10-K 1 a201810-k_q4project.htm FORM 10-K Document
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 30, 2018
 
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 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, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer          
þ  
Accelerated filer
¨
 
Non-accelerated filer        
¨
Smaller reporting company
¨
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by the check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in 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 29, 2018, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $4.1 billion. As of such date, non-affiliates held 59,776 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, 2019 (exclusive of treasury shares), was as follows: 165,113,286 shares of Class A Common Stock and 803,408 shares of Class B Common Stock.
Documents incorporated by reference
Portions of the Proxy Statement relating to the registrant’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be held on May 2, 2019, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.


INDEX TO THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY 2018 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
 
 
ITEM NO.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16
 
 
 
 
 




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 and viewers across various platforms. Recognized widely for the quality of our reporting and content, our publications have been awarded many industry and peer accolades, including 125 Pulitzer Prizes and citations, more than any other news organization.
The Company includes newspapers, print and digital products and related businesses. We have one reportable segment with businesses that include:
•
our newspaper, The New York Times (“The Times”);
•
our websites, including NYTimes.com;
•
our mobile applications, including The Times’s core news applications, as well as interest-specific applications, including our Crossword and Cooking products; and
•
related businesses, such as our licensing division; our digital marketing agencies; our product review and recommendation website, Wirecutter; our commercial printing operations; NYT Live (our live events business); and other products and services under The Times brand.
We generate revenues principally from subscriptions and advertising. Subscription revenues consist of revenues from subscriptions to our print and digital products (which include our news products, as well as our Crossword and Cooking products) and single-copy sales of our print newspaper. Advertising revenue is derived from the sale of our advertising products and services on our print and digital platforms. Revenue information for the 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 each represent less than 10% of our total revenues, operating profit and identifiable assets.
During 2018, we continued to make significant investments in our journalism, while taking further steps to position our organization to operate more efficiently in a digital environment. The Times continued to break stories and produce investigative reports that sparked global conversations on wide-ranging topics. We launched


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 1

groundbreaking digital journalism projects and new news and opinion podcasts that complement The Daily, our news podcast that launched in 2017 and was the most downloaded podcast on Apple’s iTunes in 2018. We also announced the creation of a new television show, “The Weekly,” which will begin airing in mid-2019. In addition, we continued to create innovative digital advertising solutions across our platforms and expand our creative services offerings.
We believe that the significant growth over the last year in subscriptions to our products demonstrates the success of our “subscription-first” strategy and the willingness of our readers to pay for high-quality journalism. We had approximately 4.3 million subscriptions to our products as of December 30, 2018, more than at any point in our history.
PRODUCTS
The Company’s principal business consists of distributing content generated by our newsroom through our digital and print platforms. In addition, we distribute selected content on third-party platforms.
Our core news website, NYTimes.com, was launched in 1996. Since 2011, we have charged consumers for content provided on this website and our core news mobile application. Digital subscriptions can be purchased individually or through group corporate or group education subscriptions. Our metered model offers users free access to a set number of articles per month and then charges users for access to content beyond that limit.
In addition to subscriptions to our news product, we offer standalone subscriptions to other digital products, namely our Crossword and Cooking products. Certain digital news product subscription packages include access to our Crossword and Cooking products.
Our products also include news and opinion podcasts, which are distributed both on our digital platforms and on third-party platforms. We generate advertising and licensing revenue from this content, but do not charge users for access.
The Times’s print edition newspaper, published seven days a week in the United States, commenced publication in 1851. The Times also has an international edition that is tailored for global audiences. First published in 2013 and previously called the International New York Times, the international edition succeeded the International Herald Tribune, a leading daily newspaper that commenced publishing in Paris in 1887. Our print newspapers are sold in the United States and around the world through individual home-delivery subscriptions, bulk subscriptions (primarily by schools and hotels) and single-copy sales. All print home-delivery subscribers are entitled to receive free access to some or all of our digital products.
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND AUDIENCE
Our content reaches a broad audience through our digital and print platforms. As of December 30, 2018, we had approximately 4.3 million paid subscriptions across 217 countries and territories to our digital and print products.
Paid digital-only subscriptions totaled approximately 3,360,000 as of December 30, 2018, an increase of approximately 27% compared with December 31, 2017. This amount includes standalone paid subscriptions to our Crossword and Cooking products, which totaled approximately 647,000 as of December 30, 2018. International digital-only news subscriptions represented approximately 16% of our digital-only news subscriptions as of December 30, 2018.
The number of paid digital-only subscriptions also includes estimated group corporate and group education subscriptions (which collectively represent approximately 6% of total paid digital subscriptions to our news products). The number of paid group subscriptions is derived using the value of the relevant contract and a discounted basic subscription rate. The actual number of users who have access to our products through group subscriptions is substantially higher.
In the United States, The Times had the largest daily and Sunday print circulation of all seven-day newspapers for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018, according to data collected by the Alliance for Audited Media (“AAM”), an independent agency that audits circulation of most U.S. newspapers and magazines.
For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, The Times’s average print circulation (which includes paid and qualified circulation of the newspaper in print) was approximately 487,000 for weekday (Monday to Friday) and 992,000 for Sunday. (Under AAM’s reporting guidance, qualified circulation represents copies available for individual


