10-K 1 f10k123115_10k.htm FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT Form 10-K Annual Report


UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


Form 10-K

(Mark One)

  X .

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the calendar year ended December 31, 2015


      .

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the transition period from _______ to _______


Commission file number 000-55557


CEN BIOTECH , INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


Ontario, Canada

 

-

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

20 North Rear Road

Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada

 

N0R lK0

 

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)


Registrant’s Telephone Number: 226-344-0660


Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act: Common Stock


Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

None


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes      .  No  X .


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      . No  X .


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 past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  X .  No      .


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  X .


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Check one:


Large accelerated filer      .

Accelerated filer      .

Non-accelerated filer      .

Smaller reporting company  X .


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes      .  No  X .


The number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock, as of December 31, 2015 is 7,000,000 shares of common stock and 100,000 shares of preferred stock, both with no par value per share.







The Registrant’s common stock has not traded on the OTCQB or elsewhere and, accordingly, there is no aggregate “market value” to be indicated for such shares. The “value” of the outstanding shares held by non-affiliates, based upon the book value as of December 31, 2015 was $-0-.



DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE



















2




CEN BIOTECH, INC.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


 

 PART I

 

ITEM 1

BUSINESS

4

 

 

 

ITEM 1A

RISK FACTORS

9

 

 

 

ITEM 1B

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

14

 

 

 

ITEM 2

PROPERTIES

14

 

 

 

ITEM 3

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

15

 

 

 

ITEM 4

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

15

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

15

 

 

 

ITEM 6

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

15

 

 

 

ITEM 7

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

16

 

 

 

ITEM 7A

 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

18

 

 

 

ITEM 8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

18

 

 

 

ITEM 9

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

19

 

 

 

ITEM 9A

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

19

 

 

 

ITEM 9B

OTHER INFORMATION

20

 

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

 

ITEM 10

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

20

 

 

 

ITEM 11

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

22

 

 

 

ITEM 12

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

22

 

 

 

ITEM 13

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

23

 

 

 

ITEM 14

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

24

 

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

 

ITEM 15

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

24




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PART I


Explanatory Note


This Annual Report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). These statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions, and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company set forth under the heading “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Forward-looking statements also include statements in which words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “consider” or similar expressions are used.


Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company's future results and shareholder values may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.


Item 1.

BUSINESS


Introduction


CEN Biotech, Inc. (“CEN” or the “Company”) was incorporated in Canada on August 4, 2013 as a subsidiary of Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc. (“Creative”), a public company incorporated in Nevada. Creative distributed all of the shares of CEN common stock on a pro rata basis to the Creative shareholders on February 29, 2016 at which time CEN became an independent public company. At the time of the spinoff, CEN and Creative had separate officers and directors. No individual is an officer or director of both. Creative will cooperate with CEN if any corporate or similar information is needed Otherwise, there will be virtually no areas of ongoing relationship.


CEN is an early stage Canadian biopharmaceutical company founded to integrate agronomical and pharmaceutical principles for the purposes of growing, selling and delivering pharmaceutical-grade medical marijuana to patients in accordance with Health Canada’s newly-formed Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR).


CEN obtained funding to build the initial phase of its comprehensive seed-to-sale facility and, upon full licensure, will begin operating its state-of-the-art medical marijuana cultivation, processing, and distribution facility in Lakeshore, Ontario. CEN has applied for a license with Health Canada but cannot provide any assurances of the likelihood of receiving the license or the timing involved.


If licensed, the facility can begin growing immediately once it sources the seeds. The selling process would then commence.


JUDICIAL REVIEW:


On March 11, 2015, the Company’s application for a license to produce marijuana for medical purposes was formally rejected by Health Canada. The Company filed an application for judicial review in Canadian federal court on April 10, 2015 in order to obtain a reversal of this decision.


The file is currently making its way through the legal process in Federal Court. The steps to this appeals process are:


·

Step 1: The applicant gathers the required resources

·

Step 2: The applicant considers the preliminary issues of jurisdiction, standing, and timelines

·

Step 3: The applicant drafts the notice of application and the Federal Court issues it

·

Step 4: The respondent files a notice of appearance

·

Step 5: The tribunal transmits the certified tribunal record to the parties and to the Federal

·

Step 6: The applicant serves its affidavit evidence, if necessary

·

Step 7: The respondent serves its affidavit evidence, if necessary

·

Step 8: The parties conduct cross-examinations, if necessary

·

Step 9: The applicant files the applicant's record

·

Step 10: The respondent files the respondent's record

·

Step 11: The applicant files a requisition for hearing date

·

Step 12: The parties prepare for the hearing

·

Step 13: The parties attend the hearing

·

Step 14: The parties complete post-hearing tasks



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The appeals process, as of March 8, 2016 is up to Step 8. The outcome and timing of this legal proceeding cannot be predicted.


On February 24, 2016, in the case of NEIL ALLARD, TANYA BEEMISH, DAVID HEBERT AND SHAWN DAVEY v. HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA, The Federal Court ruled the following:


“VIII. Conclusion


[289] For all these reasons, the Court has concluded that the Plaintiffs have established that their s 7 Charter rights have been infringed by the MMPR and that such infringement is not in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice or otherwise justified under s 1.


IX. Disposition and Remedy


[290] For these reasons, I find that the MMPR regime infringes the Plaintiffs’s 7 Charter rights and such infringement is not justified.


[291] In several decisions regarding the MMAR, the Courts have struck out either certain provisions or certain words in certain provisions, but otherwise left the structure of the regulation in place. Most of these decisions related to criminal charges where such narrow, feasible and effective excising was appropriate.


[292] In the present case, the attack has been on the structure of the new regulation. It would not be feasible or effective to strike certain words or provisions. That exercise would eviscerate the regulation and leave nothing practical in place.


The Defendant has recognized the integrated nature of the MMPR provisions.


[293] It is neither feasible nor appropriate to order the Defendant to reinstate the MMAR (as amended by current jurisprudence). It is not the role of the Court to impose regulations. The MMAR may be a useful model for subsequent consideration; however, it is not the only model,


Page: 102


nor is a MMAR-type regime the only medical marihuana regime, as experience from other countries has shown.


[294] The remedy considerations are further complicated by the fact that there is no attack on the underlying legislation. Striking down the MMPR merely leaves a legislative gap where possession of marihuana continues as a criminal offence. Absent a replacement regulation or exemption, those in need of medical marihuana – and access to a Charter compliant medical marihuana regime is legally required – face potential criminal charges.


[295] It would be possible for the Court to suspend the operation of the provisions which make it an offence to possess, use, grow and/or distribute marihuana for those persons holding a medical prescription or medical authorization. However, this is a blunt instrument which may not be necessary if a Charter compliant regime were put in place or different legislation were passed.


[296] The appropriate resolution, following the declaration of invalidity of the MMPR, is to suspend the operation of the declaration of invalidity to permit Canada to enact a new or parallel medical marihuana regime. As this regime was created by regulation, the legislative process is simpler than the requirement for Parliament to pass a new law.


[297] The declaration will be suspended for six (6) months to allow the government to respond to the declaration of invalidity”


The MMPR has been declared to be of no force and effect, but that declaration is put on hold for 6 months to allow the government to deal with new legislation. In the interim, both the MMPR and MMAR stay in effect pursuant to the terms of the Injunction of Manson J of March 21, 2014


OMB HEARING:


CEN Biotech in conjunction with the property owner of 20 North Rear Rd filed appeals to the Town of Lakeshores zoning bylaws and the Official Plan regarding Medical Marihuana facilities.



5




ONTARIO SUPERIOR COURT CASE


On or about February 2, 2016, CEN Biotech filed a Statement of Claim against the Attorney General of Canada in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. In its claim, CEN Biotech claims the following:


(a) damages for detrimental reliance in the sum of FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS ($15,000,000.00);


(b) damages for pure economic loss in an undetermined amount;


(c) prejudgment and post judgment interest in accordance with sections 128 and 129 of the Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.43, as amended, and section 31 of the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-50, as amended;


(d) the costs of this proceeding on a substantial indemnity basis, plus all applicable taxes; and


(e) such further and other Relief as to this Honourable Court may seem just.


CEN’s new facility was engineered to meet all Health Canada requirements under the MMPR, including but not limited specifications for security, good production practices, packaging, labeling, distribution, record-keeping and reporting. The planning and construction of the facility was overseen by R.X.N.B., Inc., an entity which is 45% owned by Mr. Chaaban. Through December 31, 2014, R.X.N.B. had billed and collected $2,439,900 for its work on the project.


Based on Health Canada’s projected ten-year medical marijuana market growth rate, over 800,000 kilograms of medical marijuana will need to be produced per year by 2024. CEN is planning to assist production and supply of medical marijuana to the Canadian market, growing with the needs of the industry as it progresses.


