10-K 1 a2013form10-k.htm FORM 10-K 2013 Form 10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013
 
Commission file number 1-5837
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York
  
13-1102020
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y.
  
10018
(Address of principal executive offices)
  
(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 556-1234
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
  
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock of $.10 par value
  
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Not Applicable
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes þ 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. þ
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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer          
þ  
Accelerated filer
¨
 
Non-accelerated filer        
¨
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ¨     No þ
The aggregate worldwide market value of Class A Common Stock held by non-affiliates, based on the closing price on June 28, 2013, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $1.5 billion. As of such date, non-affiliates held 67,398 shares of Class B Common Stock. There is no active market for such stock.
The number of outstanding shares of each class of the registrant’s common stock as of February 21, 2014 (exclusive of treasury shares), was as follows: 149,344,059 shares of Class A Common Stock and 816,841 shares of Class B Common Stock.
Documents incorporated by reference
Portions of the Proxy Statement relating to the registrant’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on April 30, 2014, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.



INDEX TO THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY 2013 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
 
 
ITEM NO.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





      PART I        
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the sections titled “Item 1A — Risk Factors” and “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events or our future financial performance. We may also make written and oral forward-looking statements in our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings and otherwise. We have tried, where possible, to identify such statements by using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “will,” “could,” “project,” “plan” and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Any forward-looking statements are and will be based upon our then-current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in any such statements. You should bear this in mind as you consider forward-looking statements. Factors that we think could, individually or in the aggregate, cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results include those described in “Item 1A — Risk Factors” below, as well as other risks and factors identified from time to time in our SEC filings.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
The New York Times Company (the “Company”) was incorporated on August 26, 1896, under the laws of the State of New York. The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to collectively in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as “we,” “our” and “us.”
We are a global media organization focused on creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news and information. Our continued commitment to premium content and journalistic excellence makes The New York Times brand a trusted source of news and information for readers across various media. Recognized widely for the quality of our reporting and content, our properties have been awarded many industry and peer accolades, including over 110 Pulitzer Prizes.
Our company includes newspapers, digital businesses and investments in paper mills. We currently have one reportable segment with businesses that include:
The New York Times (“The Times”);
the International New York Times;
our websites, NYTimes.com and international.nytimes.com; and
related businesses, such as The Times news services division, digital archive distribution, our conference business and other products and services under The Times brand.
We generate revenues principally from circulation and advertising. Circulation and advertising revenue information for our Company appears under “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Revenues, operating profit and identifiable assets of our foreign operations are not significant.
The Times’s award-winning content is available in print, online and through other digital platforms. The Times’s print edition, a daily (Mon. – Sat.) and Sunday newspaper in the United States, commenced publication in 1851. The NYTimes.com website was launched in 1996.
The International New York Times is the international edition of The Times, tailored and edited for global audiences. The International New York Times succeeds the International Herald Tribune, a leading daily newspaper that commenced publishing in Paris in 1887, and that we rebranded as the International New York Times in the fourth


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 1


quarter of 2013 to create a single global media brand. Its content is also available at the international.nytimes.com website.
On October 24, 2013, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and operating liabilities of the New England Media Group, consisting of The Boston Globe (the “Globe”), BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette (the “T&G”), Telegram.com and related properties, for approximately $70 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. As part of that transaction, we also sold our 49% equity interest in Metro Boston, which publishes a free daily newspaper in the greater Boston area. Results of operations for the New England Media Group have been treated as discontinued operations for all periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For information regarding discontinued operations, see Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, and the Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders are made available, free of charge, on our website at http://www.nytco.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports have been filed with or furnished to the SEC.
CIRCULATION AND AUDIENCE
Our products reach a broad audience in print, online and through other digital media. In addition to reaching consumers through print products, we deliver content across a variety of digital platforms, including mobile, tablet and e-reader applications.
Circulation revenues are based on the number of copies of the printed newspaper (through home-delivery subscriptions and single-copy and bulk sales) and digital subscriptions sold and the rates charged to the respective customers. In 2011, we began charging consumers for content provided on NYTimes.com and other digital platforms. NYTimes.com’s metered model offers users free access to a set number of articles per month and then charges users who are not print home-delivery subscribers, once they exceed that number. All print home-delivery subscribers receive free digital access.
According to reports filed with the Alliance for Audited Media (“AAM”), formerly known as the Audit Bureau of Circulations, an independent agency that audits the circulation of most U.S. newspapers and magazines, for the six-month period ended September 30, 2013, The Times had the largest daily and Sunday circulation of all seven-day newspapers in the United States. For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, The Times’s average circulation, which includes paid and verified circulation of the newspaper in print, online and through other digital platforms, was 1,926,800 for weekday (Mon. - Fri.) and 2,409,000 for Sunday. Under AAM’s reporting guidance, verified circulation represents copies available for individual consumers that are either non-paid or paid by someone other than the individual, such as copies delivered to schools and colleges and copies purchased by businesses for free distribution. In 2013, approximately 90% of the weekday and 91% of the Sunday circulation was through print or digital subscriptions; the remainder was primarily single-copy print newsstand sales.
Approximately 43% of the weekday average print circulation for The Times for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, was sold in the 31 counties that make up the greater New York City area, which includes New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, and parts of upstate New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and approximately 57% was sold elsewhere. On Sundays, approximately 37% of the average print circulation was sold in the greater New York City area and 63% was sold elsewhere.
Average circulation for the International New York Times, which includes paid circulation of the newspaper in print and electronic replica editions, for our fiscal years ended December 29, 2013, and December 30, 2012, was 220,440 (estimated) and 224,616, respectively. These figures follow the guidance of Office de Justification de la Diffusion, an agency based in Paris and a member of the International Federation of Audit Bureaux of Circulations that audits the circulation of most newspapers and magazines in France. The final 2013 figure will not be available until April 2014.
According to comScore Media Metrix, an online audience measurement service, in 2013, NYTimes.com had a monthly average of approximately 30 million unique visitors in the United States and approximately 45 million unique visitors worldwide. In addition, according to comScore Mobile Metrix, for the 11 months ended December 31, 2013, we had a monthly average of approximately 20 million unique visitors to NYTimes.com on mobile devices and our other mobile applications coming through smartphone and tablet platforms.


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Paid subscribers to digital-only subscription packages, e-readers and replica editions totaled approximately 760,000 as of our fiscal year ended December 29, 2013, an increase of approximately 19% compared with our fiscal year ended December 30, 2012.
ADVERTISING
We sell advertising across multiple platforms, including print in our newspapers, online on our websites, and across other digital platforms, including mobile, tablet and e-reader applications. We also generate advertising revenues from preprints, which are stand-alone advertising supplements inserted into another print product. Competition for advertising is generally based upon audience levels and demographics, advertising rates, service, targeting capabilities and advertising results.
We divide advertising into three main categories: national, retail and classified.
National advertising is principally from advertisers promoting national products or brands, such as financial institutions, movie studios, American and international fashion designers and major corporations. According to data compiled by MediaRadar, an independent agency that measures advertising sales volume and estimates advertising revenue, The Times had the largest market share in 2013 in print advertising revenues among a national newspaper set that consists of USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and The Times. Approximately three-quarters of our print and digital advertising revenues in 2013 came from national advertisers.
Retail advertising is generally associated with regional and national chains that sell in the local market.
Classified advertising includes the major categories of real estate, help wanted, automotive and other.
Our digital advertising offerings include mainly display advertising, video spots and classified advertising. Display advertising comprises the text, images and other interactive ads that run across the web on computers and mobile devices, including content specially formatted to be displayed on smartphones, tablets and other mobile personal digital devices.
Based on recent data provided by MediaRadar, we believe The Times ranks first in print advertising revenues in the general weekday and Sunday newspaper field in the New York metropolitan area.
Our businesses are affected in part by seasonal patterns in advertising, with generally higher advertising volume in the fourth quarter due to holiday advertising.
PRINT PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
The Times is currently printed at our production and distribution facility in College Point, N.Y., as well as under contract at 27 remote print sites across the United States. The Times is delivered to newsstands and retail outlets in the New York metropolitan area through a combination of third-party wholesalers and our own drivers. In other markets in the United States and Canada, The Times is delivered through agreements with other newspapers and third-party delivery agents.
The International New York Times is printed under contract at 36 sites throughout the world and is sold in more than 130 countries and territories. The International New York Times is distributed through agreements with other newspapers and third-party delivery agents.
OTHER BUSINESSES
Our other businesses primarily include:
Our ventures division, which includes The Times news services division, our conference unit and other products and services under The Times brand. The Times news services division transmits articles, graphics and photographs from The Times and other publications to over 1,300 newspapers, magazines and websites in over 90 countries and territories worldwide. It also comprises a number of other businesses, including commerce, photo archives, book development and rights and permissions. Our expanding conference business, which is a platform for our live journalism, convenes thought leaders from business, academia and government to discuss topics ranging from education to sustainability to the luxury business.  
Digital archive distribution, which licenses electronic archive databases to resellers of that information in the business, professional and library markets.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 3


FOREST PRODUCTS INVESTMENTS
We have non-controlling ownership interests primarily in one newsprint company and one mill producing supercalendered paper, a polished paper used in some magazines, catalogs and preprinted inserts, which is a higher-value grade than newsprint (the “Forest Products Investments”). These investments are accounted for under the equity method and reported in “Investments in joint ventures” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 29, 2013. For additional information on our investments, see “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We have a 49% equity interest in a Canadian newsprint company, Donohue Malbaie Inc. (“Malbaie”). The other 51% is owned by Resolute FP Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Resolute Forest Products Inc. (“Resolute”), a Delaware corporation. Resolute is a large global manufacturer of paper, market pulp and wood products. Malbaie manufactures newsprint on the paper machine it owns within Resolute’s paper mill in Clermont, Quebec. Malbaie is wholly dependent upon Resolute for its pulp, which is purchased by Malbaie from Resolute’s Clermont paper mill. In 2013, Malbaie produced approximately 212,000 metric tons of newsprint, of which approximately 10% was sold to us, with the balance sold to Resolute for resale.
We have a 40% equity interest in Madison Paper Industries (“Madison”), a partnership operating a supercalendered paper mill in Madison, Maine. Madison purchases the majority of its wood from local suppliers, mostly under long-term contracts. In 2013, Madison produced approximately 190,000 metric tons, of which approximately 5% was sold to us.
Malbaie and Madison are subject to comprehensive environmental protection laws, regulations and orders of provincial, federal, state and local authorities of Canada and the United States (the “Environmental Laws”). The Environmental Laws impose effluent and emission limitations and require Malbaie and Madison to obtain, and operate in compliance with the conditions of, permits and other governmental authorizations (“Governmental Authorizations”). Malbaie and Madison follow policies and operate monitoring programs designed to ensure compliance with applicable Environmental Laws and Governmental Authorizations and to minimize exposure to environmental liabilities. Various regulatory authorities periodically review the status of the operations of Malbaie and Madison. Based on the foregoing, we believe that Malbaie and Madison are in substantial compliance with such Environmental Laws and Governmental Authorizations.
RAW MATERIALS
The primary raw materials we use are newsprint and supercalendered and coated paper. We purchase newsprint from a number of North American producers. In 2013, the paper we used for our print products was purchased from unrelated suppliers and related suppliers in which we hold equity interests (see “— Forest Products Investments”). A significant portion of newsprint is purchased from Resolute.
In 2013 and 2012, we used the following types and quantities of paper:
(In metric tons)
 
2013

 
2012

Newsprint
 
119,000

 
133,000

Supercalendered and Coated Paper(1)
 
17,200

 
16,200

(1)
The Times uses supercalendered and coated paper for The New York Times Magazine and T: The New York Times Style Magazine.
COMPETITION
Our print and digital products compete for advertising and consumers with other media in their respective markets, including paid and free newspapers, digital media, broadcast, satellite and cable television, broadcast and satellite radio, magazines, other forms of media and direct marketing. Competition for advertising is generally based upon audience levels and demographics, advertising rates, service, targeting capabilities and advertising results, while competition for consumer revenue and readership is generally based upon platform, format, content, quality, service, timeliness and price.
The Times newspaper competes for print advertising and circulation primarily with national newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal and USA Today; newspapers of general circulation in New York City and its suburbs; other daily and weekly newspapers and television stations and networks in markets in which The Times circulates; and some national news and lifestyle magazines. The International New York Times newspaper’s key competitors include


P. 4 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


all international sources of English-language news, including The Wall Street Journal’s European and Asian Editions, the Financial Times, Time, Bloomberg Business Week and The Economist.
As our industry continues to experience a secular shift from print to digital media, our print and digital products face increasing competition for audience and advertising from a wide variety of digital alternatives, such as news and other information websites and digital applications, news aggregation sites, sites that cover niche content, social media platforms, digital advertising networks and exchanges, real-time bidding and other programmatic buying channels and other new forms of media. Developments in methods of distribution, such as applications for mobile phones, tablets and other devices, also increase competition for users and digital advertising revenues.
Our websites most directly compete for traffic and readership with other news and information websites and mobile applications. NYTimes.com faces competition from sources such as WSJ.com, Google News, Yahoo! News, MSNBC and CNN.com. Internationally, international.nytimes.com competes against international online sources of English-language news, including bbc.co.uk, guardian.co.uk, ft.com and reuters.com. For digital advertising revenues, we face competition from a wide range of companies offering competing products, such as other advertising-supported websites and mobile applications, including websites that provide platforms for classified advertisements, as well as search engines, social media sites and other Internet companies.
EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS
We had 3,529 full-time equivalent employees as of December 29, 2013.
As of December 29, 2013, approximately half of our full-time equivalent employees were represented by nine unions. The following is a list of collective bargaining agreements covering various categories of Times employees and their corresponding expiration dates.
Employee Category
Expiration Date
Paperhandlers
March 30, 2014
Electricians
March 30, 2015
Machinists
March 30, 2015
Mailers
March 30, 2016
New York Newspaper Guild
March 30, 2016
Typographers
March 30, 2016
Pressmen
March 30, 2017
Stereotypers
March 30, 2017
Drivers
March 30, 2020
Approximately 140 of our full-time equivalent employees are located in France, and the terms and conditions of employment of those employees are established by a combination of French national labor law, industry-wide collective agreements and Company-specific agreements.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 5


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risk factors described below, as well as the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any or all of these risks, or by other risks or uncertainties not presently known or currently deemed immaterial, that may adversely affect us in the future.
If our efforts to retain and grow our digital subscriber base and build consumer revenues are not successful, and if we are unable to maintain and grow our digital audience for advertising sales, our business, financial condition and prospects may be adversely affected.
A significant portion of our revenues is from digital subscriptions for content provided on NYTimes.com and other digital platforms. Our future growth depends upon the development and management of our digital businesses, including successfully adding, retaining and engaging digital subscribers. Our ability to retain and grow our digital subscription base and audience for our digital products depends on many factors, including continued market acceptance of our evolving digital pay model, consumer habits, pricing, available alternatives from current and new competitors, delivery of high-quality journalism and content that is interesting and relevant to users, development and improvement of digital products across platforms, an adequate and adaptable digital infrastructure, access to delivery platforms on acceptable terms and other factors. Our digital user or traffic levels may also flatten or decline as a result of, among other factors, the failure to successfully manage changes in search engine optimization and social media traffic. If we are not able to continue to attract, convert and retain digital subscribers in numbers sufficient to grow our business, our revenues may be reduced. Even if we successfully maintain or increase our digital audience, the market position of our brands may not be enough to counteract a significant downward pressure on advertising rates as digital advertising inventory increases across multiple platforms. We may also incur additional expenses for increased marketing and other digital acquisition and retention efforts.
We have significant competition for advertising, which may adversely affect our advertising revenues and advertising rates.
Our print and digital products face substantial competition for advertising revenues from a variety of sources, such as newspapers and magazines; television, radio and other forms of media; direct marketing; and, increasingly, advertising-supported digital products that provide news and information, including websites and digital applications, news aggregators and social media sites. This competition has intensified as a result of continued developments of new digital media technologies. While distribution of news and other content over the Internet, including through mobile phones, tablets and other devices, continues to gain popularity, the digital advertising model is still evolving to address these rapid technological changes. In recent years, the advertising industry has experienced a secular shift toward digital advertising, which is significantly less expensive and can offer more directly measurable returns than traditional print media. As media audiences fragment, we expect advertisers to continue to allocate larger portions of their advertising budgets to digital media. Digital advertising networks and exchanges, real-time bidding and other programmatic buying channels that allow advertisers to buy audiences at scale are also playing a more significant role in the advertising marketplace and causing downward pricing pressure. Competition from these media and services, many of which charge lower rates than the Company’s properties, as well as increased inventory in the digital marketplace, could adversely affect advertising revenues by impacting our ability to attract and retain advertisers and to maintain or increase our advertising rates.
Economic weakness and uncertainty globally, in the United States and in key advertising categories have adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect our advertising revenues.
Advertising spending, which drives a significant portion of our revenues, is sensitive to economic conditions. Global, national and local economic conditions, particularly in the New York City metropolitan region, affect the levels of our advertising revenues. Our advertising revenues are particularly adversely affected if advertisers respond to weak and uneven economic conditions by reducing their budgets or shifting spending patterns or priorities, or if they are forced to consolidate or cease operations. Continuing soft economic conditions and an uneven recovery would adversely affect our level of advertising revenues and our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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Decreases in print circulation volume adversely affect our circulation and advertising revenues.
Print advertising and circulation revenues are affected by circulation and readership levels. Competition for circulation and readership is generally based upon format, content, quality, service, timeliness and price. In recent years, we, and the newspaper industry as a whole, have experienced declining print circulation volume. This is primarily due to increased competition from digital media formats and sources other than traditional newspapers (often free to users), changes in discretionary spending by consumers affected by economic conditions, higher subscription and single-copy rates and a growing preference among certain consumers to receive all or a portion of their news from sources other than a newspaper. If these or other factors result in a continued decline in circulation volume, circulation revenues may be adversely affected as we may be unable to institute circulation price increases at a rate sufficient to offset circulation volume declines. In addition, the rate and volume of print advertising revenues may be adversely affected (as rates reflect circulation and readership, among other factors).
To remain competitive, we must be able to respond to and exploit changes in technology and consumer behavior, and significant investments may be required.
Technology in the media industry continues to evolve rapidly. Advances in technology have led to an increasing number of methods for the delivery and consumption of news and other content and have driven consumer demand and expectations in unanticipated directions. If we are unable to exploit new and existing technologies to distinguish our products and services from those of our competitors or adapt to new distribution methods that provide optimal user experiences, including introducing in a timely manner compelling new products and services that engage users across platforms, our business, financial condition and prospects may be adversely affected.
Technological developments also pose other challenges that could adversely affect our revenues and competitive position. New delivery platforms may lead to pricing restrictions, the loss of distribution control and the loss of a direct relationship with consumers. New delivery devices, such as smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, which present challenges for traditional display advertising, may also reduce our advertising inventory or otherwise limit our ability to sell advertising. We may also be adversely affected if the use of technology developed to block the display of advertising on websites proliferates.
Technological developments and changes we may make to our business may require significant investments. We may be limited in our ability to invest funds and resources in digital products, services or opportunities, and we may incur research and development costs in building, maintaining and evolving our technology infrastructure. Some of our existing competitors and new entrants may have greater operational, financial and other resources or may otherwise be better positioned to compete for opportunities and, as a result, our digital businesses may be less successful. The success of our digital businesses also depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified talent for critical positions in those businesses.
Our international operations expose us to risks inherent in foreign operations.
An important element of our strategic initiatives is the expansion of the international scope of our operations, and we face the inherent risks associated with doing business abroad, including:
effectively managing and staffing foreign operations, including complying with diverse local labor laws and regulations;
navigating local customs and practices;
responding to government policies that restrict the digital flow of information;
protecting and enforcing our intellectual property rights under varying legal regimes;
complying with international laws and regulations, including those governing the collection, use, retention, sharing and security of consumer data;
addressing political or social instability;
adapting to currency exchange rate fluctuations; and
complying with restrictions on repatriation of funds.
Adverse developments in any of these areas could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, we have limited experience in operating and marketing our products in new international regions and could be at a disadvantage compared to competitors with more experience.


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If we are unable to successfully develop and execute our strategic growth initiatives, or if they do not adequately address the challenges or opportunities we face, our business, financial condition and prospects may be adversely affected.
Our success is dependent on our ability to identify, develop and execute appropriate strategic growth initiatives that will enable the Company to achieve sustainable growth in the long term. The implementation of our strategic initiatives is subject to both the risks affecting our business generally and the inherent risks associated with implementing new strategies. These strategic initiatives may not be successful in generating revenues or improving operating profit and, if they are, it may take longer than anticipated. As a result and depending on evolving conditions and opportunities, we may need to adjust our strategic initiatives and such changes could be substantial, including modifying or terminating one or more of the initiatives. Transition and changes in our strategic initiatives may also create uncertainty by our employees, customers and partners that could adversely affect our business and revenues. In addition, we may incur higher than expected or unanticipated costs in implementing our strategic initiatives, attempting to attract revenue opportunities or changing our strategies. There is no assurance that the implementation of any strategic growth initiative will be successful, and we may not realize anticipated benefits at levels we project or at all, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and prospects.
If we are unable to execute cost-control measures successfully, our total operating costs may be greater than expected, which would adversely affect our profitability.
Over the last several years, we have significantly reduced operating costs by reducing staff and employee benefits and implementing general cost-control measures across the Company, and we plan to continue these cost management efforts. If we do not achieve expected savings or our operating costs increase as a result of investments in our strategic initiatives, our total operating costs would be greater than anticipated. In addition, if we do not manage our costs properly, such efforts may affect the quality of our products and our ability to generate future revenues. Reductions in staff and employee compensation and benefits could also adversely affect our ability to attract and retain key employees.
Significant portions of our expenses are fixed costs that neither increase nor decrease proportionately with revenues. In addition, our ability to make short-term adjustments to manage our costs or to make changes to our business strategy may be limited by certain of our collective bargaining agreements. If we are not able to implement further cost-control efforts or reduce our fixed costs sufficiently in response to a decline in our revenues, net income from continuing operations may decline.
The underfunded status of our pension plans may adversely affect our operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We maintain qualified defined benefit pension plans. In addition, although we sold the New England Media Group in October 2013 and the Regional Media Group in January 2012, we retained pension assets and liabilities and postretirement obligations related to employees of those businesses. As a result, and although we have frozen participation and benefits under all but two of the qualified pension plans we maintain, our results of operations will be affected by the amount of income or expense we record for, and the contributions we are required to make to, these plans. Pension income and expense is calculated using a number of actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about financial markets and other economic conditions, which may change based on changes in key economic indicators. The most significant year-end assumptions we use to estimate pension expense are the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets. Our qualified defined benefit pension plans were underfunded as of December 29, 2013. We are required to make contributions to our qualified defined benefit pension plans to comply with minimum funding requirements imposed by laws governing those plans. A decrease in the discount rate used to determine the liabilities for pension obligations may result in increased contributions. Failure to achieve expected returns on plan assets driven by various factors, which could include a continued environment of low interest rates or sustained volatility and disruption in the stock and bond markets, could also result in an increase in the amount of cash we would be required to contribute to these pension plans. In addition, unfavorable changes in applicable laws or regulations could materially change the timing and amount of required plan funding. As a result, we may have less cash available for working capital and other corporate uses, which may have an adverse impact on our operations, financial condition and liquidity.


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Our participation in multiemployer pension plans may subject us to liabilities that could materially adversely affect our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We participate in, and make periodic contributions to, various multiemployer pension plans that cover many of our current and former union employees. Our required contributions to these plans could increase because of a shrinking contribution base as a result of the insolvency or withdrawal of other companies that currently contribute to these plans, the inability or failure of withdrawing companies to pay their withdrawal liability, low interest rates, lower than expected returns on pension fund assets or other funding deficiencies. Our withdrawal liability for any multiemployer pension plan will depend on the nature and timing of any triggering event and the extent of that plan’s funding of vested benefits. If a multiemployer pension plan in which we participate has significant underfunded liabilities, such underfunding will increase the size of our potential withdrawal liability. In addition, under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, special funding rules apply to multiemployer pension plans that are classified as “endangered,” “seriously endangered,” or “critical” status. If plans in which we participate are in critical status, benefit reductions may apply and/or we could be required to make additional contributions. If, in the future, we elect to withdraw from these plans or if we trigger a partial withdrawal due to declines in contribution base units, additional liabilities would need to be recorded that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We have recorded significant withdrawal liabilities with respect to multiemployer pension plans in which we formerly participated, primarily in connection with the sales of the New England and the Regional Media Groups. Until demand letters from some of the multiemployer plans’ trustees are received, the exact amount of the withdrawal liability will not be fully known and, as such, a difference from the recorded estimate could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, in the event a mass withdrawal is deemed to have occurred at any of these plans, we may be required to make additional contributions under applicable law.
A significant number of our employees are unionized, and our business and results of operations could be adversely affected if labor agreements were to further restrict our ability to maximize the efficiency of our operations.
Approximately half of our full-time equivalent work force is unionized. As a result, we are required to negotiate the wages, salaries, benefits, staffing levels and other terms with many of our employees collectively. Our results could be adversely affected if future labor negotiations or contracts were to further restrict our ability to maximize the efficiency of our operations. If we were to experience labor unrest or other business interruptions in connection with labor negotiations or otherwise, or if we are unable to negotiate labor contracts on reasonable terms, our ability to produce and deliver our products could be impaired. In addition, our ability to make short-term adjustments to control compensation and benefits costs, change our strategy or otherwise adapt to changing business needs may be limited by the terms and duration of our collective bargaining agreements.
A significant increase in the price of newsprint, or significant disruptions in our newsprint supply chain, would have an adverse effect on our operating results.
The cost of raw materials, of which newsprint is the major component, represented approximately 7% of our total operating costs in 2013. The price of newsprint has historically been volatile and may increase as a result of various factors, including a reduction in the number of suppliers due to restructurings, bankruptcies and consolidations; declining newsprint supply as a result of paper mill closures and conversions to other grades of paper; and other factors that adversely impact supplier profitability, including increases in operating expenses caused by raw material and energy costs, and a rise in the value of the Canadian dollar, which adversely affects Canadian suppliers whose costs are incurred in Canadian dollars but whose newsprint sales are priced in U.S. dollars.
In addition, we rely on our suppliers for deliveries of newsprint. The availability of our newsprint supply may be affected by various factors, including labor unrest, transportation issues and other disruptions that may affect deliveries of newsprint.
If newsprint prices increase significantly or we experience significant disruptions in the availability of our newsprint supply in the future, our operating results will be adversely affected.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 9


Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.
Our debt agreements contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. For example, these covenants, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to:
incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preferred equity;
pay dividends on or make distributions to holders of our common stock or make other restricted payments;
create or incur liens on certain assets to secure debt;
make certain investments, acquisitions or dispositions;
consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and
enter into certain transactions with affiliates.
These restrictions limit our flexibility in operating our business and responding to opportunities.
Changes in our credit ratings or macroeconomic conditions may affect our liquidity by increasing borrowing costs and limiting our financing options.
Our long-term debt is currently rated below investment grade by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service. If our credit ratings remain below investment grade or are lowered further, borrowing costs for future long-term debt or short-term borrowing facilities may increase and our financing options, including our access to the unsecured borrowing market, would be limited. We may also be subject to additional restrictive covenants that would reduce our flexibility. In addition, macroeconomic conditions, such as continued or increased volatility or disruption in the credit markets, could adversely affect our ability to refinance existing debt or obtain additional financing to support operations or to fund new acquisitions or other capital-intensive initiatives.
Our Class B Common Stock is principally held by descendants of Adolph S. Ochs, through a family trust, and this control could create conflicts of interest or inhibit potential changes of control.
We have two classes of stock: Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to elect 30% of the Board of Directors and to vote, with holders of Class B Common Stock, on the reservation of shares for equity grants, certain material acquisitions and the ratification of the selection of our auditors. Holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to elect the remainder of the Board and to vote on all other matters. Our Class B Common Stock is principally held by descendants of Adolph S. Ochs, who purchased The Times in 1896. A family trust holds approximately 90% of the Class B Common Stock. As a result, the trust has the ability to elect 70% of the Board of Directors and to direct the outcome of any matter that does not require a vote of the Class A Common Stock. Under the terms of the trust agreement, the trustees are directed to retain the Class B Common Stock held in trust and to vote such stock against any merger, sale of assets or other transaction pursuant to which control of The Times passes from the trustees, unless they determine that the primary objective of the trust can be achieved better by the implementation of such transaction. Because this concentrated control could discourage others from initiating any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transaction that may otherwise be beneficial to our businesses, the market price of our Class A Common Stock could be adversely affected.
We may not be able to protect intellectual property rights upon which our business relies, and if we lose intellectual property protection, our assets may lose value and our advertising revenues may be adversely affected.
Our business depends on our intellectual property, including our valuable brands, content, services and internally developed technology. We believe our proprietary trademarks and other intellectual property rights are important to our continued success and our competitive position. Unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise unlawfully obtain and use our content, services, technology and other intellectual property, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken to protect our proprietary rights will prevent any misappropriation or confusion among consumers and merchants, or unauthorized use of these rights.
Advancements in technology have made the unauthorized duplication and wide dissemination of content easier, making the enforcement of intellectual property rights more challenging. In addition, as our business and the risk of misappropriation of our intellectual property rights have become more global in scope, we may not be able to protect our proprietary rights in a cost-effective manner in a multitude of jurisdictions with varying laws.
If we are unable to procure, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights, including maintaining and monetizing our intellectual property rights to our content, we may not realize the full value of these assets, and our business and profitability may suffer. For example, the development of new mobile applications that republish our


P. 10 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


copyrighted content for the users of those applications, while avoiding the advertising displayed when such content is accessed through our digital platforms, could adversely affect our advertising revenues. In addition, if we must litigate in the United States or elsewhere to enforce our intellectual property rights or determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others, such litigation may be costly and divert the attention of our management.
Our brand and reputation are key assets of the Company, and negative perceptions or publicity could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The New York Times brand is a key asset of the Company, and our continued success depends on our ability to preserve, grow and leverage the value of our brand. We believe that we have a very powerful and trusted brand with an excellent reputation for high-quality journalism and content. This reputation could be damaged by incidents that erode consumer trust. As we focus on developing brand extensions, we may work with third-party vendors, and shortcomings of such third parties could also negatively impact our reputation and brand value. To the extent consumers perceive the quality of our products to be less reliable or our reputation is damaged, our revenues and profitability could be adversely affected.
We have been, and may be in the future, subject to claims of intellectual property infringement that could adversely affect our business.
We periodically receive claims from third parties alleging infringement, misappropriation or other violations of their intellectual property rights. These third parties often include patent holding companies seeking to monetize patents they have purchased or otherwise obtained through asserting claims of infringement or misuse. Even if we believe that these claims of intellectual property infringement are without merit, defending against the claims can be time-consuming, be expensive to litigate or settle, and cause diversion of management attention.
These intellectual property infringement claims may require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms, use more costly alternative technology or otherwise incur substantial monetary liability. Additionally, these claims may require us to significantly alter certain of our operations. The occurrence of any of these events as a result of these claims could result in substantially increased costs or otherwise adversely affect our business.
Security breaches and other network and information systems disruptions could affect our ability to conduct our business effectively.
Network and information systems and other technologies, including those related to our network management, are important to our business activities. We use third-party technology and systems for a variety of operations, including encryption and authentication technology, employee email, domain name registration, content delivery to customers, back-office support and other functions. Our systems and those of third parties upon which our business relies may be vulnerable to interruption or damage that can result from natural disasters, fires, power outages, acts of terrorism or other similar events, or from deliberate attacks such as computer hackings, computer viruses, worms or other destructive or disruptive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks, malicious social engineering or other malicious activities, or any combination of the foregoing. Despite the security measures we and our third-party service providers have taken, our computer systems, and those of our vendors, have been, and will likely continue to be, subject to attack. For example, during 2012 and 2013, The Times was the target of cyber-attacks allegedly sponsored by foreign sources, designed to interfere with our journalism and undermine our reporting. Although we believe no internal systems, including the systems housing confidential customer and employee data, were breached in these attacks, there can be no assurance that will be the case in the future.
We have implemented additional controls and taken other preventative measures designed to further strengthen our systems against future attacks, including controls and preventative measures designed to reduce the impact of a security breach at our third-party vendors. The costs of the controls and other measures we have taken to date have not had a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, there can be no assurance as to the cost of additional controls and measures that we may conclude are necessary in the future.
There can be no assurance that the actions, measures and controls we have implemented will be effective against future attacks or be sufficient to prevent a future security breach or other disruption to our network or information systems, or those of our third-party providers. Such an event could result in a disruption of our services or improper disclosure of personal data or confidential information, which could harm our reputation, require us to expend resources to remedy such a security breach or defend against further attacks, divert managements’ attention


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 11


and resources or subject us to liability under laws that protect personal data, resulting in increased operating costs or loss of revenue.
Acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions could adversely affect our costs, revenues, profitability and financial position.
In order to position our business to take advantage of growth opportunities, we conduct discussions, evaluate opportunities and enter into agreements for possible acquisitions, divestitures, investments and other transactions. We routinely evaluate our portfolio of businesses and may, as a result, buy or sell different properties. In that regard, in 2013, we completed the sale of the New England Media Group and our 49% equity interest in Metro Boston. We may also consider the acquisition of specific properties, businesses or technologies that fall outside our traditional lines of business and diversify our portfolio, including those that may operate in new and developing industries, if we deem such properties sufficiently attractive.
Acquisitions or divestitures affect our costs, revenues, profitability and financial position. Acquisitions involve significant risks, including difficulties in integrating acquired operations, diversion of management resources, debt incurred in financing these acquisitions (including the related possible reduction in our credit ratings and increase in our cost of borrowing), differing levels of management and internal control effectiveness at the acquired entities and other unanticipated problems and liabilities. Competition for certain types of acquisitions, particularly digital properties, is significant. Even if successfully negotiated, closed and integrated, certain acquisitions or investments may prove not to advance our business strategy and may fall short of expected return on investment targets, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Legislative and regulatory developments may result in increased costs and lower revenues from our digital businesses.
Our digital businesses are subject to government regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and our websites, which are available worldwide, may be subject to laws regulating the Internet even in jurisdictions where we do not do business. We may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply. Revenues from our digital businesses could be adversely affected, directly or indirectly, in particular by existing or future laws and regulations relating to online privacy and the collection and use of consumer data in digital media.
Adverse results from litigation or governmental investigations can impact our business practices and operating results.
From time to time, we and our subsidiaries are parties to litigation and regulatory, environmental and other proceedings with governmental authorities and administrative agencies. Adverse outcomes in lawsuits or investigations could result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief that could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition as well as our ability to conduct our business as it is presently being conducted.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal executive offices are located in our New York headquarters building in the Times Square area. The building was completed in 2007 and consists of approximately 1.54 million gross square feet, of which approximately 828,000 gross square feet of space have been allocated to us. We owned a leasehold condominium interest representing approximately 58% of the New York headquarters building until March 2009, when we entered into an agreement to sell and simultaneously lease back 21 floors, or approximately 750,000 rentable square feet, currently occupied by us (the “Condo Interest”). The sale price for the Condo Interest was $225.0 million. We have an option exercisable in 2019 to repurchase the Condo Interest for $250.0 million. The lease term is 15 years, and we have three renewal options that could extend the term for an additional 20 years. We continue to own a leasehold condominium interest in seven floors in our New York headquarters building, totaling approximately 216,000 rentable square feet that were not included in the sale-leaseback transaction, of which six floors are currently leased to a third party.