P. 2 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

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.)
Internationally, average circulation for the international edition of our newspaper (which includes paid circulation of the newspaper in print and electronic replica editions) for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, was approximately 170,000 (estimated) and 173,000, 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 2018 figure will not be available until April 2019.
According to comScore Media Metrix, an online audience measurement service, in 2018, NYTimes.com had a monthly average of approximately 94 million unique visitors in the United States on either desktop/laptop computers or mobile devices. Globally, including the United States, NYTimes.com had a 2018 monthly average of approximately 134 million unique visitors on either desktop/laptop computers or mobile devices, according to internal data estimates. 
ADVERTISING
We have a comprehensive portfolio of advertising products and services. Our advertising revenue is divided into two main categories:
Display Advertising
Display advertising revenue is principally generated from advertisers (such as financial institutions, movie studios, department stores, American and international fashion and technology) promoting products, services or brands on our digital and print platforms.
In print, column-inch ads are priced according to established rates, with premiums for color and positioning. The Times had the largest market share in 2018 in print advertising revenue among a national newspaper set that consists of USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and The Times, according to MediaRadar, an independent agency that measures advertising sales volume and estimates advertising revenue.
On our digital platforms, display advertising comprises banners, video, rich media and other interactive ads. Display advertising also includes branded content on The Times’s platforms. Branded content is longer form marketing content that is distinct from The Times’s editorial content.
In 2018, print and digital display advertising represented approximately 84% of our advertising revenues.
Other Advertising
Other print advertising primarily includes classified advertising paid for on a per line basis; revenues from preprinted advertising, also known as free standing inserts; and advertising revenues from our licensing division.
Other digital advertising primarily includes creative services fees associated with our branded content studio and our digital marketing agencies, including HelloSociety and Fake Love; advertising revenue generated by our podcasts; advertising revenue generated by our product review and recommendation website, Wirecutter; and classified advertising, which includes line ads sold in the major categories of real estate, help wanted, automotive and other on either a per-listing basis for bundled listing packages, or as an add on to a print classified ad.
In 2018, print and digital other advertising represented approximately 16% of our advertising revenues.
Seasonality
Our business is affected in part by seasonal patterns in advertising, with generally higher advertising volume in the fourth quarter due to holiday advertising.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 3

COMPETITION
Our print and digital products compete for subscriptions and advertising with other media in their respective markets. Competition for subscription revenue and readership is generally based upon platform, format, content, quality, service, timeliness and price, while competition for advertising is generally based upon audience levels and demographics, advertising rates, service, targeting capabilities, advertising results and breadth of advertising offerings.
Our print newspaper competes for subscriptions and advertising primarily with national newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post; 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 is circulated; and some national news and lifestyle magazines. The international edition of our newspaper competes with international sources of English-language news, including the Financial Times, Time, Bloomberg Business Week and The Economist.
As our industry continues to experience a shift from print to digital media, our products face competition for audience, subscriptions and advertising from a wide variety of digital media (some of which are free to users), including news and other information websites and mobile applications, news aggregators, sites that cover niche content, social media platforms, and other forms of media. In addition, we compete for advertising on digital advertising networks and exchanges and real-time bidding and other programmatic buying channels, and our branded content studio and digital marketing agencies compete with other marketing agencies that provide similar services, including those of other publishers.
Our news and other digital products most directly compete for audience, subscriptions and advertising with other U.S. news and information websites, mobile applications and digital products, including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Vox, Vice, Buzzfeed, NBC News, NPR, Fox News, Yahoo! News and HuffPost. We also compete for audience and advertising with customized news feeds and news aggregators such as Facebook Newsfeed, Apple News and Google News. Internationally, our websites and mobile applications compete with international online sources of English-language news, including BBC News, CNN, The Guardian, the Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist and Reuters.
OTHER BUSINESSES
We derive revenue from other businesses, which primarily include:
•
The Company’s licensing division, which transmits articles, graphics and photographs from The Times and other publications to approximately 1,800 newspapers, magazines and websites in over 100 countries and territories worldwide. It also comprises a number of other businesses that primarily include digital archive distribution, which licenses electronic databases to resellers in the business, professional and library markets; magazine licensing; news digests; book development and rights and permissions;
•
Wirecutter, a product review and recommendation website acquired in October 2016 that serves as a guide to technology gear, home products and other consumer goods. This website generates affiliate referral revenue (revenue generated by offering direct links to merchants in exchange for a portion of the sale price), which we record as other revenues;
•
The Company’s commercial printing operations, which utilize excess printing capacity at our College Point facility in order to print products for third parties; and
•
The Company’s NYT Live business, a platform for our live journalism that convenes thought leaders from business, academia and government at conferences and events to discuss topics ranging from education to sustainability to the luxury business. 


