UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 20, 2020

 

LEAF GROUP LTD.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   001- 35048   20-4731239
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation) 		  (Commission File No.)   (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

1655 26th Street
Santa Monica, California 		90404
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310) 656-6253

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value LEAF New York Stock Exchange

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01 Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement

 

Paycheck Protection Program

 

On April 20, 2020, Leaf Group Ltd. (the “Company”) entered into a Promissory Note (the “Promissory Note”) with Silicon Valley Bank and Silicon Valley Bank agreed to make available to the Company a loan in the amount of $7,143,927.00 (the “PPP Loan”) under the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program enabled by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 (the “CARES Act”).

 

The Company currently plans to use the proceeds to support payroll costs, rent and utilities in accordance with the relevant terms and conditions of the CARES Act.

 

The advance under the PPP Loan bears interest at a rate per annum of 1.0%. The term of the PPP Loan is two years, ending April 20, 2022 (the “Maturity Date”). No payments are due on the PPP Loan until November 20, 2020, although interest will accrue during the deferment period. Beginning November 20, 2020, the Company will pay equal monthly installments of principal and interest in the amount necessary to fully amortize the PPP Loan through the Maturity Date, less any amount of potential forgiveness. Under the terms of the CARES Act, all or a portion of the principal of the PPP Loan may be forgiven. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of the PPP Loan proceeds for payroll costs, mortgage interest payments, lease payments or utility payments. To obtain forgiveness, the Company would need to request forgiveness from Silicon Valley Bank, provide documentation in accordance with the SBA requirements and certify that the amounts the Company is requesting to be forgiven qualify under those requirements. While the Company intends to use the PPP Loan proceeds in a manner that would permit forgiveness of the PPP Loan and intends to seek forgiveness at the appropriate time, no assurance can be provided that the Company will obtain forgiveness of the PPP Loan in whole or in part. The Company may also prepay the principal of the PPP Loan at any time without incurring any prepayment penalty or premium.

 

The Promissory Note also provides for customary events of default, including, among others, events of default relating to failure to make payments, bankruptcy, breaches of representations, and material adverse effects. Additionally, the Note is subject to the terms and conditions applicable to loans administered by the SBA under the CARES Act.

 

The Company did not provide any collateral or personal guarantees for the PPP Loan, nor did the Company pay any facility charge to the government or to Silicon Valley Bank. Additionally, Silicon Valley Bank consented to the PPP Loan as additional permitted indebtedness under the Company’s existing revolving credit facility.

 

The foregoing summary of the Promissory Note does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Promissory Note, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

As of March 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $11.6 million, with $4.0 million in debt outstanding.

 

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant

 

See the discussion set forth in Item 1.01, “Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement” of this Current Report on Form 8-K, which discussion is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

 

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s expectations, anticipations, intentions, beliefs or strategies regarding the PPP Loan. These express or implied statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein are the following: financial market conditions; actions by the PPP Loan parties; changes by the SBA or other governmental authorities regarding the CARES Act, the Payroll Protection Program or related administrative matters; and the Company’s ability to comply with the terms of the PPP Loan and the CARES Act, including to use the proceeds of the PPP Loan as described herein. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks associated with an investment in the Company can be found in Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number Description
   
10.1 Promissory Note, dated as of April 20, 2020 between Leaf Group Ltd. and Silicon Valley Bank

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: April 24, 2020 LEAF GROUP LTD.
   
   
  By: /s/ Jantoon Reigersman
    Jantoon Reigersman
    Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

Silicon Valley Bank

 

U.S. Small Business Administration

Paycheck Protection Program

Note

 

SBA Loan No. ****  
     
SBA Loan Name Borrower
Legal Name 		LEAF GROUP LTD.
     
  DBA  
     
Date 4/20/2020  
   
     
Loan Amount $ 7143927  
     
Interest Rate 1.0% Per Annum  
   
Borrower LEAF GROUP LTD.
   
Operating Company Not applicable  
   
Lender Silicon Valley Bank
     

 

1. PROMISE TO PAY.

 

In return for the Loan, Borrower promises to pay to the order of Lender the amount of $ 7143927 Dollars, interest on the unpaid principal balance, and all other amounts required by this Note.

 

2. DEFINITIONS.

 

“Collateral” means any property taken as security for payment of this Note or any guarantee of this Note.

 

“CARES Act” means the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

 

“Guarantor” means each person or entity that signs a guarantee of payment of this Note.