P. 12 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


In addition, we built a printing and distribution facility with 570,000 gross square feet located in College Point, N.Y., on a 31-acre site owned by the City of New York for which we have a ground lease. We have an option to purchase the property at any time before the lease ends in 2019 for $6.9 million. We also currently own other properties with an aggregate of approximately 2,200 gross square feet and lease other properties with an aggregate of approximately 250,400 rentable square feet in various locations.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in various legal actions incidental to our business that are now pending against us. These actions are generally for amounts greatly in excess of the payments, if any, that may be required to be made. It is the opinion of management after reviewing these actions with our legal counsel that the ultimate liability that might result from these actions would not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Newspaper and Mail Deliverers – Publishers’ Pension Fund
In September 2013, we received a notice and demand for payment in the amount of approximately $26 million from the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers – Publishers’ Pension Fund. We participate in the fund, which covers drivers employed by The New York Times. City & Suburban, a retail and newsstand distribution subsidiary and the largest contributor to the fund, ceased operations in 2009. The fund claims that The New York Times Company partially withdrew from the fund in the plan years ending May 31, 2013 and 2012, as a result of a more than 70% decline in contribution base units. We disagree with the plan determination and are disputing the claim vigorously. We do not believe that a loss is probable on this matter and have not recorded a loss contingency for the period ended December 29, 2013.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
In February 2014, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) notified us that it believes that the Company has had a triggering event under Section 4062(e) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), with respect to The Boston Globe Retirement Plan for Employees Represented by the Boston Newspaper Guild and The New York Times Companies Pension Plan on account of the Company’s sale of the New England Media Group. Under Section 4062(e), the PBGC may be entitled to protection if, as a result of a cessation of operations at a facility, more than 20% of the active participants in a plan are separated from employment. The Company, which retained all pension assets and liabilities related to New England Media Group employees, maintains that an asset sale is not a triggering event for purposes of Section 4062(e). Additionally, with respect to The New York Times Companies Pension Plan, we believe that the 20% threshold was not met.
If a triggering event under Section 4062(e) with respect to either or both of these plans is determined to have occurred, the Company would be required to place funds into an escrow account or to post a surety bond, with the escrowed funds or the bond proceeds available to the applicable plan if it were to terminate in a distress or involuntary termination within five years of the date of the New England Media Group sale. We do not expect such a termination for either of these plans. If the applicable plan did not so terminate within the five-year period, any escrowed funds for that plan would be returned to the Company or the bond for that plan would be cancelled. The amount of any required escrow or bond would be based on a percentage of the applicable plan’s unfunded benefit liabilities, computed under Section 4062(e) on a “termination basis,” which would be higher than that computed under GAAP. In lieu of establishing an escrow account with the PBGC or posting a bond, the Company and the PBGC can negotiate an alternate resolution of the liability, which could include making cash contributions to these plans in excess of minimum requirements.
At this time, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, but we do not expect that the resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on our earnings or financial condition.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 13


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Name
 
Age
 
Employed By
Registrant Since
 

Recent Position(s) Held as of February 26, 2014
Arthur Sulzberger, Jr.
 
62
 
1978
 
Chairman (since 1997) and Publisher of The Times (since 1992); Chief Executive Officer (2011 to 2012)
Mark Thompson
 
56
 
2012
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2012); Director-General, British Broadcasting Corporation (“BBC”) (2004 to 2012); Chief Executive, Channel 4 Television Corporation (2002 to 2004); and various positions of increasing responsibility at the BBC (1979 to 2001)
Michael Golden
 
64
 
1984
 
Vice Chairman (since 1997); President and Chief Operating Officer, Regional Media Group (2009 to 2012); Publisher of the International Herald Tribune (2003 to 2008); Senior Vice President (1997 to 2004)
James M. Follo
 
54
 
2007
 
Executive Vice President (since March 2013) and Chief Financial Officer (since 2007); Senior Vice President (2007 to March 2013); Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (2001 to 2006)
R. Anthony Benten
 
50
 
1989
 
Senior Vice President, Finance (since 2008) and Corporate Controller (since 2007); Vice President (2003 to 2008); Treasurer (2001 to 2007)
Kenneth A. Richieri
 
62
 
1983
 
Executive Vice President (since March 2013) and General Counsel (since 2006); Senior Vice President (2007 to March 2013); Secretary (2008 to 2011); Vice President (2002 to 2007); Deputy General Counsel (2001 to 2005); Vice President and General Counsel, New York Times Digital (1999 to 2003)




P. 14 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


PART II        
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED  STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
MARKET INFORMATION
The Class A Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Class B Common Stock is unlisted and is not actively traded.
The number of security holders of record as of February 21, 2014, was as follows: Class A Common Stock: 6,969; Class B Common Stock: 27.
In September 2013, we announced the initiation of a quarterly dividend in which both classes of our common stock participate equally. A dividend of $.04 per share was paid on the Class A and Class B Common Stock in October 2013, and an additional dividend of $.04 per share of Class A and Class B Common Stock was declared in December 2013 and paid in January 2014. No dividends were declared or paid in 2012. We currently expect to continue to pay comparable cash dividends in the future, although changes in our dividend program will be considered by our Board of Directors in light of our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant. In addition, our Board of Directors will consider restrictions in any existing indebtedness, such as the terms of our 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2016, which restrict our ability to pay dividends. See also “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Executive Overview — Our Strategy” and “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Third-Party Financing.”
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales prices for the Class A Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
 
 
2013
 
2012
Quarters
 
High

 
Low

 
High

 
Low

First Quarter
 
$
10.13

 
$
8.18

 
$
8.08

 
$
6.50

Second Quarter
 
11.06

 
8.73

 
7.04

 
5.98

Third Quarter
 
12.66

 
11.06

 
9.80

 
6.66

Fourth Quarter
 
15.47

 
11.94

 
10.88

 
7.86

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES(1) 
Period
 
Total number of
shares of Class A
Common Stock
purchased
(a)
 
Average
price paid
per share of
Class A
Common Stock
(b)
 
Total number of
shares of Class A
Common Stock
purchased
as part of
publicly
announced plans
or programs
(c)
 
Maximum 
number (or
approximate
dollar value)
of shares of
Class A
Common
Stock that may
yet be
purchased
under the plans
or programs
(d)
September 30, 2013 - November 3, 2013
 
 
 
 
$
91,386,000

November 4, 2013 - December 1, 2013
 
 
 
 
$
91,386,000

December 2, 2013 - December 29, 2013
 
 
 
 
$
91,386,000

Total for the fourth quarter of 2013
 
 
 
 
$
91,386,000

(1)
On April 13, 2004, our Board of Directors authorized repurchases in an amount up to $400 million. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we did not purchase any shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to our publicly announced share repurchase program. As of February 21, 2014, we had authorization from our Board of Directors to repurchase an amount of up to approximately $91 million of our Class A Common Stock. Our Board of Directors has authorized us to purchase shares from time to time as market conditions permit. There is no expiration date with respect to this authorization.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 15


PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION
The following graph shows the annual cumulative total stockholder return for the five fiscal years ending December 29, 2013, on an assumed investment of $100 on December 28, 2008, in the Company, the Standard & Poor’s S&P 400 MidCap Stock Index, the Standard & Poor’s S&P 1500 Publishing and Printing Index and an index of peer group media companies. The peer group returns are weighted by market capitalization at the beginning of each year. Stockholder return is measured by dividing (a) the sum of (i) the cumulative amount of dividends declared for the measurement period, assuming reinvestment of dividends, and (ii) the difference between the issuer’s share price at the end and the beginning of the measurement period, by (b) the share price at the beginning of the measurement period. As a result, stockholder return includes both dividends and stock appreciation.
For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012, the Company used a peer group (the “Peer Group”), comprising the Company, Gannett Co., Inc., Media General, Inc., The McClatchy Company and Graham Holdings Company (formerly The Washington Post Company), that includes certain companies that no longer publish newspapers. Accordingly, the Company has selected for the comparison herein the S&P 1500 Publishing and Printing Index, which includes newspaper companies, as well as publishing and general media companies, and which we believe provides a more meaningful comparison. The S&P 1500 Publishing and Printing Index, also weighted by market capitalization, comprises the Company and the following companies: E.W. Scripps Company, Gannett Co., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Meredith Corporation, News Corporation, Scholastic Corporation and Valassis Communications, Inc. In future filings, the Company will no longer compare its stock performance against the Peer Group.

Stock Performance Comparison Between the S&P 400 Midcap Index, S&P 1500 Publishing & Printing Index,
The New York Times Company’s Class A Common Stock and Peer Group Common Stock



P. 16 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The Selected Financial Data should be read in conjunction with “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes in Item 8. The results of operations for the New England Media Group, as well as for the Regional Media Group and the About Group that we sold in 2012, have been presented as discontinued operations and certain assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale for all periods presented (see Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The results of operations for WQXR-FM, a New York City classical radio station that we sold in 2009, have also been presented as discontinued operations. The pages following the table show certain items included in Selected Financial Data. All per share amounts on those pages are on a diluted basis. Fiscal year 2012 comprises 53 weeks and all other fiscal years presented in the table below comprise 52 weeks.
 
 
As of and for the Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
December 26,
2010

 
December 27,
2009

 
 
(52 Weeks)

 
(53 Weeks)

 
(52 Weeks)

 
(52 Weeks)

 
(52 Weeks)

Statement of Operations Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
1,577,230

 
$
1,595,341

 
$
1,554,574

 
$
1,556,839

 
$
1,581,860

Operating costs
 
1,411,744

 
1,441,410

 
1,411,652

 
1,422,173

 
1,521,190

Pension settlement expense
 
3,228

 
47,657

 

 

 

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal expense
 
6,171

 

 
4,228

 
6,268

 
78,931

Net pension curtailment gain
 

 

 

 

 
56,671

Other expenses
 

 
2,620

 
4,500

 

 
34,633

Impairment of assets
 

 

 
7,458

 

 
1,216

Operating profit
 
156,087

 
103,654

 
126,736

 
128,398

 
2,561

Gain on sale of investments
 

 
220,275

 
71,171

 
9,128

 

Impairment of investments
 

 
5,500

 

 

 

(Loss)/income from joint ventures
 
(3,215
)
 
2,936

 
(270
)
 
18,652

 
20,796

Premium on debt redemption
 

 

 
46,381

 

 
9,250

Interest expense, net
 
58,073

 
62,808

 
85,243

 
85,052

 
81,702

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
94,799

 
258,557

 
66,013

 
71,126

 
(67,595
)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes
 
56,907

 
163,940

 
44,596

 
51,745

 
(30,499
)
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
7,949

 
(27,927
)
 
(82,799
)
 
58,909

 
53,515

Net income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
65,105

 
$
135,847

 
$
(37,648
)
 
$
109,640

 
$
23,006

Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
 
$
1,023,780

 
$
959,754

 
$
279,997

 
$
399,642

 
$
36,520

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
713,356

 
773,469

 
837,595

 
891,470

 
970,357

Total assets
 
2,572,552

 
2,807,470

 
2,887,367

 
3,297,401

 
3,109,789

Total debt and capital lease obligations
 
684,163

 
696,875

 
773,120

 
996,384

 
769,117

Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
 
842,910

 
662,325

 
533,678

 
680,360

 
622,527




THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 17


 
 
As of and for the Years Ended
(In thousands, except ratios, per share
and employee data)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
December 26,
2010

 
December 27,
2009

 
(52 Weeks)

 
(53 Weeks)

 
(52 Weeks)

 
(52 Weeks)

 
(52 Weeks)

Per Share of Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
 
$
0.38

 
$
1.11

 
$
0.31

 
$
0.35

 
$
(0.21
)
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
0.05

 
(0.19
)
 
(0.57
)
 
0.40

 
0.37

Net income/(loss)
 
$
0.43

 
$
0.92

 
$
(0.26
)
 
$
0.75

 
$
0.16

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders: 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
 
$
0.36

 
$
1.07

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.33

 
$
(0.21
)
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
0.05

 
(0.18
)
 
(0.55
)
 
0.39

 
0.37

Net income/(loss)
 
$
0.41

 
$
0.89

 
$
(0.25
)
 
$
0.72

 
$
0.16

Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.08

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Stockholders’ equity per share
 
$
5.34

 
$
4.34

 
$
3.51

 
$
4.46

 
$
4.25

Average basic shares outstanding
 
149,755

 
148,147

 
147,190

 
145,636

 
144,188

Average diluted shares outstanding
 
157,774

 
152,693

 
152,007

 
152,600

 
146,367

Key Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit/(loss) to revenues
 
10
%
 
6
%
 
8
%
 
8
%
 
%
Return on average common stockholders’ equity
 
9
%
 
23
%
 
(6
)%
 
17
%
 
4
%
Return on average total assets
 
2
%
 
5
%
 
(1
)%
 
3
%
 
1
%
Total debt and capital lease obligations to total capitalization
 
45
%
 
51
%
 
59
%
 
59
%
 
55
%
Current assets to current liabilities
 
3.36

 
3.30

 
2.67

 
3.35

 
2.70

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
 
2.58

 
4.94

 
1.76

 
1.65

 
0.02

Full-Time Equivalent Employees
 
3,529

 
5,363

 
7,273

 
7,414

 
7,665

The items below are included in the Selected Financial Data.
2013
The items below had a net unfavorable effect on our results from continuing operations of $12.9 million, or $.08 per share:
a $12.4 million pre-tax charge ($7.3 million after tax, or $.05 per share) for severance costs.
a $6.2 million pre-tax charge ($3.7 million after tax, or $.02 per share) for a partial withdrawal obligation under a multiemployer pension plan.
a $3.2 million pre-tax charge ($1.9 million after tax, or $.01 per share) for the settlement of pension obligations under an immediate pension benefit offer to certain former employees.
2012 (53-week fiscal year)
The items below had a net favorable effect on our results from continuing operations of $95.1 million, or $.62 per share:
a $220.3 million pre-tax gain ($134.7 million after tax, or $.87 per share) on the sales of our ownership interest in Indeed.com and our remaining units in Fenway Sports Group.
a $47.7 million pre-tax charge ($27.7 million after tax, or $.18 per share) for the settlement of pension obligations in connection with lump-sum payments made under an immediate pension benefit offer to certain former employees.


P. 18 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


a $12.3 million pre-tax charge ($7.2 million after tax, or $.04 per share) for severance costs.
a $5.5 million pre-tax, non-cash charge ($3.2 million after tax, or $.02 per share) for the impairment of certain investments, primarily related to our investment in Ongo Inc., a consumer service for reading and sharing digital news and information from multiple publishers.
a $2.6 million pre-tax charge ($1.5 million after tax, or $.01 per share) in connection with a legal settlement.
2011
The items below had a net unfavorable effect on our results from continuing operations of $2.1 million, or $.02 per share:
a $71.2 million pre-tax gain ($41.4 million after tax, or $.27 per share) from the sales of 390 of our units in Fenway Sports Group and a portion of our interest in Indeed.com.
a $46.4 million pre-tax charge ($27.6 million after tax, or $.18 per share) in connection with the prepayment of all $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 14.053% senior unsecured notes.
a $10.0 million pre-tax charge ($5.9 million after tax, or $.04 per share) for severance costs.
a $7.5 million pre-tax charge ($4.7 million after tax, or $.03 per share) for the impairment of assets related to certain assets held for sale, primarily of Baseline, Inc. (“Baseline”), an online subscription database and research service for information on the film and television industries and a provider of premium film and television data to websites.
a $4.5 million pre-tax charge ($2.6 million after tax, or $.02 per share) for a retirement and consulting agreement in connection with the retirement of our former chief executive officer.
a $4.2 million estimated pre-tax charge ($2.7 million after tax, or $.02 per share) for a pension withdrawal obligation under a multiemployer pension plan at the Globe.
2010
The items below had a net unfavorable effect on our results from continuing operations of $4.8 million, or $.02 per share:
a $12.7 million pre-tax gain from the sale of an asset at one of the paper mills in which we have an investment. Our share of the pre-tax gain, after eliminating the noncontrolling interest portion, was $10.2 million ($6.5 million after tax, or $.04 per share).
an $11.4 million charge ($.07 per share) for the reduction in future tax benefits for retiree health benefits resulting from the federal health-care legislation enacted in 2010.
a $9.1 million pre-tax gain ($5.4 million after tax, or $.04 per share) from the sale of 50 of our units in Fenway Sports Group.
a $6.3 million pre-tax charge ($3.7 million after tax, or $.02 per share) for an adjustment to estimated pension withdrawal obligations under several multiemployer pension plans at the Globe.
a $2.7 million pre-tax charge ($1.6 million after tax, or $.01 per share) for severance costs.
2009
The items below had a net unfavorable effect on our results from continuing operations of $55.6 million, or $.38 per share:
a $78.9 million pre-tax charge ($45.8 million after tax, or $.31 per share) for a pension withdrawal obligation under certain multiemployer pension plans primarily at the Globe.
a $56.7 million pre-tax net pension curtailment gain ($32.9 million after tax, or $.22 per share) resulting from freezing of benefits under various Company-sponsored qualified and non-qualified pension plans.
a $34.6 million pre-tax charge ($20.1 million after tax, or $.14 per share) for a loss on leases ($31.1 million) and a fee ($3.5 million) for the early termination of a third-party printing contract. The lease charge included a


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 19


$22.8 million charge for a loss on leases associated with the closure of City & Suburban, our retail and newsstand distribution subsidiary, and $8.3 million for office space in New York.
a $28.5 million pre-tax charge ($16.5 million after tax, or $.11 per share) for severance costs.
a $9.3 million pre-tax charge ($5.4 million after tax, or $.04 per share) for a premium on the redemption of $250.0 million principal amount of our 4.5% notes, which was completed in April 2009.
a $1.2 million pre-tax charge ($0.7 million after tax, or $.00 per share) for the impairment of assets due to the reduced scope of a systems project.



P. 20 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated financial condition as of December 29, 2013, and results of operations for the three years ended December 29, 2013. This item should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes included in this Annual Report.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
We are a global media organization that includes newspapers, digital businesses and investments in paper mills. We currently have one reportable segment comprising businesses that include The Times, the International New York Times, NYTimes.com, international.nytimes.com and related businesses.
Our revenues were $1.6 billion in 2013. We generate revenues principally from circulation and advertising. Other revenues primarily consist of revenues from news services/syndication, digital archives, rental income and conferences/events. Our main operating costs are employee-related costs and raw materials, primarily newsprint.
Joint Ventures
Our investments accounted for under the equity method are primarily as follows:
a 49% interest in a Canadian newsprint company, Malbaie; and
a 40% interest in a partnership, Madison, operating a supercalendered paper mill in Maine.
Discontinued Operations
On October 24, 2013, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and operating liabilities of the New England Media Group, consisting of the Globe, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, the T&G, Telegram.com and related properties, for approximately $70 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. As part of the transaction, we also sold our 49% equity interest in Metro Boston. The net after-tax proceeds from the sale, including a tax benefit, were approximately $74 million.
As a result of the New England Media Group meeting the criteria of being held for sale in the third quarter of 2013, we recorded an impairment charge of $34.3 million reflecting the difference between the expected sales price and the New England Media Group’s net assets at such time. In the fourth quarter of 2013, when the sale was completed, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $47.6 million ($28.1 million after-tax), which was almost entirely comprised of a curtailment gain. This curtailment gain is primarily related to an acceleration of prior service credits from plan amendments announced in prior years, and is due to a reduction in the expected years of future Company service for employees at the New England Media Group.
Results of operations for the New England Media Group, as well as for the About Group and the Regional Media Group that were sold in 2012, have been treated as discontinued operations for all periods presented in this report. For further information regarding our discontinued operations, see “— Discontinued Operations” and Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Business Environment
We believe that a number of factors and industry trends have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our business and prospects. These include the following:
Secular shift to digital media choices
The competition for advertising revenues in various markets has intensified as a result of the continued development of digital media technologies and platforms.
We have expanded and will continue to expand our digital offerings; however, the largest portion of our revenues are currently from traditional print products where advertising revenues have been declining. We believe that the shift from traditional media formats to a growing number of digital media choices and changing consumer behavior have contributed to, and are likely to continue to contribute to, a decline in print advertising.
The digital advertising marketplace has become increasingly complex and fragmented, particularly as digital advertising networks and exchanges, real-time bidding and other programmatic-buying channels that allow


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 21


advertisers to buy audience at scale play a more significant role. Competition from a wide variety of digital media and services and a significant increase in inventory in the digital marketplace have affected, and we expect will continue to affect, our ability to attract and retain advertisers and to maintain or increase our advertising rates. In addition, advances in technology have led to an increasing popularity in the distribution of news and other content through mobile phones, tablets and other mobile devices, reshaping consumer behavior and expectations for consuming news and information. The digital advertising model is still evolving to address these rapid technological changes. Furthermore, as the advertising environment remains challenged, media companies have increasingly re-evaluated business models that have been largely dependent on advertising, with increasing numbers shifting their focus toward various forms of digital subscription models.
Circulation
Circulation is a significant source of revenue for us and an increasingly important driver as the overall composition of our revenues has shifted, and we expect will continue to shift, in response to the transformations in our industry. In recent years, our newspaper properties, and the newspaper industry as a whole, have experienced declining print circulation volume. This is due to, among other factors, increased competition from digital platforms and sources other than traditional newspapers (often free to users), changes in discretionary spending by consumers affected by economic conditions, higher subscription and single-copy rates and a growing preference among some consumers for receiving their news from a variety of sources.
Our paid digital subscription model has created a meaningful revenue stream. Our ability to retain and continue to build on our digital subscription base and audience for our digital products depends on continued market acceptance of our evolving digital subscription model, consumer habits, pricing, available alternatives from current and new competitors, delivery of high-quality journalism and content that is interesting and relevant to users, an adequate and adaptable digital infrastructure, access to delivery platforms on acceptable terms and other factors.
Economic conditions
Advertising spending, which drives a significant portion of our revenues, is sensitive to economic conditions. Global, national and local economic conditions affect the levels of our advertising revenues. The level of advertising sales in any period may be affected by advertisers’ decisions to increase or decrease their advertising expenditures in response to anticipated consumer demand and general economic conditions. Changes in spending patterns and priorities, including shifts in marketing strategies and budget cuts of key advertisers, in response to economic conditions, have depressed and may continue to depress our advertising revenues.
Costs
A significant portion of our costs are fixed, and therefore we are limited in our ability to reduce these costs in the short term. Our most significant costs are employee-related costs and raw materials, which together accounted for approximately 50% of our total operating costs in 2013. Changes in employee-related costs and the price and availability of newsprint can materially affect our operating results.
For a discussion of these and other factors that could affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, see “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A — Risk Factors.”
Our Strategy
Our business is operating during a period of transformation for our industry and amidst uneven economic conditions. We anticipate that the challenges we currently face will continue, and we believe that the following elements are key to our efforts to address them.
Focusing on our core business by strengthening and extending The New York Times brand and our digital offerings
The sale of the New England Media Group in the fourth quarter of 2013 allows us to focus on The Times brand and on further developing and growing our core business, as well as investing in our transformation to a more digitally-focused multimedia news and information company. Our priority is to better position our streamlined organization for innovation and growth, while maintaining a robust news-gathering operation capable of continuing to provide the high-quality news and information that sets our Company apart.
As we continue to face a challenging advertising environment, we are focused on building consumer revenues. The growth in our digital subscriber base in 2013, more than two years into the implementation of our paid digital


P. 22 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


subscription model, underscores the willingness of our readers and users to pay for the high-quality journalism we provide across multiple platforms. The Times’s paid digital subscription model has created a meaningful revenue stream that has partially offset the softness in our advertising and print circulation businesses.
We aim to continue to build our digital subscriber base by increasing engagement and subscription opportunities. As part of our efforts to expand digital subscription sales outside the United States, in the fourth quarter of 2013, we rebranded the International Herald Tribune as the International New York Times to create a single global media brand, and we are focused on further scaling this international opportunity in 2014. In addition, we believe there are consumers who are interested in both lower-priced and premium versions of The Times’s current digital products, and we plan to begin to introduce new options to the market in the first half of 2014.
We believe we have a very powerful and trusted brand that, because of the quality of our journalism, attracts educated, affluent and influential audiences. We are continuing to focus on leveraging our brand and developing and innovating our digital advertising offerings to restore digital advertising revenues to growth. We will also continue to build on the strength of The New York Times brand to expand our presence into new products, markets and endeavors, such as expanding our conference and events business and developing our e-commerce business and games.
As we continue to look for ways to optimize and monetize our products and services, we remain committed to creating quality content and a quality user experience, regardless of the distribution model of news and information.
Managing our expenses
Over the past few years, we have focused on realigning our cost base to ensure that we are operating our businesses efficiently, while maintaining our commitment to investing in high-quality content and achieving our long-term strategy. Our operating costs decreased in 2013, mainly due to lower pension expense, raw materials expense, and salaries and wage expense. We remained disciplined in our approach toward costs in 2013 and focused on realigning our work force, finding efficiencies in our production and distribution operations and further leveraging our centralized processes and resources.
We will endeavor to be diligent in reducing expenses and managing legacy costs going forward, but will also remain prepared to invest where appropriate. We expect to continue to invest in growing our business digitally and globally. Managing expenses will remain a priority and our focus will be on identifying operational efficiencies across our organization.
Strengthening our liquidity
We have continued to strengthen our liquidity position and we remain focused on further de-leveraging and de-risking our balance sheet.
As of December 29, 2013, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of approximately $1 billion and total debt and capital lease obligations of approximately $684 million. Accordingly, our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities exceeded total debt and capital lease obligations by over $300 million. Our cash position improved in 2013, primarily due to cash flows from operations and the proceeds from the sale of the New England Media Group and our ownership interest in Metro Boston, offset by contributions totaling approximately $74 million during 2013 to certain qualified pension plans. We believe our cash balance and cash provided by operations, in combination with other sources of cash, will be sufficient to meet our financing needs over the next 12 months.
In September 2013, we announced the initiation of a quarterly dividend. A dividend of $0.04 per share was paid on our Class A and Class B Common Stock in October 2013, and an additional dividend of $0.04 per share of Class A and Class B Common Stock was declared in December 2013 and paid in January 2014. We believe this quarterly dividend allows us to return capital to our stockholders while also maintaining the financial flexibility necessary to continue to invest in our transformation and growth initiatives. Given current conditions and continued volatility in advertising revenues, as well as the early stage of our growth strategy, we believe it is in the best interests of the Company to maintain a conservative balance sheet and a prudent view of our cash flow going forward.
Managing our retirement-related costs
We remain focused on managing the underfunded status of our pension plans and adjusting the size of our pension obligations relative to the size of our Company. Our qualified pension plans were underfunded (meaning the present value of future obligations exceeded the fair value of plan assets) as of December 29, 2013, by approximately


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 23


$80 million, compared with approximately $350 million as of December 30, 2012. The improvement in the funded status of these pension plans reflects the increase in interest rates in 2013, solid returns on pension assets, contributions we made in early 2013 and the elimination of obligations resulting from the acceptance by certain former employees of a one-time lump-sum payment offer in 2012. We made contributions of approximately $74 million to certain qualified pension plans in 2013 compared with approximately $144 million in 2012. We expect contributions to total approximately $16 million to satisfy minimum funding requirements in 2014.
We have taken other steps over the last few years as part of our ongoing strategy to address our pension obligations, including freezing accruals under the qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover both our non-union employees and those covered by collective bargaining agreements. In November 2012, in connection with ratified amendments to a collective bargaining agreement covering employees in The New York Times Newspaper Guild, we froze benefit accruals under the existing defined benefit pension plan, a step that will significantly limit future funding volatility for that plan and, accordingly, volatility of the Company’s overall financial condition. As part of such amendments, we adopted a new, low volatility, defined benefit pension plan, subject to the approval of the Internal Revenue Service. We have also offered one-time lump-sum payments to certain former employees and we will continue to look for ways to reduce the size of our pension obligations.
While we have made significant progress in our liability-driven investment strategy to reduce the funding volatility of our qualified pension plans, the size of our pension plan obligations relative to the size of our current operations will continue to have a significant impact on our reported financial results. We expect to continue to experience significant volatility in 2014 in our retirement-related costs, including pension, multiemployer pension and retiree medical costs. In 2013, our retirement-related costs declined by approximately $27 million to $18 million (excluding a $6.2 million multiemployer pension plan withdrawal expense in 2013), as pension interest costs were significantly lower and expected earnings on plan assets were significantly higher in 2013 than in 2012. In 2014, we expect that retirement-related costs will increase approximately $19 million to $37 million, due principally to a lower expected return on pension plan assets due to a shift in asset mix from equity to bonds, higher interest costs, the impact of the acceleration of prior service costs due to the sale of the New England Media Group on retiree medical costs, and higher expenses associated with our multiemployer pension plan withdrawal obligations.
Our retirement plan obligations have not declined proportionately with the relative size of our business over the years, since we have largely retained all pension liabilities following the sales of the New England and Regional Media Groups. As a result, volatility resulting from changes in what we refer to as our “non-operating retirement costs” may obscure trends in the financial performance of our operating business. Non-operating retirement costs include interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial gains and loss components of pension expense; interest cost and amortization of actuarial gains and loss components of retiree medical expense; and all expenses associated with multiemployer pension plan withdrawal obligations. These non-operating retirement costs are primarily tied to financial market performance and amortization of changes in market interest rates and investment performance. Non-operating retirement costs do not include service costs and amortization of prior service costs for pension and retiree medical benefits, which we believe reflect the ongoing service-related costs of providing pension benefits to our employees. We consider non-operating retirement costs to be outside the performance of the business and we believe presenting operating results excluding non-operating retirement costs, in addition to our GAAP operating results, will provide increased transparency and a better understanding of the underlying trends in our operating business performance. Beginning in 2014, we will provide supplemental non-GAAP information on adjusted operating costs and adjusted operating profit, in each case adjusted to exclude non-operating retirement costs. We believe that this supplemental information will help clarify how the employee benefit costs of our principal plans affect our financial position and how they may affect future operating performance, allowing for a better long-term view of the business.
Outlook
We remain in a challenging business environment, reflecting an increasingly competitive and fragmented landscape, and visibility remains limited.
Total circulation revenues are projected to increase in the low-single digits in the first quarter of 2014 compared with the first quarter of 2013, as we expect to benefit from our digital subscription initiatives, as well as from the print home-delivery price increase implemented in the first quarter of 2014.
We expect total advertising revenue trends for the first quarter of 2014 to be similar to the trends experienced in the fourth quarter of 2013 based on a 13-week comparison.