P. 4 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

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 26 remote print sites across the United States. We also utilize excess printing capacity at our College Point facility for commercial printing for third parties. 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 edition of The Times is printed under contract at 37 sites throughout the world and is sold in over 134 countries and territories. It is distributed through agreements with other newspapers and third-party delivery agents.
RAW MATERIALS
The primary raw materials we use are newsprint and coated paper, which we purchase from a number of North American and European producers. A significant portion of our newsprint is purchased from Resolute FP US Inc., a subsidiary of Resolute Forest Products Inc., a large global manufacturer of paper, market pulp and wood products with which we shared ownership in Donahue Malbaie Inc. (“Malbaie”), a Canadian newsprint company, before we sold our interest in the fourth quarter of 2017.
In 2018 and 2017, we used the following types and quantities of paper:
(In metric tons)
 
2018

 
2017

Newsprint(1)
 
94,400

 
90,500

Coated and Supercalendared Paper(2)
 
14,600

 
16,500

(1) 2018 newsprint usage includes paper used for commercial printing.

(2) The Times uses a mix of coated and supercalendered paper for The New York Times Magazine, and coated paper for T: The New York Times Style Magazine.

EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS
We had approximately 4,320 full-time equivalent employees as of December 30, 2018.
As of December 30, 2018, nearly half of our full-time equivalent employees were represented by unions. The following is a list of collective bargaining agreements covering various categories of the Company’s employees and their corresponding expiration dates. As indicated below, one collective bargaining agreement, under which less than 10% of our full-time equivalent employees are covered, will expire within one year and we expect negotiations for a new contract to begin in the near future. We cannot predict the timing or the outcome of these negotiations.
Employee Category
Expiration Date
Mailers
March 30, 2019
Typographers
March 30, 2020
NewsGuild of New York
March 30, 2021
Paperhandlers
March 30, 2021
Pressmen
March 30, 2021
Stereotypers
March 30, 2021
Machinists
March 30, 2022
Drivers
March 30, 2025


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 5

AVAILABLE INFORMATION
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.


P. 6 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

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.
We face significant competition in all aspects of our business.
We operate in a highly competitive environment. We compete for subscription and advertising revenue with both traditional and other content providers, as well as search engines and social media platforms. Competition among companies offering online content is intense, and new competitors can quickly emerge.  
Our ability to compete effectively depends on many factors both within and beyond our control, including among others:
•
our ability to continue delivering high-quality journalism and content that is interesting and relevant to our audience;
•
the popularity, usefulness, ease of use, performance and reliability of our digital products compared with those of our competitors;
•
the engagement of our current users with our products, and our ability to reach new users;
•
our ability to develop, maintain and monetize our products;
•
the pricing of our products;
•
our marketing and selling efforts, including our ability to differentiate our products from those of our competitors;
•
the visibility of our content and products on search engines and social media platforms and in mobile app stores, compared with that of our competitors;
•
our ability to provide marketers with a compelling return on their investments;
•
our ability to attract, retain, and motivate talented employees, including journalists and product and technology specialists;
•
our ability to manage and grow our business in a cost-effective manner; and
•
our reputation and brand strength relative to those of our competitors.
Some of our current and potential competitors may have greater resources than we do, which may allow them to compete more effectively than us.
Our success depends on our ability to respond and adapt to changes in technology and consumer behavior.
Technology in the media industry continues to evolve rapidly. Advances in technology have led to an increased number of methods for the delivery and consumption of news and other content. These developments are also driving changes in the preferences and expectations of consumers as they seek more control over how they consume content.
Changes in technology and consumer behavior pose a number of challenges that could adversely affect our revenues and competitive position. For example, among others:
•
we may be unable to develop digital products that consumers find engaging, that work with a variety of operating systems and networks and that achieve a high level of market acceptance;
•
we may introduce new products or services, or make changes to existing products and services, that are not favorably received by consumers;
•
there may be changes in user sentiment about the quality or usefulness of our existing products or concerns related to privacy, security or other factors;