 

“Loan” means the loan evidenced by this Note.

 

“Loan Documents” means the documents related to this loan signed by Borrower, any Guarantor, or anyone who pledges collateral.

 

“Paycheck Protection Program” means loan program created by Section 1102 of the CARES Act.

 

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“Per Annum” means for a year deemed to be comprised of 360 days.

 

“SBA” means the Small Business Administration, an Agency of the United States of America.

 

3. PAYMENT TERMS: Borrower must make all payments at the place Lender designates. The payment terms for this Note are:

 

A. Conditions Precedent to Disbursement of Loan Proceeds.

 

Before the funding of the Loan, the following conditions must be satisfied:

 

1. Lender has approved the request for the Loan.

 

2. Lender has received approval from SBA to fund the Loan.

 

B. No Payments During Deferral Period. There shall be no payments due by Borrower during the six-month period beginning on the date of this Note (the “Deferral Period”). However, during the Deferral Period interest will accrue at the Interest Rate on the unpaid principal balance computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in a year of 360 days.

 

C. Principal and Interest Payments . Commencing one month after the expiration of the Deferral Period, and continuing on the same day of each month thereafter until the Maturity Date, Borrower shall pay to Lender monthly payments of principal and interest, each in such equal amount required to fully amortize the principal amount outstanding on the Note on the last day of the Deferral Period by the Maturity Date.

 

D. Maturity Date. On the date which is twenty-four (24) months from the date of this Note (the “Maturity Date”), Borrower shall pay to Lender any and all unpaid principal plus accrued and unpaid interest plus interest accrued during the Deferral Period. This Note will mature on the Maturity Date.

 

E. Not a Business Day. If any payment is due on a date for which there is no numerical equivalent in a particular calendar month then it shall be due on the last day of such month. If any payment is due on a day that is a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which California chartered banks are authorized to be closed, the payment will be made on the next business day.

 

F. Payment Allocation. Payments shall be allocated among principal and interest at the discretion of Lender unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law (including the CARES Act). Notwithstanding, in the event the Loan, or any portion thereof, is forgiven pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under the federal CARES Act, the amount so forgiven shall be applied to principal.

 

F. Prepayments. Borrower may prepay this Note at any time without payment of any penalty or premium.

 

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G. Borrower Certifications.

 

Borrower certifies to Lender as follows:

 

1. Current economic uncertainty makes this Loan necessary to support the ongoing operations of Borrower.

 

2. Loan funds will be used by Borrower to retain its workers and maintain its payroll or make its mortgage payments, lease payments, and utility payments.

 

3. For the period beginning on February 15, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020, Borrower did not receive, and agrees it will not apply for or receive, another loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.

 

4. Borrower was in operation on February 15, 2020 and (i) had employees for whom it paid salaries and payroll taxes or (ii) paid independent contractors as reported on a 1099-Misc.

 

5. Borrower has reviewed and understands Sections 1102 and 1106 of the CARES Act and the related guidelines and has completed the Application, including Borrower’s eligibility in conformity with those provisions.

 

6. Borrower has taken its “affiliates” (as defined by the SBA) into account when determining the number of employees and the total amount of loans permitted under the Paycheck Protection Program.

 

7. Borrower is a small business concern and is eligible to receive a covered loan.

 

8. The person who has completed and signed the application, this Note and the Loan Documents has been validly authorized by Borrower to enter into borrowings on behalf of Borrower.

 

H. Agreements.

 

Borrower understands and agrees, and waives and releases Lender, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, agents and employees, as follows:

 

1. The Loan will be made under the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. Accordingly, this Note and the other Loan Documents must be submitted to and approved by the SBA. There is limited funding available under the Paycheck Protection Program and accordingly, all applications submitted will not be approved by the SBA.

 

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2. Lender is participating in the Payroll Protection Program to help businesses impacted by the economic impact from COVID-19. However, Lender anticipates high volumes and there may be processing delays and system failures along with other issues that interfere with submission of Borrower’s application to SBA. Lender does not represent or guarantee that it will submit the application while SBA funding remains available under the Payroll Protection Program or at all. Borrower hereby agrees that Lender is not responsible or liable to Borrower or any of its affiliates (i) if the Lender does not submit Borrower’s application to the SBA until after the date that SBA stops approving applications under the Paycheck Protection Program, for any reason or (ii) if the application is not processed by Lender. Borrower forever releases and waives any claims against Lender, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, agents and employees concerning failure to obtain the Loan. This release and waiver applies to, but is not limited to, any claims concerning Lender’s (i) pace, manner or systems for processing or prioritizing applications, or (ii) representations by Lender regarding the application process, the Paycheck Protection Program, or availability of funding. This agreement to release and waiver supersedes any prior communications, understandings, agreements or communications on the issues set forth herein.