P. 24 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


We expect operating costs in the first quarter of 2014 to increase in the low- to mid-single digits compared with the first quarter of 2013 as investments around the Company’s strategic growth initiatives accelerate. In addition to higher retirement-related costs described above, we expect that costs related to our growth initiatives will increase by approximately $25 to $30 million in 2014 compared with 2013. We expect that operating profit will be negatively affected by these growth initiatives for the full year 2014, with potential positive contributions to profitability beginning late in 2014.
In addition, we expect the following on a pre-tax basis in 2014:
Results from joint ventures: $0 to a loss of $1 million,
Depreciation and amortization: $75 to $85 million,
Interest expense, net: $55 to $60 million, and
Capital expenditures: $35 to $45 million.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 25


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Fiscal years 2013 and 2011 each comprise 52 weeks and fiscal year 2012 comprises 53 weeks. The effect of the 53rd week (“additional week”) on revenues and operating costs is discussed below. The following table presents our consolidated financial results:
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
13-12

 
12-11

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Circulation
 
$
824,277

 
$
795,037

 
$
705,163

 
3.7

 
12.7

Advertising
 
666,687

 
711,829

 
756,148

 
(6.3
)
 
(5.9
)
Other
 
86,266

 
88,475

 
93,263

 
(2.5
)
 
(5.1
)
Total revenues
 
1,577,230

 
1,595,341

 
1,554,574

 
(1.1
)
 
2.6

Operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
 
92,886

 
106,381

 
108,267

 
(12.7
)
 
(1.7
)
Wages and benefits
 
332,085

 
331,321

 
315,900

 
0.2

 
4.9

Other
 
201,942

 
213,616

 
216,094

 
(5.5
)
 
(1.1
)
Total production costs
 
626,913

 
651,318

 
640,261

 
(3.7
)
 
1.7

Selling, general and administrative costs
 
706,354

 
711,112

 
687,558

 
(0.7
)
 
3.4

Depreciation and amortization
 
78,477

 
78,980

 
83,833

 
(0.6
)
 
(5.8
)
Total operating costs
 
1,411,744

 
1,441,410

 
1,411,652

 
(2.1
)
 
2.1

Pension settlement expense
 
3,228

 
47,657

 

 
(93.2
)
 
N/A

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal expense
 
6,171

 

 
4,228

 
N/A

 
*

Other expense
 

 
2,620

 
4,500

 
*

 
(41.8
)
Impairment of assets
 

 

 
7,458

 
N/A

 
*

Operating profit
 
156,087

 
103,654

 
126,736

 
50.6

 
(18.2
)
Gain on sale of investments
 

 
220,275

 
71,171

 
*

 
*

Impairment of investments
 

 
5,500

 

 
*

 
N/A

(Loss)/income from joint ventures
 
(3,215
)
 
2,936

 
(270
)
 
*

 
*

Premium on debt redemption
 

 

 
46,381

 
N/A

 
*

Interest expense, net
 
58,073

 
62,808

 
85,243

 
(7.5
)
 
(26.3
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
94,799

 
258,557

 
66,013

 
(63.3
)
 
*

Income tax expense
 
37,892

 
94,617

 
21,417

 
(60.0
)
 
*

Income from continuing operations
 
56,907

 
163,940

 
44,596

 
(65.3
)
 
*

Discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


(Loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(20,413
)
 
(113,447
)
 
(82,799
)
 
(82.0
)
 
37.0

Gain on sale, net of income taxes
 
28,362

 
85,520

 

 
(66.8
)
 
N/A

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
7,949

 
(27,927
)
 
(82,799
)
 
*

 
(66.3
)
Net income/(loss)
 
64,856

 
136,013

 
(38,203
)
 
(52.3
)
 
*

Net loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
249

 
(166
)
 
555

 
*

 
*

Net income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
65,105

 
$
135,847

 
$
(37,648
)
 
(52.1
)
 
*

* Represents an increase or decrease in excess of 100%.


P. 26 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Revenues
Circulation, advertising and other revenues were as follows: 
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
13-12

 
12-11

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Circulation
 
$
824,277

 
$
795,037

 
$
705,163

 
3.7

 
12.7

Advertising
 
666,687

 
711,829

 
756,148

 
(6.3
)
 
(5.9
)
Other
 
86,266

 
88,475

 
93,263

 
(2.5
)
 
(5.1
)
Total
 
$
1,577,230

 
$
1,595,341

 
$
1,554,574

 
(1.1
)
 
2.6

Circulation Revenues
Circulation revenues are based on the number of copies of the printed newspaper (through home-delivery subscriptions and single-copy and bulk sales) and digital subscriptions sold and the rates charged to the respective customers. Total circulation revenues consist of revenues from our print and digital products, including our digital-only subscription packages, e-readers and replica editions.
Circulation revenues increased in 2013 compared with 2012 primarily due to growth in our digital subscription base and the increase in print home-delivery prices at The Times, offset by a decline resulting from fewer print copies sold and the effect of the additional week in 2012. Revenues from our digital-only subscription packages, e-readers and replica editions were $149.1 million in 2013 compared with $111.7 million in 2012, an increase of 33.5%.
Circulation revenues increased in 2012 compared with 2011 mainly as growth in our digital subscription base, the increase in print home-delivery prices in the first half of 2012 at The Times and the effect of the additional week in 2012 offset a decline resulting from fewer print copies sold. Revenues from our digital-only subscription packages, e-readers and replica editions were $111.7 million in 2012 compared with $44.3 million in 2011. In addition, as home-delivery subscribers receive all digital access for free, we saw benefits to The Times’s home-delivery circulation with slight growth in Sunday home-delivery circulation volume in 2012 compared with 2011.
Advertising Revenues
Advertising revenues (print and digital) by category were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
13-12

 
12-11

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
National
 
$
522,085

 
$
545,888

 
$
579,695

 
(4.4
)
 
(5.8
)
Retail
 
82,614

 
95,709

 
95,301

 
(13.7
)
 
0.4

Classified
 
57,069

 
64,575

 
74,084

 
(11.6
)
 
(12.8
)
Other
 
4,919

 
5,657

 
7,068

 
(13.0
)
 
(20.0
)
Total
 
$
666,687

 
$
711,829

 
$
756,148

 
(6.3
)
 
(5.9
)
Below is a percentage breakdown of 2013 and 2012 advertising revenues (print and digital):
 
National

Retail
and
Preprint

Classified
Total
Classified

Other
Advertising
Revenues

Total

 
Help
Wanted

Real
Estate

Auto

Other

2013
78
%
12
%
2
%
4
%
%
3
%
9
%
1
%
100
%
2012
77
%
13
%
2
%
4
%
1
%
2
%
9
%
1
%
100
%
Advertising revenues are primarily determined by the volume, rate and mix of advertisements. Advertising spending, which drives a significant portion of revenues, is sensitive to economic conditions and affected by the


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 27


continuing transformation of our industry. During 2013, advertising revenues remained under pressure due to ongoing secular trends and economic factors. Changes in the spending patterns and marketing strategies of our advertisers in response to such conditions and an increasingly complex and fragmented digital advertising marketplace contributed to declines in advertising revenues during 2013. The market for standard web-based digital display advertising continues to experience challenges, due to an abundance of available advertising inventory and a shift toward automation, including digital advertising networks and exchanges, real-time bidding and other programmatic-buying channels that allow advertisers to buy audience at scale, which has led to downward pricing pressure.
In 2013, total advertising revenues decreased primarily due to lower print advertising revenues across all advertising categories and the effect of the additional week in 2012. Print advertising revenues, which represented approximately 76% of total advertising revenues, declined 7.0% in 2013 compared with 2012, due to weakness in national, retail and classified advertising. Digital advertising revenues declined 4.3% in 2013 compared with 2012 due to declines in national and classified advertising revenues, driven in part by the effect of the additional week in 2012, partially offset by an increase in retail advertising revenues.
By category, total advertising revenues declined in 2013 compared with 2012 mainly due to lower retail and classified advertising revenues, partially driven by the effect of the additional week in 2012. Total retail advertising revenues declined as advertisers reduced spending in the face of uneven economic conditions, primarily in the department stores, fashion jewelry and mass market categories. The uncertain economic environment, coupled with secular changes in our industry, contributed to declines in total classified advertising revenues, primarily in the real estate, automotive and help wanted categories. Total national advertising revenues decreased mainly in the financial services, entertainment, department store and hotel categories, partially offset by growth in the telecommunications and corporate categories.
In 2012, total advertising revenues decreased compared with 2011 due to lower print and digital advertising revenues, partially offset by the effect of the additional week in 2012. Print advertising revenues were affected by declines in advertiser spending in most advertising categories, reflecting the continued uneven U.S. economic environment, uncertain global conditions and the secular transformation of our industry. Print advertising revenues, which represented approximately 76% of total advertising revenues in 2012, declined 7.4% in 2012 compared with 2011, due to weakness in national, retail and classified advertising. Market factors, including an increasingly competitive landscape, also contributed to reduced spending on digital platforms and pricing pressure in digital advertising. Digital advertising revenues in 2012 decreased slightly compared with 2011 primarily due to declines in the real estate classified advertising category, partially offset by improvement in the national and retail display advertising categories, which benefited in part from the additional week in 2012.
By category, total advertising revenues declined in 2012 compared with 2011 mainly due to lower national and classified advertising revenues. Total national advertising revenues decreased reflecting the uncertain economic environment, which led to declines mainly in the financial services, studio entertainment, corporate and technology categories, partially offset by growth in the luxury category. The soft economic environment, coupled with secular changes in our industry, contributed to declines in total classified advertising revenues, primarily in the real estate and automotive categories.
Other Revenues
Other revenues consist primarily of revenues from news services/syndication, digital archives, rental income and conferences/events.
Other revenues decreased in 2013 compared with 2012, mainly due to our exit from the education business at the end of 2012.
Other revenues decreased in 2012 compared with 2011, mainly due to the sale of Baseline and our exit from the education business at the end of 2012.


P. 28 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Operating Costs
Operating costs were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
13-12

 
12-11

 
 
(52 weeks)

 
(53 weeks)

 
(52 weeks)

 
 
 
 
Production costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
 
$
92,886

 
$
106,381

 
$
108,267

 
(12.7
)
 
(1.7
)
Wages and benefits
 
332,085

 
331,321

 
315,900

 
0.2

 
4.9

Other
 
201,942

 
213,616

 
216,094

 
(5.5
)
 
(1.1
)
Total production costs
 
626,913

 
651,318

 
640,261

 
(3.7
)
 
1.7

Selling, general and administrative costs
 
706,354

 
711,112

 
687,558

 
(0.7
)
 
3.4

Depreciation and amortization
 
78,477

 
78,980

 
83,833

 
(0.6
)
 
(5.8
)
Total operating costs
 
$
1,411,744

 
$
1,441,410

 
$
1,411,652

 
(2.1
)
 
2.1

The components of operating costs as a percentage of total operating costs were as follows:
 
Years Ended
 
December 29,
2013

December 30,
2012

December 25,
2011

 
(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

(52 weeks)

Components of operating costs as a percentage of total operating costs
 
 
 
Wages and benefits
40
%
40
%
40
%
Raw materials
7
%
7
%
7
%
Other operating costs
47
%
47
%
47
%
Depreciation and amortization
6
%
6
%
6
%
Total
100
%
100
%
100
%
The components of operating costs as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
 
Years Ended
 
December 29,
2013

December 30,
2012

December 25,
2011

 
(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

(52 weeks)

Components of operating costs as a percentage of total revenues
 
 
 
Wages and benefits
36
%
36
%
36
%
Raw materials
6
%
7
%
7
%
Other operating costs
43
%
42
%
43
%
Depreciation and amortization
5
%
5
%
5
%
Total
90
%
90
%
91
%
Production Costs
Production costs decreased in 2013 compared with 2012 primarily due to lower raw materials expense (approximately $13 million), mainly newsprint, outside printing costs (approximately $9 million) and pension expense (approximately $3 million), offset in part by higher compensation costs (approximately $4 million). Newsprint expense declined 16.2% in 2013, with 9.8% from lower consumption and 6.4% from lower pricing. Cost savings from contract negotiations mainly contributed to lower outside printing costs. Compensation costs increased


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 29


mainly due to new hires related to our digital initiatives and lower capitalized salary costs, offset by the additional week in 2012.
Production costs increased in 2012 compared with 2011 primarily due to higher compensation costs (approximately $16 million) and various other costs, offset in part by lower outside printing costs (approximately $6 million) and raw materials expense (approximately $2 million), mainly newsprint. Compensation costs increased mainly due to new hires for our digital initiatives, the effect of the additional week in 2012 and annual salary increases. Cost savings from the expiration of certain contractual commitments and contract negotiations mainly contributed to lower outside printing costs. Newsprint expense declined 1.2% in 2012, with 3.4% from lower consumption offset in part by 2.2% from higher pricing.
Selling, General and Administrative Costs
Selling, general and administrative costs decreased in 2013 compared with 2012 primarily due to lower pension expense (approximately $18 million) and salaries and wage expenses (approximately $10 million) offset by higher other compensation costs (approximately $13 million). Compensation costs increased primarily due to new hires related to digital initiatives and annual salary merit increases.
Selling, general and administrative costs increased in 2012 compared with 2011 primarily due to higher costs associated with promotion (approximately $4 million), severance (approximately $2 million) and various other costs and the effect of the additional week in 2012, offset in part by lower professional fees (approximately $7 million). Promotion costs were higher mainly due to our digital initiatives and print circulation marketing at The Times. Severance costs were higher due to the level of workforce reduction programs year-over-year. Professional fees were lower due to the level of consulting services.
Other Items
Pension Settlement Expense
As part of our strategy to reduce our pension obligations and the resulting volatility of our overall financial condition, during 2013 and 2012, we offered one-time lump-sum payments to certain former employees. The lump-sum payment offers each resulted in settlement charges due to the acceleration of the recognition of the accumulated unrecognized actuarial loss.
2013
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a $3.2 million non-cash settlement charge in connection with one-time lump-sum payments made to certain former employees who participated in a non-qualified pension plan. Total lump-sum payments made in the fourth quarter of 2013 were approximately $11 million and were paid out of Company cash.
2012
In 2012, we offered certain former employees who participated in The New York Times Companies Pension Plan the option to receive a one-time lump-sum payment equal to the present value of the participant’s pension benefit (payable in cash or rolled over into a qualified retirement plan or IRA) or to commence an immediate monthly annuity. Approximately 2,600 eligible terminated vested participants in The New York Times Companies Pension Plan accepted the offer. We recorded a non-cash settlement charge of $47.7 million in connection with the lump-sum payments made in the fourth quarter of 2012, which totaled approximately $112 million. These lump-sum payments were made out of existing assets of The New York Times Companies Pension Plan and not with Company cash. The lump-sum payments resulted in an actuarial gain of approximately $30 million as of December 30, 2012, thereby improving the underfunded status of The New York Times Companies Pension Plan. The actuarial gain was due to a higher discount rate used to value the lump-sum payments than was used to value the plan’s liabilities as of December 30, 2012.
Multiemployer Pension Plan Withdrawal Expense
Over the past few years, certain events, such as amendments to various collective bargaining agreements and the sales of the New England Media Group and the Regional Media Group, resulted in withdrawals from multiemployer pension plans. These actions, along with a reduction in covered employees, have resulted in us estimating withdrawal liabilities to the respective plans for our proportionate share of any unfunded vested benefits.


P. 30 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Our multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability was approximately $119 million as of December 29, 2013 and $109 million as of December 30, 2012. This liability represents the present value of the obligations related to complete and partial withdrawals from certain plans, as well as an estimate of future partial withdrawals that we considered probable and reasonably estimable. For the plans that have yet to provide us with a demand letter, the actual liability will not be fully known until those plans complete a final assessment of the withdrawal liability and issue a demand to us. Therefore, the estimate of our multiemployer pension plan liability will be adjusted as more information becomes available that allows us to refine our estimates.
2013
In the third quarter of 2013, we recorded an estimated charge of $6.2 million related to a partial withdrawal obligation under a multiemployer pension plan.
2012
There were nominal charges in 2012 for withdrawal obligations related to our multiemployer pension plans.
2011
In 2011, we recorded an estimated charge of $4.2 million for multiemployer pension plan withdrawal obligations.
Other Expense
2012
In 2012, we recorded a $2.6 million charge in connection with a legal settlement.
2011
In 2011, we recorded a $4.5 million charge for a retirement and consulting agreement in connection with the retirement of our former chief executive officer at the end of 2011.
Impairment of Assets
2011
In the second quarter of 2011, we classified certain assets as held for sale, primarily of Baseline. The carrying value of these assets was greater than their fair value, less cost to sell, resulting in an impairment of certain intangible assets and property totaling $7.5 million. The impairment charge reduced the carrying value of intangible assets to zero and the property to a nominal value. The fair value for these assets was determined by estimating the most likely sale price with a third-party buyer based on market data. In October 2011, we completed the sale of Baseline, which resulted in a nominal gain.
NON-OPERATING ITEMS
Gain on Sale of Investments
2012
In the fourth quarter of 2012, Indeed.com, a search engine for jobs in which we had an ownership interest, was sold. The proceeds from the sale of our interest were approximately $167 million and we recognized a pre-tax gain of $164.6 million.
In the first quarter of 2012, we sold 100 of our units in Fenway Sports Group for an aggregate price of $30.0 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $17.8 million, and in the second quarter of 2012, we sold our remaining 210 units for an aggregate price of $63.0 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $37.8 million.
2011
In the third quarter of 2011, we sold 390 of our units in Fenway Sports Group, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $65.3 million.
In the first quarter of 2011, we sold a minor portion of our interest in Indeed.com, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $5.9 million.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 31


Impairment of Investments
In 2012, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $5.5 million to reduce the carrying value of certain investments to fair value. The impairment charges were primarily related to our investment in Ongo Inc., a consumer service for reading and sharing digital news and information from multiple publishers.
(Loss)/Income from Joint Ventures
As of December 29, 2013, we had investments in paper mills that were accounted for under the equity method (Malbaie and Madison). Our proportionate share of the operating results of these investments is recorded in “(Loss)/income from joint ventures” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these investments.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, as part of the sale of the New England Media Group, we sold our 49% equity interest in Metro Boston, and classified the results as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In 2013, we had loss from joint ventures of $3.2 million compared with income of $2.9 million in 2012. Joint venture results in 2013 were primarily due to lower results for the paper mills in which we have an investment.
In 2012, we had income from joint ventures of $2.9 million compared with a loss of $0.3 million in 2011. Joint venture results in 2012 were primarily impacted by improved results from the paper mills and the sale of our ownership interest in Fenway Sports Group. We changed the accounting for our ownership interest in Fenway Sports Group from the equity method to the cost method after the sale of a portion of our ownership interest in February 2012 reduced our influence on the operations of Fenway Sports Group. Therefore, starting in February 2012, we no longer recognized our proportionate share of the operating results of Fenway Sports Group in joint venture results in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Premium on Debt Redemption
On August 15, 2011, we prepaid in full all $250.0 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 14.053% senior unsecured notes due January 15, 2015 (“14.053% Notes”). The prepayment totaled approximately $280 million, comprising (1) the $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 14.053% Notes, (2) approximately $3 million representing all interest that was accrued and unpaid on the 14.053% Notes, and (3) a make-whole premium amount of approximately $27 million due in connection with the prepayment. We funded the prepayment from available cash. As a result of this prepayment, we recorded a $46.4 million pre-tax charge in the third quarter of 2011 and saved, and expect to save, in excess of $39 million annually in interest expense through January 15, 2015, the original maturity date.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net, was as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Cash interest expense
 
$
54,811

 
$
58,719

 
$
79,187

Non-cash amortization of discount on debt
 
4,777

 
4,516

 
6,933

Capitalized interest
 

 
(17
)
 
(427
)
Interest income
 
(1,515
)
 
(410
)
 
(450
)
Total interest expense, net
 
$
58,073

 
$
62,808

 
$
85,243

Interest expense, net decreased in 2013 compared with 2012 due to a lower level of debt outstanding as a result of repurchases and, in the fourth quarter of 2012, a charge associated with the termination of our $125.0 million revolving credit facility.
Interest expense, net decreased in 2012 compared with 2011 mainly due to the prepayment in August 2011 of the 14.053% Notes and our payment at maturity in September 2012 of all $75.0 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of our 4.610% senior notes (“4.610% Notes”), offset in part by a charge related to the termination of our revolving credit facility in 2012.


P. 32 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Income Taxes
We had income tax expense of $37.9 million on pre-tax income of $94.8 million in 2013. Our effective tax rate was 40.0% in 2013. The effective tax rate for 2013 was favorably affected by strong returns on corporate-owned life insurance investments and approximately $1.8 million for the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions due to the lapse of applicable statutes of limitations.
We had income tax expense of $94.6 million on pre-tax income of $258.6 million in 2012. Our effective tax rate was 36.6% in 2012. The effective tax rate for 2012 was favorably affected by a lower income tax rate on the sale of our ownership interest in Indeed.com.
We had income tax expense of $21.4 million on pre-tax income of $66.0 million in 2011. Our effective tax rate was 32.4% in 2011. The effective tax rate for 2011 was favorably affected by approximately $12 million for the reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions, primarily due to the lapse of applicable statutes of limitations.
Discontinued Operations
New England Media Group
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and operating liabilities of the New England Media Group, consisting of the Globe, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, the T&G, Telegram.com and related properties, and our 49% equity interest in Metro Boston, for approximately $70 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. The net after-tax proceeds from the sale, including a tax benefit, were approximately $74 million.
As a result of the New England Media Group meeting the criteria of being held for sale in the third quarter of 2013, we recorded an impairment charge of $34.3 million reflecting the difference between the expected sales price and the New England Media Group’s net assets at such time. In the fourth quarter of 2013, when the sale was completed, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $47.6 million on the sale ($28.1 million after tax), which was almost entirely comprised of a curtailment gain. This curtailment gain is primarily related to an acceleration of prior service credits from plan amendments announced in prior years, and is due to a reduction in the expected years of future Company service for employees at the New England Media Group.
The results of operations of the New England Media Group have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented and certain assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale for all periods presented.
About Group
In the fourth quarter of 2012, we completed the sale of the About Group, consisting of About.com, ConsumerSearch.com, CalorieCount.com and related businesses, to IAC/InterActiveCorp. for $300.0 million in cash, plus a net working capital adjustment of approximately $17 million. In 2012, the sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $96.7 million ($61.9 million after tax). The net after-tax proceeds from the sale were approximately $291 million. The results of operations of the About Group, which had previously been presented as a reportable segment, have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented and certain assets are classified as held for sale as of December 30, 2012 and December 25, 2011.
Regional Media Group
In the first quarter of 2012, we completed the sale of the Regional Media Group, consisting of 16 regional newspapers, other print publications and related businesses, to Halifax Media Holdings LLC for approximately $140 million in cash. The net after-tax proceeds from the sale, including a tax benefit, were approximately $150 million. The sale resulted in an after-tax gain of $23.6 million (including post-closing adjustments recorded in the second and fourth quarters of 2012 totaling $6.6 million). The results of operations for the Regional Media Group have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented and certain assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale as of December 25, 2011.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 33


Discontinued operations are summarized in the following charts:
 
Year Ended December 29, 2013
(In thousands)
New England Media Group
 
About Group
 
Regional Media Group
 
Total
Revenues
$
287,677

 
$

 
$

 
$
287,677

Total operating costs
281,414

 

 

 
281,414

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal expense(1)
7,997

 

 

 
7,997

Impairment of assets(2)
34,300

 

 

 
34,300

Loss from joint ventures
(240
)
 

 

 
(240
)
Interest expense, net
9

 

 

 
9

Pre-tax loss
(36,283
)
 

 

 
(36,283
)
Income tax benefit(3)
(13,373
)
 
(2,497
)
 

 
(15,870
)
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(22,910
)
 
2,497

 

 
(20,413
)
Gain/(loss) on sale, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale(4)
47,561

 
419

 

 
47,980

Income tax expense 
19,457

 
161

 

 
19,618

Gain on sale, net of income taxes
28,104

 
258

 

 
28,362

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
5,194

 
$
2,755

 
$

 
$
7,949


 
Year Ended December 30, 2012
(In thousands)
New England Media Group
 
About Group
 
Regional Media Group
 
Total
Revenues
$
394,739

 
$
74,970

 
$
6,115

 
$
475,824

Total operating costs
385,527

 
51,140

 
8,017

 
444,684

Impairment of assets(2)

 
194,732

 

 
194,732

Income from joint ventures
68

 

 

 
68

Interest expense, net
7

 

 

 
7

Pre-tax income/(loss)
9,273

 
(170,902
)
 
(1,902
)
 
(163,531
)
Income tax expense/(benefit)
10,717

 
(60,065
)
 
(736
)
 
(50,084
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(1,444
)
 
(110,837
)
 
(1,166
)
 
(113,447
)
Gain/(loss) on sale, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain/(loss) on sale

 
96,675

 
(5,441
)
 
91,234

Income tax expense/(benefit)(5)

 
34,785

 
(29,071
)
 
5,714

Gain on sale, net of income taxes

 
61,890

 
23,630

 
85,520

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
$
(1,444
)
 
$
(48,947
)
 
$
22,464

 
$
(27,927
)




P. 34 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


 
 
Year Ended December 25, 2011
(In thousands)
 
New England Media Group
 
About Group
 
Regional Media Group
 
Total
Revenues
 
$
398,056

 
$
110,826

 
$
259,945

 
$
768,827

Total operating costs
 
376,474

 
67,475

 
235,032

 
678,981

Impairment of assets(2)
 
1,767

 
3,116

 
152,093

 
156,976

Income from joint ventures
 
298

 

 

 
298

Pre-tax income/(loss)
 
20,113

 
40,235

 
(127,180
)
 
(66,832
)
Income tax expense/(benefit)(6)
 
11,393

 
15,453

 
(10,879
)
 
15,967

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
$
8,720

 
$
24,782

 
$
(116,301
)
 
$
(82,799
)
(1)
The multiemployer pension plan withdrawal expense in 2013 is related to estimated charges for complete or partial withdrawal obligations under multiemployer pension plans triggered by the sale of the New England Media Group.
(2)
Included the impairment of fixed assets related to the New England Media Group in 2013; impairment of goodwill related to the About Group in 2012; impairment of intangible assets related to the About Group and impairment of goodwill related to Regional Media Group in 2011.
(3)
The income tax benefit for the About Group in 2013 is related to a change in prior period estimated tax expense.
(4)
Included in the gain on sale in 2013 is a $49.1 million post-retirement curtailment gain related to the New England Media Group.
(5)
The income tax benefit for the Regional Media Group in 2012 included a tax deduction for goodwill, which was previously non-deductible, triggered upon the sale of the Regional Media Group.
(6)
The income tax benefit for the Regional Media Group in 2011 was unfavorably impacted because a portion of the goodwill impairment charge was non-deductible.
Impairment of Assets
2013
New England Media Group
The impairment of assets in 2013 reflects the impairment of fixed assets held for sale that related to the New England Media Group. During the third quarter of 2013, we estimated the fair value less cost to sell of the group held for sale, using unobservable inputs. We recorded a $34.3 million non-cash charge in the third quarter of 2013 for fixed assets at the New England Media Group to reduce the carrying value of fixed assets to their fair value less cost to sell.
2012
About Group
Our policy is to perform our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. However, due to certain impairment indicators at the About Group, we performed an interim impairment test as of June 24, 2012. The interim impairment test resulted in a $194.7 million non-cash charge in the second quarter of 2012 for the impairment of goodwill at the About Group. Our expectations for future operating results and cash flows at the About Group in the long term were lower than our previous estimates, primarily driven by a reassessment of the sustainability of our estimated long-term growth rate for display advertising. The reduction in our estimated long-term growth rate resulted in the carrying value of the net assets being greater than their fair value, and therefore a write-down of goodwill to its fair value was required.
2011
About Group
Our 2011 annual impairment test, which was completed in the fourth quarter, resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $3.1 million relating to the write-down of an intangible asset at ConsumerSearch, Inc., which was part of the About Group. The impairment was driven by lower cost-per-click advertising revenues. This impairment charge reduced the carrying value of the ConsumerSearch trade name to approximately $3 million. The fair value of the trade name was calculated using a relief-from-royalty method.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 35


Regional Media Group
Due to certain impairment indicators at the Regional Media Group, including lower-than-expected operating results, we performed an interim impairment test of goodwill as of June 26, 2011. The interim test resulted in an impairment of goodwill of $152.1 million mainly from lower projected long-term operating results and cash flows of the Regional Media Group, primarily due to the continued decline in print advertising revenues. These factors resulted in the carrying value of the net assets being greater than their fair value, and therefore a write-down to fair value was required. The impairment charge reduced the carrying value of goodwill at the Regional Media Group to zero.
In determining the fair value of the Regional Media Group, we made significant judgments and estimates regarding the expected severity and duration of the uneven economic environment and the secular changes affecting the newspaper industry in the Regional Media Group markets. The effect of these assumptions on projected long-term revenues, along with the continued benefits from reductions to the group’s cost structure, played a significant role in calculating the fair value of the Regional Media Group.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
The following table presents information about our financial position.
Financial Position Summary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
% Change

(In thousands, except ratios)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
13-12

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
482,745

 
$
820,490

 
(41.2
)
Marketable securities
 
541,035

 
139,264

 
*

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
21

 
123

 
(82.9
)
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
684,142

 
696,752

 
(1.8
)
Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
 
842,910

 
662,325

 
27.3

Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt to total capitalization
 
45
%
 
51
%
 
 
Current assets to current liabilities
 
3.36

 
3.30

 
 
* Represents an increase in excess of 100%.
Our primary sources of cash inflows from operations are circulation and advertising sales. Circulation and advertising provided about 52% and 42%, respectively, of total revenues in 2013. The remaining cash inflows from operations are from other revenue sources such as news services/syndication, digital archives, rental income and conferences/events. Our primary source of cash outflows are for employee compensation, pension and other benefits, raw materials, services and supplies, interest and income taxes. Contributions to our qualified pension plans can have a significant impact on cash flows. See “— Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” for additional information regarding our pension plans. We believe our cash balance and cash provided by operations, in combination with other sources of cash, will be sufficient to meet our financing needs over the next 12 months. 
We have continued to strengthen our liquidity position and our debt profile. As of December 29, 2013, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of approximately $1 billion and total debt and capital lease obligations of approximately $684 million. Accordingly, our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities exceeded total debt and capital lease obligations by over $300 million. Our cash position improved in 2013, primarily due to cash flows from operations and the proceeds from the sale of the New England Media Group and our ownership interest in Metro Boston, offset by contributions totaling approximately $74 million during 2013 to certain qualified pension plans.
In September 2013, we announced the initiation of a quarterly dividend. A dividend of $0.04 per share was paid on our Class A and Class B Common Stock in October 2013, and an additional dividend of $0.04 per share of Class A and Class B Common Stock was declared in December 2013 and paid in January 2014. We paid dividends of approximately $6 million in 2013. No dividends were declared or paid in 2012 or 2011.


P. 36 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


We remain focused on managing the underfunded status of our pension plans and adjusting the size of our pension obligations relative to the size of our Company. Our qualified pension plans were underfunded (meaning the present value of future obligations exceeded the fair value of plan assets) as of December 29, 2013, by approximately $80 million, compared with approximately $350 million as of December 30, 2012. The improvement in the funded status of these pension plans reflects the increase in interest rates in 2013, solid returns on pension assets, contributions we made in early 2013 and the elimination of obligations relating to certain former employees who accepted a one-time lump-sum payment offer in 2012. We made contributions of approximately $74 million to certain qualified pension plans in 2013. We expect contributions to total approximately $16 million to satisfy minimum funding requirements in 2014. In addition, see “Legal Proceedings” regarding current matters relating to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash
Cash flows provided by/(used in) by category were as follows:
 
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
13-12

 
12-11

Operating activities
 
$
34,855

 
$
79,310

 
$
73,927

 
(56.1
)
 
7.3

Investing activities
 
$
(353,657
)
 
$
646,813

 
$
(18,254
)
 
*

 
*

Financing activities
 
$
(19,259
)
 
$
(80,854
)
 
$
(250,226
)
 
(76.2
)
 
(67.7
)
* Represents an increase or decrease in excess of 100%.
Operating Activities
Operating cash inflows include cash receipts from circulation and advertising sales and other revenue transactions. Operating cash outflows include payments for employee compensation, pension and other benefits, raw materials, services and supplies, interest and income taxes.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2013 decreased compared with 2012 primarily due to cash flows related to the About Group prior to its disposition in 2012 and higher income tax payments in 2013, offset in part by lower pension contributions in 2013. We made contributions to certain qualified pension plans of approximately $74 million in 2013 compared with approximately $144 million in 2012. We also made income tax payments of approximately $53 million in 2013 compared with approximately $7 million in 2012.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2012 increased compared with 2011 primarily due to lower interest mainly associated with the prepayment of the 14.053% Notes in August 2011, offset in part by higher income taxes primarily for the sales of our ownership interests in Indeed.com and Fenway Sports Group, as well as lower income tax refunds.
Investing Activities
Cash from investing activities generally includes proceeds from marketable securities that have matured and the sale of assets, investments or a business. Cash used in investing activities generally includes purchases of marketable securities, payments for capital projects, restricted cash primarily subject to collateral requirements for obligations under our workers’ compensation programs, acquisitions of new businesses and investments.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2013 was primarily due to net purchases of marketable securities and payments for capital expenditures, offset by proceeds from the sale of the New England Media Group and our ownership interest in Metro Boston.
Net cash provided by investing activities in 2012 was primarily due to proceeds from the sales of the About and Regional Media Groups and our ownership interests in Indeed.com and Fenway Sports Group, offset in part by net purchases of marketable securities and payments for capital expenditures.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2011 was mainly due to net purchases of marketable securities, capital expenditures and changes in restricted cash, offset in part by proceeds from the sales of a portion of our interests in


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 37


Fenway Sports Group and Indeed.com, as well as proceeds primarily from the sales of UCompareHealthCare.com and Baseline in 2011.
Capital expenditures were $16.9 million in 2013, $34.9 million in 2012 and $44.9 million in 2011.
Financing Activities
Cash from financing activities generally includes borrowings under third-party financing arrangements, the issuance of long-term debt and funds from stock option exercises. Cash used in financing activities generally includes the repayment of amounts outstanding under third-party financing arrangements, the payment of dividends, long-term debt and capital lease obligations.
Net cash used in financing activities in 2013 was primarily due to the repurchase of $17.4 million principal amount of our 6.625% Notes in addition to dividends paid in the fourth quarter of 2013, offset by funds from stock option exercises.
Net cash used in financing activities in 2012 was primarily for the repayment at maturity in September 2012 of all $75.0 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 4.610% Notes and the repurchase of $5.9 million principal amount of the 5.0% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2015.
Net cash used in financing activities in 2011 was primarily for the prepayment of our 14.053% Notes.
See “— Third-Party Financing” below and our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for additional information on our sources and uses of cash.
Restricted Cash
We were required to maintain $28.1 million of restricted cash as of December 29, 2013, primarily related to certain collateral requirements for obligations under our workers’ compensation programs.
Third-Party Financing
Our total debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Coupon Rate

 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Senior notes due in 2015, net of unamortized debt costs of $43 in 2013 and $78 in 2012
 
5.0
%
 
244,057

 
244,022

Senior notes due in 2016, net of unamortized debt costs of $2,484 in 2013 and $3,477 in 2012
 
6.625
%
 
205,111

 
221,523

Option to repurchase ownership interest in headquarters building in 2019, net of unamortized debt costs of $21,741 in 2013 and $25,490 in 2012
 
 
 
228,259

 
224,510

Total debt
 
 
 
677,427

 
690,055

Short-term capital lease obligations(1)
 
 
 
21

 
123

Long-term capital lease obligations
 
 
 
6,715

 
6,697

Total capital lease obligations
 
 
 
6,736

 
6,820

Total debt and capital lease obligations
 
 
 
$
684,163

 
$
696,875

(1)
Included in “Accrued expenses and other” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Based on borrowing rates currently available for debt with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of our long-term debt was approximately $819 million as of December 29, 2013, and $840 million as of December 30, 2012. We were in compliance with our covenants under our third-party financing arrangements as of December 29, 2013.
4.610% Notes
On September 26, 2012, we repaid in full all $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.610% Notes. The 4.610% Notes were reclassified to “Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet in the fourth quarter of 2011.
5.0% Notes
In 2005, we issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2015 (“5.0% Notes”). During 2012, we repurchased $5.9 million principal amount of our 5.0% Notes and recorded a


P. 38 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


$0.4 million pre-tax charge in connection with the repurchase. This charge is included in “Interest expense, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The 5.0% Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date plus a “make-whole” premium. The 5.0% Notes are not otherwise callable.
The 5.0% Notes are subject to certain covenants that, among other things, limit (subject to customary exceptions) our ability and the ability of certain material subsidiaries to:
create liens on certain assets to secure debt; and
enter into certain sale-leaseback transactions.
14.053% Notes
In January 2009, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement with Inmobiliaria Carso, S.A. de C.V. and Banco Inbursa S.A., Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero Inbursa (each an “Investor” and collectively the “Investors”), we issued, for an aggregate purchase price of $250.0 million, (1) $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 14.053% Notes, and (2) detachable warrants to purchase 15.9 million shares of our Class A Common Stock at a price of $6.3572 per share. The warrants are exercisable at the holder’s option at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, until January 15, 2015. Each Investor is an affiliate of Carlos Slim Helú, the beneficial owner of approximately 8% of our Class A Common Stock (excluding the warrants). Each Investor purchased an equal number of 14.053% Notes and warrants.
On August 15, 2011, we prepaid in full all $250.0 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 14.053% Notes. The prepayment totaled approximately $280 million, comprising (1) the $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 14.053% Notes; (2) approximately $3 million representing all interest that was accrued and unpaid on the 14.053% Notes; and (3) a make-whole premium amount of approximately $27 million due in connection with the prepayment. We funded the prepayment from available cash. As a result of this prepayment, we recorded a $46.4 million pre-tax charge in the third quarter of 2011. This charge is included in “Premium on debt redemption” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We saved, and expect to save, in excess of $39 million annually in interest expense through January 15, 2015, the original maturity date.
6.625% Notes
In November 2010, we issued $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.625% Notes. During 2013, we repurchased $17.4 million principal amount of our 6.625% Notes and recorded a $2.1 million pre-tax charge in connection with the repurchases.
We have the option to redeem all or a portion of the 6.625% Notes, at any time, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date plus a “make-whole” premium. The 6.625% Notes are not otherwise callable.
The 6.625% Notes are subject to certain covenants that, among other things, limit (subject to customary exceptions) our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to:
incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock;
pay dividends or make other equity distributions;
agree to any restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us;
create liens on certain assets to secure debt;
make certain investments;
merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer all or substantially all of our assets; and
engage in sale-leaseback transactions.
Sale-Leaseback Financing
In March 2009, we entered into an agreement to sell and simultaneously lease back a portion of our leasehold condominium interest in our Company’s headquarters building located at 620 Eighth Avenue in New York City (the


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 39


“Condo Interest”). The sale price for the Condo Interest was $225.0 million. We have an option, exercisable in 2019, to repurchase the Condo Interest for $250.0 million. The lease term is 15 years, and we have three renewal options that could extend the term for an additional 20 years.
The transaction is accounted for as a financing transaction. As such, we have continued to depreciate the Condo Interest and account for the rental payments as interest expense. The difference between the purchase option price of $250.0 million and the net sale proceeds of approximately $211 million, or approximately $39 million, is being amortized over a 10-year period through interest expense. The effective interest rate on this transaction was approximately 13%.
Revolving Credit Facility
In November 2012, we terminated our $125.0 million asset-backed five-year revolving credit facility and recorded a pre-tax charge of $1.4 million in connection with the early termination, which is included in “Interest expense, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Contractual Obligations
The information provided is based on management’s best estimate and assumptions of our contractual obligations as of December 29, 2013. Actual payments in future periods may vary from those reflected in the table. 
 