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•
failure to successfully manage changes implemented by social media platforms, search engines, news aggregators or mobile app stores and device manufacturers, including those affecting how our content and applications are prioritized, displayed and monetized, could affect our business;
•
consumers may increasingly use technology (such as incognito browsing) that decreases our ability to obtain a complete view of the behavior of users who engage with our products;
•
we may be unable to maintain or update our technology infrastructure in a way that meets market and consumer demands; and
•
the consumption of our content on delivery platforms of third parties may lead to limitations on monetization of our products, the loss of control over distribution of our content and of a direct relationship with our audience, and lower engagement and subscription rates.
Responding to these changes may require significant investment. We may be limited in our ability to invest funds and resources in digital products, services or opportunities, and we may incur expense in building, maintaining and evolving our technology infrastructure.
Unless we are able to use new and existing technologies to distinguish our products and services from those of our competitors and develop in a timely manner compelling new products and services that engage users across platforms, our business, financial condition and prospects may be adversely affected.
A failure to continue to retain and grow our subscriber base could adversely affect our results of operations and business.
Revenue from subscriptions to our print and digital products makes up a majority of our total revenue. Subscription revenue is sensitive to discretionary spending available to subscribers in the markets we serve, as well as economic conditions. To the extent poor economic conditions lead consumers to reduce spending on discretionary activities, our ability to retain current and obtain new subscribers could be hindered, thereby reducing our subscription revenue. In addition, the growth rate of new subscriptions to our news products that are driven by significant news events, such as an election, and/or promotional pricing may not be sustainable.
Print subscriptions have continued to decline, primarily due to increased competition from digital media formats (which are often free to users), higher subscription prices and a growing preference among many consumers to receive all or a portion of their news from sources other than a print newspaper. If we are unable to offset continued revenue declines resulting from falling print subscriptions with revenue from home-delivery price increases, our print subscription revenue will be adversely affected. In addition, if we are unable to offset continued print subscription revenue declines with digital subscription revenue, our subscription revenue will be adversely affected.
Subscriptions to content provided on our digital platforms generate substantial revenue for us, and our future growth depends upon our ability to retain and grow our digital subscriber base and audience. To do so will require us to evolve our subscription model, address changing consumer demands and developments in technology and improve our digital product offering while continuing to deliver high-quality journalism and content that is interesting and relevant to readers. We have invested, and will continue to invest, significant resources in these efforts, but there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully maintain and increase our digital subscriber base or that we will be able to do so without taking steps such as reducing pricing or incurring subscription acquisition costs that would affect our margin or profitability.
Our ability to retain and grow our subscriber base also depends on the engagement of users with our products, including the frequency, breadth and depth of their use. If users become less engaged with our products, they may be less likely to purchase subscriptions or renew their existing subscriptions, which would adversely affect our subscription revenues. In addition, we may implement changes in the free access we provide to our content or the pricing of our subscriptions that could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract and retain subscribers.
Our advertising revenues are affected by numerous factors, including economic conditions, market dynamics, audience fragmentation and evolving digital advertising trends.
We derive substantial revenues from the sale of advertising in our products. Advertising spending is sensitive to overall economic conditions, and our advertising revenues could be 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.


