the value of our shares, may be granted. In addition, cash awards may also be issued. Substitute awards may be issued under the 2018 Plan in assumption of or substitution for or exchange for awards previously granted by an entity which we (or an affiliate) acquire.

Limited Transferability of Awards. Awards granted under the 2018 Plan generally are not transferrable other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. However, the Committee may in its discretion permit the transfer of awards other than ISOs.

Change in Control. In the event that we are a party to a merger or other reorganization or similar transaction, outstanding 2018 Plan awards will be subject to the agreement pertaining to such merger or reorganization. Such agreement may provide for (i) the continuation of the outstanding awards by us if we are a surviving corporation, (ii) the assumption or substitution of the outstanding awards by the surviving entity or its parent, (iii) full exercisability and/or full vesting of outstanding awards, or (iv) cancellation of outstanding awards either with or without consideration, in all cases with or without consent of the selected participant. The Committee will decide the effect of a change in control of the Company on outstanding awards.

Amendment and Termination of the 2018 Plan. The Board generally may amend or terminate the 2018 Plan at any time and for any reason, except that it must obtain stockholder approval of material amendments to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations or rules.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS; DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Related-Party Transactions

During our fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2018 neither we nor any of our directors, executive officers, or to our knowledge, beneficial owners of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons had or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements, which are described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) in any transaction in which the amount of the transaction exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years.

Related-Party Transaction Policy

We have adopted a formal policy regarding approval of transactions with related parties. For purposes of our policy only, a related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which we and any related person are, were or will be participants in which the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of our total assets at the end of our last completed fiscal year. Transactions involving compensation for services provided to us as an employee or director are not covered by this policy. A related person is any executive officer, director or beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, including any of their immediate family members and any entity owned or controlled by such persons.

Under the policy, if a transaction has been identified as a related person transaction, including any transaction that was not a related person transaction when originally consummated or any transaction that was not initially identified as a related person transaction prior to consummation, our management must present information regarding the related person transaction to our audit committee, or, if audit committee approval would be inappropriate, to another independent body of our board of directors, for review, consideration and approval or ratification. The presentation must include a description of, among other things, the material facts, the interests, direct and indirect, of the related persons, the benefits to us of the transaction and whether the transaction is on terms that are comparable to the terms available to or from, as the case may be, an unrelated third party or to or from employees generally. Under the policy, we will collect information that we deem reasonably necessary from each director, executive officer and, to the extent feasible, significant stockholder to enable us to identify any existing or potential related-person transactions and to effectuate the terms of the policy. In addition, under our code of business conduct and ethics, our employees and directors will have an affirmative responsibility to disclose any transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest. In considering related person transactions, our audit committee, or other independent body of our board of directors, will take into account the relevant available facts and circumstances including, but not limited to:

The policy requires that, in determining whether to approve, ratify or reject a related person transaction, our audit committee, or other independent body of our board of directors, must consider, in light of known circumstances, whether the transaction is in, or is not inconsistent with, our best interests and those of our stockholders, as our audit committee, or other independent body of our board of directors, determines in the good faith exercise of its discretion.

Director Independence

Although our common stock is not listed on any national securities exchange, for purposes of independence we use the definition of independence applied by The Nasdaq Stock Market. Our board of directors has determined that each of Michael O’Gorman and Thomas Butler Fore are “independent” in accordance with such definition.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The aggregate fees billed by our principal independent registered public accounting firm for the indicated services for each of the last two fiscal years were as follows:

Audit Fees. The fees identified under this caption were for professional services rendered by our independent public registered accounting firm for the 2019 and 2018 fiscal years in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements. The amounts also include fees for services that are normally provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and engagements for the years identified. Effective February 24, 2020, Assurance Dimensions, Inc. (“AD”), was appointed by our board of directors as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, replacing Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. (“MHM”), the Company’s prior independent registered public accounting firm since January 14, 2020. Prior to MHM’s appointment AD had been the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm since May 26, 2017. Audit fees billed by AD and MHM for professional services rendered for the 2019 fiscal year were $85,600 and $43,750, respectively. All audit fees billed for professional services rendered for the 2018 fiscal year were billed solely by AD.

Audit-Related Fees. The fees identified under this caption were for review of our financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and were not reported under the caption “Audit Fees.” This category may include fees related to the performance of audits and attestation services not required by statute or regulations, and accounting consultations about the application of generally accepted accounting principles to proposed transactions. All audit-related fees billed for the 2019 and 2018 fiscal years were billed solely by AD.

Tax Fees. The fees identified under this caption were for tax compliance, tax planning, tax advice and corporate tax services. Corporate tax services encompass a variety of permissible services, including technical tax advice related to tax matters; assistance with withholding-tax matters; assistance with state and local taxes; preparation of reports to comply with local tax authority transfer pricing documentation requirements; and assistance with tax audits.

Approval Policy. Our board of directors approves in advance all services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. All engagements of our independent registered public accounting firm in fiscal years 2019 and 2018 were pre-approved by the board of directors.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Financial Statements

+ Each of these Exhibits constitutes a management contract, compensatory plan, or arrangement.

* Filed herewith.

# The SEC has granted confidential treatment with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the SEC.

## Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K, certain confidential portions of this exhibit were omitted by means of making such portions with an asterisk because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on this 13^th day of April, 2020.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors

Verus International, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Verus International, Inc. (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ deficit and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended October 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company had a net loss of approximately $2.4 million for the year ended of October 31, 2019 and a working capital deficit of approximately $1.8 million. These conditions 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 3. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Basis for Opinion

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 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 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. Our audit included consideration of 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 include 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.

/s/ Assurance Dimensions

Certified Public Accountants

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.

Coconut Creek, Florida

April 13, 2020

Verus International, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

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

Verus International, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

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

Verus International, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Deficit

For the Years Ended October 31, 2019 and 2018