 
 
Payment due in
(In thousands)
 
Total

 
2014

 
2015-2016

 
2017-2018

 
Later Years

Long-term debt(1)
 
$
899,792

 
$
51,951

 
$
538,464

 
$
54,768

 
$
254,609

Capital leases(2)
 
10,026

 
573

 
1,104

 
1,104

 
7,245

Operating leases(2)
 
52,275

 
12,472

 
17,922

 
10,998

 
10,883

Benefit plans(3)
 
1,376,991

 
130,271

 
265,010

 
271,156

 
710,554

Total
 
$
2,339,084

 
$
195,267

 
$
822,500

 
$
338,026

 
$
983,291

(1)
Includes estimated interest payments on long-term debt. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our long-term debt.
(2)
See Note 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our capital and operating leases.
(3)
Includes estimated benefit payments under our Company-sponsored pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Payments for these plans have been estimated over a 10-year period; therefore, the amounts included in the “Later Years” column only include payments for the period of 2019-2023. While benefit payments under these plans are expected to continue beyond 2023, we believe that an estimate beyond this period is impracticable. Payments under our Company-sponsored qualified pension plans will be made out of existing assets of the pension plans and not with Company cash. Benefit plans in the table above also include estimated payments for multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liabilities. See Notes 11 and 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our pension and other postretirement benefits plans.
“Other Liabilities–Other” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets include liabilities related to (1) deferred compensation, primarily consisting of our deferred executive compensation plan (the “DEC plan”), (2) our liability for uncertain tax positions and (3) various other liabilities. These liabilities are not included in the table above primarily because the future payments are not determinable.
The DEC plan enables certain eligible executives to elect to defer a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis. While the initial deferral period is for a minimum of two years up to a maximum of 15 years (after which time taxable distributions must begin), the executive has the option to extend the deferral period. Therefore, the future payments under the DEC plan are not determinable. See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on “Other Liabilities–Other.”
Our tax liability for uncertain tax positions was approximately $64 million, including approximately $18 million of accrued interest and penalties as of December 29, 2013. Until formal resolutions are reached between us and the tax authorities, the timing and amount of a possible audit settlement for uncertain tax benefits is not practicable. Therefore, we do not include this obligation in the table of contractual obligations. See Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on “Income Taxes.”
We have a contract with a major paper supplier to purchase newsprint. The contract requires us to purchase annually the lesser of a fixed number of tons or a percentage of our total newsprint requirement at market rate in an


P. 40 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


arm’s length transaction. Since the quantities of newsprint purchased annually under this contract are based on our total newsprint requirement, the amount of the related payments for these purchases is excluded from the table above.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 29, 2013.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods presented.
We continually evaluate the policies and estimates we use to prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements. In general, management’s estimates are based on historical experience, information from third-party professionals and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the facts and circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates made by management.
We believe our critical accounting policies include our accounting for long-lived assets, retirement benefits, income taxes, self-insurance liabilities and accounts receivable allowances. Specific risks related to our critical accounting policies are discussed below.
Long-Lived Assets
We evaluate whether there has been an impairment of goodwill on an annual basis or in an interim period if certain circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may exist. All other long-lived assets are tested for impairment if certain circumstances indicate that a possible impairment exists.
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Goodwill
 
$
125,871

 
$
122,691

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
713,356

 
773,469

Long-lived assets
 
$
839,227

 
$
896,160

Total assets
 
$
2,572,552

 
$
2,815,609

Percentage of long-lived assets to total assets
 
33
%
 
32
%
The impairment analysis is considered critical because of the significance of long-lived assets to our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level, which is our operating segment. We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The qualitative assessment includes, but is not limited to, the results of our most recent quantitative impairment test, consideration of industry, market and macroeconomic conditions, cost factors, cash flows, changes in key management personnel and our share price. The result of this assessment determines whether it is necessary to perform the goodwill impairment two-step test. For the 2013 annual impairment testing, based on our qualitative assessment, we concluded that it is more likely than not that goodwill is not impaired.
If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying value, in the first step we compare the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value is calculated by a combination of a discounted cash flow model and a market approach model. In calculating fair value for each reporting unit, we generally weigh the results of the discounted cash flow model more heavily than the market approach because the discounted cash flow model is specific to our business and long-term projections. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step must be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step, we compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. An impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 41


The discounted cash flow analysis requires us to make various judgments, estimates and assumptions, many of which are interdependent, about future revenues, operating margins, growth rates, capital expenditures, working capital and discount rates. The starting point for the assumptions used in our discounted cash flow analysis is the annual long-range financial forecast. The annual planning process that we undertake to prepare the long-range financial forecast takes into consideration a multitude of factors, including historical growth rates and operating performance, related industry trends, macroeconomic conditions, and marketplace data, among others. Assumptions are also made for perpetual growth rates for periods beyond the long-range financial forecast period. Our estimates of fair value are sensitive to changes in all of these variables, certain of which relate to broader macroeconomic conditions outside our control.
The market approach analysis includes applying a multiple, based on comparable market transactions, to certain operating metrics of the reporting unit.
The significant estimates and assumptions used by management in assessing the recoverability of goodwill and other long-lived assets are estimated future cash flows, discount rates, growth rates, as well as other factors. Any changes in these estimates or assumptions could result in an impairment charge. The estimates, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require management’s subjective judgment. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated results of the impairment tests can vary within a range of outcomes.
In addition to annual testing, management uses certain indicators to evaluate whether the carrying values of its long-lived assets may not be recoverable and an interim impairment test may be required. These indicators include: (1) current-period operating or cash flow declines combined with a history of operating or cash flow declines or a projection/forecast that demonstrates continuing declines in the cash flow or the inability to improve our operations to forecasted levels, (2) a significant adverse change in the business climate, whether structural or technological and (3) a decline in our stock price and market capitalization.    
Management has applied what it believes to be the most appropriate valuation methodology for its impairment testing. Additionally, management believes that the likelihood of an impairment of goodwill is remote due to the excess market capitalization relative to its net book value. See Notes 6 and 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Retirement Benefits
Our single-employer pension and other postretirement benefit costs are accounted for using actuarial valuations. We recognize the funded status of these plans – measured as the difference between plan assets, if funded, and the benefit obligation – on the balance sheet and recognize changes in the funded status that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic pension cost, within other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax. The assets related to our funded pension plans are measured at fair value.
We also recognize the present value of pension liabilities associated with the withdrawal from multiemployer pension plans.
We consider accounting for retirement plans critical to our operations because management is required to make significant subjective judgments about a number of actuarial assumptions, which include discount rates, health-care cost trend rates, long-term return on plan assets and mortality rates. These assumptions may have an effect on the amount and timing of future contributions. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the impact from our pension and other postretirement benefits could vary within a range of outcomes and could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
See “— Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” below for more information on our retirement benefits.
Income Taxes
We consider accounting for income taxes critical to our operating results because management is required to make significant subjective judgments in developing our provision for income taxes, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowances that may be required against deferred tax assets.
Income taxes are recognized for the following: (1) amount of taxes payable for the current year and (2) deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequence of events that have been recognized differently in the financial statements than for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established using statutory tax rates and are adjusted for tax rate changes in the period of enactment.


P. 42 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


We assess whether our deferred tax assets shall be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Our process includes collecting positive (e.g., sources of taxable income) and negative (e.g., recent historical losses) evidence and assessing, based on the evidence, whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
We recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position if that tax position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the tax position. This involves the identification of potential uncertain tax positions, the evaluation of tax law and an assessment of whether a liability for uncertain tax positions is necessary. Different conclusions reached in this assessment can have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We operate within multiple taxing jurisdictions and are subject to audit in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, which could require an extended period of time to resolve. Until formal resolutions are reached between us and the tax authorities, the timing and amount of a possible audit settlement for uncertain tax benefits is difficult to predict.
Self-Insurance
We self-insure for workers’ compensation costs, automobile and general liability claims, up to certain deductible limits, as well as for certain employee medical and disability benefits. The recorded liabilities for self-insured risks are primarily calculated using actuarial methods. The liabilities include amounts for actual claims, claim growth and claims incurred but not yet reported. Actual experience, including claim frequency and severity as well as health-care inflation, could result in different liabilities than the amounts currently recorded. The recorded liabilities for self-insured risks were approximately $43 million as of December 29, 2013 and $42 million as of December 30, 2012.
Accounts Receivable Allowances
Credit is extended to our advertisers and subscribers based upon an evaluation of the customers’ financial condition, and collateral is not required from such customers. We use prior credit losses as a percentage of credit sales, the aging of accounts receivable and specific identification of potential losses to establish reserves for credit losses on accounts receivable. In addition, we establish reserves for estimated rebates, returns, rate adjustments and discounts based on historical experience.
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Accounts receivable, net
 
$
202,303

 
$
197,589

Accounts receivable allowances
 
14,252

 
15,452

Accounts receivable - gross
 
$
216,555

 
$
213,041

Total current assets
 
$
1,172,267

 
$
1,397,568

Percentage of accounts receivable allowances to gross accounts receivable
 
7
%
 
7
%
Percentage of net accounts receivable to current assets
 
17
%
 
14
%
We consider accounting for accounts receivable allowances critical to our operations because of the significance of accounts receivable to our current assets and operating cash flows. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required, which could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
We sponsor several single-employer defined benefit pension plans, the majority of which have been frozen; participate in joint Company and Guild-sponsored plans, The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan, which has been frozen, and a new defined benefit plan, subject to the approval of the Internal Revenue Service; and make contributions to several multiemployer pension plans in connection with collective bargaining agreements. These plans cover the majority of our employees. The table below includes the liability for all of these plans.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 43


(In thousands)
 
December 29, 2013

 
December 30, 2012

Pension and other postretirement liabilities
 
$
563,162

 
$
878,242

Total liabilities
 
$
1,726,018

 
$
2,149,973

Percentage of pension and other postretirement liabilities to total liabilities
 
33
%
 
41
%
Pension Benefits
Our Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans include qualified plans (funded) as well as non-qualified plans (unfunded). These plans provide participating employees with retirement benefits in accordance with benefit formulas detailed in each plan. All of our non-qualified plans, which provide enhanced retirement benefits to select employees, are currently frozen, except for a foreign-based pension plan discussed below. The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan is a qualified plan and is also included in the table below.
We also have a foreign-based pension plan for certain non-U.S. employees (the “foreign plan”). The information for the foreign plan is combined with the information for U.S. non-qualified plans. The benefit obligation of the foreign plan is immaterial to our total benefit obligation.
The funded status of our qualified and non-qualified pension plans as of December 29, 2013 is as follows:
 
 
December 29, 2013
(In thousands)
 
Qualified
Plans
 
Non-Qualified
Plans
 
All Plans
Pension obligation
 
$
1,778,647

 
$
262,501

 
$
2,041,148

Fair value of plan assets
 
1,698,091

 

 
1,698,091

Pension underfunded/unfunded obligation
 
$
80,556

 
$
262,501

 
$
343,057

We made contributions of approximately $74 million to certain qualified pension plans in 2013. In January 2013, we made a contribution of approximately $57 million to The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan, of which $20 million was estimated to be necessary to satisfy minimum funding requirements in 2013. We expect contributions to total approximately $16 million to satisfy minimum funding requirements in 2014.
Pension expense is calculated using a number of actuarial assumptions, including an expected long-term rate of return on assets (for qualified plans) and a discount rate. Our methodology in selecting these actuarial assumptions is discussed below.
In determining the expected long-term rate of return on assets, we evaluated input from our investment consultants, actuaries and investment management firms, including our review of asset class return expectations, as well as long-term historical asset class returns. Projected returns by such consultants and economists are based on broad equity and bond indices. Our objective is to select an average rate of earnings expected on existing plan assets and expected contributions to the plan during the year. The expected long-term rate of return determined on this basis was 7.85% at the beginning of 2013. Our plan assets had a rate of return of approximately 7% in 2013 and an average annual return of approximately 8% over the three-year period 2011-2013. We regularly review our actual asset allocation and periodically rebalance our investments to meet our investment strategy.
The value (“market-related value”) of plan assets is multiplied by the expected long-term rate of return on assets to compute the expected return on plan assets, a component of net periodic pension cost. The market-related value of plan assets is a calculated value that recognizes changes in fair value over three years.
Based on the composition of our assets at the end of the year, we estimated our 2014 expected long-term rate of return to be 7.00%, a decline from 7.85% in 2013. If we had decreased our expected long-term rate of return on our plan assets by 50 basis points to 7.35% in 2013, pension expense would have increased by approximately $8 million in 2013 for our qualified pension plans. Our funding requirements would not have been materially affected.
We determined our discount rate using a Ryan ALM, Inc. Curve (the “Ryan Curve”). The Ryan Curve provides the bonds included in the curve and allows adjustments for certain outliers (e.g., bonds on “watch”). We believe the Ryan Curve allows us to calculate an appropriate discount rate.


P. 44 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


To determine our discount rate, we project a cash flow based on annual accrued benefits. For active participants, the benefits under the respective pension plans are projected to the date of termination. The projected plan cash flow is discounted to the measurement date, which is the last day of our fiscal year, using the annual spot rates provided in the Ryan Curve. A single discount rate is then computed so that the present value of the benefit cash flow equals the present value computed using the Ryan Curve rates.
The weighted average discount rate determined on this basis was 4.90% for our qualified plans and 4.60% for our non-qualified plans as of December 29, 2013.
If we had decreased the expected discount rate by 50 basis points for our qualified plans and our non-qualified plans in 2013, pension expense would have increased by approximately $1 million as of December 29, 2013 and our pension obligation would have increased by approximately $122 million.
We will continue to evaluate all of our actuarial assumptions, generally on an annual basis, and will adjust as necessary. Actual pension expense will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates, the level of contributions we make and various other factors.
 We also recognize the present value of pension liabilities associated with the withdrawal from multiemployer pension plans. Our multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability was approximately $119 million as of December 29, 2013. This liability represents the present value of the obligations related to complete and partial withdrawals from certain plans as well as an estimate of future partial withdrawals that we considered probable and reasonably estimable. For the plans that have yet to provide us with a demand letter, the actual liability will not be known until those plans complete a final assessment of the withdrawal liability and issue a demand to us. Therefore, the estimate of our multiemployer pension plan liability will be adjusted as more information becomes available that allows us to refine our estimates.
See Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our pension plans.
Other Postretirement Benefits
We provide health benefits to retired employees (and their eligible dependents) who meet the definition of an eligible participant and certain age and service requirements, as outlined in the plan document. While we offer pre-age 65 retiree medical coverage to employees who meet certain retiree medical eligibility requirements, we no longer provide post-age 65 retiree medical benefits for employees who retired on or after March 1, 2009. We also contribute to a postretirement plan under the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement. We accrue the costs of postretirement benefits during the employees’ active years of service and our policy is to pay our portion of insurance premiums and claims from our assets.
The annual postretirement expense was calculated using a number of actuarial assumptions, including a health-care cost trend rate and a discount rate. The health-care cost trend rate remained flat at 8.00% as of December 29, 2013. A one-percentage point change in the assumed health-care cost trend rate would result in an increase of $0.1 million or a decrease of $0.1 million in our 2013 service and interest costs, respectively, two factors included in the calculation of postretirement expense. A one-percentage point change in the assumed health-care cost trend rate would result in an increase or decrease of approximately $2 million in our accumulated benefit obligation as of December 29, 2013. Our discount rate assumption for postretirement benefits is consistent with that used in the calculation of pension benefits. See “— Pension Benefits” above for information on our discount rate assumption.
See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which prescribes that a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit to be offset against a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations in which a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of a jurisdiction or the tax law of a jurisdiction does not require it, and we do not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statement as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This guidance becomes effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 45


after December 15, 2013, and will be applied on a prospective basis. We do not anticipate the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial statements.
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended its presentation guidance on comprehensive income to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income(“AOCI”). The new accounting guidance requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, entities are required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. The amended guidance is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted the new guidance and present the reclassifications in the notes to the financial statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our market risk is principally associated with the following:
We do not have interest rate risk related to our debt because, as of December 29, 2013, our portfolio does not include variable-rate debt.
Newsprint is a commodity subject to supply and demand market conditions. We have equity investments in two paper mills, which provide a substantial hedge against price volatility. The cost of raw materials, of which newsprint expense is a major component, represented approximately 7% of our total operating costs in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Based on the number of newsprint tons consumed in 2013 and 2012, a $10 per ton increase in newsprint prices would have resulted in additional newsprint expense of $1.2 million (pre-tax) in 2013 and $1.3 million (pre-tax) in 2012, but would also result in improved performance in our joint ventures.
The discount rate used to measure the benefit obligations for our qualified pension plans is determined by using the Ryan ACM Curve, which provides rates for the bonds included in the curve and allows adjustments for certain outliers (e.g., bonds on “watch”). Broad equity and bond indices are used in the determination of the expected long term rate of return on pension plan assets. Therefore, interest rate fluctuations and volatility of the debt and equity markets can have a significant impact on asset values, the funded status of our pension plans and future anticipated contributions. See “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.”
A significant portion of our employees are unionized and our results could be adversely affected if future labor negotiations or contracts were to further restrict our ability to maximize the efficiency of our operations. In addition, if we were to experience labor unrest or other business interruptions in connection with labor negotiations or otherwise, or if we are unable to negotiate labor contracts on reasonable terms, our ability to produce and deliver our products could be impaired.
See Notes 7, 8, 11 and 20 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



P. 46 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY 2013 FINANCIAL REPORT
 
 
INDEX
PAGE
 



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 47


MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES REPORT
The Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and, as such, include amounts based on management’s best estimates and judgments.
Management is further responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. The Company follows and continuously monitors its policies and procedures for internal control over financial reporting to ensure that this objective is met (see “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” below).
The consolidated financial statements were audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, in 2013, 2012 and 2011. Its audits were conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and its report is shown on Page 50.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed solely of independent directors, meets regularly with the independent registered public accounting firm, internal auditors and management to discuss specific accounting, financial reporting and internal control matters. Both the independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee. Each year the Audit Committee selects, subject to ratification by stockholders, the firm which is to perform audit and other related work for the Company.    
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
 
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
 
 
 
 
 
BY:
/s/ MARK THOMPSON
 
BY:
/s/ JAMES M. FOLLO
 
Mark Thompson
 
 
James M. Follo
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
February 26, 2014
 
 
February 26, 2014


P. 48 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING    
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting 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;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and 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.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992 framework). Based on its assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 29, 2013.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, that audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2013, which is included on Page 51 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 49


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The New York Times Company
New York, NY
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The New York Times Company as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 29, 2013. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed at Item 15(A)(2) of The New York Times Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of The New York Times Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule 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 consolidated financial position of The New York Times Company at December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 29, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), The New York Times Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework), and our report dated February 26, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2014
 



P. 50 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The New York Times Company
New York, NY
We have audited The New York Times Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) (the COSO criteria). The New York Times Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on The New York Times Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 directors of the company; and (3) 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.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, The New York Times Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2013 based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of The New York Times Company as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 29, 2013 and our report dated February 26, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2014
 



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 51


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
December 29, 2013


December 30, 2012

Assets
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
482,745

 
$
820,490

Short-term marketable securities
 
364,880

 
134,820

Accounts receivable (net of allowances: 2013 – $14,252; 2012 – $15,452)
 
202,303

 
197,589

Deferred income taxes
 
65,859

 
58,214

Prepaid assets
 
20,250

 
23,085

Other current assets
 
36,230

 
26,320

Assets held for sale
 

 
137,050

Total current assets
 
1,172,267

 
1,397,568

Long-term marketable securities
 
176,155

 
4,444

Investments in joint ventures
 
40,213

 
40,872

Property, plant and equipment:
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
623,249

 
624,793

Buildings, building equipment and improvements
 
650,293

 
651,113

Software
 
189,684

 
190,320

Land
 
105,710

 
105,692

Assets in progress
 
15,402

 
9,527

Total, at cost
 
1,584,338

 
1,581,445

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(870,982
)
 
(807,976
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
713,356

 
773,469

Goodwill
 
125,871

 
122,691

Deferred income taxes
 
179,989

 
302,212

Miscellaneous assets
 
164,701

 
166,214

Total assets
 
$
2,572,552

 
$
2,807,470

 See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


P. 52 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — continued
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
90,982

 
$
88,990

Accrued payroll and other related liabilities
 
91,629

 
86,772

Unexpired subscriptions
 
58,007

 
57,336

Accrued expenses
 
107,755

 
118,753

Accrued income taxes
 
138

 
38,932

Liabilities held for sale
 

 
32,373

Total current liabilities
 
348,511

 
423,156

Other liabilities
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
684,142

 
696,752

Pension benefits obligation
 
444,328

 
737,889

Postretirement benefits obligation
 
90,602

 
110,347

Other
 
158,435

 
173,690

Total other liabilities
 
1,377,507

 
1,718,678

Stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
Serial preferred stock of $1 par value – authorized 200,000 shares – none issued
 

 

Common stock of $.10 par value:
 
 
 
 
Class A – authorized: 300,000,000 shares; issued: 2013 – 151,289,625; 2012 – 150,270,975 (including treasury shares: 2013 – 2,180,471; 2012 – 2,483,537)
 
15,129

 
15,027

Class B – convertible – authorized and issued shares: 2013 – 818,061; 2012 – 818,385 (including treasury shares: 2013 – none; 2012 – none)
 
82

 
82

Additional paid-in capital
 
33,045

 
25,610

Retained earnings
 
1,283,518

 
1,230,450

Common stock held in treasury, at cost
 
(86,253
)
 
(96,278
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments-gain
 
12,674

 
11,327

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale security
 

 
(431
)
Funded status of benefit plans
 
(415,285
)
 
(523,462
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
 
(402,611
)
 
(512,566
)
Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
 
842,910

 
662,325

Noncontrolling interest
 
3,624

 
3,311

Total stockholders’ equity
 
846,534

 
665,636

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
2,572,552

 
$
2,807,470

 See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 53


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013


December 30,
2012


December 25,
2011

 
 
(52 weeks)

 
(53 weeks)

 
(52 weeks)

Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Circulation
 
$
824,277

 
$
795,037

 
$
705,163

Advertising
 
666,687

 
711,829

 
756,148

Other
 
86,266

 
88,475

 
93,263

Total revenues
 
1,577,230

 
1,595,341

 
1,554,574

Operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
 
92,886

 
106,381

 
108,267

Wages and benefits
 
332,085

 
331,321

 
315,900

Other
 
201,942

 
213,616

 
216,094

Total production costs
 
626,913

 
651,318

 
640,261

Selling, general and administrative costs
 
706,354

 
711,112

 
687,558

Depreciation and amortization
 
78,477

 
78,980

 
83,833

Total operating costs
 
1,411,744

 
1,441,410

 
1,411,652

Pension settlement expense
 
3,228

 
47,657

 

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal expense
 
6,171

 

 
4,228

Other expense
 

 
2,620

 
4,500

Impairment of assets
 

 

 
7,458

Operating profit
 
156,087

 
103,654

 
126,736

Gain on sale of investments
 

 
220,275

 
71,171

Impairment of investments
 

 
5,500

 

(Loss)/income from joint ventures
 
(3,215
)
 
2,936

 
(270
)
Premium on debt redemption
 

 

 
46,381

Interest expense, net
 
58,073

 
62,808

 
85,243

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
94,799

 
258,557

 
66,013

Income tax expense
 
37,892

 
94,617

 
21,417

Income from continuing operations
 
56,907

 
163,940

 
44,596

Discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(20,413
)
 
(113,447
)
 
(82,799
)
Gain on sale, net of income taxes
 
28,362

 
85,520

 

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
7,949

 
(27,927
)
 
(82,799
)
Net income/(loss)
 
64,856

 
136,013

 
(38,203
)
Net loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
249

 
(166
)
 
555

Net income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
65,105

 
$
135,847

 
$
(37,648
)
Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
57,156

 
$
163,774

 
$
45,151

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
7,949

 
(27,927
)
 
(82,799
)
Net income/(loss)
 
$
65,105

 
$
135,847

 
$
(37,648
)
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


P. 54 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS — continued
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
 
(52 weeks)

 
(53 weeks)

 
(52 weeks)

Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
149,755

 
148,147

 
147,190

Diluted
 
157,774

 
152,693

 
152,007

Basic earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
0.38

 
$
1.11

 
$
0.31

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
0.05

 
(0.19
)
 
(0.57
)
Net income/(loss)
 
$
0.43

 
$
0.92

 
$
(0.26
)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
0.36

 
$
1.07

 
$
0.30

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
0.05

 
(0.18
)
 
(0.55
)
Net income/(loss)
 
$
0.41

 
$
0.89

 
$
(0.25
)
Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.08

 
$
0.00

 
$
0.00

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 55


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
 
(52 weeks)

 
(53 weeks)

 
(52 weeks)

Net income/(loss)
 
$
64,856

 
$
136,013

 
$
(38,203
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments-gain/(loss)
 
2,613

 
536

 
(523
)
Unrealized derivative gain/(loss) on cash-flow hedge of equity method investment
 

 
1,143

 
839

Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale security
 
729

 
(729
)
 

Pension and postretirement benefits obligation
 
180,340

 
(27,222
)
 
(211,289
)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, before tax
 
183,682

 
(26,272
)
 
(210,973
)
Income tax benefit
 
(73,165
)
 
10,760

 
86,065

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
 
110,517

 
(15,512
)
 
(124,908
)
Comprehensive income/(loss)
 
175,373

 
120,501

 
(163,111
)
Comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
(313
)
 
(162
)
 
1,000

Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
175,060

 
$
120,339

 
$
(162,111
)
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


P. 56 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
(In thousands,
except share and
per share data)
Capital Stock 
Class A
and
Class B Common
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Common
Stock
Held in
Treasury,
at Cost
Accumulated
Other
Compre-hensive
Loss, Net of
Income
Taxes
Total
New York
Times
Company
Stock-
holders’
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interest
Total
Stock-
holders’
Equity
 
 
Balance, December 26, 2010, as reported
$
15,012

$
40,155

$
1,126,294

$
(134,463
)
$
(387,071
)
$
659,927

$
4,149

$
664,076

 
Cumulative prior period adjustment


5,957


14,476

20,433


20,433

 
Balance, December 26, 2010
15,012

40,155

1,132,251

(134,463
)
(372,595
)
680,360

4,149

684,509

 
Net loss


(37,648
)


(37,648
)
(555
)
(38,203
)
 
Other comprehensive loss




(124,463
)
(124,463
)
(445
)
(124,908
)
 
Issuance of shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee stock purchase plan – 603,114 Class A shares
60

4,258




4,318


4,318

 
Stock options – 100,200 Class A shares
11

353




364


364

 
Stock conversions – 240 Class B shares to Class A shares








 
Restricted stock units vested – 210,769 Class A shares

(6,250
)

4,965


(1,285
)

(1,285
)
 
401(k) Company stock match – 781,088 Class A shares

(11,800
)

18,524


6,724


6,724

 
Stock-based compensation

9,410




9,410


9,410

 
Income tax shortfall related to share-based payments

(4,102
)



(4,102
)

(4,102
)
 
Balance, December 25, 2011
15,083

32,024

1,094,603

(110,974
)
(497,058
)
533,678

3,149

536,827

 
Net income


135,847



135,847

166

136,013

 
Other comprehensive loss




(15,508
)
(15,508
)
(4
)
(15,512
)
 
Issuance of shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options – 176,400 Class A shares
18

712




730


730

 
Stock conversions – 500 Class B shares to Class A shares








 
Restricted stock units vested – 92,847 Class A shares
8

(656
)

147


(501
)

(501
)
 
401(k) Company stock match – 490,031 Class A shares

(10,785
)

14,549


3,764


3,764

 
Stock-based compensation

5,329




5,329


5,329

 
Income tax shortfall related to share-based payments

(1,014
)



(1,014
)

(1,014
)
 
Balance, December 30, 2012
15,109

25,610

1,230,450

(96,278
)
(512,566
)
662,325

3,311

665,636

 
Net income/(loss)


65,105



65,105

(249
)
64,856

 
Dividends


(12,037
)


(12,037
)

(12,037
)
 
Other comprehensive income




109,955

109,955

562

110,517

 
Issuance of shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options – 914,272 Class A shares
92

4,994




5,086


5,086

 
Stock conversions – 324 Class B shares to Class A shares








 
Restricted stock units vested – 104,054 Class A shares
10

(756
)



(746
)

(746
)
 
401(k) Company stock match – 303,066 Class A shares

(6,571
)

10,025


3,454


3,454

 
Stock-based compensation

6,813




6,813


6,813

 
Income tax benefit related to share-based payments

2,955




2,955


2,955

 
Balance, December 29, 2013
$
15,211

$
33,045

$
1,283,518

$
(86,253
)
$
(402,611
)
$
842,910

$
3,624

$
846,534

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 57


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
December 29,
2013

December 30,
2012

December 25,
2011

Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net income/(loss)
$
64,856

$
136,013

$
(38,203
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Impairment of assets
34,300

194,732

164,434

Pension settlement expense
3,228

47,657


Multiemployer pension withdrawal expense
14,168


4,228

Other expense

2,620

4,500

Gain on sale of investments

(220,275
)
(71,171
)
Impairment on investments

5,500


Premium on debt redemption


46,381

Gain on sale of New England Media Group & About Group
(47,561
)
(96,675
)

Loss on sale of Regional Media Group

5,441


Depreciation and amortization
85,477

103,775

116,454

Stock-based compensation expense
8,741

4,693

8,497

Undistributed loss on equity method investments
3,619

2,586

3,435

Deferred income taxes
44,102

1,380

65,045

Long-term retirement benefit obligations
(112,133
)
(143,724
)
(144,613
)
Other – net
12,928

9,737

(462
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable – net
3,148

5,130

12,603

Inventories
176

6,806

(4,955
)
Other current assets
1,675

(8,477
)
1,820

Accounts payable and other liabilities
(83,072
)
18,429

(97,007
)
Unexpired subscriptions
1,203

3,962

2,941

Net cash provided by operating activities
34,855

79,310

73,927

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Purchases of marketable securities
(860,848
)
(439,700
)
(279,721
)
Maturities of marketable securities
447,350

409,726

204,849

Proceeds from sale of business
68,585

456,158


Proceeds from investments – net of purchases
12,004

250,918

117,966

Capital expenditures
(16,942
)
(34,888
)
(44,887
)
Change in restricted cash
(3,806
)
3,287

(27,628
)
Proceeds from the sale of assets

1,312

11,167

Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
(353,657
)
646,813

(18,254
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Long-term obligations:
 
 
 
Repayments
(19,959
)
(81,584
)
(590
)
Redemption of long-term debt


(250,000
)
Dividends paid
(6,040
)


Capital shares:
 
 
 
Issuances
5,086

730

364

Income tax benefit related to share-based payments
1,654



Net cash used in financing activities
(19,259
)
(80,854
)
(250,226
)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(338,061
)
645,269

(194,553
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
316

70

36

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
820,490

175,151

369,668

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
$
482,745

$
820,490

$
175,151

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 


P. 58 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash Flow Information
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
December 29,
2013

December 30,
2012

December 25,
2011

Cash payments
 
 
 
Interest, net of capitalized interest
$
54,821

$
60,005

$
98,336

Income tax payment/(refunds) – net
$
42,792

$
(6,627
)
$
(22,757
)
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Non-Cash Investing Activities
Non-cash investing activities in 2012 included approximately $14 million for amounts held in escrow to satisfy certain indemnification provisions related to the sale of our ownership interest in Indeed.com in 2012. During 2013, we received approximately $7 million of the total amount held in escrow. We expect the remaining amount held in escrow to be released over the next year. See Note 7 for additional information regarding the sale.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 59


NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Presentation
Nature of Operations
The New York Times Company is a global media organization that includes newspapers, digital businesses, investments in paper mills and other investments (see Note 7). The New York Times Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to collectively as the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us.” Our major sources of revenue are circulation and advertising.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of our Company and our wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany transactions.
The portion of the net income or loss and equity of a subsidiary attributable to the owners of a subsidiary other than the Company (a noncontrolling interest) is included as a component of consolidated stockholders‘ equity in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, within net income or loss in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, within comprehensive income or loss in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) and as a component of consolidated stockholders’ equity in our Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year end is the last Sunday in December. Fiscal years 2013 and 2011 each comprise 52 weeks and fiscal year 2012 comprises 53 weeks. Our fiscal years ended as of December 29, 2013, December 30, 2012, and December 25, 2011.
Reclassifications
For comparability, certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2013 presentation.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of 3 months or less to be cash equivalents.
Marketable Securities
We have investments in marketable debt and equity securities. We determine the appropriate classification of our investments at the date of purchase and reevaluate the classifications at the balance sheet date. Marketable debt securities with maturities of 12 months or less are classified as short-term. Marketable debt securities with maturities greater than 12 months are classified as long-term. We have the intent and ability to hold our marketable debt securities until maturity; therefore, they are accounted for as held-to-maturity and stated at amortized cost. We had a marketable equity security which was accounted for as available-for-sale and stated at fair value until the sale of the investment in the fourth quarter of 2013 (see Note 4). Changes in the fair value of our available-for-sale security were recognized as unrealized gains or losses, net of taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (“AOCI”).
Concentration of Risk
Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentration of risk, are cash and cash equivalents and investments. Cash and cash equivalents are placed with major financial institutions. As of December 29, 2013, we had cash balances at financial institutions in excess of federal insurance limits. We periodically evaluate the credit standing of these financial institutions as part of our ongoing investment strategy.