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In determining whether to buy advertising, our advertisers consider the demand for our products, demographics of our reader base, advertising rates, results observed by advertisers, breadth of advertising offerings and alternative advertising options.
Although print advertising revenue continues to represent a majority of our total advertising revenue (approximately 54% of our total advertising revenues in 2018), the overall proportion continues to decline. The increased popularity of digital media among consumers, particularly as a source for news and other content, has driven a corresponding shift in demand from print advertising to digital advertising. However, our digital advertising revenue has not replaced, and may not replace in full, print advertising revenue lost as a result of the shift.
The increasing number of digital media options available, including through social media platforms and news aggregators, has expanded consumer choice significantly, resulting in audience fragmentation. Competition from digital content providers and platforms, some of which charge lower rates than we do or have greater audience reach and targeting capabilities, and the significant increase in inventory of digital advertising space, have affected and will likely continue to affect our ability to attract and retain advertisers and to maintain or increase our advertising rates. In recent years, large digital platforms, such as Facebook, Google and Amazon, which have greater audience reach and targeting capabilities than we do, have commanded an increased share of the digital display advertising market, and we anticipate that this trend will continue. 
The digital advertising market itself continues to undergo significant change. Digital advertising networks and exchanges, real-time bidding and other programmatic buying channels that allow advertisers to buy audiences at scale are playing a more significant role in the advertising marketplace and may cause further downward pricing pressure. Newer delivery platforms may also lead to a loss of distribution and pricing control and loss of a direct relationship with consumers. Growing consumer reliance on mobile devices creates additional pressure, as mobile display advertising may not command the same rates as desktop advertising. In addition, changes in the standards for the delivery of digital advertising could also negatively affect our digital advertising revenues.
Technologies have been developed, and will likely continue to be developed, that enable consumers to circumvent digital advertising on websites and mobile devices. Advertisements blocked by these technologies are treated as not delivered and any revenue we would otherwise receive from the advertiser for that advertisement is lost. Increased adoption of these technologies could adversely affect our advertising revenues, particularly if we are unable to develop effective solutions to mitigate their impact.
We have continued to take steps intended to retain and grow our subscriber base, which we expect to have long-term benefits for our advertising revenue, but may have the near-term effect of reducing inventory for digital programmatic advertising in our products.
As the digital advertising market continues to evolve, our ability to compete successfully for advertising budgets will depend on, among other things, our ability to engage and grow digital audiences and prove the value of our advertising and the effectiveness of our platforms to advertisers.
We may experience further downward pressure on our advertising revenue margins.
The character of our advertising continues to change, as demand for newer forms of advertising, such as branded content and other customized advertising increases. The margin on revenues from some of these advertising forms is generally lower than the margin on revenues we generate from our print advertising and traditional digital display advertising. Consequently, we may experience further downward pressure on our advertising revenue margins as a greater percentage of advertising revenues comes from these newer forms.
Investments we make in new and existing products and services expose us to risks and challenges that could adversely affect our operations and profitability.
We have invested and expect to continue to invest significant resources to enhance and expand our existing products and services and to develop new products and services. These investments have included, among others: enhancements to our core news product; our lifestyle products (including our existing Crossword and Cooking products, as well as a new Parenting product we plan to launch); investments in our podcasts and upcoming television program, The Weekly; as well as our commercial printing and other ancillary operations. These efforts present numerous risks and challenges, including the potential need for us to develop additional expertise in certain areas; technological and operational challenges; the need to effectively allocate capital resources; new and/or increased costs (including marketing costs and costs to recruit, integrate and retain skilled employees); risks