CEN plans to develop educational alternative treatment programs to help replace certain narcotic drugs, when deemed appropriate by healthcare practitioners. The plan is for this to be achieved by focusing on patients diagnosed with disease-states, which have been recognized by Health Canada as applicable for candidates to use medical marihuana as an alternative to their previously prescribed narcotics. These patients could potentially benefit from the use of medical marihuana as an alternative treatment modality and in some cases, as an added aid in efficacy as a 2nd or 3rd line option.


Furthermore, CEN plans to develop value-added services, such as a patient-care ambassador program, which dedicates a patient and their healthcare practitioner to a designated liaison. This program will secure basic patient information, preferences, and other pertinent data available so that patients can cater their treatment program to their lifestyles and evolving medication needs, while helping patients keep track of their next appointment dates. Through technological innovation, CEN will seek to create the best possible solutions for both the patient and their healthcare practitioner.


CEN is also developing relationships with other specialists to assist in developing its overall list of services.


Regulatory Environment


Medical marijuana has been making headlines in Canada after changes to regulations created a new market for commercial marijuana production. On April 1, 2014, the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations ("MMPR") replaced the previous Marihuana Medical Access Regulations ("MMAR"). Under the old regulatory scheme, authorized patients could obtain licenses to grow their own marijuana at home, designate a third party to grow marijuana on their behalf, or purchase it from Health Canada's approved supplier. Now, medical marijuana may only be obtained from a producer licensed by Health Canada, either directly or through a licensed dealer or health care practitioner.


Health Canada estimates that demand for medical marijuana will increase ten-fold and sales will reach $1.3 billion dollars per year by 2024, making it an attractive market for prospective producers and those looking to invest. By requiring that medical marijuana must ultimately be obtained from independently licensed producers, the MMPR has effectively created the basis for this new industry. While "designated persons" were licensed under the MMAR to grow medical marijuana for use by others, they were limited to providing for a maximum of two authorized patients.



6




The use of marijuana for medical purposes was banned in Canada in the 1930s and remained so until 2000 when R. v. Parker found the total prohibition on marijuana unconstitutional. While marijuana is still not an approved drug or medicine in Canada, the government subsequently took steps to exempt certain users from the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act ("CDSA") that criminalize its possession, paving the way for patients to access the drug. Under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations , patients or their designated persons were allowed to grow marijuana on a small scale, often in their homes. This system led to concerns over public health, safety and security; concerns that were the impetus behind the new MMPR which only provides access to marijuana through purchasing it from licensed and inspected commercial producers.


There are several key aspects of the new regulations that anyone looking to enter or invest in this industry should take into consideration:


License Application


In order to produce medical marijuana in Canada, a company must obtain a license from Health Canada. The licensing process is extensive - prospective licensees must demonstrate that they meet a number of requirements set out in the MMPR such as strict security measures, good production practices, approval from local municipalities, police and fire authorities, and security clearance for key personnel.


There is currently no limit to the number of licenses that Health Canada will approve. Currently, 26 companies hold licenses and many additional applications have been made.


Strict Compliance


Obtaining a license is only the first step for prospective producers.


Because marijuana is not an approved drug or medicine in Canada, it is likely that Health Canada will be rigorous in its oversight of licensed producers. Strict compliance with the MMPR will be necessary to ensure that licenses, which expire after a maximum of two years, will in fact be renewed. Licenses may be refused renewal or revoked for failing to comply with the MMPR and other applicable legislation including the CDSA, Narcotic Control Regulations, and Food and Drugs Act. Other grounds for failure to renew or revocation include improper security measures, not obtaining security clearances for specified personnel, or record keeping that does not comply with the regulations.


In addition, licenses may be revoked: if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the license was issued under false or misleading pretense; if the producer contravenes legislation; if there are reasonable grounds to believe that product has been diverted to an illicit market or use; or if any of the specified personnel do not hold security clearance.


Production


Under the new regulations, only dried marijuana may be sold (under the old regulatory scheme, authorized users could possess marijuana in any number of forms) and must be mailed directly to the patient or his or her health care practitioner. Dried marijuana may also be exported with authorization from Health Canada. There is no limit on the strains that may be produced and no set requirements for pricing. However, each licensed producer must employ a quality assurance person with the necessary technical knowledge to maintain the appropriate quality of dried marijuana.


The MMPR requires indoor production and storage facilities that are secured by visual perimeter monitoring, restricted access, and other protective measures. Security clearance is required for specified personnel such as the senior person in charge, responsible and alternate persons in charge, each officer and director of the licensed producer, and any individuals authorized to order cannabis seeds on behalf of the licensed producer.


Marketability


The ability to effectively market medical marijuana is also an important consideration. Because there is currently no set limit to the number of licenses Health Canada will approve, there is the potential for an influx of producers into the marketplace which may lead to fierce competition for customers.


Advertising of medical marijuana must be in compliance with the Narcotic Control Regulations as it is still classified as a "controlled substance." As a result, licensed producers will only be able to market their products to health care practitioners and not to the general public. Producers must also be careful to comply with s.16 of the MMPR, requiring them to include their name as set out in their license on all product labels, advertising, orders, shipping documents, invoices, and other such documents.



7




These limitations will not prevent a licensed producer from establishing a brand, promoting the merits of their product, and beginning to differentiate their proprietary strains and techniques. However, because marijuana is a controlled substance, and advertisements cannot be made to the general public, any awareness campaigns or targeted advertising will more likely follow the pharmaceutical advertising model, and less likely to follow the lifestyle-focused style of advertising of medicinal drugs commonly advertised to the public on TV or via the Internet.


Judicial Challenge


Any uncertainty surrounding how the new MMPR will work in practice has been increased by recent litigation seeking to declare the new MMPR unconstitutional. In B.C., Neil Allard et al v. HMTQ 7 has challenged the constitutionality of the new regulations under section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms . Plaintiffs argue that they will not be able to afford the marijuana sold by licensed producers, which is expected to be priced higher than the costs of growing for personal use, and so will either have to let their health suffer or use an illegal means to obtain the drug. An interim injunction was granted March 21, 2014, exempting patients who held valid licenses under the old regulations from compliance with the new scheme, essentially allowing them to continue to grow the marijuana at home. The government has since filed an appeal of this injunction. Similar cases have been brought across Canada.


Conclusion


CEN believes that it has built a facility and will use procedures that meet or exceed all established requirements. CEN will use independent reps to introduce its products to doctors. It will obtain documentation to prove that the person to whom products are shipped is the same person named in the medical authorization. An applicant cannot obtain a pre-license inspection of its facility without completing the security clearance. It is our opinion that Bill Chaaban was granted the security clearance as evidenced by the pre-license inspection having been conducted. Health Canada appears to be contending that no security clearance is currently in effect. This contention is in direct conflict with Health Canada’s process and is being argued in the Judicial Review before the Federal Court of Canada because the revocation of a security clearance must follow formal procedures and require due process. Health Canada contends that Mr. Chaaban, a licensed attorney in Canada and the USA, who does not have any criminal convictions or pending indictments known, and who does not consume drugs or alcohol “may be a risk for cannabis to be diverted to the illicit market.” Mr. Chaaban believes this to be a libelous and unfounded allegation and will present the argument before the court.


CEN Products and Services


CEN’s planned product-line will include multiple strains and hybrids of medical marihuana for patients, as well as cultivation services for other licensed producers and licensed dealers. The products and services will be designed to enhance patient satisfaction and comfort.


CEN will have cultivation standards that meet the demands of Health Canada by complying with the MMPR, as well as meet the medical needs of our patients. CEN will utilize its controlled environment that will produce validated, consistent medical marijuana. The patient and health care practitioners will benefit by CEN’s approach of securing and developing treatments via unique strands that are intended to accommodate individual patient needs and cataloging the results. Additionally, CEN will review its products and services on a regular basis, adjusting the offerings once they have passed a research and testing phase. This will allow CEN to provide the best, most-current treatment options for our patients.


CEN’s organically cultivated medical marijuana will be offered in 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 gram increments. CEN will engage in a thorough testing phase before bringing new products to the market, while accommodating the demands of patients in need of either smokable or non-smokable forms of medication. The initial product-line will include the following strains and hybrids:


·

Indica Dominant Strains : Helps treat pain, stress, muscle spasms and insomnia


·

Sativa Dominant Strains : Helps treat mood disorders (depression), headaches, glaucoma and lack of appetite

·

·

Indica/Sativa Hybrids: Helps treat pain, anxiety, lack of appetite and mood disorders (depression).

·

·

"Kush" Strains : Helps treat pain and insomnia

·

·

"Diesel" Strains : Helps treat mood disorders (depression) and anxiety

·

·

"Haze" Strains : Helps treat headaches, lack of appetite and mood disorders (depression)



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The selection of strains will evolve based on patient needs and market demands. As research and development continues, CEN will identify the strains that are best-of-breed to provide the best treatment solutions for the patient’s ailment. Through research and development, CEN plans to cultivate and bring new strains to market that have been designed to treat specific medical ailments, and custom tailored to the patient’s needs.