P. 60 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Our investment portfolio consists of investment-grade securities diversified among security types, issuers and industries. Our cash and investments are primarily managed by third-party investment managers who are required to adhere to investment policies approved by our Board of Directors designed to mitigate risk.
Accounts Receivable
Credit is extended to our advertisers and our subscribers based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition, and collateral is not required from such customers. Allowances for estimated credit losses, rebates, returns, rate adjustments and discounts are generally established based on historical experience.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or current market value. Inventory cost is generally based on the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for newsprint and the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method for other inventories.
Investments
Investments in which we have at least a 20%, but not more than a 50%, interest are generally accounted for under the equity method. Investment interests below 20% are generally accounted for under the cost method, except if we could exercise significant influence, the investment would be accounted for under the equity method. We had an investment interest below 20% in Fenway Sports Group, which was accounted for under the equity method until the sale of a portion of our investment interest in the first quarter of 2012 (see Note 7).
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the shorter of estimated asset service lives or lease terms as follows: buildings, building equipment and improvements – 10 to 40 years; equipment – 3 to 30 years; and software – 2 to 5 years. We capitalize interest costs and certain staffing costs as part of the cost of major projects.
We evaluate whether there has been an impairment of long-lived assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, if certain circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may exist. These assets are tested for impairment at the asset group level associated with the lowest level of cash flows. An impairment exists if the carrying value of the asset (1) is not recoverable (the carrying value of the asset is greater than the sum of undiscounted cash flows) and (2) is greater than its fair value.
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of tangible and other intangible net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment annually or in an interim period if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Our annual impairment testing date is the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter.
We test for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level, which is our single operating segment. We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The qualitative assessment includes, but is not limited to, the results of our most recent quantitative impairment test, consideration of industry, market and macroeconomic conditions, cost factors, cash flows, changes in key management personnel and our share price. The result of this assessment determines whether it is necessary to perform the goodwill impairment two-step test. For the 2013 annual impairment testing, based on our qualitative assessment, we concluded that it is more likely than not that goodwill is not impaired.
If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, in the first step, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. Fair value is calculated by a combination of a discounted cash flow model and a market approach model. In calculating fair value for our reporting unit, we generally weigh the results of the discounted cash flow model more heavily than the market approach because the discounted cash flow model is specific to our business and long-term projections. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the second step must be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. In the second step, we compare the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. An impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 61


The discounted cash flow analysis requires us to make various judgments, estimates and assumptions, many of which are interdependent, about future revenues, operating margins, growth rates, capital expenditures, working capital and discount rates. The starting point for the assumptions used in our discounted cash flow analysis is the annual long-range financial forecast. The annual planning process that we undertake to prepare the long-range financial forecast takes into consideration a multitude of factors, including historical growth rates and operating performance, related industry trends, macroeconomic conditions, and marketplace data, among others. Assumptions are also made for perpetual growth rates for periods beyond the long-range financial forecast period. Our estimates of fair value are sensitive to changes in all of these variables, certain of which relate to broader macroeconomic conditions outside our control.
The market approach analysis includes applying a multiple, based on comparable market transactions, to certain operating metrics of the reporting unit.
All other long-lived assets, were tested for impairment at the asset group level associated with the lowest level of cash flows. An impairment exists if the carrying value of the asset (1) was not recoverable (the carrying value of the asset was greater than the sum of undiscounted cash flows) and (2) was greater than its fair value.
The significant estimates and assumptions used by management in assessing the recoverability of goodwill acquired and other long-lived assets are estimated future cash flows, discount rates, growth rates, as well as other factors. Any changes in these estimates or assumptions could result in an impairment charge. The estimates, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require management’s subjective judgment. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated results of the impairment tests can vary within a range of outcomes.
In addition to annual testing, management uses certain indicators to evaluate whether an interim impairment test may be required. These indicators include: (1) current-period operating or cash flow declines combined with a history of operating or cash flow declines or a projection/forecast that demonstrates continuing declines in the cash flow or the inability to improve our operations to forecasted levels, (2) a significant adverse change in the business climate, whether structural or technological and (3) a decline in our stock price and market capitalization.    
Management has applied what it believes to be the most appropriate valuation methodology for its impairment testing. See Note 15 for goodwill impairments recorded within discontinued operations.
Self-Insurance
We self-insure for workers’ compensation costs, automobile and general liability claims, up to certain deductible limits, as well as for certain employee medical and disability benefits. The recorded liabilities for self-insured risks are primarily calculated using actuarial methods. The liabilities include amounts for actual claims, claim growth and claims incurred but not yet reported. The recorded liabilities for self-insured risks were approximately $43 million as of December 29, 2013 and $42 million as of December 30, 2012.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Our single-employer pension and other postretirement benefit costs are accounted for using actuarial valuations. We recognize the funded status of these plans – measured as the difference between plan assets, if funded, and the benefit obligation – on the balance sheet and recognize changes in the funded status that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic pension cost, within other comprehensive income/(loss), net of income taxes. The assets related to our funded pension plans are measured at fair value.
We make significant subjective judgments about a number of actuarial assumptions, which include discount rates, health-care cost trend rates, long-term return on plan assets and mortality rates. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the impact from our pension and other postretirement benefits could vary within a range of outcomes and could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
We also recognize the present value of pension liabilities associated with the withdrawal from multiemployer pension plans. We assess a liability, for obligations related to complete and partial withdrawals from multiemployer pension plans, as well as estimate obligations for future partial withdrawals that we consider probable and reasonably estimable. The actual liability is not known until each plan completes a final assessment of the withdrawal liability and issues a demand to us. Therefore, we adjust the estimate of our multiemployer pension plan liability as more information becomes available that allows us to refine our estimates.


P. 62 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


See Notes 11 and 12 for additional information regarding pension and other postretirement benefits.
Revenue Recognition
Circulation revenues include single-copy and subscription revenues. Circulation revenues are based on the number of copies of the printed newspaper (through home-delivery subscriptions and single-copy sales) and digital subscriptions sold and the rates charged to the respective customers. Single-copy revenue is recognized based on date of publication, net of provisions for related returns. Proceeds from subscription revenues are deferred at the time of sale and are recognized in earnings on a pro rata basis over the terms of the subscriptions. When our digital subscriptions are sold through third parties, we are a principal in the transaction and, therefore, revenues and related costs to third parties for these sales are reported on a gross basis. Several factors are considered to determine whether we are a principal, most notably whether we are the primary obligor to the customer and have determined the selling price and product specifications.
Advertising revenues are recognized when advertisements are published in newspapers or placed on digital platforms or, with respect to certain digital advertising, each time a user clicks on certain advertisements, net of provisions for estimated rebates, rate adjustments and discounts.
We recognize a rebate obligation as a reduction of revenues, based on the amount of estimated rebates that will be earned and claimed, related to the underlying revenue transactions during the period. Measurement of the rebate obligation is estimated based on the historical experience of the number of customers that ultimately earn and use the rebate.
Rate adjustments primarily represent credits given to customers related to billing or production errors and discounts represent credits given to customers who pay an invoice prior to its due date. Rate adjustments and discounts are accounted for as a reduction of revenues, based on the amount of estimated rate adjustments or discounts related to the underlying revenues during the period. Measurement of rate adjustments and discount obligations are estimated based on historical experience of credits actually issued.
Other revenues are recognized when the related service or product has been delivered.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are recognized for the following: (1) amount of taxes payable for the current year and (2) deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequence of events that have been recognized differently in the financial statements than for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established using statutory tax rates and are adjusted for tax rate changes in the period of enactment.
We assess whether our deferred tax assets should be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Our process includes collecting positive (e.g., sources of taxable income) and negative (e.g., recent historical losses) evidence and assessing, based on the evidence, whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
We recognize in our financial statements the impact of a tax position if that tax position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the tax position. This involves the identification of potential uncertain tax positions, the evaluation of tax law and an assessment of whether a liability for uncertain tax positions is necessary. Different conclusions reached in this assessment can have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
We operate within multiple taxing jurisdictions and are subject to audit in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, which could require an extended period of time to resolve. Until formal resolutions are reached between us and the tax authorities, the timing and amount of a possible audit settlement for uncertain tax benefits is difficult to predict.
Stock-Based Compensation
We establish fair value for our stock-based awards to determine our cost and recognize the related expense over the appropriate vesting period. We recognize compensation expense for outstanding stock-settled restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights, cash-settled restricted stock units, long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) awards and Common Stock under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). See Note 17 for additional information related to stock-based compensation expense.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 63


Earnings/(Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing net earnings/(loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings/(loss) per share is calculated similarly, except that it includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of securities, including outstanding warrants and the effect of shares issuable under our Company’s stock-based incentive plans if such effect is dilutive.
The two-class method is an earnings allocation method for computing earnings/(loss) per share when a company’s capital structure includes either two or more classes of common stock or common stock and participating securities. This method determines earnings/(loss) per share based on dividends declared on common stock and participating securities (i.e., distributed earnings), as well as participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings.
Foreign Currency Translation
The assets and liabilities of foreign companies are translated at year-end exchange rates. Results of operations are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during the year. The resulting translation adjustment is included as a separate component in the Stockholders’ Equity section of our Consolidated Balance Sheets, in the caption “Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes.”
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which prescribes that a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit to be offset against a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations in which a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of a jurisdiction or the tax law of a jurisdiction does not require it, and we do not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statement as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This guidance becomes effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, and will be applied on a prospective basis. We do not anticipate the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial statements.        
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended its presentation guidance on comprehensive income to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income(“AOCI”). The new accounting guidance requires entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of AOCI by component. In addition, entities are required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, entities are required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. We adopted the new guidance and present the reclassifications in the notes to the financial statements. See Note 18 for additional information regarding amounts reclassified from AOCI.


P. 64 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


3. Prior Period Adjustments
During the second quarter of 2013, we determined that due to an error in the actuarial valuation of accrued benefits for approximately 800 participants primarily in The New York Times Companies Pension Plan, our pension benefit obligation was overstated by approximately $50.4 million as of December 31, 2012 and $50.9 million as of March 31, 2013. The New York Times Companies Pension Plan (which was frozen as of December 31, 2009) provides for certain offsetting credits for plan participants who are also entitled to benefits under another qualified pension plan to which we contribute, primarily from The New York Times Newspaper Guild Pension Plan or the Boston Globe Retirement Plan for employees represented by the Boston Newspaper Guild. We determined that those offsetting credits were not properly recorded in prior interim and annual periods, on our balance sheet from December 30, 2007 through March 31, 2013 and on our income statement from the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008 through the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
In accordance with the provisions of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, we assessed the impact of these adjustments on prior period financial statements and concluded that these errors were not material individually or in the aggregate to any of the prior reporting periods from an income statement and balance sheet perspective. However, the correction of the error in the second quarter of 2013 would have been considered material and would impact comparisons to prior periods.
Accordingly, we have adjusted our consolidated financial statements for the periods ended December 25, 2011 through March 31, 2013 to correct the errors and will make adjustments for future Form 10-Q filings that include financial statements for the periods affected. The adjustment primarily resulted in a reduction in pension expense, other comprehensive income and pension liability in each of the periods presented.
The cumulative effect, net of tax, on the opening retained earnings and opening accumulated comprehensive income as of December 27, 2010 were $6.0 million and $14.5 million, respectively. There was no impact on cash flows for the periods indicated. The following tables show the adjusted financial statements for those periods indicated:


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 65


(In thousands)
March 31, 2013
2012 by quarter
 As previously reported:
December 30,
2012
September 23,
2012
June 24,
2012
March 25,
2012
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
308,014

$
820,490

$
334,374

$
290,292

$
206,468

Short-term marketable securities
366,805

134,820

279,740

279,858

224,878

Accounts receivable (net of allowances)
159,344

197,589

160,998

170,904

180,406

Inventories:





Newsprint and magazine paper
6,952

5,608

9,857

9,695

12,129

Other inventory
1,697

1,729

1,689

1,954

2,076

Total inventories
8,649

7,337

11,546

11,649

14,205

Deferred income taxes
58,214

58,214

73,055

73,055

73,055

Other current assets
49,824

42,068

45,491

42,886

59,404

Assets held for sale
127,529

137,050

356,030

361,358

550,836

Total current assets
1,078,379

1,397,568

1,261,234

1,230,002

1,309,252

Other assets





Long-term marketable securities
190,841

4,444




Investments in joint ventures
38,409

40,872

41,401

41,809

43,420

Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation and amortization)
757,507

773,469

789,147

804,189

819,586

Goodwill (less accumulated impairment losses)
120,275

122,691

121,251

118,825

123,061

Deferred income taxes
322,222

322,767

365,666

369,439

316,446

Miscellaneous assets
165,202

166,214

168,470

173,880

227,088

Total assets
$
2,672,835

$
2,828,025

$
2,747,169

$
2,738,144

$
2,838,853

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity





Current liabilities





Accounts payable
$
80,687

$
88,990

$
86,104

$
80,754

$
83,192

Accrued payroll and other related liabilities
52,288

86,772

87,753

72,641

66,826

Unexpired subscriptions
59,549

57,336

57,050

55,725

57,870

Accrued expenses and other
112,316

118,753

197,934

198,719

198,809

Accrued income taxes

38,932




Liabilities held for sale
33,302

32,373

34,611

36,479

41,407

Total current liabilities
338,142

423,156

463,452

444,318

448,104

Other liabilities





Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
697,920

696,752

701,518

700,614

699,349

Pension benefits obligation
714,505

788,268

830,868

848,669

860,836

Postretirement benefits obligation
109,500

110,347

100,248

101,397

102,689

Other
166,434

173,690

175,949

176,305

171,944

Total other liabilities
1,688,359

1,769,057

1,808,583

1,826,985

1,834,818

Stockholders’ equity










Common stock of $.10 par value:










Class A
15,045

15,027

15,023

15,009

15,005

Class B
82

82

82

82

82

Additional paid-in capital
27,656

25,610

31,181

34,278

35,820

Retained earnings
1,222,936

1,219,798

1,042,888

1,040,606

1,128,755

Common stock held in treasury, at cost
(93,506
)
(96,278
)
(102,690
)
(107,572
)
(110,827
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes:





Foreign currency translation adjustments
9,858

11,327

10,418

8,286

12,382

Unrealized (loss)/gain on available-for-sale security
(1,242
)
(431
)
732

2,102

4,109

Funded status of benefit plans
(537,557
)
(542,634
)
(525,548
)
(529,019
)
(532,491
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(528,941
)
(531,738
)
(514,398
)
(518,631
)
(516,000
)
Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
643,272

632,501

472,086

463,772

552,835

Noncontrolling interest
3,062

3,311

3,048

3,069

3,096

Total stockholders’ equity
646,334

635,812

475,134

466,841

555,931

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,672,835

$
2,828,025

$
2,747,169

$
2,738,144

$
2,838,853



P. 66 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


(In thousands)
March 31, 2013
2012 by quarter
Adjustments:
December 30,
2012
September 23,
2012
June 24,
2012
March 25,
2012
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

$

$

$

$

Short-term marketable securities





Accounts receivable (net of allowances)





Inventories:





Newsprint and magazine paper





Other inventory





Total inventories





Deferred income taxes





Other current assets





Assets held for sale





Total current assets





Other assets





Long-term marketable securities





Investments in joint ventures





Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation and amortization)





Goodwill (less accumulated impairment losses)





Deferred income taxes
(20,438
)
(20,555
)
(19,862
)
(19,493
)
(19,185
)
Miscellaneous assets





Total assets
$
(20,438
)
$
(20,555
)
$
(19,862
)
$
(19,493
)
$
(19,185
)
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity





Current liabilities





Accounts payable
$

$

$

$

$

Accrued payroll and other related liabilities





Unexpired subscriptions





Accrued expenses and other





Accrued income taxes
360





Liabilities held for sale





Total current liabilities
360





Other liabilities





Long-term debt and capital lease obligations





Pension benefits obligation
(50,888
)
(50,379
)
(48,515
)
(47,723
)
(46,931
)
Postretirement benefits obligation





Other





Total other liabilities
(50,888
)
(50,379
)
(48,515
)
(47,723
)
(46,931
)
Stockholders’ equity










Common stock of $.10 par value:










Class A





Class B





Additional paid-in capital





Retained earnings
11,087

10,652

9,439

8,974

8,448

Common stock held in treasury, at cost





Accumulated other comprehensive gain, net of income taxes:





Foreign currency translation adjustments





Unrealized (loss)/gain on available-for-sale security





Funded status of benefit plans
19,003

19,172

19,214

19,256

19,298

Total accumulated other comprehensive gain, net of income taxes
19,003

19,172

19,214

19,256

19,298

Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
30,090

29,824

28,653

28,230

27,746

Noncontrolling interest





Total stockholders’ equity
30,090

29,824

28,653

28,230

27,746

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
(20,438
)
$
(20,555
)
$
(19,862
)
$
(19,493
)
$
(19,185
)


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 67


(In thousands)
March 31, 2013
2012 by quarter
As adjusted:
December 30,
2012
September 23,
2012
June 24,
2012
March 25,
2012
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
308,014

$
820,490

$
334,374

$
290,292

$
206,468

Short-term marketable securities
366,805

134,820

279,740

279,858

224,878

Accounts receivable (net of allowances)
159,344

197,589

160,998

170,904

180,406

Inventories:
 
 
 
 
 
Newsprint and magazine paper
6,952

5,608

9,857

9,695

12,129

Other inventory
1,697

1,729

1,689

1,954

2,076

Total inventories
8,649

7,337

11,546

11,649

14,205

Deferred income taxes
58,214

58,214

73,055

73,055

73,055

Other current assets
49,824

42,068

45,491

42,886

59,404

Assets held for sale
127,529

137,050

356,030

361,358

550,836

Total current assets
1,078,379

1,397,568

1,261,234

1,230,002

1,309,252

Other assets
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term marketable securities
190,841

4,444




Investments in joint ventures
38,409

40,872

41,401

41,809

43,420

Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation and amortization)
757,507

773,469

789,147

804,189

819,586

Goodwill (less accumulated impairment losses)
120,275

122,691

121,251

118,825

123,061

Deferred income taxes
301,784

302,212

345,804

349,946

297,261

Miscellaneous assets
165,202

166,214

168,470

173,880

227,088

Total assets
$
2,652,397

$
2,807,470

$
2,727,307

$
2,718,651

$
2,819,668

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
80,687

$
88,990

$
86,104

$
80,754

$
83,192

Accrued payroll and other related liabilities
52,288

86,772

87,753

72,641

66,826

Unexpired subscriptions
59,549

57,336

57,050

55,725

57,870

Accrued expenses and other
112,316

118,753

197,934

198,719

198,809

Accrued income taxes
360

38,932




Liabilities held for sale
33,302

32,373

34,611

36,479

41,407

Total current liabilities
338,502

423,156

463,452

444,318

448,104

Other liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
697,920

696,752

701,518

700,614

699,349

Pension benefits obligation
663,617

737,889

782,353

800,946

813,905

Postretirement benefits obligation
109,500

110,347

100,248

101,397

102,689

Other
166,434

173,690

175,949

176,305

171,944

Total other liabilities
1,637,471

1,718,678

1,760,068

1,779,262

1,787,887

Stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock of $.10 par value:
 
 
 
 
 
Class A
15,045

15,027

15,023

15,009

15,005

Class B
82

82

82

82

82

Additional paid-in capital
27,656

25,610

31,181

34,278

35,820

Retained earnings
1,234,023

1,230,450

1,052,327

1,049,580

1,137,203

Common stock held in treasury, at cost
(93,506
)
(96,278
)
(102,690
)
(107,572
)
(110,827
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
9,858

11,327

10,418

8,286

12,382

Unrealized (loss)/gain on available-for-sale security
(1,242
)
(431
)
732

2,102

4,109

Funded status of benefit plans
(518,554
)
(523,462
)
(506,334
)
(509,763
)
(513,193
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(509,938
)
(512,566
)
(495,184
)
(499,375
)
(496,702
)
Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
673,362

662,325

500,739

492,002

580,581

Noncontrolling interest
3,062

3,311

3,048

3,069

3,096

Total stockholders’ equity
676,424

665,636

503,787

495,071

583,677

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,652,397

$
2,807,470

$
2,727,307

$
2,718,651

$
2,819,668



P. 68 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


(In thousands, except per share data)
March 31, 2013
Full Year 2012
2012 by quarter
Full Year 2011
 As previously reported:
December 30,
2012
September 23,
2012
June 24,
2012
March 25,
2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
380,675

$
1,595,341

$
468,114

$
355,337

$
387,841

$
384,049

$
1,554,574

Operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs
157,341

653,883

178,116

158,003

158,802

158,962

642,374

Selling, general and administrative costs
177,060

712,001

186,686

169,689

173,057

182,569

688,344

Depreciation and amortization
18,938

78,980

18,492

19,594

20,212

20,682

83,833

Total operating costs
353,339

1,444,864

383,294

347,286

352,071

362,213

1,414,551

Pension settlement expense

48,729

48,729





Other expense

2,620

2,620




4,500

Impairment of assets






7,458

Pension withdrawal expense






4,228

Operating profit
27,336

99,128

33,471

8,051

35,770

21,836

123,837

Gain on sale of investment

220,275

164,630


37,797

17,848

71,171

Impairment of investments

5,500


600


4,900


(Loss)/income from joint ventures
(2,870
)
2,936

847

1,010

1,064

15

(270
)
Premium on debt redemption






46,381

Interest expense, net
14,071

62,808

16,402

15,490

15,464

15,452

85,243

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
10,395

254,031

182,546

(7,029
)
59,167

19,347

63,114

Income tax expense/(benefit)
4,721

92,765

65,449

(3,587
)
25,443

5,460

20,539

Income/(loss) from continuing operations
5,674

161,266

117,097

(3,442
)
33,724

13,887

42,575

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(2,785
)
(27,927
)
60,080

5,703

(121,900
)
28,190

(82,799
)
Net income/(loss)
2,889

133,339

177,177

2,261

(88,176
)
42,077

(40,224
)
Net loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
249

(166
)
(267
)
21

27

53

555

Net income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
3,138

$
133,173

$
176,910

$
2,282

$
(88,149
)
$
42,130

$
(39,669
)
Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 






Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
5,923

$
161,100

$
116,830

$
(3,421
)
$
33,751

$
13,940

$
43,130

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(2,785
)
(27,927
)
60,080

5,703

(121,900
)
28,190

(82,799
)
Net income/(loss)
$
3,138

$
133,173

$
176,910

$
2,282

$
(88,149
)
$
42,130

$
(39,669
)
Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
148,710

148,147

148,461

148,254

148,005

147,867

147,190

Diluted
155,270

152,693

154,685

148,254

149,799

151,468

152,007

Basic earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 




 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
0.04

$
1.09

$
0.79

$
(0.02
)
$
0.22

$
0.09

$
0.29

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(0.02
)
(0.19
)
0.40

0.04

(0.82
)
0.19

(0.56
)
Net income/(loss)
$
0.02

$
0.90

$
1.19

$
0.02

$
(0.60
)
$
0.28

$
(0.27
)
Diluted earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:














Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
0.04

$
1.05

$
0.76

$
(0.02
)
$
0.23

$
0.09

$
0.28

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(0.02
)
(0.18
)
0.39

0.04

(0.81
)
0.19

(0.54
)
Net income/(loss)
$
0.02

$
0.87

$
1.15

$
0.02

$
(0.58
)
$
0.28

$
(0.26
)


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 69


(In thousands, except per share data)
March 31, 2013
Full Year 2012
2012 by quarter
Full Year 2011
Adjustments:
December 30,
2012
September 23,
2012
June 24,
2012
March 25,
2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs
(607
)
(2,565
)
(676
)
(633
)
(628
)
(628
)
(2,113
)
Selling, general and administrative costs
(188
)
(889
)
(185
)
(230
)
(237
)
(237
)
(786
)
Depreciation and amortization







Total operating costs
(795
)
(3,454
)
(861
)
(863
)
(865
)
(865
)
(2,899
)
Pension settlement expense

(1,072
)
(1,072
)




Other expense







Impairment of assets







Pension withdrawal expense







Operating profit
795

4,526

1,933

863

865

865

2,899

Gain on sale of investment







Impairment of investments







(Loss)/income from joint ventures







Premium on debt redemption








Interest expense, net







Income from continuing operations before income taxes
795

4,526

1,933

863

865

865

2,899

Income tax expense
361

1,852

722

400

338

392

878

Income from continuing operations
434

2,674

1,211

463

527

473

2,021

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes







Net income
434

2,674

1,211

463

527

473

2,021

Net loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest







Net income attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
434

$
2,674

$
1,211

$
463

$
527

$
473

$
2,021

Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:







Income from continuing operations
$
434

$
2,674

$
1,211

$
463

$
527

$
473

$
2,021

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes







Net income
$
434

$
2,674

$
1,211

$
463

$
527

$
473

$
2,021

Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
148,710

148,147

148,461

148,254

148,005

147,867

147,190

Diluted
155,270

152,693

154,685

148,254

149,799

151,468

152,007

Basic earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$

$
0.02

$
0.01

$

$
0.01

$

$
0.01

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes







Net income
$

$
0.02

$
0.01

$

$
0.01

$

$
0.01

Diluted earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:














Income from continuing operations
$

$
0.02

$

$

$

$

$
0.01

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes







Net income
$

$
0.02

$

$

$

$

$
0.01




P. 70 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


(In thousands, except per share data)
March 31, 2013
Full Year 2012
2012 by quarter
Full Year 2011
As adjusted:
December 30,
2012
September 23,
2012
June 24,
2012
March 25,
2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
380,675

$
1,595,341

$
468,114

$
355,337

$
387,841

$
384,049

$
1,554,574

Operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs
156,734

651,318

177,440

157,370

158,174

158,334

640,261

Selling, general and administrative costs
176,872

711,112

186,501

169,459

172,820

182,332

687,558

Depreciation and amortization
18,938

78,980

18,492

19,594

20,212

20,682

83,833

Total operating costs
352,544

1,441,410

382,433

346,423

351,206

361,348

1,411,652

Pension settlement expense

47,657

47,657





Other expense

2,620

2,620




4,500

Impairment of assets






7,458

Pension withdrawal expense






4,228

Operating profit
28,131

103,654

35,404

8,914

36,635

22,701

126,736

Gain on sale of investment

220,275

164,630


37,797

17,848

71,171

Impairment of investments

5,500


600


4,900


(Loss)/income from joint ventures
(2,870
)
2,936

847

1,010

1,064

15

(270
)
Premium on debt redemption






46,381

Interest expense, net
14,071

62,808

16,402

15,490

15,464

15,452

85,243

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
11,190

258,557

184,479

(6,166
)
60,032

20,212

66,013

Income tax expense/(benefit)
5,082

94,617

66,171

(3,187
)
25,781

5,852

21,417

Income/(loss) from continuing operations
6,108

163,940

118,308

(2,979
)
34,251

14,360

44,596

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(2,785
)
(27,927
)
60,080

5,703

(121,900
)
28,190

(82,799
)
Net income/(loss)
3,323

136,013

178,388

2,724

(87,649
)
42,550

(38,203
)
Net loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
249

(166
)
(267
)
21

27

53

555

Net income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
3,572

$
135,847

$
178,121

$
2,745

$
(87,622
)
$
42,603

$
(37,648
)
Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
6,357

$
163,774

$
118,041

$
(2,958
)
$
34,278

$
14,413

$
45,151

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(2,785
)
(27,927
)
60,080

5,703

(121,900
)
28,190

(82,799
)
Net income/(loss)
$
3,572

$
135,847

$
178,121

$
2,745

$
(87,622
)
$
42,603

$
(37,648
)
Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
148,710

148,147

148,461

148,254

148,005

147,867

147,190

Diluted
155,270

152,693

154,685

148,254

149,799

151,468

152,007

Basic earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
0.04

$
1.11

$
0.80

$
(0.02
)
$
0.23

$
0.10

$
0.31

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(0.02
)
(0.19
)
0.40

0.04

(0.82
)
0.19

(0.57
)
Net income/(loss)
$
0.02

$
0.92

$
1.20

$
0.02

$
(0.59
)
$
0.29

$
(0.26
)
Diluted earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:














Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
0.04

$
1.07

$
0.76

$
(0.02
)
$
0.23

$
0.10

$
0.30

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(0.02
)
(0.18
)
0.39

0.04

(0.81
)
0.18

(0.55
)
Net income/(loss)
$
0.02

$
0.89

$
1.15

$
0.02

$
(0.58
)
$
0.28

$
(0.25
)


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 71


(In thousands)
 
 
2012 by quarter
 
As previously reported:
March 31, 2013
Full Year 2012
December 30,
2012
September 23,
2012
June 24,
2012
March 25,
2012
Full Year 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
 
 
 
 
Net income/(loss)
$
2,889

$
133,339

$
177,177

$
2,261

$
(88,176
)
$
42,077

$
(40,224
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:












Foreign currency translation adjustments
(2,477
)
536

1,684

3,251

(6,712
)
2,313

(523
)
Unrealized derivative gain on cash-flow hedge of equity method investment

1,143




1,143

839

Unrealized (loss)/gain on available-for-sale security
(1,374
)
(729
)
(1,980
)
(2,338
)
(3,425
)
7,014


Pension and postretirement benefits obligation
8,546

(26,938
)
(28,507
)
5,888

5,888

(10,207
)
(219,590
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax
4,695

(25,988
)
(28,803
)
6,801

(4,249
)
263

(219,274
)
Income tax expense/(benefit)
1,897

(10,643
)
(11,458
)
2,568

(1,618
)
(135
)
(89,502
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
2,798

(15,345
)
(17,345
)
4,233

(2,631
)
398

(129,772
)
Comprehensive income/(loss)
5,687

117,994

159,832

6,494

(90,807
)
42,475

(169,996
)
Comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
249

(162
)
(263
)
21

27

53

1,000

Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
5,936

$
117,832

$
159,569

$
6,515

$
(90,780
)
$
42,528

$
(168,996
)
(In thousands)
 