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associated with new strategic relationships; new competitors (some of which may have more resources and experience in certain areas); and additional legal and regulatory risks from expansion into new areas. As a result of these and other risks and challenges, growth into new areas may divert internal resources and the attention of our management and other personnel, including journalists and product and technology specialists.
Although we have an established reputation as a global media company, our ability to gain and maintain an audience, particularly for some of our new digital products, is not certain, and if they are not favorably received, our brand may be adversely affected. Even if our new products and services, or enhancements to existing products and services, are favorably received, they may not advance our business strategy as expected, may result in unanticipated costs or liabilities and may fall short of expected return on investment targets or fail to generate sufficient revenue to justify our investments, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The fixed cost nature of significant portions of our expenses may limit our operating flexibility and could adversely affect our results of operations.
We continually assess our operations in an effort to identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiencies and reduce expenses. However, 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 were unable to implement cost-control efforts or reduce our fixed costs sufficiently in response to a decline in our revenues, our results of operations will be adversely affected.
The size and volatility of our pension plan obligations may adversely affect our operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We sponsor several single-employer defined benefit pension plans. Although we have frozen participation and benefits under all but one of these qualified pension plans, and have taken other steps to reduce the size and volatility of our pension plan obligations, 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.
We are required to make contributions to our plans to comply with minimum funding requirements imposed by laws governing those plans. As of December 30, 2018, our qualified defined benefit pension plans were underfunded by approximately $81 million. Our obligation to make additional contributions to our plans, and the timing of any such contributions, depends on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These include: legislative changes; assumptions about mortality; and economic conditions, including a low interest rate environment or sustained volatility and disruption in the stock and bond markets, which impact discount rates and returns on plan assets.
As a result of required contributions to our qualified pension plans, we may have less cash available for working capital and other corporate uses, which may have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
In addition, the Company sponsors several non-qualified pension plans, with unfunded obligations totaling $223 million. Although we have frozen participation and benefits under these plans, and have taken other steps to reduce the size and volatility of our obligations under these plans, a number of factors, including changes in discount rates or mortality tables, may have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our participation in multiemployer pension plans may subject us to liabilities that could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We participate in, and make periodic contributions to, various multiemployer pension plans that cover many of our current and former production and delivery 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, other funding deficiencies, or potential legislative action. 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 federal pension law, special funding rules apply to multiemployer pension plans that are classified as “endangered,” “critical” or “critical


P. 10 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

and declining.” If plans in which we participate are in critical status, benefit reductions may apply and/or we could be required to make additional contributions.
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 Media Group in 2013 and the Regional Media Group in 2012) and may record additional liabilities in the future. In addition, due to declines in our contributions, we have recorded withdrawal liabilities for actual and estimated partial withdrawals from several plans in which we continue to participate. 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. Several of the multiemployer plans in which we participate are specific to the newspaper industry, which continues to undergo significant pressure. A withdrawal by a significant percentage of participating employers may result in a mass withdrawal declaration by the trustees of one or more of these plans, which would require us to record additional withdrawal liabilities.  
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 or a partial cessation of our obligation to contribute, additional liabilities would need to be recorded that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Legislative changes could also affect our funding obligations or the amount of withdrawal liability we incur if a withdrawal were to occur.
Security breaches and other network and information systems disruptions could affect our ability to conduct our business effectively and damage our reputation.
Our systems store and process confidential subscriber, employee and other sensitive personal and Company data, and therefore maintaining our network security is of critical importance. In addition, we rely on the technology and systems provided by third-party vendors (including cloud-based service providers) for a variety of operations, including encryption and authentication technology, employee email, domain name registration, content delivery to customers, administrative functions (including payroll processing and certain finance and accounting functions) and other operations.
We regularly face attempts by third parties to breach our security and compromise our information technology systems. These attackers may use a blend of technology and social engineering techniques (including denial of service attacks, phishing attempts intended to induce our employees and users to disclose information or unwittingly provide access to systems or data and other techniques), with the goal of service disruption or data exfiltration. Information security threats are constantly evolving, increasing the difficulty of detecting and successfully defending against them. To date, no incidents have had, either individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, 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 or the effects of climate change (such as increased storm severity and flooding), fires, power outages or internet outages, acts of terrorism or other similar events.
We have implemented controls and taken other preventative measures designed to strengthen our systems against such incidents and attacks, including measures designed to reduce the impact of a security breach at our third-party vendors. Although 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, there can be no assurance as to the costs of additional controls and measures that we may conclude are necessary in the future.
There can also 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, and our disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. Such an event could result in a disruption of our services, improper disclosure of personal data or confidential information, or theft or misuse of our intellectual property, all of which could harm our reputation, require us to expend resources to remedy such a security breach or defend against further attacks, divert management’s attention and resources or subject us to liability under laws that protect personal data, or otherwise adversely affect our business. While we maintain cyber risk insurance, the costs relating to any data breach could be substantial, and our insurance may not be sufficient to cover all losses related to any future breaches of our systems.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 11