Education is another major component to CEN’s planned philosophy. CEN will provide classes to educate patients regarding the proper use and handling of medical marijuana. Other courses will educate healthcare practitioners, patients, politicians, law enforcement, and the general public about the beneficial medical uses of marihuana.


Patient Acquisition and Sales Strategy


CEN is developing and will continue to develop multiple relationships with national pharmaceutical sales and consulting organizations so as to take advantage of their established healthcare relationships. Given the regulatory limitations imposed on the promotion and marketing of medical marijuana, relationships with the medical profession are necessary and will be aided by the promotion of our educational platforms.


Healthcare practitioner engagement and education will be the primary focus of CEN’s outreach strategy. Educational programs will include studies and outlets for healthcare practitioners and patients to receive treatment advice in integrative medicine centers. Healthcare practitioners will be engaged by CEN to co-host educational seminars throughout Canada, further advancing and bringing awareness to the benefits of medical marihuana treatments.


Other Products


CEN’s initial efforts will be focused on the medical marijuana market. It will also begin to develop industrial hemp products. Industrial hemp has many uses, including paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction, health food, and fuel. It also runs parallel with the "Green Future" objectives that are becoming increasingly popular. Hemp requires little to no pesticides or herbicides, controls erosion of the topsoil, and produces oxygen. Furthermore, hemp can be used to replace many potentially harmful products, such as tree paper (the processing of which uses chlorine bleach, which results in the waste product polychlorinated dibensodioxins, popularly known as dioxins, which are carcinogenic, and contribute to deforestation, cosmetics, and plastics, most of which are petroleum-based and do not decompose easily. The strongest chemical needed to whiten the already light hemp paper is non-toxic hydrogen peroxide.


In 2014, CEN acquired Hemp Technology, based in New Zealand, for $643,500. The purpose of the acquisition was to obtain and use its knowledge and not for any ongoing business operations. The purchase price was expensed as research and development costs and categorized as an operating expense. During 2014, expenses of $501,869 relating to the individuals associated with Hemp Technology are included in “wages and consulting fees.”


Intellectual Property


We have no patents or similar assets.


Employees


We have one fulltime employee, Bill Chaaban, who has a five-year employment agreement that was executed in August 2013. We engage consultants to provide us with the services we need to plan and develop our facilities, products and procedures such that we will be in compliance with all requirements of Health Canada if we receive our license.

 

Item 1A.

RISK FACTORS


You should be aware that there are various risks to an investment in our common stock. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this Form 10-K, before you decide to invest in shares of our common stock.


If any of the following risks develop into actual events, then our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or prospects could be materially adversely affected. If that happens, the market price of our common stock, if any, could decline, and investors may lose all or part of their investment.



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Risks Related to the Business


1.

We have a limited operating history as a specialty pharmaceutical company in which to evaluate our business.


We plan on being a specialty pharmaceutical business with an initial emphasis on supplying medical marijuana in Canada. However, we have not yet generated any revenues nor received necessary licenses that are needed to commence business. We cannot provide any assurances that we will generate revenues and, if we do, when and how much the initial revenue will be. If we are unable to generate revenue our business will fail.


2.

Our independent registered auditors’ report includes an explanatory paragraph stating that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.


We have not yet generated any revenue and have no committed sources of ongoing debt or equity financing. At December 31, 2015, we had cash of $3,016 and a working capital deficit of $13,483,293. Our independent registered auditors included an explanatory paragraph in their opinion on our financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 that states that this lack of resources causes substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. No assurances can be given that we will generate sufficient revenue or obtain necessary financing to continue as a going concern.


3.

The failure to become licensed by Health Canada for the production of medical marijuana production may cause us to abandon or seriously delay our business plan.

 

On March 11, 2015, the Company’s application for a license to produce marijuana for medical purposes was formally rejected by Health Canada. The Company filed an application for judicial review in Canadian federal court on April 10, 2015 in order to obtain a reversal of this decision. The outcome of this legal proceeding cannot be predicted. The file is currently making its way through the legal process in Federal Court in Canada. We cannot predict the likely outcome of this litigation.


There is no assurance that our request for a license to produce and market medical marijuana will be approved by Health Canada. Our failure to obtain a license from Health Canada would materially and adversely affect our company's operations, and we would need to revise or abandon our business plan accordingly.


4.

 The town in which our facilities are located is attempting to retroactively change the zoning laws to prevent the growing of marijuana on our site. If the town is successful with this attempt, we would be unable to use our facility as planned.


Our site was chosen in conjunction with meetings with the Economic Development Officer for the Town of Lakeshore. We chose this location because of assurances from Town officials stating that the property had the proper zoning to undertake our stated business plan. We also provided a written notice was given to the Town of Lakeshore of our intent to use our agricultural zoned land for growing medical marihuana. We then applied for and received building permits from the Town of Lakeshore. We underwent numerous building inspections from the Town’s building department and successfully closed out the permits. We contend that our site is grandfathered for its agricultural use since we relied on the statements and actions from the Town. The Town is now retroactively attempting to enact a bylaw to change the zoning required. We have filed a claim against the Town before the Ontario Municipal Board but cannot predict the timing or outcome of this action.


5.

Uncertain demand for medical marijuana products may cause our business plan to be unprofitable.


Demand for medical marijuana is dependent on a number of social, political and economic factors that are beyond the control of our company. While we believe that demand for medical marijuana will continue to grow in Canada, there is no assurance that such increase in demand will happen or that our business venture will be profitable.


6.

We may not acquire market share or achieve profits due to competition in the medical marijuana industry.

 

If we receive our license from Health Canada, we will be operating in a highly competitive marketplace with various competitors. Increased competition may result in lower than anticipated gross margins and/or loss of market share, either of which would seriously harm its business and results of operations. Management cannot be certain that we will be able to compete against current or future competitors or that competitive pressure will not seriously harm our business. Some of our potential competitors are much larger and have greater access to capital, sales, marketing and other resources. These competitors may be able to respond more rapidly to new regulations or devote greater resources to the development and promotion of their business model than we can. Furthermore, some of these competitors may make acquisitions or establish co-operative relationships among themselves or with third parties in the industry to increase their ability to rapidly gain market share.



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7.

CEN is and will continue to be completely dependent on the services of our president, Bill Chaaban, the loss of whose services may cause our business operations to cease, and we will need to engage and retain qualified employees and consultants to further implement our strategy.


Our operations and business strategy are completely dependent upon the knowledge and business connections of Mr. Chaaban, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. If he should choose to leave us for any reason or become ill and is unable to work for an extended period of time before we have hired additional personnel, our operations will likely fail. Even if we are able to find additional personnel, it is uncertain whether we could find someone who could develop our business along the lines described in this information statement. We will fail without the services of Mr. Chaaban or an appropriate replacement(s).


We intend to acquire key-man life insurance on the life of Mr. Chaaban naming us as the beneficiary when and if we obtain the resources to do so and if he is insurable at the time of application. We have not yet procured such insurance, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to obtain such insurance in the future. Accordingly, it is important that we are able to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified and talented personnel and independent contractors.


8.

Bill Chaaban will make all decisions concerning his compensation for the foreseeable future. These decisions may not be in the best interests of other investors.


Mr. Chaaban currently has an employment agreement calling for annual compensation of $1,200,000 per year and will make all decisions determining the amount and timing of his compensation for the foreseeable future until, if ever, we establish a compensation committee of the board of directors. His decisions about compensation may not be in the best interests of other shareholders.


9.

 CEN has debt obligations that could adversely affect its business and its ability to meet its obligations and pay dividends.


At December 31, 2015, CEN has current notes and loans and accrued expenses aggregating $13,486,309 all of which are included in the spinoff at February 29, 2016. Since CEN has no current revenue, we will have to locate other sources of debt or equity financing in order to meet these obligations. If we are unable to do so, we may default on some commitments which could have a very negative effect on our business.


10.

We will be subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act that will require us to incur audit fees and legal fees in connection with the preparation of such reports. These additional costs could reduce or eliminate our ability to earn a profit.


Following the filing of our registration statement on Form 10, we became required to file periodic reports with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. In order to comply with these requirements, our independent registered public accounting firm will have to review our financial statements on a quarterly basis and audit our financial statements on an annual basis. Moreover, our legal counsel will have to review and assist in the preparation of such reports. The costs charged by these professionals for such services cannot be specifically predicted at this time because factors such as the number and type of transactions that we engage in and the complexity of our reports cannot be determined at this time and will have a major effect on the amount of time to be spent by our auditors and attorneys. However, based on conversations with our professionals, the annual costs are likely to range from $25,000 to $75,000 in the first year or two after our Registration statement goes effective. The incurrence of such costs will obviously be an expense to our operations and thus have a negative effect on our ability to meet our overhead requirements and earn a profit. 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, if a market ever develops, could drop significantly.


11.

Our internal controls may be inadequate, which could cause our financial reporting to be unreliable and lead to misinformation being disseminated to the public.


Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. As defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the principal executive and principal financial officer and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:


·

pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;



11




·

provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and/or directors of the Company; and


·

provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Our internal controls may become inadequate or ineffective if our operations grow, which could cause our financial reporting to be unreliable and lead to misinformation being disseminated to the public. Investors relying upon this misinformation may make an uninformed investment decision.


12.

Our reputation in the industry will be very important as we grow the business, and any negative impact on our reputation could be damaging to our business.


As a planned producer and a retailer of a controlled substance in Canada that has been commonly associated with various other narcotics, violence, and criminal activities, there is a risk that our business would result in negative publicity and public opinion. Lack of understanding and awareness of the medical benefits associated with cannabis is poorly understood across the mainstream public despite various efforts to build such awareness. These conditions could adversely impact our ability to operate and could have a negative impact on our stock price.


13.

There are safety operational risks related to the cultivation and storage of our products at the facilities.


Given the nature of our planned initial product and its lack of legal availability outside of the therapeutic channels, as well as the planned concentration of abundant stock within one facility, despite meeting or exceeding Health Canada’s security requirements, there remains a risk of shrinkage as well as theft. Also, as an agricultural product, despite meeting or exceeding Health Canada’s requirements regarding good production practices, there remains a risk of diseases and pests impacting not only yield and revenue but overall product quality to consumers.


14.

There are risks related to the quality and quality control of our products.


We may be subject to liability of our products and must ensure quality control of the product at every stage. As a planned manufacturer and distributor of products designed to be ingested by humans, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if our products are alleged to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the manufacture and sale of our planned products involve the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of our products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. We may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that our products caused injury or illness, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. A product liability claim or regulatory action against us could result in increased costs, could adversely affect our reputation with its clients and consumers generally, and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of our potential products.

 

Risks Related to Our Common Stock


15.

Shareholders may be diluted significantly through our efforts to obtain financing and satisfy obligations through issuance of additional shares of our common stock.


We have no committed source of financing. Wherever possible, we may attempt to use non-cash consideration to satisfy obligations or obtain financing. Our board of directors has authority, without action or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of the authorized but unissued. In addition, if a trading market develops for our common stock, we may attempt to raise capital by selling shares of our common stock, possibly at a discount to market. These actions would result in dilution of the ownership interests of existing shareholders may further dilute common stock book value, and that dilution may be material.




12




16.

Currently, there is no established public market for our securities, and there can be no assurances that any established public market will ever develop or that our common stock will be quoted for trading and, even if quoted, it is likely to be subject to significant price fluctuations.


As of March 8, 2016, we had not received a trading symbol for our common stock, and there is currently no established public market whatsoever for our securities. A market maker has agreed to file an application with FINRA on our behalf so as to be able to quote the shares of our common stock on the OTCQB maintained by the OTC Markets Group. There can be no assurance that the market maker’s application will be accepted by FINRA nor can we estimate as to the time period that the application will require or that any buying of our shares will ever take place.


Because of the possible low price of our securities, many brokerage firms may not be willing to effect transactions in these securities. Purchasers and holders of our securities should be aware that any market that develops in our stock may be subject to the penny stock restrictions.


17.

Our shares may not become eligible to be traded electronically which would result in brokerage firms being unwilling to trade them.

 

If we become able to have our shares of common stock quoted on the OTCQB, we will then try, through a broker-dealer and its clearing firm, to become eligible with the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") to permit our shares to trade electronically. If an issuer is not “DTC-eligible,” then its shares cannot be electronically transferred between brokerage accounts, which, based on the realities of the marketplace as it exists today (especially the OTCQB), means that shares of a company will not be traded (technically the shares can be traded manually between accounts, but this takes days and is not a realistic option for companies relying on broker dealers for stock transactions - like all companies on the OTCQB. What this boils down to is that while DTC-eligibility is not a requirement to trade on the OTCQB, it is a necessity to process trades on the OTCQB if a company’s stock is going to trade with any volume.


We have been advised that DTC retains the right to deny a company the ability to use their depository without providing a reason for the denial. The eligibility review process should include a clean presentation of facts and documents that meet DTC’s standards. Eligibility requirements include that the securities must be: issued in a transaction registered with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; or issued in a transaction exempt from registration pursuant to a '33 Act exemption, that at the time of the request for DTC eligibility no longer involves transfer or ownership restrictions; or eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation S under the '33 Act (and must otherwise meet DTC's eligibility criteria).


Although we believe that we meet the requirements of DTC listing, there are no assurances that our shares will ever become DTC-eligible or, if they do, how long it will take.


18.

Our goal is to have our shares listed on the NYSE MKT but cannot predict the likelihood or timing of that happening.


Our ultimate goal is to have our shares listed on the NYSE MKT. That market has various requirements regarding a company’s financial condition and other matters like independent directors and other corporate governance matters. We cannot predict the likelihood or timing of being accepted for listing on the NYSE MKT.


19.

Any market that develops in shares of our common stock may be subject to the penny stock regulations and restrictions pertaining to low priced stocks that will create a lack of liquidity and make trading difficult or impossible.


Our shares may be considered a “penny stock.” Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act establishes the definition of a "penny stock," for purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a minimum bid price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to a limited number of exceptions which are not available to us. This classification will severely and adversely affects any market liquidity for our common stock if our shares have a market price of less than $5.00 per share. We cannot predict the likely price of our shares if a market does develop.


20.

The market for penny stocks has experienced numerous frauds and abuses that could adversely impact investors in our stock.


CEN cannot predict the likelihood of a market developing for our shares or, if developed, what the share price will be. If the price per share is less than $5.00, the shares will be considered to be penny stocks. Company management believes that the market for penny stocks has suffered from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include:


·

Control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer;



13



 

·

Manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases;


·

"Boiler room" practices involving high pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by sales persons;

 

·

Excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differentials and markups by selling broker-dealers; and

 

·

Wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired level, along with the inevitable collapse of those prices with consequent investor losses.


21.

CEN is a Canadian company which may make it difficult for U.S. shareholders to enforce legal judgements.


CEN is a Canadian Company. As such it may be difficult and expensive to enforce legal judgements issued by a court in the United States against CEN and possibly its officers or directors. Similarly, it may be difficult and expensive for an American shareholder to bring litigation against CEN or its officers and directors in a Canadian court.


22.

We do not expect to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.


We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock at any time in the foreseeable future. The future payment of dividends directly depends upon our future earnings, capital requirements, financial requirements and other factors that our board of directors will consider. Since we do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock, return on your investment, if any, will depend solely on an increase, if any, in the market value of our common stock.


23.

Because we may not subject to compliance with rules requiring the adoption of certain corporate governance measures, our stockholders have limited protection against interested director transactions, conflicts of interest and similar matters.


The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rule changes proposed and enacted by the SEC, the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market, as a result of Sarbanes-Oxley, require the implementation of various measures relating to corporate governance. These measures are designed to enhance the integrity of corporate management and the securities markets and apply to securities that are listed on those exchanges or the Nasdaq Stock Market. Because we are not presently required to comply with many of the corporate governance provisions, we have not yet adopted these measures.


We do not currently have independent audit or compensation committees. As a result, our president has the ability, among other things, to determine his own level of compensation. Until we comply with such corporate governance measures, regardless of whether such compliance is required, the absence of such standards of corporate governance may leave our stockholders without protections against interested director transactions, conflicts of interest, if any, and similar matters and investors may be reluctant to provide us with funds necessary to expand our operations.

 

We intend to comply with all corporate governance measures relating to director independence as and when required. However, we may find it very difficult or be unable to attract and retain qualified officers, directors and members of board committees required to provide for our effective management as a result of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has resulted in a series of rules and regulations by the SEC that increase responsibilities and liabilities of directors and executive officers. The perceived increased personal risk associated with these recent changes may make it more costly or deter qualified individuals from accepting these roles.


For all of the foregoing reasons and others set forth herein, an investment in our securities in any market that may develop in the future involves a high degree of risk.


Item 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS


None


Item 2.

PROPERTIES


CEN has two facilities in Lakeshore, Ontario locates approximately one-quarter mile apart from each other. The facilities have been constructed and assembled to meet or exceed all security requirements specified by Health Canada. CEN has applied to grow and sell up to 1.32 million pounds of marijuana per calendar year under the MMPR program in Canada.



14




·

20 North Rear Road – is a 10.4 acre site of land that is subleased from Creative. The sublease extends through March 31, 2018 and requires annual rent payments of Canadian$300,000 plus HST. There are two buildings on the site – one of 27,000 square feet and the second is 53,000 square feet. There is also a 4,000 square foot vault for security purposes.


·

135 North Rear Road – is a 25 acre site of land that is owned by CEN. There is a home and two industrial buildings (5,180 and 1,280 square feet, respectively) on the site. There is also a 100 square foot vault. CEN has requested an inspection from Health Canada.