 
2012 by quarter
 
Adjustments:
March 31, 2013
Full Year 2012
December 30,
2012
September 23,
2012
June 24,
2012
March 25,
2012
Full Year 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
434

$
2,674

$
1,211

$
463

$
527

$
473

$
2,021

Other comprehensive income, before tax:














Foreign currency translation adjustments







Unrealized derivative gain on cash-flow hedge of equity method investment







Unrealized (loss)/gain on available-for-sale security







Pension and postretirement benefits obligation
(287
)
(284
)
(71
)
(71
)
(71
)
(71
)
8,301

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, before tax
(287
)
(284
)
(71
)
(71
)
(71
)
(71
)
8,301

Income tax expense/(benefit)
(117
)
(117
)
(34
)
(29
)
(29
)
(25
)
3,437

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
(170
)
(167
)
(37
)
(42
)
(42
)
(46
)
4,864

Comprehensive income
264

2,507

1,174

421

485

427

6,885

Comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest







Comprehensive income attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
264

$
2,507

$
1,174

$
421

$
485

$
427

$
6,885



P. 72 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


(In thousands)
 
 
2012 by quarter
 
As adjusted:
March 31, 2013
Full Year 2012
December 30,
2012
September 23,
2012
June 24,
2012
March 25,
2012
Full Year 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
 
 
 
 
Net income/(loss)
$
3,323

$
136,013

$
178,388

$
2,724

$
(87,649
)
$
42,550

$
(38,203
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:














Foreign currency translation adjustments
(2,477
)
536

1,684

3,251

(6,712
)
2,313

(523
)
Unrealized derivative gain on cash-flow hedge of equity method investment

1,143




1,143

839

Unrealized (loss)/gain on available-for-sale security
(1,374
)
(729
)
(1,980
)
(2,338
)
(3,425
)
7,014


Pension and postretirement benefits obligation
8,259

(27,222
)
(28,578
)
5,817

5,817

(10,278
)
(211,289
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax
4,408

(26,272
)
(28,874
)
6,730

(4,320
)
192

(210,973
)
Income tax expense/(benefit)
1,780

(10,760
)
(11,492
)
2,539

(1,647
)
(160
)
(86,065
)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
2,628

(15,512
)
(17,382
)
4,191

(2,673
)
352

(124,908
)
Comprehensive income/(loss)
5,951

120,501

161,006

6,915

(90,322
)
42,902

(163,111
)
Comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
249

(162
)
(263
)
21

27

53

1,000

Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
6,200

$
120,339

$
160,743

$
6,936

$
(90,295
)
$
42,955

$
(162,111
)

4. Marketable Securities
Our marketable debt and equity securities consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013
 
December 30,
2012
Short-term marketable securities
 
 
 
 
Marketable debt securities
 
 
 
 
U.S Treasury securities
 
$
143,510

 
$
124,831

Corporate debt securities
 
78,991

 

U.S. agency securities
 
31,518

 

Municipal securities
 
48,035

 

Certificates of deposit
 
31,949

 

Commercial paper
 
30,877

 
9,989

Total short-term marketable securities
 
$
364,880

 
$
134,820

Long-term marketable securities
 
 
 
 
Marketable debt securities
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
98,979

 
$

U.S. agency securities
 
73,697

 

Municipal securities
 
3,479

 

Total
 
176,155

 

Marketable equity security
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale security
 

 
4,444

Total long-term marketable securities
 
$
176,155

 
$
4,444

Marketable debt securities
As of December 29, 2013, our marketable securities had remaining maturities of 1 month to 36 months.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 73


Marketable equity security
Our investment in the common stock of Brightcove, Inc. was accounted for as available-for-sale and stated at fair value. Changes in the fair value of our available-for-sale security were recognized as unrealized gains or losses within “Long-term marketable securities” and “Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and “Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale security” in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss).
During the fourth quarter of 2013, we sold our remaining investment in the common stock of Brightcove, Inc. We received cash proceeds of $5.5 million and recognized a gain of $1.1 million, ($0.7 million, net of tax). Upon sale, net realized gains were transferred from accumulated other comprehensive income into the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.
See Note 10 for additional information regarding the fair value of our marketable securities.
5. Impairment of Assets
2011
In the second quarter of 2011, we classified certain assets as held for sale, primarily of Baseline, Inc. (“Baseline”), an online subscription database and research service for information on the film and television industries and a provider of premium film and television data to websites. The carrying value of these assets was greater than their fair value, less cost to sell, resulting in an impairment of certain intangible assets and property totaling $7.5 million. The impairment charge reduced the carrying value of intangible assets to $0 and the property to a nominal value. The fair value for these assets was determined by estimating the most likely sale price with a third-party buyer based on market data. In October 2011, we sold Baseline, which resulted in a nominal gain.
6. Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
Total Company
Balance as of December 25, 2011
 
 
Goodwill
 
$
927,909

Accumulated impairment losses
 
(805,218
)
Balance as of December 30, 2012
 
122,691

Goodwill transferred to held for sale (1)
 

Foreign currency translation
 
3,180

Balance as of December 29, 2013
 
125,871

(1)
See Note 15 for additional information regarding the assets and liabilities held for sale for the New England Media Group.
The foreign currency translation line item reflects changes in goodwill resulting from fluctuating exchange rates related to the consolidation of the International Herald Tribune.
7. Investments
Equity Method Investments
As of December 29, 2013, our investments in joint ventures consisted of equity ownership interests in the following entities:
Company
 
 
Approximate %
Ownership
Donohue Malbaie Inc. (“Malbaie”)
 
 
49
%
Madison Paper Industries (“Madison”)
 
 
40
%
Our investments above are accounted for under the equity method, and are recorded in “Investments in joint ventures” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our proportionate shares of the operating results of our investments are recorded in “Income from joint ventures” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and in “Investments in joint ventures” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.


P. 74 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


In the first quarter of 2013, we recorded a nominal charge for the impairment of our investment in quandrantONE LLC as a result of its February 2013 announcement of the wind down of its operations.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of the New England Media Group and our 49% equity interest in Metro Boston, and classified the results as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 15 for additional information.
Malbaie & Madison
We also have investments in a Canadian newsprint company, Malbaie, and a partnership operating a supercalendered paper mill in Maine, Madison (together, the “Paper Mills”).
Our Company and UPM-Kymmene Corporation, a Finnish paper manufacturing company, are partners through subsidiary companies in Madison. Our Company’s percentage ownership of Madison, which represents 40%, is through an 80%-owned consolidated subsidiary. UPM-Kymmene owns a 10% interest in Madison through a 20% noncontrolling interest in the consolidated subsidiary of our Company.
We received distributions from Malbaie of $1.4 million in 2013, $7.3 million in 2012 and $0 million in 2011.
We received distributions from Madison of $0 million in 2013, $2.0 million in 2012 and $0 million in 2011.
We purchased newsprint and supercalendered paper from the Paper Mills at competitive prices. Such purchases aggregated approximately $21 million in 2013, $26 million in 2012 and $34 million in 2011.
Cost Method Investments
Gain on Sale of Investments
We recorded a gain on sale of investments totaling $220.3 million in 2012 and $71.2 million in 2011.
Fenway Sports Group
In the first quarter of 2012, we sold 100 of our units in Fenway Sports Group for an aggregate price of $30.0 million (pre-tax gain of $17.8 million) and in the second quarter of 2012, we sold our remaining 210 units for an aggregate price of $63.0 million (pre-tax gain of $37.8 million). Effective with the first quarter of 2012 sale, given our reduced ownership level and lack of influence on the operations of Fenway Sports Group, we changed the accounting for this investment from the equity method to the cost method in the first quarter of 2012. Therefore, starting in the first quarter of 2012, we no longer recognized our proportionate share of the operating results of Fenway Sports Group in joint venture results in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In the third quarter of 2011, we sold 390 of our units in Fenway Sports Group for $117.0 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $65.3 million.
Indeed.com
In the fourth quarter of 2012, Indeed.com, a search engine for jobs in which we had an ownership interest, was sold. We recorded a pre-tax gain of $164.6 million. The pre-tax proceeds from the sale of our interest were approximately $167 million.
In the first quarter of 2011, we sold a minor portion of our interest in Indeed.com, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $5.9 million.
Impairment of Investments
In 2012, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $5.5 million to reduce the carrying value of certain investments to fair value. The impairment charges were primarily related to our investment in Ongo Inc., a consumer service for reading and sharing digital news and information from multiple publishers. See Note 10 for additional information regarding the fair value of these investments.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 75


8. Debt Obligations
Our total debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Coupon Rate

 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Senior notes due in 2015, net of unamortized debt costs of $43 in 2013 and $78 in 2012
 
5.0
%
 
244,057

 
244,022

Senior notes due in 2016, net of unamortized debt costs of $2,484 in 2013 and $3,477 in 2012
 
6.625
%
 
205,111

 
221,523

Option to repurchase ownership interest in headquarters building in 2019, net of unamortized debt costs of $21,741 in 2013 and $25,490 in 2012
 
 
 
228,259

 
224,510

Total debt
 
 
 
677,427

 
690,055

Short-term capital lease obligations(1)
 
 
 
21

 
123

Long-term capital lease obligations
 
 
 
6,715

 
6,697

Total capital lease obligations
 
 
 
6,736

 
6,820

Total debt and capital lease obligations
 
 
 
$
684,163

 
$
696,875

(1)
Included in “Accrued expenses and other” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
See Note 10 for information regarding the fair value of our long-term debt.
The aggregate face amount of maturities of debt over the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
(In thousands)
Amount
2014
$

2015
244,100

2016
207,595

2017

2018

Thereafter
250,000

Total face amount of maturities
701,695

Less: Unamortized debt costs
(24,268
)
Carrying value of debt
$
677,427

Interest expense, net, as shown in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Cash interest expense
 
$
54,811

 
$
58,719

 
$
79,187

Non-cash amortization of discount on debt
 
4,777

 
4,516

 
6,933

Capitalized interest
 

 
(17
)
 
(427
)
Interest income
 
(1,515
)
 
(410
)
 
(450
)
Total interest expense, net
 
$
58,073

 
$
62,808

 
$
85,243

4.610% Notes
On September 26, 2012, we repaid in full all $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.610% senior notes due on that date (the “4.610% Notes”).
5.0% Notes
In 2005, we issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.0% senior unsecured notes due March 15, 2015 (the “5.0% Notes”). During 2012, we repurchased $5.9 million principal amount of our 5.0% Notes and recorded a $0.4 million pre-tax charge in connection with the repurchase. This charge is included in “Interest expense, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.


P. 76 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


The 5.0% Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date plus a “make-whole” premium. The 5.0% Notes are not otherwise callable.
The 5.0% Notes are subject to certain covenants that, among other things, limit (subject to customary exceptions) our ability and the ability of certain material subsidiaries to:
create liens on certain assets to secure debt; and
enter into certain sale-leaseback transactions.
14.053% Notes
In January 2009, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement with Inmobiliaria Carso, S.A. de C.V. and Banco Inbursa S.A., Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero Inbursa (each an “Investor” and collectively the “Investors”), we issued, for an aggregate purchase price of $250.0 million, (1) $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 14.053% senior unsecured notes due January 15, 2015 (the “14.053% Notes”), and (2) detachable warrants to purchase 15.9 million shares of our Class A Common Stock at a price of $6.3572 per share. The warrants are exercisable at the holder’s option at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, until January 15, 2015. Each Investor is an affiliate of Carlos Slim Helú, the beneficial owner of approximately 8% of our Class A Common Stock (excluding the warrants). Each Investor purchased an equal number of 14.053% Notes and warrants.
On August 15, 2011, we prepaid in full all $250.0 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 14.053% Notes. The prepayment totaled approximately $280 million, comprising (1) the $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 14.053% Notes; (2) approximately $3 million representing all interest that was accrued and unpaid on the 14.053% Notes; and (3) a make-whole premium amount of approximately $27 million due in connection with the prepayment. We funded the prepayment from available cash. As a result of this prepayment, we recorded a $46.4 million pre-tax charge in the third quarter of 2011. This charge is included in “Premium on debt redemption” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
6.625% Notes
In November 2010, we issued $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior unsecured notes due December 15, 2016 (“6.625% Notes”). During 2013, we repurchased $17.4 million principal amount of our 6.625% Notes and recorded a $2.1 million pre-tax charge in connection with the repurchases.
We have the option to redeem all or a portion of the 6.625% Notes, at any time, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date plus a “make-whole” premium. The 6.625% Notes are not otherwise callable.
The 6.625% Notes are subject to certain covenants that, among other things, limit (subject to customary exceptions) our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to:
incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock;
pay dividends or make other equity distributions;
agree to any restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us;
create liens on certain assets to secure debt;
make certain investments;
merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer all or substantially all of our assets; and
engage in sale-leaseback transactions.
Sale-Leaseback Financing
In March 2009, we entered into an agreement to sell and simultaneously lease back a portion of our leasehold condominium interest in our Company’s headquarters building located at 620 Eighth Avenue in New York City (the “Condo Interest”). The sale price for the Condo Interest was $225.0 million. We have an option, exercisable in 2019, to repurchase the Condo Interest for $250.0 million. The lease term is 15 years, and we have three renewal options that could extend the term for an additional 20 years.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 77


The transaction is accounted for as a financing transaction. As such, we have continued to depreciate the Condo Interest and account for the rental payments as interest expense. The difference between the purchase option price of $250.0 million and the net sale proceeds of approximately $211 million, or approximately $39 million, is being amortized over a 10-year period through interest expense. The effective interest rate on this transaction was approximately 13%.
Revolving Credit Facility
In November 2012, we terminated our $125.0 million asset-backed five-year revolving credit facility and recorded a pre-tax charge of $1.4 million in connection with the early termination, which is included in “Interest expense, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
9. Other
Severance Costs
We recognized severance costs of $12.4 million in 2013, $12.3 million in 2012 and $10.0 million in 2011. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, these costs were primarily recorded in “Selling, general and administrative costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We had a severance liability of $10.3 million and $15.9 million included in “Accrued expenses” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively, of which the majority of the December 29, 2013 balance will be paid in 2014.
Other Expense
In 2012, we recorded a $2.6 million charge in connection with a legal settlement.
In 2011, we recorded a $4.5 million charge for a retirement and consulting agreement in connection with the retirement of our former chief executive officer at the end of 2011.
10. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid upon transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The transaction would be in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability, based on assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels:
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 – unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Assets/Liabilities Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
As of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, we had assets related to our qualified pension plans measured at fair value. The required disclosures regarding such assets are presented in Note 12.
The following table summarizes our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 29, 2013:
(In thousands)
 
December 29, 2013
 
December 30, 2012
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Available-for-sale security
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,444

 
$
4,444

 
$

 
$

Certain financial assets are valued using market prices on the active markets. Level 1 instrument valuations are obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets. In the first quarter of 2012, the common stock of Brightcove, Inc. (available-for-sale security) began to trade on an active market (see Note 4).


P. 78 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


The following table summarizes our financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012:
(In thousands)
 
December 29, 2013
 
December 30, 2012
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Deferred compensation
 
$
51,660

 
$
51,660

 
$

 
$

 
$
52,882

 
$
52,882

 
$

 
$

Certain financial liabilities are valued using market prices on the active markets. The deferred compensation liability consists of deferrals under our deferred executive compensation plan, which enables certain eligible executives to elect to defer a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis (see Note 13). The deferred amounts are invested at the executives‘ option in various mutual funds. The fair value of deferred compensation is determined based on the fair value of the investments elected by the executives.
Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
Certain non-financial assets – such as goodwill, other intangible assets, which were part of operations that have been classified as discontinued operations (see Note 15), property, plant and equipment and certain investments, – are only recorded at fair value if an impairment charge is recognized. We classified all of these measurements as Level 3, as we used unobservable inputs within the valuation methodologies that were significant to the fair value measurements, and the valuations required management‘s judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices. The following tables present non-financial assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis and the total impairment losses recorded during 2013, 2012 and 2011 on those assets.
2013
(In thousands)
Net Carrying
 Value as of
 
Fair Value Measured and Recorded Using
Impairment Losses for the Year Ended
December 29, 2013
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 29, 2013
Property, plant and equipment
$

 
$

$

$

$
34,300

(1) 
(1)
Impairment losses related to the New England Media Group and are included within “(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” for the year ended December 30, 2013. We sold the New England Media Group in the fourth quarter of 2013. See Note 15 for additional information.
The impairment of assets in 2013 reflects the impairment of fixed assets held for sale that related to the New England Media Group. During the third quarter of 2013, we estimated the fair value less cost to sell of the group held for sale, using unobservable inputs (Level 3). We recorded a $34.3 million non-cash charge in the third quarter of 2013 for fixed assets at the New England Media Group to reduce the carrying value of fixed assets to their fair value less costs to sell.
2012
(In thousands)
Net Carrying
 Value as of
 
Fair Value Measured and Recorded Using
Impairment Losses for the Year Ended
December 30, 2012
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 30, 2012
Goodwill
$

 
$

$

$

$
194,732

(1) 
Cost method investments

 



5,500

 
(1)
Impairment losses related to the About Group and are included within “(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” for the year ended December 25, 2012. We sold the About Group in September 2012. See Note 15 for additional information.
The impairment charge totaling $194.7 million in the preceding table was related to goodwill at the About Group in the second quarter of 2012, which reduced the carrying value to its fair value. Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment annually or in an interim period if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Our policy is to perform our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. However, due to certain impairment indicators at the About Group, we performed an interim impairment test as of June 24, 2012.
Our expectations for future operating results and cash flows at the About Group in the long-term were lower than our previous estimates, primarily driven by a reassessment of the sustainability of our estimated long-term


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 79


growth rate for display advertising. The reduction in our estimated long-term growth rate resulted in the carrying value of the net assets being greater than their fair value, and therefore a write-down of goodwill to its fair value was required. The fair value of the About Group’s goodwill was the residual fair value after allocating the total fair value of the About Group to its other assets, net of liabilities.
The total fair value of the About Group was determined using a discounted cash flow model (present value of future cash flows). We estimated a 3.5% annual growth rate to arrive at a residual year representing the perpetual cash flows of the About Group. The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the About Group. Utilizing a discount rate of 15.0%, the present value of the cash flows during the projection period and terminal value were aggregated to estimate the fair value of the About Group. In our 2011 annual impairment test, we had assumed a 5.0% annual growth rate and a 13.8% discount rate. In determining the appropriate discount rate, we considered the weighted-average cost of capital for comparable companies.
The impairment charge totaling $5.5 million in the preceding table for the cost method investments in 2012, which was primarily related to our investment in Ongo Inc., was due to events surrounding ceasing the operations of our investments (see Note 7). We determined the fair value of these investments using the market and income approaches. The market approach includes the use of financial metrics and ratios of comparable companies. The income approach includes the use of a discounted cash flow model.
2011
(In thousands)
Net Carrying
 Value as of
 
Fair Value Measured and Recorded Using
Impairment Losses for the Year Ended
 
December 25, 2011
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 25, 2011
 
Goodwill
$

 
$

$

$

$
152,093

(1) 
Other intangible assets
2,864

 


2,864

10,574

 
Property, plant and equipment, net

 



1,767

 
(1)
Impairment losses relate to the Regional Media Group and are included within “(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” for the year ended December 25, 2011. We sold the Regional Media Group in January 2012. See Note 15 for additional information.
The impairment charge totaling $152.1 million in the preceding table was related to goodwill at the Regional Media Group, which reduced the carrying value of goodwill to $0. Due to certain impairment indicators at the Regional Media Group, including lower-than-expected operating results, we performed an interim impairment test of goodwill as of June 26, 2011.
The interim test resulted in an impairment of goodwill mainly from lower projected long-term operating results and cash flows of the Regional Media Group, primarily due to the continued decline in print advertising revenues. These factors resulted in the carrying value of the net assets being greater than their fair value, and therefore a write-down to fair value was required.
In determining the fair value of the Regional Media Group, we made significant judgments and estimates regarding the expected severity and duration of the uneven economic environment and the secular changes affecting the newspaper industry in the Regional Media Group markets. The effect of these assumptions on projected long-term revenues, along with the continued benefits from reductions to the group’s cost structure, played a significant role in calculating the fair value of the Regional Media Group.
The fair value of the Regional Media Group’s goodwill was the residual fair value after allocating the total fair value of the Regional Media Group to its other assets, net of liabilities. The total fair value of the Regional Media Group was determined using a combination of a discounted cash flow model (present value of future cash flows) and a market approach model based on comparable businesses. We estimated a flat annual growth rate to arrive at a residual year representing the perpetual cash flows of the Regional Media Group. The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the Regional Media Group. Utilizing a discount rate of 10.7%, the present value of the cash flows during the projection period and terminal value were aggregated to estimate the fair value of the Regional Media Group. In our 2010 annual impairment test, we assumed a 2.0% annual growth rate and a discount rate of 10.5%. In determining the appropriate discount rate, we considered the weighted-average cost of capital for comparable companies.
The impairment charges for other intangible assets and property were primarily related to Baseline (see Note 5) and ConsumerSearch, Inc., which was part of the About Group (see Note 15). The impairment charge related to


P. 80 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Baseline reduced the carrying value of intangible assets to $0 and the property to a nominal value. The fair value of the other intangible assets and property of Baseline was determined by estimating the most likely sale price with a third-party buyer based on market data. We completed the sale of Baseline in October 2011. The impairment charge for ConsumerSearch, Inc. reduced the carrying value of the ConsumerSearch trade name to approximately $3 million. The fair value of the trade name was calculated using a relief-from-royalty method.
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Reported, at Fair Value
Our marketable securities, which include U.S. Treasury securities, corporate debt securities, U.S. government agency securities, municipal securities, certificates of deposit and commercial paper, are recorded at amortized cost (see Note 4). As of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, the amortized cost approximated fair value because of the short-term maturity and highly liquid nature of these investments. We classified these investments as Level 2 since the fair value estimates are based on market observable inputs for investments with similar terms and maturities.
The carrying value of our long-term debt was approximately $677 million as of December 29, 2013 and $690 million as of December 30, 2012. The fair value of our long-term debt was approximately $819 million as of December 29, 2013 and $840 million as of December 30, 2012. We estimate the fair value of our debt utilizing market quotations for debt that have quoted prices in active markets. Since our debt does not trade on a daily basis in an active market, the fair value estimates are based on market observable inputs based on borrowing rates currently available for debt with similar terms and average maturities (Level 2).
11. Pension Benefits
We sponsor several single-employer defined benefit pension plans, the majority of which have been frozen; participate in joint Company and Guild-sponsored plans, The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan, which has been frozen, and a new defined benefit plan, subject to the approval of the Internal Revenue Service; and make contributions to several multiemployer pension plans in connection with collective bargaining agreements. These plans cover the majority of our employees.
Single-Employer Plans
Our Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans include qualified plans (funded) as well as non-qualified plans (unfunded). These plans provide participating employees with retirement benefits in accordance with benefit formulas detailed in each plan. All of our non-qualified plans, which provide enhanced retirement benefits to select employees, are currently frozen, except for a foreign-based pension plan discussed below. The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan is a qualified plan and is included in the tables below.
We also have a foreign-based pension plan for certain employees (the “foreign plan”). The information for the foreign plan is combined with the information for U.S. non-qualified plans. The benefit obligation of the foreign plan is immaterial to our total benefit obligation.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 81


Net Periodic Pension Cost
The components of net periodic pension cost were as follows:
 
December 29, 2013
 
December 30, 2012
 
December 25, 2011
(In thousands)
Qualified
Plans
Non-
Qualified
Plans
All
Plans
 
Qualified
Plans
Non-
Qualified
Plans
All
Plans
 
Qualified
Plans
Non-
Qualified
Plans
All
Plans
Components of net periodic pension cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
11,225

$
1,162

$
12,387

 
$
11,903

$
1,656

$
13,559

 
$
12,079

$
1,660

$
13,739

Interest cost
77,136

10,681

87,817

 
94,113

12,635

106,748

 
98,206

13,112

111,318

Expected return on plan assets
(124,250
)

(124,250
)
 
(118,551
)

(118,551
)
 
(111,813
)

(111,813
)
Recognized actuarial loss
33,770

5,247

39,017

 
33,323

4,489

37,812

 
25,007

3,053

28,060

Amortization of prior service (credit)/cost
(1,945
)

(1,945
)
 
574


574

 
803


803

Effect of settlement

3,228

3,228

 
47,657


47,657

 



Effect of special termination benefits

314

314

 



 



Effect of sale of Regional Media Group



 
(5,097
)

(5,097
)
 



Net periodic pension cost
$
(4,064
)
$
20,632

$
16,568

 
$
63,922

$
18,780

$
82,702

 
$
24,282

$
17,825

$
42,107

As part of our strategy to reduce the pension obligations and the resulting volatility of our overall financial condition, during 2013 and 2012, we offered one-time lump-sum payments to certain former employees. The lump-sum payment offers each resulted in settlement charges due to the acceleration of the recognition of the accumulated unrecognized actuarial loss. Therefore, we recorded non-cash settlement charges of $3.2 million and $47.7 million in connection with lump-sum payments made in the fourth quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total lump-sum payments were approximately $11 million and $112 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2012 lump-sum payments were made out of the existing assets of The New York Times Companies Pension Plan and the 2013 payments were made out of Company cash.
Following ratification of an amendment to a collective bargaining agreement covering the employees in The New York Times Newspaper Guild, in the fourth quarter of 2012, we amended The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan to freeze benefit accruals for participating employees. We adopted a new defined benefit pension plan for these employees, subject to Internal Revenue Service approval. The amendment to The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan resulted in a reduction of the projected benefit obligation and underfunded status of the plan by approximately $32 million. This amount is recognized within “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 30, 2012.
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income/loss were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Net actuarial (gain)/loss
 
$
(178,088
)
 
$
96,551

 
$
246,672

Prior service credit
 

 
(31,839
)
 

Amortization of loss
 
(39,017
)
 
(37,813
)
 
(28,060
)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
1,945

 
(574
)
 
(803
)
Effect of settlement
 
(3,358
)
 
(47,657
)
 

Total recognized in other comprehensive (income)/loss
 
(218,518
)
 
(21,332
)
 
217,809

Net periodic pension cost
 
16,568

 
82,702

 
42,107

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss
 
$
(201,950
)
 
$
61,370

 
$
259,916



P. 82 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


The estimated actuarial loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year is approximately $31 million and $2 million, respectively.
The amount of cost recognized for defined contribution benefit plans was approximately $18 million for 2013 and 2012 and $23 million for 2011.
Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets
The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) were as follows: 
 
 
 
December 29, 2013
 
December 30, 2012
(In thousands)
 
Qualified
Plans
 
Non-
Qualified
Plans
 
All Plans
 
Qualified
Plans
 
Non-
Qualified
Plans
 
All Plans
Change in benefit obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
1,965,406

 
$
299,265

 
$
2,264,671

 
$
1,943,882

 
$
273,542

 
$
2,217,424

Service cost
 
11,225

 
1,162

 
12,387

 
11,903

 
1,656

 
13,559

Interest cost
 
77,136

 
10,681

 
87,817

 
94,113

 
12,635

 
106,748

Plan participants’ contributions
 
26

 

 
26

 
32

 

 
32

Amendments
 

 

 

 
(31,839
)
 

 
(31,839
)
Actuarial (gain)/loss
 
(161,348
)
 
(18,960
)
 
(180,308
)
 
162,569

 
32,803

 
195,372

Lump-sum settlement paid
 

 
(10,667
)
 
(10,667
)
 
(112,404
)
 

 
(112,404
)
Benefits paid
 
(113,798
)
 
(19,149
)
 
(132,947
)
 
(89,340
)
 
(21,412
)
 
(110,752
)
Effect of sale of Regional Media Group
 

 

 

 
(13,510
)
 

 
(13,510
)
Effects of change in currency conversion
 

 
169

 
169

 

 
41

 
41

Benefit obligation at end of year
 
1,778,647

 
262,501

 
2,041,148

 
1,965,406

 
299,265

 
2,264,671

Change in plan assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
 
1,615,723

 

 
1,615,723

 
1,464,729

 

 
1,464,729

Actual return on plan assets
 
122,030

 

 
122,030

 
217,371

 

 
217,371

Employer contributions
 
74,110

 
29,999

 
104,109

 
143,748

 
21,412

 
165,160

Plan participants’ contributions
 
26

 

 
26

 
32

 

 
32

Lump-sum settlement paid
 

 
(10,667
)
 
(10,667
)
 
(112,404
)
 

 
(112,404
)
Benefits paid
 
(113,798
)
 
(19,149
)
 
(132,947
)
 
(89,340
)
 
(21,412
)
 
(110,752
)
Effect of sale of Regional Media Group
 

 

 

 
(8,413
)
 

 
(8,413
)
Effect of change in currency conversion
 

 
(183
)
 
(183
)
 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year
 
1,698,091

 

 
1,698,091

 
1,615,723

 

 
1,615,723

Net amount recognized
 
$
(80,556
)
 
$
(262,501
)
 
$
(343,057
)
 
$
(349,683
)
 
$
(299,265
)
 
$
(648,948
)
Amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
$

 
$
(17,903
)
 
$
(17,903
)
 
$

 
$
(19,586
)
 
$
(19,586
)
Noncurrent liabilities
 
(80,556
)
 
(244,598
)
 
(325,154
)
 
(349,683
)
 
(279,679
)
 
(629,362
)
Net amount recognized
 
$
(80,556
)
 
$
(262,501
)
 
$
(343,057
)
 
$
(349,683
)
 
$
(299,265
)
 
$
(648,948
)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss
 
$
662,293

 
$
97,436

 
$
759,729

 
$
855,191

 
$
125,002

 
$
980,193

Prior service (credit)/cost
 
(28,510
)
 

 
(28,510
)
 
(30,454
)
 

 
(30,454
)
Total
 
$
633,783

 
$
97,436

 
$
731,219

 
$
824,737

 
$
125,002

 
$
949,739



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 83


The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $2.03 billion and $2.26 billion as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, respectively.
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Projected benefit obligation
 
$
2,041,148

 
$
2,264,671

Accumulated benefit obligation
 
$
2,034,145

 
$
2,255,135

Fair value of plan assets
 
$
1,698,091

 
$
1,615,723

Assumptions
Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine benefit obligations for qualified pension plans were as follows:
(Percent)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Discount rate
 
4.90
%
 
4.00
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
2.55
%
 
3.00
%
The rate of increase in compensation levels is applicable only for qualified pension plans that have not been frozen.
Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine net periodic pension cost for qualified plans were as follows:
(Percent)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Discount rate
 
4.00
%
 
5.05
%
 
5.60
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
3.50
%
 
3.00
%
 
4.00
%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
 
7.85
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.25
%
Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine benefit obligations for non-qualified plans were as follows:
(Percent)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Discount rate
 
4.60
%
 
3.70
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
2.50
%
 
3.50
%
The rate of increase in compensation levels is applicable only for the non-qualified pension plans that have not been frozen.
Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine net periodic pension cost for non-qualified plans were as follows:
(Percent)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Discount rate
 
3.70
%
 
4.80
%
 
5.45
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
3.00
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
We determined our discount rate using a Ryan ALM, Inc. Curve (the “Ryan Curve”). The Ryan Curve provides the bonds included in the curve and allows adjustments for certain outliers (e.g., bonds on “watch”). We believe the Ryan Curve allows us to calculate an appropriate discount rate.
To determine our discount rate, we project a cash flow based on annual accrued benefits. For active participants, the benefits under the respective pension plans are projected to the date of termination. The projected plan cash flow is discounted to the measurement date, which is the last day of our fiscal year, using the


P. 84 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


annual spot rates provided in the Ryan Curve. A single discount rate is then computed so that the present value of the benefit cash flow equals the present value computed using the Ryan Curve rates.
In determining the expected long-term rate of return on assets, we evaluated input from our investment consultants, actuaries and investment management firms, including our review of asset class return expectations, as well as long-term historical asset class returns. Projected returns by such consultants and economists are based on broad equity and bond indices. Our objective is to select an average rate of earnings expected on existing plan assets and expected contributions to the plan during the year.
The value (“market-related value”) of plan assets is multiplied by the expected long-term rate of return on assets to compute the expected return on plan assets, a component of net periodic pension cost. The market-related value of plan assets is a calculated value that recognizes changes in fair value over three years.
Plan Assets
Company-Sponsored Pension Plans
The assets underlying the Company-sponsored qualified pension plans are managed by professional investment managers. These investment managers are selected and monitored by the pension investment committee, composed of certain senior executives, who are appointed by the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. The Finance Committee is responsible for adopting our investment policy, which includes rules regarding the selection and retention of qualified advisors and investment managers. The pension investment committee is responsible for implementing and monitoring compliance with our investment policy, selecting and monitoring investment managers and communicating the investment guidelines and performance objectives to the investment managers.
Our contributions are made on a basis determined by the actuaries in accordance with the funding requirements and limitations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code.
Investment Policy and Strategy
The primary long-term investment objective is to allocate assets in a manner that produces a total rate of return that meets or exceeds the growth of our pension liabilities. Our plan objective is to transition the asset mix to hedge liabilities and minimize volatility in the funded status of the plans.
Asset Allocation Guidelines
In accordance with our asset allocation strategy, for substantially all of our Company-sponsored pension plan assets, investments are categorized into long duration fixed income investments whose value is highly correlated to that of the pension plan obligations (“Long Duration Assets”) or other investments, such as equities and high-yield fixed income securities, whose return over time is expected to exceed the rate of growth in our pension plan obligations (“Return-Seeking Assets”).
The proportional allocation of assets between Long Duration Assets and Return-Seeking Assets is dependent on the funded status of each pension plan. Under our policy, for example, a funded status of 95% to 97.5% requires an allocation of total assets of 62% to 72% to Long Duration Assets and 28% to 38% to Return-Seeking Assets. As our funded status increases, the allocation to Long Duration Assets will increase and the allocation to Return-Seeking Assets will decrease.
The following asset allocation guidelines apply to the Return-Seeking Assets:
Asset Category
Percentage Range
 
Public Equity
70%
-
90
%
Growth Fixed Income
0%
-
15
%
Alternatives
0%
-
15
%
Cash
0%
-
10
%


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 85


The asset allocations of our Company-sponsored pension plans by asset category for both Long Duration and Return-Seeking Assets, as of December 29, 2013, were as follows:
Asset Category
Percentage

Public Equity
27
%
Fixed Income
69
%
Alternatives
4
%
Cash
%
The specified target allocation of assets and ranges set forth above are maintained and reviewed on a periodic basis by the pension investment committee. The pension investment committee may direct the transfer of assets between investment managers in order to rebalance the portfolio in accordance with approved asset allocation ranges to accomplish the investment objectives for the pension plan assets.
Fair Value of Plan Assets
The fair value of the assets underlying our Company-sponsored qualified pension plans and The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan by asset category are as follows:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement at December 29, 2013
(In thousands)
 
Quoted Prices
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
 
Asset Category
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total
Equity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Equities
 
$
36,920

 
$

 
$

 
$
36,920

International Equities
 
75,606

 

 

 
75,606

Common/Collective Funds(1)
 

 
581,553

 

 
581,553

Fixed Income Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Bonds
 

 
594,667

 

 
594,667

U.S. Treasury and Other Government Securities
 

 
183,700

 

 
183,700

Group Annuity Contract
 

 
72,663

 

 
72,663

Municipal and Provincial Bonds
 

 
41,729

 

 
41,729

Government Sponsored Enterprises(2)
 

 
4,738

 

 
4,738

Other
 

 
29,115

 

 
29,115

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 


 
6,538

 

 
6,538

Private Equity
 

 

 
40,537

 
40,537

Hedge Fund
 

 

 
30,325

 
30,325

Assets at Fair Value
 
$
112,526

 
$
1,514,703

 
$
70,862

 
$
1,698,091

Other Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,698,091

(1)
The underlying assets of the common/collective funds are primarily comprised of equity and fixed income securities. The fair value in the above table represents our ownership share of the net asset value of the underlying funds.
(2)
Represents investments that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.