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.
We believe that The New York Times brand is a powerful and trusted brand with an excellent reputation for high-quality independent journalism and content, but that our brand could be damaged by incidents that erode consumer trust. For example, to the extent consumers perceive our journalism to be less reliable, whether as a result of negative publicity or otherwise, our ability to attract readers and advertisers may be hindered. In addition, we may introduce new products or services that users do not like and that may negatively affect our brand. We also may fail to provide adequate customer service, which could erode confidence in our brand. Our reputation could also be damaged by failures of third-party vendors we rely on in many contexts. We are investing in defining and enhancing our brand. These investments are considerable and may not be successful. To the extent our brand and reputation are damaged by these or other incidents, our revenues and profitability could be adversely affected.
Our international operations expose us to economic and other risks inherent in foreign operations.
We have news bureaus and other offices around the world, and our digital and print products are generally available globally. We are focused on further expanding the international scope of our business, and face the inherent risks associated with doing business abroad, including:
•
effectively managing and staffing foreign operations, including complying with local laws and regulations in each different jurisdiction;
•
ensuring the safety and security of our journalists and other employees;
•
navigating local customs and practices;
•
government policies and regulations that restrict the digital flow of information, which could block access to, or the functionality of, our products, or other retaliatory actions or behavior by government officials;
•
protecting and enforcing our intellectual property and other rights under varying legal regimes;
•
complying with international laws and regulations, including those governing intellectual property, libel and defamation, consumer privacy and the collection, use, retention, sharing and security of consumer and staff data;
•
potential economic, legal, political or social uncertainty and volatility in local or global market conditions (e.g., as a result of the implementation of the United Kingdom’s referendum to withdraw membership from the European Union, commonly referred to as Brexit);
•
restrictions on the ability of U.S. companies to do business in foreign countries, including restrictions on foreign ownership, foreign investment or repatriation of funds;
•
higher-than-anticipated costs of entry; and
•
currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Adverse developments in any of these areas could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, we may incur increased costs necessary to comply with existing and newly adopted laws and regulations or penalties for any failure to comply.
In addition, we have limited experience in developing and marketing our digital products in certain international regions and non-English languages and could be at a disadvantage compared with local and multinational competitors.
Failure to comply with laws and regulations, including with respect to privacy, data protection and consumer marketing practices, could adversely affect our business.
Our business is subject to various laws and regulations of local and foreign jurisdictions, including laws and regulations with respect to online privacy and the collection and use of personal data, as well as laws and regulations with respect to consumer marketing practices.
Various federal and state laws and regulations, as well as the laws of foreign jurisdictions, govern the collection, use, retention, processing, sharing and security of the data we receive from and about our users. Failure to protect confidential user data, provide users with adequate notice of our privacy policies or obtain required valid consent, for


P. 12 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

example, could subject us to liabilities imposed by these jurisdictions. Existing privacy-related laws and regulations are evolving and subject to potentially differing interpretations, and various federal and state legislative and regulatory bodies, as well as foreign legislative and regulatory bodies, may expand current or enact new laws regarding privacy and data protection. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation adopted by the European Union imposed more stringent data protection requirements and significant penalties for noncompliance as of May 25, 2018; California’s recently adopted Consumer Privacy Act creates new data privacy rights effective in 2020; and the European Union’s forthcoming ePrivacy Regulation is expected to impose, with respect to electronic communications, stricter data protection and data processing requirements.
In addition, various federal and state laws and regulations, as well as the laws of foreign jurisdictions, govern the manner in which we market our subscription products, including with respect to pricing and subscription renewals. These laws and regulations often differ across jurisdictions.
Existing and newly adopted laws and regulations (or new interpretations of existing laws and regulations) may impose new obligations in areas affecting our business, require us to incur increased compliance costs and cause us to further adjust our advertising or marketing practices. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us or the third parties upon which we rely to comply with laws and regulations that govern our business operations, as well as any failure, or perceived failure, by us or the third parties upon which we rely to comply with our own posted policies, could result in claims against us by governmental entities or others, negative publicity and a loss of confidence in us by our users and advertisers. Each of these potential consequences could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
A significant increase in the price of newsprint, or significant disruptions in our newsprint supply chain or newspaper printing and distribution channels, would have an adverse effect on our operating results.
The cost of raw materials, of which newsprint is the major component, represented approximately 5% of our total operating costs in 2018. The price of newsprint has historically been volatile and could increase as a result of various factors, including:
•a reduction in the number of newsprint suppliers due to restructurings, bankruptcies, consolidations and conversions to other grades of paper;
•increases in supplier operating expenses due to rising raw material or energy costs or other factors;
•currency volatility;
•duties on certain paper imports from Canada into United States; and
•an inability to maintain existing relationships with our newsprint suppliers.
We also rely on suppliers for deliveries of newsprint, and 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.
Outside the New York area, The Times is printed and distributed under contracts with print and distribution partners across the United States and internationally. Financial pressures, newspaper industry economics or other circumstances affecting these print and distribution partners could lead to reduced operations or consolidations of print sites and/or distribution routes, which could increase the cost of printing and distributing our newspapers.
If newsprint prices increase significantly or we experience significant disruptions in our newsprint supply chain or newspaper printing and distribution channels, our operating results may be adversely affected.
Acquisitions, divestitures, investments 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 engage in discussions, evaluate opportunities and enter into agreements for possible acquisitions, divestitures, investments and other transactions. We may also consider the acquisition of, or investment in, 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.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 13