 

3. Forgiveness of the Loan is only available for principal that is used for the limited purposes that expressly qualify for forgiveness under SBA requirements, and that to obtain forgiveness, Borrower must request forgiveness from the Lender, provide documentation in accordance with the SBA requirements, and certify that the amounts Borrower is requesting to be forgiven qualify under those requirements. Borrower also understands that Borrower shall remain responsible under the Loan for any amounts not forgiven, and that interest payable under the Loan will not be forgiven, but that the SBA may pay the Loan interest on forgiven amounts.

 

4. Forgiveness of the Loan is not automatic and Borrower must request forgiveness of the Loan from Lender. Borrower is not relying on Lender for its understanding of the requirements for forgiveness such as eligible expenditures, necessary records/documentation, or possible reductions due to changes in number of employees or compensation. Borrower agrees that will consult the SBA’s program materials and consult with its own counsel regarding the criteria forgiveness.

 

5. The Loan Documents are subject to review, and Borrower may not receive the Loan. The Loan also remains subject to availability of funds under the SBA’s Payment Protection Program, and to the SBA issuing an SBA loan number.

 

6. Borrower's liability under this Note will continue with respect to any amounts SBA may pay Bank based on an SBA guarantee of this Note. Any agreement with Bank under which SBA may guarantee this Note does not create any third party rights or benefits for Borrower and, if SBA pays Bank under such an agreement, SBA or Bank may then seek recovery from Borrower of amounts paid by SBA.

 

7. Lender reserves the right to modify the Note Amount based on documentation received from Borrower.

 

8. Borrower’s execution of this Note has been duly authorized by all necessary actions of its governing body. The person signing this Note is duly authorized to do so on behalf of Borrower.

 

9. This Note shall not be governed by any existing or future credit agreement or loan agreement with Lender. The liabilities guaranteed pursuant to any existing or future guaranty in favor of Lender shall not include this Note. The liabilities secured by any existing or future security instrument in favor of Lender shall not include the Loan.

 

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10. The proceeds of the Loan will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments, as specified under the Paycheck Protection Program Rule. Borrower understands that if the funds are knowingly used for unauthorized purposes, the federal government may hold Borrower legally liable, such as for charges of fraud.

 

Electronic Execution of Loan Documents.

 

The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature” and words of like import in this Note and any Loan Document shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping systems, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including, without limitation, any state law based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

 

4. DEFAULT:

 

Borrower is in default under this Note if Borrower does not make a payment when due under this Note, or if Borrower or Operating Company:

 

A. Fails to do anything required by this Note and other Loan Documents;

 

B. Defaults on any other loan with Lender;

 

C. Does not preserve, or account to Lender’s satisfaction for, any of the Collateral or its proceeds;

 

D. Does not disclose, or anyone acting on their behalf does not disclose, any material fact to Lender or SBA;

 

E. Makes, or anyone acting on their behalf makes, a materially false or misleading representation to Lender or SBA;

 

F. Defaults on any loan or agreement with another creditor, if Lender believes the default may materially affect Borrower’s ability to pay this Note;

 

G. Fails to pay any taxes when due;

 

H. Becomes the subject of a proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency law;

 

I. Has a receiver or liquidator appointed for any part of their business or property;

 

J. Makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors;

 

K. Has any adverse change in financial condition or business operation that Lender believes may materially affect Borrower’s ability to pay this Note;

 

L. Reorganizes, merges, consolidates, or otherwise changes ownership or business structure without Lender’s prior written consent; or

 

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M. Becomes the subject of a civil or criminal action that Lender believes may materially affect Borrower’s ability to pay this Note.

 

5. LENDER’S RIGHTS IF THERE IS A DEFAULT.

 

Without notice or demand and without giving up any of its rights, Lender may:

 

A. Require immediate payment of all amounts owing under this Note;

 

B. Collect all amounts owing from any Borrower or Guarantor;

 

C. File suit and obtain judgment.

 

D. Take possession of any Collateral; or

 

E. Sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of, any Collateral at public or private sale, with or without advertisement.