P. 86 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement at December 30, 2012
(In thousands)
 
Quoted Prices
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
 
Asset Category
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total
Equity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Equities
 
$
193,489

 
$

 
$

 
$
193,489

International Equities
 
87,273

 

 

 
87,273

Common/Collective Funds(1)
 

 
678,449

 

 
678,449

Fixed Income Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Bonds
 

 
383,483

 

 
383,483

U.S. Treasury and Other Government Securities
 

 
91,122

 

 
91,122

Insurance Contracts
 

 
44,511

 

 
44,511

Municipal and Provincial Bonds
 

 
22,192

 

 
22,192

Government Sponsored Enterprises(2)
 

 
19,115

 

 
19,115

Other
 

 
10,847

 

 
10,847

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 

 
16,427

 

 
16,427

Private Equity
 

 

 
36,011

 
36,011

Hedge Fund
 

 

 
26,370

 
26,370

Assets at Fair Value
 
$
280,762

 
$
1,266,146

 
$
62,381

 
$
1,609,289

Other Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,434

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,615,723

(1)
The underlying assets of the common/collective funds are primarily comprised of equity and fixed income securities. The fair value in the above table represents our ownership share of the net asset value of the underlying funds.
(2)
Represents investments that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.
Level 1 and Level 2 Investments
Where quoted prices are available in an active market for identical assets, such as equity securities traded on an exchange, transactions for the asset occur with such frequency that the pricing information is available on an ongoing/daily basis. We, therefore, classify these types of investments as Level 1 where the fair value represents the closing/last trade price for these particular securities.
For our investments where pricing data may not be readily available, fair values are estimated by using quoted prices for similar assets, in both active and not active markets, and observable inputs, other than quoted prices, such as interest rates and credit risk. We classify these types of investments as Level 2 because we are able to reasonably estimate the fair value through inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. There are no restrictions on our ability to sell any of our Level 1 and Level 2 investments.
Level 3 Investments
We have investments in private equity funds and a hedge fund as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 and a hedge fund of funds as of December 30, 2012 that have been determined to be Level 3 investments, within the fair value hierarchy, because the inputs to determine fair value are considered unobservable.
The general valuation methodology used for the private equity and hedge fund of funds is the market approach. The market approach utilizes prices and other relevant information such as similar market transactions, type of security, size of the position, degree of liquidity, restrictions on the disposition, latest round of financing data, current financial position and operating results, among other factors.
 As a result of the inherent limitations related to the valuations of the Level 3 investments, due to the unobservable inputs of the underlying funds, the estimated fair value may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a market for those investments existed.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 87


The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 29, 2013 is as follows:
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(In thousands)
 
Hedge Fund
 
Private Equity
 
Total
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
26,370

 
$
36,011

 
$
62,381

Actual gain/(loss) on plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to assets still held
 
3,955

 
6,169

 
10,124

Capital contribution
 

 
3,018

 
3,018

Return of Capital
 

 
(4,661
)
 
(4,661
)
Balance at end of year
 
$
30,325

 
$
40,537

 
$
70,862

The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 30, 2012 is as follows:
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(In thousands)
 
Real Estate
 
Private Equity
 
Total
Balance at beginning of year
 
$

 
$
37,393

 
$
37,393

Actual gain on plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Relating to assets still held
 
1,370

 
(1,736
)
 
(366
)
Capital contribution
 
25,000

 
3,737

 
28,737

Return of Capital
 

 
(3,383
)
 
(3,383
)
Balance at end of year
 
$
26,370

 
$
36,011

 
$
62,381

Cash Flows
We made contributions of approximately $144 million to certain qualified pension plans in 2012. The majority of these contributions were discretionary. In January 2013, we made a contribution of approximately $57 million to the New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan, of which $20 million was estimated to be necessary to satisfy minimum funding requirements in 2013. Mandatory contributions to other qualified pension plans increased our total contributions to approximately $74 million for the full year of 2013. We expect contributions to total approximately $16 million to satisfy minimum funding requirements in 2014.
The following benefit payments under our pension plans, which reflect expected future services for plans that have not been frozen, are expected to be paid:
 
 
Plans
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Qualified
 
Non-
Qualified
 
Total
2014
 
$
99,747

 
$
18,271

 
$
118,018

2015
 
101,704

 
18,315

 
120,019

2016
 
103,648

 
18,743

 
122,391

2017
 
106,149

 
18,646

 
124,795

2018
 
108,206

 
18,795

 
127,001

2019-2023
 
578,124

 
92,828

 
670,952



P. 88 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Multiemployer Plans
We contribute to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of various collective bargaining agreements that cover our union-represented employees. Over the past few years, certain events, such as amendments to various collective bargaining agreements and the sales of the New England Media Group and the Regional Media Group, resulted in withdrawals from multiemployer pension plans. These actions, along with a reduction in covered employees, have resulted in us estimating withdrawal liabilities to the respective plans for our proportionate share of any unfunded vested benefits. We recorded an estimated charge for multiemployer pension plan withdrawal obligations of $14.2 million in 2013, which includes $8.0 million directly related to the sale of the New England Media Group, and $4.2 million in 2011. There were nominal charges in 2012 for withdrawal obligations related to our multiemployer pension plans. Our multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability was approximately $119 million as of December 29, 2013 and approximately $109 million as of December 30, 2012. This liability represents the present value of the obligations related to complete and partial withdrawals from certain plans as well as an estimate of future partial withdrawals that we considered probable and reasonably estimable. For the plans that have yet to provide us with a demand letter, the actual liability will not be fully known until those plans complete a final assessment of the withdrawal liability and issue a demand to us. Therefore, the estimate of our multiemployer pension plan liability will be adjusted as more information becomes available that allows us to refine our estimates.
The risks of participating in multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:
Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
If we choose to stop participating in some multiemployer pension plans, we may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan (a withdrawal liability).
Our participation in significant plans for the fiscal period ended December 29, 2013, is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number. The zone status is based on the latest information that we received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented. The “Surcharge Imposed” column includes plans in a red zone status that are required to pay a surcharge in excess of regular contributions. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 89


 
EIN/Pension Plan Number
 Pension Protection Act Zone Status
FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented
(In thousands)Contributions of the Company
Surcharge Imposed
 Collective Bargaining Agreement Expiration Date
 
Pension Fund
2013
2012
2013
2012
2011
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan
13-6212879-001
Red as of 1/01/13
Red as of 1/01/12
Implemented
$
663

$
646

$
776

 Yes
3/30/2016
(1)
Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund
13-6122251-001
Yellow as of 6/01/13
Yellow as of 6/01/12
Implemented
1,217

1,101

1,298

 No
3/30/2020
(2)
GCIU-Employer Retirement Benefit Plan
91-6024903-001
Red as of 1/01/13
Red as of 1/01/12
Implemented
124

114

116

 Yes
3/30/2017
(3)
Pressmen’s Publishers’ Pension Fund
13-6121627-001
Green as of 4/01/13
Green as of 4/01/12
N/A
1,016

1,037

1,113

 No
3/30/2017
(4)
Paper-Handlers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund
13-6104795-001
Green as of 4/01/13
Green as of 4/01/12
N/A
114

121

153

No
3/30/2014
(5)
Contributions for individually significant plans
 
 
$
3,134

$
3,019

$
3,456

 
 
 
Contributions to other multiemployer plans
 
 
945

2,503

2,296

 
 
 
Total Contributions
 
 
$
4,079

$
5,522

$
5,752

 
 
 
(1)
There are two collective bargaining agreements (Mailers and Typographers) requiring contributions to this plan, which both expire March 30, 2016.
(2)
Elections under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010: Extended Amortization of Net Investment Losses (IRS Section 431(b)(8)(A)) and the Expanded Smoothing Period (IRS Section 431(b)(8)(B)).
(3)
We previously had two collective bargaining agreements requiring contributions to this plan. With the sale of the New England Media Group only one collective bargaining agreement remains for the Stereotypers, which expires March 30, 2017. The method for calculating actuarial value of assets was changed retroactive to January 1, 2009, as elected by the Board of Trustees and as permitted by IRS Notice 2010-83. This election includes smoothing 2008 investment losses over ten years and widening the asset corridor to 130% of market value of assets for 2009 and 2010.
(4)
The Plan sponsor elected two provisions of funding relief under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010 (PRA 2010) to more slowly absorb the 2008 plan year investment loss, retroactively effective as of April 1, 2009. These included extended amortization under the prospective method and 10-year smoothing of the asset loss for the plan year beginning April 1, 2008.
(5)
Board of Trustees elected funding relief. This election includes smoothing the March 31, 2009 investment losses over 10 years and widening the asset corridor to 130% of market value of assets for April 1, 2009 and April 1, 2010.
The rehabilitation plan for the GCIU-Employer Retirement Benefit Plan includes minimum annual contributions no less than the total annual contribution made by us from September 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009.
The Company was listed in the plans’ respective Forms 5500 as providing more than 5% of the total contributions for the following plans and plan years:
 
Pension Fund
Year Contributions to Plan Exceeded More Than 5 Percent of Total Contributions (as of Plan’s Year-End)
 
 
 
 
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan
  12/31/2012 & 12/31/2011
(1)
 
Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund
5/31/2012 & 5/31/2011
(1)
 
Pressmen’s Publisher’s Pension Fund
3/31/2013 & 3/31/2012
 
 
Paper-Handlers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund
3/31/2013 & 3/31/2012
 
(1) Form 5500 for the plan year 12/31/13 and 5/31/13 was not available as of the date we filed our financial statements.
The number of our employees covered by multiemployer plans decreased from 2012 to 2013, affecting period-to-period comparability, as a result of the sale of the New England Media Group.
The Company received a notice and demand for payment of withdrawal liability from the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund on September 13, 2013 associated with an alleged partial withdrawal. See Note 20 for further information.


P. 90 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


12. Other Postretirement Benefits
We provide health benefits to retired employees (and their eligible dependents) who meet the definition of an eligible participant and certain age and service requirements, as outlined in the plan document. While we offer pre-age 65 retiree medical coverage to employees who meet certain retiree medical eligibility requirements, we no longer provide post-age 65 retiree medical benefits for employees who retired on or after March 1, 2009. We also contribute to a postretirement plan for Guild employees of New York Times Newspaper under the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement. We accrue the costs of postretirement benefits during the employees’ active years of service and our policy is to pay our portion of insurance premiums and claims from our assets.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of the New England Media Group, consisting of The Boston Globe, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette (“T&G”), Telegram.com and related properties. As a result of the sale, the Company recorded a $49.1 million post-retirement curtailment gain in 2013, which is included in the gain on sale within “(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. This gain is primarily related to an acceleration of prior service credits from plan amendments announced in prior years, and is due to a reduction in the expected years of future Company service for employees at the New England Media Group.
In the first quarter of 2012, we sold the Regional Media Group. The sale significantly reduced the expected years of future service for current employees, resulting in a remeasurement and curtailment of a postretirement benefit plan. We recognized a curtailment gain of $27.2 million in the first quarter of 2012, which is included in the gain on the sale within “(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
In October 2011, we amended our retiree medical plan by, among other things, placing a cap (effective January 1, 2012) on our contributions for certain retiree groups. In connection with this plan amendment, we remeasured our postretirement obligation as of the plan amendment date. The plan amendment and remeasurement resulted in a decrease in the postretirement liability and an increase in other comprehensive income (before taxes) of approximately $20.0 million in October 2011.
The components of net periodic postretirement benefit income were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Service cost
 
$
1,089

 
$
957

 
$
1,143

Interest cost
 
4,101

 
4,985

 
6,891

Recognized actuarial loss
 
4,440

 
3,328

 
2,289

Amortization of prior service credit
 
(13,051
)
 
(15,112
)
 
(16,593
)
Effect of curtailment
 
(49,122
)
 
(27,213
)
 

Net periodic postretirement benefit income
 
$
(52,543
)
 
$
(33,055
)
 
$
(6,270
)
The changes in the benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Net actuarial loss/(gain)
 
$
(13,500
)
 
$
11,562

 
$
13,436

Prior service credit
 
(1,690
)
 

 
(35,712
)
Amortization of loss
 
(4,440
)
 
(3,328
)
 
(2,289
)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
13,051

 
15,112

 
16,593

Recognition of prior service credit due to curtailment
 
49,122

 
27,213

 

Total recognized in other comprehensive loss/(income)
 
42,543

 
50,559

 
(7,972
)
Net periodic postretirement benefit income
 
(52,543
)
 
(33,055
)
 
(6,270
)
Total recognized in net periodic postretirement benefit income and other comprehensive loss
 
$
(10,000
)
 
$
17,504

 
$
(14,242
)


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 91


The estimated actuarial loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is approximately $5 million and $6 million, respectively.
In connection with collective bargaining agreements, we contribute to several multiemployer welfare plans. These plans provide medical benefits to active and retired employees covered under the respective collective bargaining agreement. Contributions are made in accordance with the formula in the relevant agreement. Postretirement costs related to these plans are not reflected above and were approximately $20.0 million in 2013, $18 million in 2012 and $16 million in 2011.
The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/loss were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Change in benefit obligation
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
120,767

 
$
113,803

Service cost
 
1,089

 
957

Interest cost
 
4,101

 
4,985

Plan participants’ contributions
 
4,861

 
4,383

Actuarial (gain)/loss
 
(13,501
)
 
11,562

Plan amendments
 
(1,690
)
 

Benefits paid
 
(14,695
)
 
(15,881
)
Medicare subsidies received
 

 
958

Benefit obligation at the end of year
 
100,932

 
120,767

Change in plan assets
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
 

 

Employer contributions
 
9,834

 
10,540

Plan participants’ contributions
 
4,861

 
4,383

Benefits paid
 
(14,695
)
 
(15,881
)
Medicare subsidies received
 

 
958

Fair value of plan assets at end of year
 

 

Net amount recognized
 
$
(100,932
)
 
$
(120,767
)
Amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
$
(10,329
)
 
$
(10,420
)
Noncurrent liabilities
 
(90,603
)
 
(110,347
)
Net amount recognized
 
$
(100,932
)
 
$
(120,767
)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss
 
$
33,406

 
$
51,346

Prior service credit
 
(33,660
)
 
(94,143
)
Total
 
$
(254
)
 
$
(42,797
)
 Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine the postretirement benefit obligations were as follows:
 
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Discount rate
 
4.22
%
 
3.49
%
Estimated increase in compensation level
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%


P. 92 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine net periodic postretirement cost were as follows:
 
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Discount rate
 
3.70
%
 
4.66
%
 
5.14
%
Estimated increase in compensation level
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
The assumed health-care cost trend rates were as follows:
 
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Health-care cost trend rate assumed next year
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
 
2023

 
2023

Because our health-care plans are capped for most participants, the assumed health-care cost trend rates do not have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health-care plans. A one-percentage point change in assumed health-care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
 
 
One-Percentage Point
(In thousands)
 
Increase

 
Decrease

Effect on total service and interest cost for 2013
 
$
87

 
$
(82
)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 30, 2013
 
$
2,057

 
$
(1,952
)
The following benefit payments (net of plan participant contributions) under our Company’s postretirement plans, which reflect expected future services, are expected to be paid:
(In thousands)
Amount

2014
$
10,596

2015
10,175

2016
9,769

2017
9,356

2018
8,938

2019-2023
36,937

We accrue the cost of certain benefits provided to former or inactive employees after employment, but before retirement. The cost is recognized only when it is probable and can be estimated. Benefits include life insurance, disability benefits and health-care continuation coverage. The accrued cost of these benefits amounted to $16.2 million as of December 29, 2013 and $19.9 million as of December 30, 2012.
13. Other Liabilities
The components of the “Other Liabilities — Other” balance in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Deferred compensation
 
$
51,660

 
$
52,882

Other liabilities
 
106,775

 
120,808

Total
 
$
158,435

 
$
173,690

Deferred compensation consists primarily of deferrals under our deferred executive compensation plan (the “DEC Plan”). The DEC Plan enables certain eligible executives to elect to defer a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis. While the initial deferral period is for a minimum of 2 years up to a maximum of 15 years (after which time taxable distributions must begin), the executive has the option to extend the deferral period. Employees’ contributions earn income based on the performance of investment funds they select.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 93


We invest deferred compensation in life insurance products designed to closely mirror the performance of the investment funds that the participants select. Our investments in life insurance products are included in “Miscellaneous assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and were $68.6 million as of December 29, 2013 and $58.1 million as of December 30, 2012.
Other liabilities in the preceding table primarily included our contingent tax liability for uncertain tax positions as of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012.
14. Income Taxes
Reconciliations between the effective tax rate on income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and the federal statutory rate are presented below.
 
 
December 29, 2013
 
December 30, 2012
 
December 25, 2011
(In thousands)
 
Amount
 
% of
Pre-tax
 
Amount
 
% of
Pre-tax
 
Amount
 
% of
Pre-tax
Tax at federal statutory rate
 
$
33,180

 
35.0
 %
 
$
90,494

 
35.0
 %
 
$
23,104

 
35.0
 %
State and local taxes, net
 
8,312

 
8.8

 
11,507

 
4.4

 
10,446

 
15.8

Effect of enacted changes in tax laws
 

 

 

 

 
(1,520
)
 
(2.3
)
Reduction in uncertain tax positions
 
(1,803
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(6,721
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(12,105
)
 
(18.3
)
(Gain)/loss on Company-owned life insurance
 
(3,673
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(2,690
)
 
(1.0
)
 
36

 

Other, net
 
1,876

 
2.0

 
2,027

 
0.8

 
1,456

 
2.2

Income tax expense
 
$
37,892

 
40.0

 
$
94,617

 
36.6

 
$
21,417

 
32.4

The components of income tax expense as shown in our Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows: 
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Current tax expense/(benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
18,903

 
$
51,836

 
$
(13,571
)
Foreign
 
681

 
1,154

 
1,110

State and local
 
8,371

 
(6,680
)
 
(14,345
)
Total current tax expense/(benefit)
 
27,955

 
46,310

 
(26,806
)
Deferred tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
5,426

 
38,845

 
542

Foreign
 

 

 
37,471

State and local
 
4,511

 
9,462

 
10,210

Total deferred tax expense
 
9,937

 
48,307

 
48,223

Income tax expense
 
$
37,892

 
$
94,617

 
$
21,417

As of December 29, 2013, we have a federal net operating loss of $6.9 million.
State tax operating loss carryforwards totaled $9.3 million as of December 29, 2013 and $10.5 million as of December 30, 2012. Such loss carryforwards expire in accordance with provisions of applicable tax laws and have remaining lives generally ranging from 1 to 20 years.


P. 94 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


The components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

Deferred tax assets
 
 
 
 
Retirement, postemployment and deferred compensation plans
 
$
251,082

 
$
387,202

Accruals for other employee benefits, compensation, insurance and other
 
35,596

 
36,959

Accounts receivable allowances
 
1,478

 
6,111

Net operating losses
 
57,885

 
49,476

Other
 
63,821

 
64,884

Gross deferred tax assets
 
409,862

 
544,632

Valuation allowance
 
(42,295
)
 
(42,138
)
Net deferred tax assets
 
$
367,567

 
$
502,494

Deferred tax liabilities
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
$
75,661

 
$
108,763

Intangible assets
 
11,902

 

Investments in joint ventures
 
19,625

 
13,430

Other
 
14,531

 
19,875

Gross deferred tax liabilities
 
121,719

 
142,068

Net deferred tax asset
 
$
245,848

 
$
360,426

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax asset – current
 
$
65,859

 
$
58,214

Deferred tax asset – long-term
 
179,989

 
302,212

Net deferred tax asset
 
$
245,848

 
$
360,426

The previous presentation of deferred taxes as of December 30, 2012 has been corrected in this 2013 annual report on Form 10-K to present the federal tax benefit on uncertain state tax positions on a gross basis and to correct the classification of certain other deferred taxes.
We assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against deferred tax assets based on the consideration of both positive and negative evidence using a “more likely than not” standard. In making such judgments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. We evaluated our deferred tax assets for recoverability using a consistent approach that considers our three-year historical cumulative income/(loss), including an assessment of the degree to which any such losses were due to items that are unusual in nature (e.g., impairments of non-deductible goodwill and intangible assets).
We had a valuation allowance totaling $42.3 million as of December 29, 2013 and $42.1 million as of December 30, 2012 for deferred tax assets primarily associated with net operating losses of non-U.S. operations, as we determined these assets were not realizable on a more-likely-than-not basis. The valuation allowance was allocated in proportion to the related current and noncurrent gross deferred tax asset balances.
Income tax benefits related to the exercise or vesting of equity awards reduced current taxes payable by $3.4 million in 2013, $2.4 million in 2012 and $1.6 million in 2011.
As of December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and for the years then ended in our Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity was net of deferred tax assets of approximately $283 million and $363 million, respectively.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 95


A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

Balance at beginning of year
 
$
45,308

 
$
47,971

 
$
55,636

Gross additions to tax positions taken during the current year
 
2,249

 
5,241

 
4,094

Gross additions to tax positions taken during the prior year
 
127

 
258

 
460

Gross reductions to tax positions taken during the prior year
 
(833
)
 
(922
)
 
(970
)
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities
 

 

 
(1,941
)
Reductions from lapse of applicable statutes of limitations
 
(793
)
 
(7,240
)
 
(9,308
)
Balance at end of year
 
$
46,058

 
$
45,308

 
$
47,971

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would, if recognized, affect the effective income tax rate was approximately $30 million as of December 29, 2013 and as of December 30, 2012.
We also recognize accrued interest expense and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense or benefit. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties was approximately $18 million as of December 29, 2013 and $16 million December 30, 2012. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties was a net detriment of $1.7 million in 2013 and a net benefit of $0.3 million in 2012 and $1.4 million in 2011.
With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2004. Management believes that our accrual for tax liabilities is adequate for all open audit years. This assessment relies on estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of complex judgments about future events.
It is reasonably possible that certain income tax examinations may be concluded, or statutes of limitation may lapse, during the next 12 months, which could result in a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits of $27.8 million that would, if recognized, impact the effective tax rate.
15. Discontinued Operations
New England Media Group
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and operating liabilities of the New England Media Group — consisting of The Boston Globe, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, the T&G, Telegram.com and related properties — and our 49% equity interest in Metro Boston, for approximately $70 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. The net after-tax proceeds from the sale, including a tax benefit, were approximately $74 million.
As a result of the New England Media Group meeting the criteria of being held for sale in the third quarter of 2013, we recorded an impairment charge of $34.3 million reflecting the difference between the expected sales price and the New England Media Group’s net assets at such time. In the fourth quarter of 2013, when the sale was completed, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $47.6 million on the sale ($28.1 million after tax), which was almost entirely comprised of a curtailment gain. This curtailment gain is primarily related to an acceleration of prior service credits from plan amendments announced in prior years, and is due to a reduction in the expected years of future Company service for employees at the New England Media Group.
The results of operations of the New England Media Group have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented and certain assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale for all periods presented.
About Group
In the fourth quarter of 2012, we completed the sale of the About Group, consisting of About.com, ConsumerSearch.com, CalorieCount.com and related businesses, to IAC/InterActiveCorp. for $300.0 million in cash, plus a net working capital adjustment of approximately $17 million. In 2012, the sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $96.7 million ($61.9 million after tax). The net after-tax proceeds from the sale were approximately $291 million. The results of operations of the About Group, which had previously been presented as a reportable segment, have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented and certain assets are classified as held for sale as of December 30, 2012 and December 25, 2011.


P. 96 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Regional Media Group
In the first quarter of 2012, we completed the sale of the Regional Media Group, consisting of 16 regional newspapers, other print publications and related businesses, to Halifax Media Holdings LLC for approximately $140 million in cash. The net after-tax proceeds from the sale, including a tax benefit, were approximately $150 million. The sale resulted in an after-tax gain of $23.6 million (including post-closing adjustments recorded in the second and fourth quarters of 2012 totaling $6.6 million). The results of operations for the Regional Media Group have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented and certain assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale as of December 25, 2011.
The results of operations for the New England Media Group, About Group and the Regional Media Group presented as discontinued operations are summarized below for 2013.
 
 
Year Ended December 29, 2013
(In thousands)
 
New England Media Group
About Group
Regional Media Group
Total
Revenues
 
$
287,677

$

$

$
287,677

Total operating costs
 
281,414



281,414

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal expense(1)
 
7,997



7,997

Impairment of assets(2)
 
34,300



34,300

Loss from joint ventures
 
(240
)


(240
)
Interest expense, net
 
9



9

Pre-tax loss
 
(36,283
)


(36,283
)
Income tax benefit(3)
 
(13,373
)
(2,497
)

(15,870
)
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(22,910
)
2,497


(20,413
)
Gain/(loss) on sale, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale(4)
 
47,561

419


47,980

Income tax expense
 
19,457

161


19,618

Gain on sale, net of income taxes
 
28,104

258


28,362

Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
$
5,194

$
2,755

$

$
7,949

(1)
The multiemployer pension plan withdrawal expense in 2013 is related to estimated charges for complete or partial withdrawal obligations under multiemployer pension plans triggered by the sale of the New England Media Group.
(2)
Included in impairment of assets in 2013 is the impairment of fixed assets related to the New England Media Group.
(3)
The income tax benefit for the About Group in 2013 is related to a change in prior period estimated tax expense.
(4)
Included in the gain on sale in 2013 is a $49.1 million post-retirement curtailment gain related to the New England Media Group.
Included in impairment of assets in 2013 is the impairment of fixed assets held for sale that related to the New England Media Group. During the third quarter of 2013, we estimated the fair value less cost to sell of the group held for sale, using unobservable inputs (Level 3). We recorded a $34.3 million non-cash charge in the third quarter of 2013 for fixed assets at the New England Media Group to reduce the carrying value of fixed assets to their fair value less cost to sell.
The results of operations for the New England Media Group, About Group and the Regional Media Group presented as discontinued operations are summarized below for 2012.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 97


 
 
Year Ended December 30, 2012
(In thousands)
 
New England Media Group
About Group
Regional Media Group
Total
Revenues
 
$
394,739

$
74,970

$
6,115

$
475,824

Total operating costs
 
385,527

51,140

8,017

444,684

Impairment of assets (1)
 

194,732


194,732

Income from joint ventures
 
68



68

Interest expense, net
 
7



7

Pre-tax income/(loss)
 
9,273

(170,902
)
(1,902
)
(163,531
)
Income tax expense/(benefit)
 
10,717

(60,065
)
(736
)
(50,084
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(1,444
)
(110,837
)
(1,166
)
(113,447
)
Gain/(loss) on sale, net of income taxes:
 


 
 
 
Gain/(loss) on sale
 

96,675

(5,441
)
91,234

Income tax expense/(benefit)(2)
 

34,785

(29,071
)
5,714

Gain on sale, net of income taxes
 

61,890

23,630

85,520

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
$
(1,444
)
$
(48,947
)
$
22,464

$
(27,927
)
(1)
Included in impairment of assets in 2012 is the impairment of goodwill related to the About Group.
(2)
The income tax benefit for the Regional Media Group in 2012 included a tax deduction for goodwill, which was previously non-deductible, triggered upon the sale of the Regional Media Group.
Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment annually or in an interim period if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Our policy is to perform our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. However, due to certain impairment indicators at the About Group, we performed an interim impairment test as of June 24, 2012. The interim impairment test resulted in a $194.7 million non-cash charge in the second quarter of 2012 for the impairment of goodwill at the About Group. The impairment charge reduced the carrying value of goodwill to its fair value. See Note 10 for information regarding the fair value of goodwill and the related impairment charge.
The results of operations for the New England Media Group, About Group and the Regional Media Group presented as discontinued operations are summarized below for 2011.
 
 
Year Ended December 25, 2011
(In thousands)
 
New England Media Group
About Group
Regional Media Group
Total
Revenues
 
$
398,056

$
110,826

$
259,945

$
768,827

Total operating costs
 
376,474

67,475

235,032

678,981

Impairment of assets
 
1,767

3,116

152,093

156,976

Income from joint ventures
 
298



298

Pre-tax income/(loss)
 
20,113

40,235

(127,180
)
(66,832
)
Income tax expense/(benefit)(1)
 
11,393

15,453

(10,879
)
15,967

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
$
8,720

$
24,782

$
(116,301
)
$
(82,799
)
(1)
The income tax benefit for the Regional Media Group in 2011 was unfavorably impacted because a portion of the goodwill impairment charge was non-deductible.
Due to certain impairment indicators at the Regional Media Group, including lower-than-expected operating results, we performed an interim impairment test of goodwill as of June 26, 2011. The interim test resulted in an impairment of goodwill of $152.1 million mainly from lower projected long-term operating results and cash flows of the Regional Media Group, primarily due to the continued decline in print advertising revenues. These factors


P. 98 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


resulted in the carrying value of the net assets being greater than their fair value, and therefore a write-down to fair value was required. The impairment charge reduced the carrying value of goodwill at the Regional Media Group to $0. See Note 10 for information regarding the fair value of goodwill and the related impairment charge.
Our 2011 annual impairment test, which was completed in the fourth quarter, resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $3.1 million relating to the write-down of an intangible asset at ConsumerSearch, Inc., which was part of the About Group. The impairment was driven by lower cost-per-click advertising revenues. The impairment charge reduced the carrying value of the ConsumerSearch trade name to its fair value of approximately $3 million. See Note 10 for information regarding the fair value of the ConsumerSearch trade name and the related impairment charge.
The assets and liabilities classified as held for sale for the New England Media Group, About Group and the Regional Media Group are summarized below.
 
 
December 30, 2012
(In thousands)
 
New England Media Group
 
About Group
 
Regional Media Group
 
Total
Accounts receivable, net
 
$
40,343

 
$

 
$

 
$
40,343

Inventories
 
3,078

 
 
 
 
 
3,078

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
86,917

 

 

 
86,917

Other assets
 
6,712

 

 

 
6,712

Total assets
 
137,050

 

 

 
137,050

Total liabilities
 
32,373

 

 

 
32,373

Net assets
 
$
104,677

 
$

 
$

 
$
104,677


16. Earnings/(Loss) Per Share
Basic earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing net earnings/(loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted-average common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings/(loss) per share is calculated similarly, except that it includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of securities, including outstanding warrants and the effect of shares issuable under our Company’s stock-based incentive plans if such effect is dilutive.    
The two-class method is an earnings allocation method for computing earnings/(loss) per share when a company’s capital structure includes either two or more classes of common stock or common stock and participating securities. This method determines earnings/(loss) per share based on dividends declared on common stock and participating securities (i.e., distributed earnings), as well as participation rights of participating securities in any undistributed earnings.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 99


Basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
December 29,
2013

 
December 30,
2012

 
December 25,
2011

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
57,156

 
$
163,774

 
$
45,151

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
7,949

 
(27,927
)
 
(82,799
)
Net income/(loss)
 
$
65,105

 
$
135,847

 
$
(37,648
)
Average number of common shares outstanding – Basic
 
149,755

 
148,147

 
147,190

Incremental shares for assumed exercise of securities
 
8,019

 
4,546

 
4,817

Average number of common shares outstanding – Diluted
 
157,774

 
152,693

 
152,007

Basic earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
0.38

 
$
1.11

 
$
0.31

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
0.05

 
(0.19
)
 
(0.57
)
Net income/(loss) – Basic
 
$
0.43

 
$
0.92

 
$
(0.26
)
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
0.36

 
$
1.07

 
$
0.30

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
0.05

 
(0.18
)
 
(0.55
)
Net income/(loss) – Diluted
 
$
0.41

 
$
0.89

 
$
(0.25
)
The difference between basic and diluted shares is that diluted shares include the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of outstanding securities. Our restricted stock units, stock options and warrants could have the most significant impact on diluted shares.
Securities that could potentially be dilutive are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share when a loss from continuing operations exists or when the exercise price exceeds the market value of our Class A Common Stock, because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts.
The number of stock options that was excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive was approximately 10 million in 2013, 15 million in 2012 and 20 million in 2011, respectively.
17. Stock-Based Awards
As of December 29, 2013, the Company had two plans under which it was authorized to grant stock-based compensation: the 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2010 Incentive Plan”), which became effective April 27, 2010, and replaced the 1991 Executive Stock Incentive Plan (the “1991 Incentive Plan”), and the 2004 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Directors’ Plan”).
In 2013, the Company redesigned its long-term incentive compensation program, eliminating annual grants of stock options and restricted stock units and long-term performance awards payable solely in in cash for executives. In their place, executives have the opportunity to earn cash and shares of Class A Common Stock at the end of three-year cycles based on the achievement of financial goals tied to an adjusted EBITDA metric and stock price performance relative to companies in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index, with the majority of the target award to be settled in the Company’s Class A Common Stock.
We recognize stock-based compensation expense for these stock-settled long-term performance awards, stock-settled and cash-settled restricted stock units, stock options, stock appreciation rights, as well as Class A Common Stock issued under our ESPP (together, “Stock-Based Awards”). Stock-based compensation expense was $8.8 million in 2013, $4.5 million in 2012 and $7.6 million in 2011.
Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the period from the date of grant to the date when the award is no longer contingent on the employee providing additional service. Awards under the 1991 Incentive Plan, 2010 Incentive Plan and 2004 Directors’ Plan generally vest over a stated vesting period or upon the retirement of an employee or director, as the case may be.