 

Our site was chosen in conjunction with meetings with the Economic Development Officer for the Town of Lakeshore. We chose this location because of assurances from Town officials stating that the property had the proper zoning to undertake our stated business plan. We also provided a written notice was given to the Town of Lakeshore of our intent to use our agricultural zoned land for growing medical marihuana. We then applied for and received building permits from the Town of Lakeshore. We underwent numerous building inspections from the Town’s building department and successfully closed out the permits. We contend that our site is grandfathered for its agricultural use since we relied on the statements and actions from the Town. The Town is now retroactively attempting to enact a bylaw to change the zoning required. We have filed a claim against the Town before the Ontario Municipal Board but cannot predict the timing or outcome of this action.


Item 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


CEN is not a party to any known litigation other than its legal filing involving its license process with Health Canada.


Item 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


N/A


Part II


Item 5.

MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


CEN was incorporated in Canada on August 4, 2013 as a subsidiary of Creative, a public company incorporated in Nevada. Creative distributed all of the shares of CEN common stock on a pro rata basis to the Creative shareholders on February 29, 2016 at which time CEN became an independent public company. There is no and has never been any trading market for our common stock, and there is currently no established public market whatsoever for our securities. No trading symbol has been assigned for our securities. A broker-dealer has agreed to make the necessary 211 filings to permit our common stock to be quoted on the OTCQB. We cannot predict the likelihood or timing of FINRA permitting our shares of common stock to be quoted on the OTCQB.


There can be no assurance that a liquid market will develop in the foreseeable future. Transfer of our common stock may also be restricted under the securities or blue sky laws of certain states and foreign jurisdictions. Consequently, investors may not be able to liquidate their investments and should be prepared to hold the common stock for an indefinite period of time.


We have never paid any cash dividends on shares of our common stock and do not anticipate that we will pay dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to apply any earnings to fund the development of our business. The purchase of shares of common stock is inappropriate for investors seeking current or near term income.


Blue Sky Considerations


Because our securities have not been registered for resale under the blue sky laws of any state, the holders of such shares and persons who desire to purchase them in any trading market that might develop in the future, should be aware that there may be significant state blue-sky law restrictions upon the ability of investors to sell the securities and of purchasers to purchase the securities. Accordingly, investors should consider any secondary market for the Company’s securities to be a limited one.


Item 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


We are considered to be a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1), and, therefore, are not required to provide the information required by this Item.



15




NOTES REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS


Certain matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:


·

our future operating results;

·

our business prospects;

·

our contractual arrangements and relationships with both third parties and related parties;

·

the dependence of our future success on the general economy;

·

our possible financings; and

·

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital


These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as we “believe," “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate” or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which are described in close proximity to such statements and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law, to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.


Item 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Separation from Creative


In November 2014, Creative announced plans to separate into two publicly-traded companies, one comprising of our planned specialty pharmaceutical business located in Canada from our nutritional supplements business. As part of the separation which was finalized on February 29, 2016, Creative transferred substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the specialty pharmaceutical business to CEN. The distribution took place as a pro rata distribution of CEN shares to Creative shareholders that is tax free for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. CEN was incorporated in Ontario as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Creative on August 2013.


Our historical financial statements have been prepared on a stand-alone basis in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


We have incurred recurring losses to date. Our financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern and, accordingly, do not include adjustments relating to the recoverability and realization of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue in operation.


We will require additional capital to meet our operating requirements. We expect to raise additional capital through, among other things, the sale of equity or debt securities. In light of management’s efforts, there are no assurances that we will be successful in this or any of our endeavors or become financially viable and continue as a going concern


FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014.


Revenue


We recognized no revenue during the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 as we have not commenced revenue generating operations as yet.




16



Operating Expenses


During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, our operating expenses were $1,165,669 compared to $3,013,230 during the prior fiscal year. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, our operating expenses were comprised of salary and consulting fees of $223,411, professional fees of $447,686, rent expense of $231,390 and general and administrative item of $263,182. By comparison, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, our operating expenses were comprised of salary and consulting fees of $1,376,866, professional fees of $173,783, rent expense of $291,540, travel of $141,363, research and development of $643,500 and general and administrative items of $386,178. Expenses incurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 decreased primarily due to reductions in travel, the use of consulting services and research and development activities. Professional fees generally include financial, legal and administrative contracted services.


Other Expense Items


During fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, our other expense items totaled $1,240,886 compared to $150,173 the prior fiscal year. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, our other expense items were comprised of interest fees of $1,362,032 partially offset by foreign exchange gains of $121,146. By comparison, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, our other expense items were comprised of interest fees of $134,842 increased by a foreign exchange loss of $15,331.


Net Loss


Our net loss for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 was $2,406,555 compared to a net loss of $3,163,403 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 due to the factors discussed above.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


As of December 31, 2015, we had assets of $8,295,127 comprised of; cash of $3,016, land of $1,064,651, construction in progress of $1,096,816 and leasehold improvements of $6,130,644.  As of December 31, 2015, we had liabilities of 14,102,792 comprised of; loans from related parties of $1,313,680, loans of $9,865,615, accrued interest and other expenses of $2,071,994, accounts payable of $239,503 and a long-term loan from a related party of $612,000.


FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014.


Cash Flows from Operating Activities


We have not generated positive cash flows from operating activities. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, we used $263,819 in operating activities compared to $3,232,366 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease between the two periods related primarily to reductions in travel, the use of consulting services and research and development activities as compared to the prior fiscal year.


Cash Flows from Investing Activities


Our use of cash flow for investing activities during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 totaling $47,672 compared to the prior period of $8,244,438.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, our use of cash flows for investing activities were comprised of leasehold improvements in progress of $47,672. By comparison, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, our use of cash flows for investing activities were comprised of purchase of property of $1,064,651, construction in progress of $1,096,816 and leasehold improvements in progress of $6,082,971.


Cash Flows from Financing Activities


During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, we received $270,074 by way of loans of $265,614 and loans from related parties (net foreign exchange) of $4,460 to fund our working capital requirements. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, we received $11,521,220 by way of loans of $9,600,000 and loans from related parties of $1,921,220.In February and March 2016, Bill Chaaban made four additional loans with an aggregate principal balance of approximately $22,464 to the Company, and Jeff Thomas made an additional loan of $6,500 in March 2016.




17



CEN has no committed source of debt or equity financing. Our President is seeking additional financing from his business contacts, but no assurances can be given that such financing will be obtained or, if obtained, on what terms. Our independent registered auditors included an explanatory paragraph in their opinion on our financial statements as of and for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2014 that states that our lack of committed resources causes substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern


Fluctuations of foreign exchange rates may adversely affect our reported results.

 

Our planned operations will be conducted solely in Canada. Exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. and Canadian dollar result in fluctuations in reported amounts from Canadian operations in our consolidated financial statements. Currently, the US Dollar is the functional currency, because the bulk of the Company’s transactions have been in US dollars, and because the Company has received the vast majority of its funding in US dollars. Therefore, any change in the exchange rate will affect our reported sales, expenses and net income.


We have not entered into hedging transactions with respect to our foreign currency exposure, but may do so in the future. We cannot be assured that fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.


Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements


The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.


Critical Accounting Policies


The preparation of financial statements and related notes requires us to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.


An accounting policy is considered to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the financial statements.


Financial Reporting Release No. 60 requires all companies to include a discussion of critical accounting policies or methods used in the preparation of financial statements. There are no critical policies or decisions that rely on judgments that are based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made. Note 2 to the financial statements, included elsewhere in this prospectus, includes a summary of the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our financial statements.


Seasonality


The Company does not currently expect its planned business to be seasonal in nature.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


We have no off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K, obligations under any guarantee contracts or contingent obligations. We also have no other commitments, other than the costs of being a public company that will increase our operating costs or cash requirements in the future.


Item 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K (§ 229.305(e)), the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item.


Item 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


Our financial statements as of December 31, 2015 and the year then ended start on page F-1.



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Item 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


NONE


Item 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Disclosure Controls and Procedures


We maintain "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act 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 principal executive officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, the Company recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and we necessarily are required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures.


Evaluation of disclosure and controls and procedures


Based on his evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K the Company's principal executive officer has concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures did operate in an effective manner as of December 31, 2015.


Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate due to change in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


Internal control over financial reporting is defined, under the Exchange Act, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the issuer's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the issuer's board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:


·

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the issuer;


·

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the issuer are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the issuer; and


·

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the issuer's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


The Company's principal executive officer has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, the Company's principal executive officer was guided by the releases issued by the SEC and to the extent applicable the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's principal executive officer has concluded that based on his assessment, as of December 31, 2015, the Company's procedures of internal control over financial reporting were operating in an effective manner.



19




Readers are cautioned that internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even effective internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to the financial statement preparation and presentation.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting(as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the last quarterly period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the Company's registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management's report in this annual report.


Item 9B

 OTHER INFORMATION


No event occurred during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2013 that would have required disclosure in a report on Form 8-K.


PART III


Item 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.