 

6. LENDER’S GENERAL POWERS.

 

Without notice and without Borrower’s consent, Lender may:

 

A. Bid on or buy the Collateral at its sale or the sale of another lienholder, at any price it chooses;

 

B. Incur expenses to collect amounts due under this Note, enforce the terms of this Note or any other Loan Document, and preserve or dispose of the Collateral. Among other things, the expenses may include payments for property taxes, prior liens, insurance, appraisals, environmental remediation costs, and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. If Lender incurs such expenses, it may demand immediate repayment from Borrower or add the expenses to the principal balance;

 

C. Release anyone obligated to pay this Note;

 

D. Compromise, release, renew, extend or substitute any of the Collateral; and

 

E. Take any action necessary to protect the Collateral or collect amounts owing on this Note.

 

7. WHEN FEDERAL LAW APPLIES; GOVERNING LAW; FORUM SELECTION.

 

When SBA is the holder, this Note will be interpreted and enforced under federal law, including SBA regulations. Lender or SBA may use state or local procedures for filing papers, recording documents, giving notice, foreclosing liens, and other purposes. By using such procedures, SBA does not waive any federal immunity from state or local control, penalty, tax, or liability. As to this Note, Borrower may not claim or assert against SBA any local or state law to deny any obligation, defeat any claim of SBA, or preempt federal law.

 

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8. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.

 

Under this Note, Borrower and Operating Company includes its successors, and Lender includes its successors and assigns.

 

9. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

 

A. All individuals and entities signing this Note are jointly and severally liable.

 

B. Borrower waives all suretyship defenses.

 

C. Borrower must sign all documents necessary at any time to comply with the Loan Documents and to enable Lender to acquire, perfect, or maintain Lender’s liens on Collateral.

 

D. Lender may exercise any of its rights separately or together, as many times and in any order it chooses. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights without giving up any of them. E. Borrower may not use an oral statement of Lender or SBA to contradict or alter the written terms of this Note.

 

E. If any part of this Note is unenforceable, all other parts remain in effect.

 

F. To the extent allowed by law, Borrower waives all demands and notices in connection with this Note, including presentment, demand, protest, and notice of dishonor. Borrower also waives any defenses based upon any claim that Lender did not obtain any guarantee; did not obtain, perfect, or maintain a lien upon Collateral; impaired Collateral; or did not obtain the fair market value of Collateral at a sale.

 

10. STATE-SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

 

If the SBA is not the holder, this Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California where the main office of Lender is located. MATTERS REGARDING INTEREST TO BE CHARGED BY LENDER AND THE EXPORTATION OF INTEREST SHALL BE GOVERNED BY FEDERAL LAW (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION 12 U.S.C. SECTIONS 85 AND 1831(u) AND THE LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. Borrower agrees that any legal action or proceeding with respect to any of its obligations under this Note may be brought by Lender in any state or federal court located in the State of California, as Lender in its sole discretion may elect. Borrower submits to and accepts in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, the non-exclusive jurisdiction of those courts. Borrower waives any claim that the State of California is not a convenient forum or the proper venue for any such suit, action or proceeding. The extension of credit that is the subject of this Note is being made by Lender in California.

 

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11. BORROWER’S NAME(S) AND SIGNATURE(S).

 

BORROWER CERTIFIES THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS APPLICATION AND THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND FORMS IS TRUE AND ACCURATE IN ALL MATERIAL RESPECTS. BORROWER UNDERSTANDS THAT KNOWINGLY MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT TO OBTAIN A GUARANTEED LOAN FROM SBA IS PUNISHABLE UNDER THE LAW, INCLUDING UNDER 18 USC 1001 AND 3571 BY IMPRISONMENT OF NOT MORE THAN FIVE YEARS AND/OR A FINE OF UP TO $250,000; UNDER 15 USC 645 BY IMPRISONMENT OF NOT MORE THAN TWO YEARS AND/OR A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN $5,000; AND, IF SUBMITTED TO A FEDERALLY INSURED INSTITUTION, UNDER 18 USC 1014 BY IMPRISONMENT OF NOT MORE THAN THIRTY YEARS AND/OR A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN $1,000,000.

 

By signing below, each individual or entity becomes obligated under this Note as Borrower.

 

Funds will be credit to your Deposit BORROWER:
Account Number ending in: ****    
  By:  /s/ Andrew Kwan
     
  Name: Andrew Kwan
     
  Title: Authorized Signer
     
  Date: 4/20/2020

 

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