P. 100 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


The 2004 Director’s Plan provides for the issuance of up to 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in the form of stock options or restricted stock awards. Restricted stock has never been awarded under the 2004 Directors’ Plan. Prior to 2012, under our 2004 Directors’ Plan, each non-employee director of our Company received annual grants of non-qualified stock options with 10-year terms to purchase 4,000 shares of Class A Common Stock from our Company at the average market price of such shares on the date of grants. These annual grants were replaced with annual grants of cash-settled phantom stock units in 2012, and, accordingly, no grants of stock options were made under this plan in 2012 or 2013. Under its terms, the 2014 Directors’ Plan terminates as of April 30, 2014.
Our pool of excess tax benefits (“APIC Pool”) available to absorb tax deficiencies was approximately $27.7 million as of December 29, 2013.
Stock Options
The 1991 Incentive Plan provided, and the 2010 Incentive Plan provides, for grants of both incentive and non-qualified stock options at an exercise price equal to the market value of our Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Stock options have generally been granted with a 3-year vesting period and a 10-year term and vest in equal annual installments. Due to a change in the Company’s long-term incentive compensation, no grants of stock options were made in 2013.
Our 2004 Directors’ Plan provides for grants of stock options to non-employee directors at an exercise price equal to the market value of our Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Prior to 2012, stock options were granted with a 1-year vesting period and a 10-year term. No grants of stock options were made in 2012 or 2013. Our Company’s directors are considered employees for purposes of stock-based compensation.
Changes in our Company’s stock options in 2013 were as follows:
 
 
December 29, 2013
(Shares in thousands)
 
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$(000s)
Options outstanding at beginning of year
 
13,582

 
$
24

 
4
 
$
7,124

Granted
 

 

 

 
 
Exercised
 
(914
)
 
6

 

 
 
Forfeited/Expired
 
(2,919
)
 
44

 

 
 
Options outstanding at end of period
 
9,749

 
$
20

 
4
 
$
23,273

Options expected to vest at end of period
 
9,678

 
$
20

 
4
 
$
23,273

Options exercisable at end of period
 
8,994

 
$
21

 
4
 
$
17,803

The total intrinsic value for stock options exercised was $5.3 million in 2013, $0.9 million in 2012 and $0.6 million in 2011.
The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of stock options granted was determined using the average of the vesting period and term. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility for a period equal to the stock option’s expected life, ending on the date of grant, and calculated on a monthly basis. The fair value for stock options granted with different vesting periods and on different dates are calculated separately. There were no stock option grants in 2013.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 101


 
 
December 30, 2012
 
December 25, 2011
Term (In years)
 
10

 
10

 
10

 
10

Vesting (In years)
 
3

 
3

(1) 
3

 
1

Risk-free interest rate
 
1.39
%
 
0.98
%
 
2.90
%
 
2.25
%
Expected life (In years)
 
6

 
6

 
6

 
5

Expected volatility
 
47.67
%
 
49.35
%
 
43.79
%
 
47.93
%
Expected dividend yield
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
Weighted-average fair value
 
$
3.35

 
$
3.89

 
$
4.81

 
$
3.78

(1) Stock options granted to Mark Thompson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, in November 2012 under the terms of his employment agreement.
Restricted Stock Units
The 1991 Incentive Plan provided, and the 2010 Incentive Plan provides, for grants of other stock-based awards, including restricted stock units.
In 2013, 2012 and 2011, we granted stock-settled restricted stock units with a 3-year vesting period. Each restricted stock unit represents our obligation to deliver to the holder one share of Class A Common Stock upon vesting. The fair value of stock-settled restricted stock units is the average market price on the grant date. Changes in our Company’s stock-settled restricted stock units in 2013 were as follows:
 
 
December 29, 2013
(Shares in thousands)
 
Restricted
Stock
Units
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Unvested stock-settled restricted stock units at beginning of period
 
1,011

 
$
9

Granted
 
544

 
9

Vested
 
(169
)
 
9

Forfeited
 
(193
)
 
9

Unvested stock-settled restricted stock units at end of period
 
1,193

 
$
9

Unvested stock-settled restricted stock units expected to vest at end of period
 
1,107

 
$
9

The intrinsic value of stock-settled restricted stock units vested was $1.9 million in 2013, $1.2 million in 2012 and $3.3 million in 2011.
In 2010, we granted cash-settled restricted stock units with a 3-year vesting period that vested in February 2013. The fair value of cash-settled restricted stock units was the average market price on the grant date. Cash-settled restricted stock units were classified as liability awards because we incurred a liability, payable in cash, based on our stock price. The cash-settled restricted stock unit was measured at its fair value at the end of each reporting period and, therefore, fluctuated based on the fluctuations in our stock price.
The intrinsic value of cash-settled restricted stock units vested was $1.5 million in 2013, $3.7 million in 2012 and $80,000 in 2011.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
The 1991 Incentive Plan provided, and the 2010 Incentive Plan provides, for grants of cash and stock-settled awards to key executives payable at the end of a multi-year performance period. There were payments of approximately $9 million in 2013, $12 million in 2012 and $4 million in 2011.
Awards granted for the three-year performance periods beginning in 2011 and 2012 are based on the achievement of specified goals under two financial performance measures. These awards were classified as liability awards because we incurred a liability payable in cash.
Awards granted for the cycle beginning in 2013 are based on relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”), which is calculated at stock appreciation plus reinvested dividends, payable in Class A Common Stock and another


P. 102 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


performance measure, payable in Class A Common Stock and cash. Awards payable in stock are classified within equity; awards payable in cash are classified as a liability. The fair value of TSR awards is determined at the date of grant using a market calculation simulation.
Unrecognized Compensation Expense
As of December 29, 2013, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of our Stock-Based Awards was approximately $3 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.
Reserved Shares
We generally issue shares for the exercise of stock options and stock-settled restricted stock units from unissued reserved shares.
Shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for issuance were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 29,
2013
 
December 30,
2012
Stock options, stock–settled restricted stock units and stock-settled performance awards
 
 
 
 
Stock options and stock-settled restricted stock units
 
10,965
 
14,593
Stock-settled performance awards(1)
 
1,908
 
362
Outstanding
 
12,873
 
14,955
Available
 
3,161
 
4,938
Employee Stock Purchase Plan(2)
 
 
 
 
Available
 
6,410
 
6,410
401(k) Company stock match(3)
 
 
 
 
Available
 
3,045
 
3,348
Total Outstanding
 
12,873
 
14,955
Total Available
 
12,616
 
14,696
(1)
The number of shares actually earned at the end of the multi-year performance period will vary, based on actual performance, from 0% to 200% of the target number of performance awards granted. The maximum number of shares that would be issued is included in the table above.
(2)
We have not had an offering under the ESPP since 2010.
(3)
Effective 2014, we no longer offer a Company stock match under the Company’s 401(k) plan.
18. Stockholders’ Equity
Shares of our Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock are entitled to equal participation in the event of liquidation and in dividend declarations. The Class B Common Stock is convertible at the holders’ option on a share-for-share basis into Class A Common Stock. Upon conversion, the previously outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock are automatically and immediately retired, resulting in a reduction of authorized Class B Common Stock. As provided for in our Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Class A Common Stock has limited voting rights, including the right to elect 30% of the Board of Directors, and the Class A and Class B Common Stock have the right to vote together on the reservation of our Company shares for stock options and other stock-based plans, on the ratification of the selection of a registered public accounting firm and, in certain circumstances, on acquisitions of the stock or assets of other companies. Otherwise, except as provided by the laws of the State of New York, all voting power is vested solely and exclusively in the holders of the Class B Common Stock.
There were 818,061 shares as of December 29, 2013 and 818,385 shares as of December 30, 2012 of Class B Common Stock available for conversion into shares of Class A Common Stock.
The Adolph Ochs family trust holds approximately 90% of the Class B Common Stock and, as a result, has the ability to elect 70% of the Board of Directors and to direct the outcome of any matter that does not require a vote of the Class A Common Stock.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 103


In January 2009, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, we issued unsecured notes and detachable warrants to purchase 15.9 million shares of our Class A Common Stock at a price of $6.3572 per share. The warrants are exercisable at the holder’s option at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, until January 15, 2015. See Note 8 for additional information regarding our debt obligations.
We can repurchase Class A Common Stock under our stock repurchase program from time to time either in the open market or through private transactions. These repurchases may be suspended from time to time or discontinued. In 2013 and 2012, we did not repurchase any shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to our stock repurchase program.
We may issue preferred stock in one or more series. The Board of Directors is authorized to set the distinguishing characteristics of each series of preferred stock prior to issuance, including the granting of limited or full voting rights; however, the consideration received must be at least $100 per share. No shares of preferred stock were issued or outstanding as of December 29, 2013.
The following table summarizes the changes in AOCI by component as of December 29, 2013:
(In thousands)
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Unrealized Loss on Available-For-Sale Security
 
Funded Status of Benefit Plans
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, December 30, 2012
 
$
11,327

 
$
(431
)
 
$
(523,462
)
 
$
(512,566
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, before tax(1)
 
2,613

 

 
197,081

 
199,694

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax(1)
 

 
729

 
(17,303
)
 
(16,574
)
Income tax expense(1)
 
1,266

 
298

 
71,601

 
73,165

Net current-period other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
1,347

 
431

 
108,177

 
109,955

Balance, December 29, 2013
 
$
12,674

 
$

 
$
(415,285
)
 
$
(402,611
)
(1)
All amounts are shown net of noncontrolling interest.
The following table summarizes the reclassifications from AOCI for the periods ended December 29, 2013
 
Detail about accumulated other comprehensive loss components
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
Affect line item in the statement where net income is presented
 
 
Funded status of benefit plans:
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service credit(1)
 
$
(14,996
)
 
Selling, general & administrative costs
 
Recognized actuarial loss(1)
 
43,457

 
Selling, general & administrative costs
 
Curtailment
 
(49,122
)
 
Discontinued operations: gain on sale, net of tax
 
Settlement
 
3,358

 
Pension settlement expense
 
Total reclassification, before tax(2)
 
(17,303
)
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
(7,091
)
 
Tax expense
 
Total reclassification, net of tax
 
$
(10,212
)
 
 
 
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities
 
 
 
 
 
Realized gain on sale of securities, before tax
 
$
729

 
Selling, general & administrative costs
 
Tax expense
 
298

 
Tax expense
 
Net of tax
 
$
431

 
 
(1)
These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other retirement benefits. See Note 11 and 12 for additional information.
(2)
There were no reclassifications relating to noncontrolling interest for the year ended December 29, 2013.


P. 104 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


19. Segment Information
We have one reportable segment that includes The Times, the International New York Times, NYTimes.com, international.nytimes.com and related businesses. Therefore, all required segment information can be found in the consolidated financial statements.
On August 3, 2013, we entered into an agreement to sell substantially all of the assets and operating liabilities of the New England Media Group. The New England Media Group, which includes the Globe, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, the T&G, Telegram.com and related businesses, has been classified as a discontinued operation for all periods presented. See Note 15 for further information on the sale of the New England Media Group.
Our operating segment generated revenues principally from circulation and advertising. Other revenues consist primarily of revenues from news services/syndication, digital archives, rental income and conferences/events.
20. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
Operating Leases
Operating lease commitments are primarily for office space and equipment. Certain office space leases provide for rent adjustments relating to changes in real estate taxes and other operating costs.
Rental expense amounted to approximately $16 million in 2013, $18 million in 2012 and $17 million in 2011. The approximate minimum rental commitments under noncancelable leases, net of subleases, as of December 29, 2013 were as follows:
(In thousands)
Amount

2014
$
12,472

2015
10,503

2016
7,419

2017
6,976

2018
4,022

Later years
10,883

Total minimum lease payments
52,275

Less: noncancelable subleases
(8,680
)
Total minimum lease payments, net of noncancelable subleases
$
43,595

Capital Leases
Future minimum lease payments for all capital leases, and the present value of the minimum lease payments as of December 29, 2013, were as follows:
(In thousands)
Amount

2014
$
573

2015
552

2016
552

2017
552

2018
552

Later years
7,245

Total minimum lease payments
10,026

Less: imputed interest
(3,290
)
Present value of net minimum lease payments including current maturities
$
6,736

Restricted Cash
We were required to maintain $28.1 million of restricted cash as of December 29, 2013 and $24.3 million as of December 30, 2012, primarily related to certain collateral requirements, for obligations under our workers’ compensation programs. These collateral requirements were previously supported by letters of credit under a


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 105


revolving credit facility that was replaced in June 2011. Restricted cash is included in “Miscellaneous assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Other
We are involved in various legal actions incidental to our business that are now pending against us. These actions are generally for amounts greatly in excess of the payments, if any, that may be required to be made. It is the opinion of management after reviewing these actions with our legal counsel that the ultimate liability that might result from these actions would not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In September 2013, we received a notice and demand for payment in the amount of approximately $26 million from the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers - Publishers’ Pension Fund. We participate in the fund, which covers drivers employed by the New York Times. City & Suburban, a retail and newsstand distribution subsidiary and the largest contributor to the fund, ceased operations in 2009. The fund claims that The New York Times Company partially withdrew from the fund in the plan years ending May 31, 2013 and 2012, as a result of a more than 70% decline in contribution base units. We disagree with the plan determination and are disputing the claim vigorously. We do not believe that a loss is probable on this matter and have not recorded a loss contingency for the period ended December 29, 2013.
21. Subsequent Event
One-Time Lump-Sum Payment Offer
In February 2014, we announced that we plan to offer certain former employees who participate in certain non-qualified pension plans the option to receive a one-time lump-sum payment equal to the present value of the participant’s pension benefit.

If an individual elects to receive a lump sum, the pension obligation to the individual will be settled. While it is too early to estimate the participation rate, assuming an acceptance rate of 50% of the pension obligations associated with the offer, we would make settlement distributions of approximately $40 million paid out of Company cash and we would record a non-cash settlement charge of approximately $13.5 million in the second quarter of 2014. The actual amount of the charge will largely depend upon the number of participants electing the offer and the associated pension benefit of those electing participants, as well as interest rates and asset performance. When the election period closes, the actual amount of the settlement will be actuarially determined and the associated charge will recognize the acceleration of the accumulated unrecognized actuarial loss.
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
In February 2014, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) notified us that it believes that the Company has had a triggering event under Section 4062(e) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), with respect to The Boston Globe Retirement Plan for Employees Represented by the Boston Newspaper Guild and The New York Times Companies Pension Plan on account of the Company’s sale of the New England Media Group. Under Section 4062(e), the PBGC may be entitled to protection if, as a result of a cessation of operations at a facility, more than 20% of the active participants in a plan are separated from employment. The Company, which retained all pension assets and liabilities related to New England Media Group employees, maintains that an asset sale is not a triggering event for purposes of Section 4062(e). Additionally, with respect to The New York Times Companies Pension Plan, we believe that the 20% threshold was not met.
If a triggering event under Section 4062(e) with respect to either or both of these plans is determined to have occurred, the Company would be required to place funds into an escrow account or to post a surety bond, with the escrowed funds or the bond proceeds available to the applicable plan if it were to terminate in a distress or involuntary termination within five years of the date of the New England Media Group sale. We do not expect such a termination for either of these plans. If the applicable plan did not so terminate within the five-year period, any escrowed funds for that plan would be returned to the Company or the bond for that plan would be cancelled. The amount of any required escrow or bond would be based on a percentage of the applicable plan’s unfunded benefit liabilities, computed under Section 4062(e) on a “termination basis,” which would be higher than that computed under GAAP. In lieu of establishing an escrow account with the PBGC or posting a bond, the Company and the PBGC can negotiate an alternate resolution of the liability, which could include making cash contributions to these plans in excess of minimum requirements.


P. 106 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


At this time, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, but we do not expect that the resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on our earnings or financial condition.
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Three Years Ended December 29, 2013
(In thousands)
Description
 
Balance at
beginning
of period
 
Additions
charged to
operating
costs and other
 
Deductions(1)
 
Balance at
end of period
Accounts receivable allowances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 29, 2013
 
$
15,452

 
$
9,377

 
$
10,577

 
$
14,252

Year ended December 30, 2012
 
$
13,065

 
$
11,623

 
$
9,236

 
$
15,452

Year ended December 25, 2011
 
$
18,088

 
$
8,015

 
$
13,038

 
$
13,065

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 29, 2013
 
$
42,138

 
$
2,432

 
$
2,275

 
$
42,295

Year ended December 30, 2012
 
$
39,824

 
$
2,314

 
$

 
$
42,138

Year ended December 25, 2011
 
$

 
$
39,824

 
$

 
$
39,824

(1)
Includes write-offs, net of recoveries.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 107


QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The New England Media Group, About Group and the Regional Media Group’s results of operations have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these discontinued operations.
 
 
2013 Quarters
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
March 31,
2013

June 30,
2013

September 29,
2013

December 29,
2013

Full Year

 
(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(52 weeks)

Revenues
$
380,675

$
390,957

$
361,738

$
443,860

$
1,577,230

Operating costs
352,544

344,733

342,712

371,755

1,411,744

Pension settlement expense(1)
 
 
 
3,228

3,228

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal expense(2)


6,171


6,171

Operating profit
28,131

46,224

12,855

68,877

156,087

(Loss)/income from joint ventures
(2,870
)
(405
)
(123
)
183

(3,215
)
Interest expense, net
14,071

14,644

15,454

13,904

58,073

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
11,190

31,175

(2,722
)
55,156

94,799

Income tax expense/(benefit)
5,082

13,813

2,578

16,419

37,892

Income/(loss) from continuing operations
6,108

17,362

(5,300
)
38,737

56,907

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(2,785
)
2,776

(18,987
)
26,944

7,949

Net income/(loss)
3,323

20,138

(24,287
)
65,681

64,856

Net loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
249

(6
)
61

(55
)
249

Net income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
3,572

$
20,132

$
(24,226
)
$
65,626

$
65,105

Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
6,357

$
17,356

$
(5,239
)
$
38,682

$
57,156

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(2,785
)
2,776

(18,987
)
26,944

7,949

Net income/(loss)
$
3,572

$
20,132

$
(24,226
)
$
65,626

$
65,105

Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
148,710

148,797

150,033

150,162

149,755

Diluted
155,270

156,511

150,033

160,013

157,774

Basic earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
0.04

$
0.12

$
(0.03
)
$
0.26

$
0.38

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(0.02
)
0.02

(0.13
)
0.18

0.05

Net income/(loss)
$
0.02

$
0.14

$
(0.16
)
$
0.44

$
0.43

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
0.04

$
0.11

$
(0.03
)
$
0.24

$
0.36

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(0.02
)
0.02

(0.13
)
0.17

0.05

Net income/(loss)
$
0.02

$
0.13

$
(0.16
)
$
0.41

$
0.41

(1)
We recorded a non-cash settlement charge related to a one-time lump sum payment offer to certain former employees who participated in a non-qualified pension plan.
(2)
We recorded an estimated charge related to a partial withdrawal obligation under a multiemployer pension plan.



P. 108 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


 
 
2012 Quarters
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
March 25, 2012

June 24,
2012

September 23, 2012

December 30, 2012

Full Year

 
(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(14 weeks)

(53 weeks)

Revenues
$
384,049

$
387,841

$
355,337

$
468,114

$
1,595,341

Operating costs
361,348

351,206

346,423

382,433

1,441,410

Pension settlement expense(1)



47,657

47,657

Other expense(2)



2,620

2,620

Operating profit
22,701

36,635

8,914

35,404

103,654

Gain on sale of investment(3)
17,848

37,797


164,630

220,275

Impairment of investments(4)
4,900


600


5,500

(Loss)/income from joint ventures
15

1,064

1,010

847

2,936

Interest expense, net
15,452

15,464

15,490

16,402

62,808

(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes
20,212

60,032

(6,166
)
184,479

258,557

Income tax (benefit)/expense
5,852

25,781

(3,187
)
66,171

94,617

(Loss)/income from continuing operations
14,360

34,251

(2,979
)
118,308

163,940

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
28,190

(121,900
)
5,703

60,080

(27,927
)
Net income/(loss)
42,550

(87,649
)
2,724

178,388

136,013

Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
53

27

21

(267
)
(166
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
42,603

$
(87,622
)
$
2,745

$
178,121

$
135,847

Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
$
14,413

$
34,278

$
(2,958
)
$
118,041

$
163,774

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
28,190

(121,900
)
5,703

60,080

(27,927
)
Net income/(loss)
$
42,603

$
(87,622
)
$
2,745

$
178,121

$
135,847

Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
147,867

148,005

148,254

148,461

148,147

Diluted
151,468

149,799

148,254

154,685

152,693

Basic earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
$
0.10

$
0.23

$
(0.02
)
$
0.80

$
1.11

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
0.19

(0.82
)
0.04

0.40

(0.19
)
Net income/(loss)
$
0.29

$
(0.59
)
$
0.02

$
1.20

$
0.92

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
$
0.10

$
0.23

$
(0.02
)
$
0.76

$
1.07

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
0.18

(0.81
)
0.04

0.39

(0.18
)
Net income/(loss)
$
0.28

$
(0.58
)
$
0.02

$
1.15

$
0.89

(1)
In the fourth quarter of 2012, we recorded a $47.7 million non-cash pension settlement charge in connection with the immediate pension benefit offer to certain former employees who participate in The New York Times Companies Pension Plan.
(2)
In the fourth quarter of 2012, we recorded a $2.6 million charge in connection with a legal settlement.
(3)
In the first quarter of 2012, we recorded a $17.8 million gain on the sale of 100 of our units in Fenway Sports Group. In the second quarter of 2012, we recorded a $37.8 million gain on the sale of our remaining 210 units in Fenway Sports Group. In the fourth quarter of 2012, we recorded a $164.6 million gain on the sale of our ownership interest in Indeed.com.
(4)
In the first and third quarters of 2012, we recorded a $4.9 million and $0.6 million non-cash charge, respectively, for the impairment of certain investments.
Earnings/(loss) per share amounts for the quarters do not necessarily equal the respective year-end amounts for earnings or loss per share due to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding used in the computations for


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 109


the respective periods. Earnings/(loss) per share amounts for the respective quarters and years have been computed using the average number of common shares outstanding.
One of our largest sources of revenue is advertising. Our business has historically experienced higher advertising volume in the fourth quarter than the remaining quarters because of holiday advertising.
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 29, 2013. Based upon such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting and the attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm on our internal control over financial reporting are set forth in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated by reference herein.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 29, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
 


P. 110 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


PART III   
    
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In addition to the information set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections titled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Proposal Number 1 – Election of Directors,” “Interests of Related Persons in Certain Transactions of the Company,” “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance,” beginning with the section titled “Independent Directors,” but only up to and including the section titled “Audit Committee Financial Experts,” and “Board Committees” of our Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The Board has adopted a code of ethics that applies not only to the chief executive officer and senior financial officers, as required by the SEC, but also to our Chairman and Vice Chairman. The current version of such code of ethics can be found on the Corporate Governance section of our website at http://investors.nytco.com/investors/corporate-governance.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections titled “Compensation Committee,” “Directors’ Compensation,” “Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance” and “Compensation of Executive Officers” of our Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections titled “Compensation of Executive Officers – Equity Compensation Plan Information,” “Principal Holders of Common Stock,” “Security Ownership of Management and Directors” and “The 1997 Trust” of our Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections titled “Interests of Related Persons in Certain Transactions of the Company,” “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance – Independent Directors,” “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance – Board Committees” and “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance – Policy on Transactions with Related Persons” of our Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES   
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section titled “Proposal Number 4 – Selection of Auditors,” beginning with the section titled “Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures,” but only up to and not including the section titled “Recommendation and Vote Required” of our Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 111


PART IV        
 
 
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(A) DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT
(1) Financial Statements
As listed in the index to financial information in “Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
(2) Supplemental Schedules
The following additional consolidated financial information is filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in “Item 8 — Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Schedules not included with this additional consolidated financial information have been omitted either because they are not applicable or because the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
  
Page
Consolidated Schedule for the Three Years Ended December 29, 2013
 
II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Separate financial statements and supplemental schedules of associated companies accounted for by the equity method are omitted in accordance with the provisions of Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X.
(3) Exhibits
An exhibit index has been filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
 


P. 112 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 26, 2014
 
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
BY:
/s/ KENNETH A. RICHIERI
 
 
 
Kenneth A. Richieri
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
 
We, the undersigned directors and officers of The New York Times Company, hereby severally constitute Kenneth A. Richieri and James M. Follo, and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to them and each of them to sign for us, in our names in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Arthur Sulzberger, Jr.
Chairman and Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ Mark Thompson
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
(principal executive officer)
February 26, 2014
/s/ Michael Golden
Vice Chairman and Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ James M. Follo
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
February 26, 2014
/s/ R. Anthony Benten
Senior Vice President, Finance and Corporate Controller
(principal accounting officer)
February 26, 2014
/s/ Raul E. Cesan
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ Robert E. Denham
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ Steven B. Green
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ Carolyn D. Greenspon
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ Joichi Ito
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ James A. Kohlberg
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ David E. Liddle
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ Ellen R. Marram
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ Brian P. McAndrews
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ Thomas Middelhoff
Director
February 26, 2014
/s/ Doreen A. Toben
Director
February 26, 2014
 


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 113


 INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit numbers 10.16 through 10.33 are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
(2.1)
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2011, by and among NYT Holdings, Inc., The Houma Courier Newspaper Corporation, Lakeland Ledger Publishing Corporation, The Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Inc., Hendersonville Newspaper Corporation, The Dispatch Publishing Company, Inc., NYT Management Services, Inc., The New York Times Company and Halifax Media Holdings LLC (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated December 27, 2011, and incorporated by reference herein).
(2.2)
 
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2012, between the Company and IAC/InterActiveCorp (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 29, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein).
(3.1)
 
Certificate of Incorporation as amended and restated to reflect amendments effective July 1, 2007 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated August 9, 2007, and incorporated by reference herein).
(3.2)
 
By-laws as amended through November 19, 2009 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 20, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(4)
 
The Company agrees to furnish to the Commission upon request a copy of any instrument with respect to long-term debt of the Company and any subsidiary for which consolidated or unconsolidated financial statements are required to be filed, and for which the amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
(4.1)
 
Indenture, dated March 29, 1995, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to Chemical Bank), as trustee (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 File No. 33-57403, and incorporated by reference herein).
(4.2)
 
First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 21, 1998, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank (formerly known as Chemical Bank)), as trustee (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 File No. 333-62023, and incorporated by reference herein).
(4.3)
 
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated July 26, 2002, between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Chemical Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank)), as trustee (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 File No. 333-97199, and incorporated by reference herein).
(4.4)
 
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated January 19, 2009, among the Company, Inmobiliaria Carso, S.A. de C.V. and Banco Inbursa S.A., Institución de Banca Múltiple, Grupo Financiero Inbursa (including forms of notes, warrants and registration rights agreement) (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated January 21, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(4.5)
 
Form of Preemptive Rights Certificate (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated January 21, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(4.6)
 
Form of Preemptive Rights Warrant Agreement between the Company and Mellon Investor Services LLC (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated January 21, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(4.7)
 
Indenture, dated as of November 4, 2010, by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 4, 2010, and incorporated by reference herein).
(4.8)
 
Form of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2016 (included as an Exhibit to Exhibit 4.7 above).
(10.1)
 
Agreement of Lease, dated as of December 15, 1993, between The City of New York, as landlord, and the Company, as tenant (as successor to New York City Economic Development Corporation (the “EDC”), pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption of Lease With Consent, made as of December 15, 1993, between the EDC, as Assignor, to the Company, as Assignee) (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K dated March 21, 1994, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.2)
 
Funding Agreement #4, dated as of December 15, 1993, between the EDC and the Company (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K dated March 21, 1994, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.3)
 
New York City Public Utility Service Power Service Agreement, dated as of May 3, 1993, between The City of New York, acting by and through its Public Utility Service, and The New York Times Newspaper Division of the Company (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K dated March 21, 1994, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.4)
 
Letter Agreement, dated as of April 8, 2004, amending Agreement of Lease, between the 42nd St. Development Project, Inc., as landlord, and The New York Times Building LLC, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated November 3, 2006, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.5)
 
Agreement of Sublease, dated as of December 12, 2001, between The New York Times Building LLC, as landlord, and NYT Real Estate Company LLC, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated November 3, 2006, and incorporated by reference herein).


P. 114 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY


Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
(10.6)
 
First Amendment to Agreement of Sublease, dated as of August 15, 2006, between 42nd St. Development Project, Inc., as landlord, and NYT Real Estate Company LLC, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated November 3, 2006, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.7)
 
Second Amendment to Agreement of Sublease, dated as of January 29, 2007, between 42nd St. Development Project, Inc., as landlord, and NYT Real Estate Company LLC, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated February 1, 2007, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.8)
 
Third Amendment to Agreement of Sublease (NYT), dated as of March 6, 2009, between 42nd St. Development Project, Inc., as landlord, and NYT Real Estate Company LLC, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 9, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.9)
 
Fourth Amendment to Agreement of Sublease (NYT), dated as of March 6, 2009, between 42nd St. Development Project, Inc., as landlord, and 620 Eighth NYT (NY) Limited Partnership, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 9, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.10)
 
Fifth Amendment to Agreement of Sublease (NYT), dated as of August 31, 2009, between 42nd St. Development Project, Inc., as landlord, and 620 Eighth NYT (NY) Limited Partnership, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated November 4, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.11)
 
Agreement of Sublease (NYT-2), dated as of March 6, 2009, between 42nd St. Development Project, Inc., as landlord, and NYT Real Estate Company LLC, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 9, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.12)
 
First Amendment to Agreement of Sublease (NYT-2), dated as of March 6, 2009, between 42nd St. Development Project, Inc., as landlord, and NYT Building Leasing Company LLC, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 9, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.13)
 
Agreement of Purchase and Sale, dated as of March 6, 2009, between NYT Real Estate Company LLC, as seller, and 620 Eighth NYT (NY) Limited Partnership, as buyer (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 9, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.14)
 
Lease Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2009, between 620 Eighth NYT (NY) Limited Partnership, as landlord, and NYT Real Estate Company LLC, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated March 9, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.15)
 
First Amendment to Lease Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2009, 620 Eighth NYT (NY) Limited Partnership, as landlord, and NYT Real Estate Company LLC, as tenant (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated November 4, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.16)
 
The Company’s 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated April 28, 2010, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.17)
 
The Company’s 1991 Executive Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated through October 11, 2007 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated October 12, 2007, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.18)
 
The Company’s 1991 Executive Cash Bonus Plan, as amended and restated through October 11, 2007 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated October 12, 2007, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.19)
 
The Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, amended and restated effective December 31, 2009 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 12, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.20)
 
Amendment to the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, amended effective April 27, 2010 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated August 5, 2010, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.21)
 
The Company’s Deferred Executive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2012 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-K dated February 23, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.22)
 
The Company’s Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended through September 21, 2000 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated November 8, 2000, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.23)
 
The Company’s 2004 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan, effective April 13, 2004 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated May 5, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.24)
 
The Company’s Non-Employee Directors Deferral Plan, as amended through October 11, 2007 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated October 12, 2007, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.25)
 
The Company’s Savings Restoration Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2014 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 13, 2013, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.26)
 
The Company’s Supplemental Executive Savings Plan, amended and restated effective December 31, 2013 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 13, 2013, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.27)
 
The New York Times Companies Supplemental Retirement and Investment Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2011 (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated November 3, 2011, and incorporated by reference herein).


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 115


Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
(10.28)
 
Amendment No. 1, effective January 1, 2012, and Amendment No. 2, effective November 1, 2012, to The New York Times Companies Supplemental Retirement and Investment Plan (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated August 8, 2013, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.29)
 
Amendment No. 3 to The New York Times Companies Supplemental Retirement and Investment Plan, amended effective January 1, 2014.
(10.30)
 
Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2009, between the Company and Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated September 18, 2009, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.31)
 
Letter Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2012, between the Company and Mark Thompson (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 17, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.32)
 
Form of Separation Agreement and General Release, between the Company and Scott Heekin-Canedy (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-K dated November 6, 2012, and incorporated by reference herein).
(10.33)
 
Letter Agreement between the Company and Christopher Mayer (filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Form 10-Q dated August 8, 2013, and incorporated by reference herein.)
(12)
 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
(21)
 
Subsidiaries of the Company.
(23.1)
 
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
(24)
 
Power of Attorney (included as part of signature page).
(31.1)
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.
(31.2)
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.
(32.1)
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.2)
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(101.INS)
 
XBRL Instance Document.
(101.SCH)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
(101.CAL)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
(101.DEF)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
(101.LAB)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
(101.PRE)
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.


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