Following the spinoff, no one will be an officer or director of both Creative and CEN. Our management consists of:


Name

Age

Title

Bill Chaaban

44


Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer


Bill Chaaban, 44, is the only Director and Officer and spends 100% of his time to CEN. Since 1998 Mr. Chaaban has owned and operated a variety of nutrition companies including CGIA, Inc., Edge Nutrition, Inc., Fitness One, Inc., Supplement Group, Inc., F1 Fulfillment, Inc., Chaaban Law Firm and Flash Fitness, Inc. and R.X.N.B., Inc. He has been Chief Executive Officer of Creative. A public company, since April, 2012. Mr. Chaaban holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor, a JD from the University of Detroit, and a Master of Laws from Wayne State University.


Code of Business Conduct and Ethics


We adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct which is applicable to our future employees and which also includes a Code of Ethics for our chief executive and principal financial officers and any persons performing similar functions. A code of ethics is a written standard designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:


·

honest and ethical conduct,

·

full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in regulatory filings and public statements,

·

compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations,

·

the prompt reporting violation of the code, and

·

accountability for adherence to the code.


A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 14.1 to our Registration Statement of which this information statement is a part.


Board of Directors


We currently have one director, who is not considered independent.


Directors hold office until the completion of their term of office, which is not longer than one year, or until their successors have been elected. Our current director’s term of office expires on December 31, 2016. All officers are appointed annually by the board of directors and, subject to existing employment agreements and serve at the discretion of the board. Currently, a person serving as a director receives no compensation for serving in the role as a director.



20




If at any point we have an even number of directors, tie votes on issues are resolved in favor of the chairman’s vote.


Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings


During the past ten years, no present director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or an executive officer of CEN:


1.

had a petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he/she was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he/she was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing


2.

was convicted in a criminal proceeding or subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other similar minor offenses);


3.

was subject to any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him/her from or otherwise limiting his/her involvement in any of the following activities:


i.

acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;


ii.

engaging in any type of business practice; or


iii.

engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of federal or state securities laws or federal commodities laws; or


4.

was the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of an federal or state authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in paragraph (3) (i), above, or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; or


5.

was found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and for which the judgment has not been reversed, suspended or vacated.


Committees of the Board of Directors


We currently have no independent directors. Concurrent with having sufficient independent members and resources, if ever, the CEN board of directors will establish an audit committee and a compensation committee. The audit committee will review the results and scope of the audit and other services provided by the independent auditors and review and evaluate the system of internal controls. The compensation committee will manage any stock option plan we may establish and review and recommend compensation arrangements for the officers. No final determination has yet been made as to the size of memberships of these committees or when we will have sufficient members to establish committees.


All directors will be reimbursed by CEN for any expenses incurred in attending board meetings provided that CEN has the resources to pay these fees. CEN will apply for officers and directors liability insurance at such time when it has the resources to do so.



21




Item 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


There was no executive compensation during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, with the following exception:


SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

Name
and
principal
position
(a)

Year Ended December 31,
(b)

Salary
($)
(c)

Bonus
($)
(d)

Stock
Awards
($)
(e)

Option
Awards
($)
(f)

Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($)
(g)

Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
(h)

All Other
Compensation
($)
(i)

Total ($)
(j)

Bill Chaaban

CEO, CFO and Director

2015

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 

2014

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-


The Company’s President signed a five-year contract in August 2013 under which he is entitled to an annual salary of $1,200,000. Mr. Chaaban waived the Company’s accrued wages owed to him in 2015, 2014 and 2013. Milestones and future markers will be established and clearly enunciated and laid out for the shareholders in proper disclosure format when the time arises.


Item 12

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


The chart below sets forth the ownership, or claimed ownership, of certain individuals and entities. This chart discloses those persons known by the board of directors to have or to claim to have, beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of March 8, 2016; of all directors and executive officers of CEN; and of our directors and officers as a group:


Name of

Beneficial Owner

Number of

Shares

Beneficially

Owned

Percent of

Class

Bill Chaaban

142,361

2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 


(a) The address for purposes of this table is the Company’s address which is 20 North Rear Road, Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada


(b) Unless otherwise indicated, CEN believes that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of the common stock beneficially owned by them. A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities which may be acquired by such person within 60 days from the date indicated above upon the exercise of options, warrants or convertible securities. Each beneficial owner’s percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options, warrants or convertible securities that are held by such person (but not those held by any other person) and which are exercisable within 60 days of the date indicated above, have been exercised.


Shareholder Matters


As an issuer of "penny stock," the protection provided by the federal securities laws relating to forward looking statements does not apply to us as long as our shares continue to be penny stocks. Although the federal securities law provide a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by a public company that files reports under the federal securities laws, this safe harbor is not available to issuers of penny stocks. As a result, we will not have the benefit of this safe harbor protection in the event of any claim that the material provided by us, including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, contained a material misstatement of fact or was misleading in any material respect because of our failure to include any statements necessary to make the statements not misleading.



22




As a Nevada corporation, we are subject to the Nevada Revised Statutes ("NRS" or "Nevada law"). Certain provisions of Nevada law create rights that might be deemed material to our shareholders. Other provisions might delay or make more difficult acquisitions of our stock or changes in our control or might also have the effect of preventing changes in our management or might make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that some of our shareholders may believe to be in their best interests.


Directors' Duties. Section 78.138 of the Nevada law allows our directors and officers, in exercising their powers to further our interests, to consider the interests of our employees, suppliers, creditors and customers. They can also consider the economy of the state and the nation, the interests of the community and of society and our long-term and short-term interests and shareholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by our continued independence. Our directors may resist a change or potential change in control if they, by a majority vote of a quorum, determine that the change or potential change is opposed to or not in our best interest. Our board of directors may consider these interests or have reasonable grounds to believe that, within a reasonable time, any debt which might be created as a result of the change in control would cause our assets to be less than our liabilities, render us insolvent, or cause us to file for bankruptcy protection


Amendments to Bylaws - Our articles of incorporation provide that the power to adopt, alter, amend, or repeal our bylaws is vested exclusively with the board of directors. In exercising this discretion, our board of directors could conceivably alter our bylaws in ways that would affect the rights of our shareholders and the ability of any shareholder or group to effect a change in our control; however, the board would not have the right to do so in a way that would violate law or the applicable terms of our articles of incorporation.


Item 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


Mr. Chaaban signed a five-year contract in August 2013 under which he is entitled to an annual salary of $1,200,000 which is reviewed each February. Mr. Chaaban waived the Company’s accrued wages owed to him in 2015, 2014 and 2013.


Mr. Chaaban received 100,000 shares of special voting stock. Each share of the special voting stock is entitled to 500 votes. The special voting rights go in effect concurrent with the distribution. These shares were valued at $100. Mr. Chaaban has waived the special voting rights.


Mr. Chaaban also has made several loans to the Company:

 

·

$113,348 which bears interest at 10% per annum and is unsecured. Mr. Chaaban is President of the Company. This note is due December 31, 2015.


·

$497.384 which bears interest at 12% per annum. This note is due December 31, 2016 and is secured by the assets at 135 North Rear Road.


·

Several notes aggregating $114,457 which bears interest at 12% per annum. These notes are due December 31, 2016.


·

$16,805 which bears interest at 10% per annum. This note is due December 31, 2016.


In February and March 2016, Bill Chaaban made four additional loans with an aggregate principal balance of approximately $22,464 to the Company.


There is a long-term loan with a principal balance of $612,000 due to Mr. Chaaban. It bears interest at an annual rate of 12% and is repayable in installments through October 2017. If the Company defaults, Mr. Chaaban has the right to purchase the property at 135 North Rear Road for a price equal to the unpaid principal and interest of the loan.


The planning and construction of CEN’s facility was overseen by R.X.N.B., Inc. which is an entity that is 45% owned by Mr. Chaaban. Through September 30, 2014, R.X.N.B. had billed and collected $2,439,900 (of which $1,542,000 is part of the cost of building and equipment and $897,900 is included in operating expenses) for its work on the project.


The Company leases the site at 20 North Rear Road from Jim Shaaban, a cousin of the Company’s President.


Occasionally, Creative and CEN paid individually for costs incurred by both companies or by the other company. During 2014 CEN added a balance due from Creative Edge Nutrition of $167,456 related the costs it incurred on behalf of Creative. During 2015 the Company wrote-off the $167,456 balances due from Creative.



23



 

Director Independence

 

For purposes of determining director independence, we have applied the definitions set out in NASDAQ Rule 4200(a)(15). Under NASDAQ Rule 4200(a)(15), a director is not considered to be independent if he or she is also an executive officer or employee of the corporation. Accordingly, we do not have an independent director.


Item 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES


Audit Fees: Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our year-end financial statements and services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Audit fees amounted to $56,743 in 2015 and none in 2014.

 

Audit-Related Fees: Audit-related services consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.” These services include attest services that are not required by statute or regulation and consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.

 

Tax Services Fees: Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance. These services include assistance regarding federal, state, and local tax compliance. Tax fees amounted to $12,770 in 2015 and none in 2014.

 

All Other Fees: Other fees, which were not incurred, would include fees for products and services other than the services reported above.


PART IV


Item 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


a.

Exhibits


31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer


b.

Financial Statement Schedules


None




Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.




Date: April 14, 2016

By: /s/ Bill Chaaban                                 

BILL CHAABAN

Chief Executive Officer








24







Financial Statements:


Contents

Page

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

F-2

 

 

Balance Sheets

F-3

 

 

Statements of Operations

F-4

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows

F-5

 

 

Statements of Stockholder’s Deficit

F-6

 

 

Notes to the Financial Statements

F-7






F-1




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors

CEN Biotech, Inc.

Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of CEN Biotech, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statements of operations, stockholder’s deficit, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.


We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net capital deficiency that raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans concerning 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.


Thayer O’Neal Company PLLC


/s/ Thayer O’Neal Company PLLC.


Houston, Texas

April 8, 2016














F-2




CEN BIOTECH, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 20114


 

 

Dec 31, 2015

 

Dec 31, 2014

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

Cash

$

3,016

$

44,433

Due From Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc.

 

-

 

167,456

  Total Current Assets

 

3,016

 

211,889

 

 

 

 

 

FIXED ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Land

 

1,064,651

 

1,064,651

Construction In Progress

 

1,096,816

 

1,096,816

Leasehold Improvements in Progress

 

6,130,644

 

6,082,971

  Total

 

8,292,111

 

8,244,438

Total Assets

$

8,295,127

$

8,456,327

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable

$

164,503

$

-

Accounts Payable – related parties

 

75,000

 

-

Accrued Interest

 

1,228,023

 

56,811

Accrued Interest – related parties

 

250,252

 

66,928

Accrued Expenses

 

593,719

 

212,478

Loans Payable – related parties

 

1,313,680

 

1,309,220

Loans Payable

 

9,865,615

 

9,600,000

  Total Current Liabilities

 

13,490,792

 

11,245,437

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

 

 

 

Loans Payable – related party

 

612,000

 

612,000

 

 

 

 

 

  Total Liabilities

 

14,102,792

 

11,857,437

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock; unlimited number of shares authorized; 100,000 issued and outstanding

 

10

 

10

Common Stock; unlimited number of shares authorized; 7,000,000 issued and outstanding

 

82

 

82

Accumulated Deficit

 

(5,807,757)

 

(3,401,202)

  Total Stockholder’s Deficit

 

(5,807,665)

 

(3,401,110)

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Deficit

$

8,295,127

$

8,456,327


See accompanying notes to the financial statements.



F-3




CEN BIOTECH, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS END DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014


 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

$

-

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

Cost and Expense:

 

 

 

 

Salary and Consulting Fees

 

223,411

 

1,376,866

Salary and Consulting Fees – related parties

 

-

 

-

General and Administrative

 

942,258

 

1,636,364

General and Administrative – related parties

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

Total Expense

 

1,165,669

 

3,013,230


Operating Profit (Loss)

 

(1,165,669)

 

(3,013,230)

 

 

 

 

 

Other Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

1,178,708

 

56,811

Interest – related parties

 

183,324

 

78,031

Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)

 

121,146

 

(15,331)


Net Loss

$

(2,406,555)

$

(3,163,403)

 

 

 

 

 

Net Gain (Loss) Per Share: Basic And Diluted

$

(0.34)

$

(12.68)

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding: Basic And Diluted

 

7,000,000

 

249,387

 

 

 

 

 














See accompanying notes to the financial statements.



F-4




CEN BIOTECH, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014



 

 

2015

 

2014

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

$

(2,406,555)

$

(3,163,403)

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net gain (loss) to net cash used in operating activities

 

 

 

 

Change in net operating assets:

 

 

 

 

Due from Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc.

 

167,456

 

(167,456)

Accounts Payable

 

239,503

 

-

Accrued Interest and Other Expenses

 

1,735,777

 

98,493

Cash Flows Used In Operating Activities

 

(263,819)

 

(3,232,366)

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

Purchased Property

 

-

 

(1,064,651)

Construction In Progress

 

-

 

(1,096,816)

Leasehold Improvements In Progress

 

(47,672)

 

(6,082,971)

Total Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

 

(47,672)

 

(8,244,438)

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

Issued Stock

 

-

 

17

Proceeds From Loans

 

270,074

 

11,521,220

Total Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities

 

270,074

 

11,521,237

 

 

 

 

 

NET CHANGE IN CASH

 

(41,417)

 

44,433

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, Beginning of Period

 

44,433

 

-

Cash, End of Period

$

3,106

$

44,433

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

 

 

 

 

Interest Paid

 

7,496

 

-

Income Taxes Paid

 

-

 

-

Other – Write off Due from Creative balance

 

167,456

 

-

 

 

 

 

 










See accompanying notes to the financial statements.





F-5





CEN BIOTECH, INC.

STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014


 

Special Voting Shares

Special

Voting Shares Amount

Common

Shares

Common Shares

Amount

Accumulated

Deficit

Total


Balance, January 1, 2014

-

$            -

75

$            75

$   (237,799)

$     (237,724)

Issuance of preferred stock

100,000

10

-

-

-

10

Issuance of common stock

-

-

6,999,925

7

-

7

Net loss

-

-

-

-

(3,163,403)

(3,163,403)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2014

100,000

10

7,000,000

82

(3,401,202)

(3,401,110)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

-

-

-

-

(2,406,555)

(2,406,555)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2015

100,000

$          10

7,000,000

$            82

$ (5,807,757)

$  (5,807,665)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


















See accompanying notes to the financial statements.





F-6




CEN BIOTECH, INC.


Notes to the Financial Statements

December 31, 2015 and 2014


NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

 

CEN Biotech, Inc. (“CEN” or the “Company”) was incorporated in Canada on August 4, 2013 as a subsidiary of Creative Edge Nutrition, Inc. (“Creative”), a public company incorporated in Nevada. Creative distributed the shares of CEN common stock on a pro rata basis to the Creative shareholders on February 29, 2016 at which time CEN became an independent public company.


CEN is an early stage Canadian biopharmaceutical company founded to integrate agronomical and pharmaceutical principles for the purposes of growing, selling, processing and delivering pharmaceutical-grade medical marijuana in its pure and extracted form to patients in accordance with Health Canada’s newly-formed Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR).


NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Basis of Accounting


The Company’s financial statements are prepared using the accrual method of accounting using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Company has elected a calendar year end.


Use of Estimates and Assumptions


Preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC 260.


Cash Equivalents


For purposes of the balance sheet and statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid instruments with maturity of three months or less at the time of issuance to be cash equivalents.


Property and Equipment


Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment is provided using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes at deemed sufficient to recover the cost over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We have recorded no depreciation expense as of December 31, 2015 as the assets have not yet been placed in service.


The cost of asset additions and improvements that extend the useful lives of property and equipment are capitalized. Routine maintenance and repair items are charged to current operations. The original cost and accumulated depreciation of asset dispositions are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the statement of operations in the period of disposition.


CEN Biotech capitalizes expenditures for real property improvements including improvements to leased property and reviews long-lived assets to assess recoverability using undiscounted cash flows. When certain events or changes in operating or economic conditions occur, an impairment assessment is performed on the recoverability of the carrying value of these assets. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on the difference between the asset's fair value and its carrying value. If quoted market prices are not available, Cen Biotech estimates fair value using a discounted value of estimated future cash flows.


Our impairment assessment as of December 31, 2015 assumes our licensing issues will be resolved and we will commence production in the near term once those issues are resolved. Should this assumption not prove true, we will need to re-assess the recoverability of our long term asset values.



F-7




Foreign Currency Transactions and Balances


Foreign currency transactions in Canadian dollars are recorded in the Company’s financial records in US Dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are subsequently remeasured at the balance sheet date exchange rate into the functional currency. All gains and losses resulting from the settlement of foreign currency transactions and from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are included in the income statement.


Loss per Share


Net loss per common share is computed pursuant to ASC 260-10-45. Basic and diluted net income per common share has been calculated by dividing the net income for the period by the basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding assuming that the Company incorporated as of the beginning of the first period presented. There were no dilutive shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015 or 2014.


Income Taxes


Income taxes will be provided in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes . A deferred tax asset or liability is recorded for all temporary differences between financial and tax reporting and net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax expense (benefit) results from the net change during the year of deferred tax assets and liabilities.


Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.


No provision was made for income tax for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.


Research and Development Expenditures


Cen Biotech expenses all research and development expenses when incurred.


Subsequent Events


The Company follows the guidance in ASC 855-10-50 for the disclosure of subsequent events. The Company evaluates subsequent events from the date of the balance sheet through the date when the financial statements are issued. Pursuant to ASU 2010-09 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, the Company as an SEC filer considers its financial statements issued when they are widely distributed to users, such as through filing them with the SEC on the EDGAR system.


Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements


The Company has implemented all new accounting pronouncements that are in effect and that may impact its financial statements and does not believe that there are any other new accounting pronouncements that have been issued that might have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.


NOTE 3 – GOING CONCERN


The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As reflected in the accompanying financial statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $5,807,757 at December 31, 2015, and has no committed source of debt or equity financing.


While the Company is attempting to obtain a license from Health Canada and generate revenues, the Company’s cash position may not be sufficient to support the Company’s daily operations. Management believes that the legal actions presently being taken to obtain the license from Health Canada have a realistic chance of succeeding. While the Company believes in the viability of its strategy to generate revenues and in its ability to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to achieve profitable operations or obtain adequate financing.


The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.



F-8




NOTE 4 – PROPERTY AND CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS


The Company’s fixed assets consist of the following: a property at 135 North Rear Road, and leasehold improvements at 20 North Rear Road. The company paid $1,064,651 in order to buy 135 North Rear Road, which is intended to serve as an office and an experimental growing space for the Company. This amount was capitalized as an asset in the balance sheet called “land.” All of these assets were acquired during 2014.


The Company leases 20 North Rear Road from a cousin of Mr. Chaaban, the Company’s President (see note 8). Over the course of 2014, the Company constructed improvements to this property, including structures and equipment for growing marijuana, security fencing required for licensing as a marijuana producer, and other infrastructure. According to the terms of the lease, the owner of the property will retain possession of any immovable improvements upon the termination of the lease, but the Company believes it can realize the value of these assets once it begins operations. The Company also believes renewal of the lease is likely, but this cannot be guaranteed (see Note 8 for more on the lease).


The assets will be classified on the balance sheet as “construction in progress” and “leasehold improvements in progress” until the Company obtains a license to produce pharmaceutical-grade medical marijuana and is able to begin operations. Until that time, the Company cannot make the final additions that will be necessary for the sites to function as growing spaces. Although there are currently grow rooms outfitted and ready to grow. The amount listed represents the capitalized costs the Company incurred in constructing the improvements, some of which were paid to related parties (see Note 7). This amount includes the cost of materials and labor, including some consulting services. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, construction in progress at 135 North Rear Road amounted to $1,096,816, while leasehold improvements in progress at 20 North Rear Road totaled $6,130,644 and $6,082,971, respectively.


The planning and construction of CEN’s facility was overseen by R.X.N.B., Inc. which is an entity that is 45% owned by Mr. Chaaban. Through September 30, 2014, R.X.N.B. had billed and collected $2,439,900 (of which $1,542,000 is part of the cost of building and equipment and $897,900 is included in operating expenses) for its work on the project.


NOTE 5 – NOTES PAYABLE


The following short-term loans are outstanding:


·

Global Holdings International, LLC - $9,675,000 which bears interest at 12% per annum. This note matured June 30, 2015 and became due on demand. Subsequently, the maturity date was extended to June 30, 2016. This loan is secured by the Company’s equipment.


·

Jeff Thomas - $595,000 which bears interest at 10% per annum. Mr. Thomas is a former director of Creative Edge. This loan is unsecured.


·

Joe Byrne - $82,720 which bears interest at 12% per annum and is unsecured. This note is due December 31, 2016. Mr. Byrne provides legal services to the Company.


·

Joe Byrne - $107,895 which bears interest at 12% per annum and is unsecured. This note is due July 2, 2016. Mr. Byrne provides legal services to the Company. Effective January 1, 2016, both loans from Joe Byrne are secured by the Company’s land at 135 North Rear.


·

Bill Chaaban (President of the Company) - $113,348 which bears interest at 10% per annum and is unsecured. Mr. Chaaban is President of the Company. This note is due December 31, 2015.


·

Bill Chaaban (President of the Company) - $497,384 which bears interest at 12% per annum. This note is due December 31, 2016 and is secured by the assets at 135 North Rear Road.


·

Bill Chaaban (President of the Company) – several notes aggregating $114,457 which bears interest at 12% per annum. These notes are due December 31, 2016.


·

Bill Chaaban (President of the Company) – $16,805 which bears interest at 10% per annum. This note is due December 31, 2016.


In February and March 2016, Bill Chaaban made four additional loans with an aggregate principal balance of approximately $22,464 to the Company, and Jeff Thomas made an additional loan of $6,500 in March 2016.



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There is a long-term loan with a principal balance of $612,000 due to Mr. Chaaban. It bears interest at an annual rate of 12% and is repayable in installments through October 2017. If the Company defaults, Mr. Chaaban has the right to purchase the property at 135 North Rear Road for a price equal to the unpaid principal and interest of the loan.


SUMMARY TABLE OF NOTES PAYABLE

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014


SUMMARY OF NOTES PAYABLE

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

Loans Payable

$

9,865,615

$

9,600,000

Loans Payable – related parties

 

1,313,680

 

1,309,220

Long-Term Loans

 

-

 

-

Long-Term Loans – related parties

 

612,000

 

612,000

Total of All Notes Payable

$

11,791,295

$

11,521,220


NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES


As of December 31, 2015, the Company has net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $2,099,765 that may be available to reduce future years’ taxable income. Future tax benefits which may arise as a result of these losses have not been recognized in these financial statements, as their realization is determined not likely to occur and accordingly, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance for the deferred tax asset relating to these tax loss carry-forwards.


NOTE 7 – STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT


The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares and an unlimited number of special voting shares.


On August 4, 2013, the company issued 75 shares of common stock for $75 cash. On December 18, 2013, the company issued 6,999,925 shares of common stock for $7 cash. As a result, there were 7,000,000 shares of common stock which are considered outstanding from inception. All shares of common stock were initially held by Creative. Creative distributed the shares of CEN common stock on a pro rata basis to the Creative shareholders on February 29, 2016 at which time CEN became an independent public company.


In addition, in December 2014 the Company’s President received 100,000 shares of preferred stock. Each share of the preferred stock is entitled to 500 votes. The special voting rights were scheduled to go in effect concurrent with the distribution, but Mr. Chaaban has waived these voting rights. These preferred shares were valued at $100 cash.


NOTE 8 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS


The planning and construction of CEN’s facility was overseen by R.X.N.B., Inc. which is 45% owned by the Company’s President. Through December 31, 2014, R.X.N.B. had billed and collected $2,439,900 (of which $1,542,000 is capitalized as construction in progress and $897,900 is included in operating expenses) for its work on the project.


The Company has received loans from several related parties, as described above in Note 5.


The Company leases the site at 20 North Rear Road from Jim Shaaban, a cousin of the Company’s President. See Note 9 for more information on this lease.


Occasionally, Creative and CEN paid individually for costs incurred by both companies or by the other company. During 2015 and 2014, the Company wrote-off $167,456 and $167,456 of these balances due to it by Creative.

 

NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


On March 11, 2015, the Company’s application for a license to produce marijuana for medical purposes was formally rejected by Health Canada. The Company filed an application for judicial review in Canadian federal court on April 10, 2015 in order to obtain a reversal of this decision. The outcome of this legal proceeding cannot be predicted. The file is currently making its way through the legal process in Federal Court in Canada.



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The Company’s President signed a five-year contract in August 2013 under which he is entitled to an annual salary of $1,200,000 which is reviewed each February.. Mr. Chaaban waived the Company’s accrued wages owed to him in each year that the contract was outstanding.


The Company entered into a sublease with Creative on September 1, 2013 for a 10.4 acre site of land in Canada (see Note 4). The lease has been accounted for as an operating lease. The sublease extends through March 31, 2018 and requires annual rent payments of CAD $339,000, including tax. There are two buildings on the site – one of 27,000 square feet and one of 53,000 square feet. There is also a 4,000 square foot vault for security purposes. The lessor is a cousin of Mr. Chaaban. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance sheets included accrued rent of (in USD) $289,159 and $99,975, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under this operating lease (including tax) are as follows:


Fiscal Year Ending December 31,

 

Amount (CAD)

 

 

 

2016

$

339,000

2017

 

339,000

2018

 

84,750

Total

$

762,750


NOTE 10 - HEMP TECHNOLOGY


In 2014, the Company acquired Hemp Technology, based in New Zealand, for $643,500. The purpose of the acquisition was to obtain and use its knowledge and not for any ongoing business operations. The purchase price was expensed as research and development costs and categorized as an operating expense. During 2014, expenses of $501,869 relating to the individuals associated with Hemp Technology are included in “wages and consulting fees”.


NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


In November 2014, Creative announced plans to separate into two publicly-traded companies, one comprising of our planned specialty pharmaceutical business located in Canada from our nutritional supplements business. As part of the separation which was finalized on February 29, 2016, Creative transferred substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the specialty pharmaceutical business to CEN. The distribution took place as a pro rata distribution of CEN shares to Creative shareholders that is tax free for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. CEN was incorporated in Ontario as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Creative on August 2013.


Our historical financial statements have been prepared on a stand-alone basis in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.









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