Acquisitions may involve significant risks and uncertainties, including:
•
difficulties in integrating acquired businesses (including cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization);
•
diversion of management attention from other business concerns or resources;
•
use of resources that are needed in other parts of our business;
•
possible dilution of our brand or harm to our reputation;
•
the potential loss of key employees;
•
risks associated with integrating financial reporting, internal control and information technology systems; 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, may cause us to incur unanticipated costs or liabilities and may fall short of expected return on investment targets, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, we have divested and may in the future divest certain assets or businesses that no longer fit with our strategic direction or growth targets. Divestitures involve significant risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. These include, among others, the inability to find potential buyers on favorable terms, disruption to our business and/or diversion of management attention from other business concerns, loss of key employees and possible retention of certain liabilities related to the divested business.
Finally, we have made investments in companies, and we may make similar investments in the future. Investments in these businesses subject us to the operating and financial risks of these businesses and to the risk that we do not have sole control over the operations of these businesses. Our investments are generally illiquid and the absence of a market may inhibit our ability to dispose of them. In addition, if the book value of an investment were to exceed its fair value, we would be required to recognize an impairment charge related to the investment.
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.
Nearly half of our full-time equivalent work force is unionized. As a result, we are required to negotiate the wage, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment 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, or if a larger percentage of our workforce were to be unionized. If we are unable to negotiate labor contracts on reasonable terms, or if we were to experience labor unrest or other business interruptions in connection with labor negotiations or otherwise, our ability to produce and deliver our products could be impaired. In addition, our ability to make 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.
We are subject to payment processing risk.
We accept payments using a variety of different payment methods, including credit and debit cards and direct debit. We rely on internal systems as well as those of third parties to process payments. Acceptance and processing of these payment methods are subject to certain certifications, rules and regulations. To the extent there are disruptions in our or third-party payment processing systems, material changes in the payment ecosystem, failure to recertify and/or changes to rules or regulations concerning payment processing, we could be subject to fines and/or civil liability, or lose our ability to accept credit and debit card payments, which would harm our reputation and adversely impact our results of operations.
Our business may suffer if we cannot protect our intellectual property.
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


P. 14 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

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. 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.
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 include rights holders seeking to monetize intellectual property they own or otherwise have rights to 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, if successful, 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.
We may not have access to the capital markets on terms that are acceptable to us or may otherwise be limited in our financing options.
From time to time the Company may need or desire to access the long-term and short-term capital markets to obtain financing. The Company’s access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms and conditions in the future will be impacted by many factors, including, but not limited to: (1) the Company’s financial performance; (2) the Company’s credit ratings or absence of a credit rating; (3) liquidity of the overall capital markets and (4) the state of the economy. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to have access to the capital markets on terms acceptable to it.
In addition, macroeconomic conditions, such as volatility or disruption in the credit markets, could adversely affect our ability to obtain financing to support operations or to fund 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 of Directors 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.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 15

Adverse results from litigation or governmental investigations can impact our business practices and operating results.
From time to time, we are party to litigation, including matters relating to alleged libel or defamation and employment-related matters, as well as regulatory, environmental and other proceedings with governmental authorities and administrative agencies. See Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding certain matters. Adverse outcomes in lawsuits or investigations could result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief that could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition as well as our ability to conduct our business as it is presently being conducted. In addition, regardless of merit or outcome, such proceedings can have an adverse impact on the Company as a result of legal costs, diversion of management and other personnel, and other factors.
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, occupied by us (the “Condo Interest”). The sale price for the Condo Interest was $225.0 million. The lease term is 15 years, and we have three renewal options that could extend the term for an additional 20 years. We have an option to repurchase the Condo Interest for $250.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, and we have provided notice of our intent to exercise this option. 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, all of which are currently leased to third parties.
As part of the Company’s redesign of our headquarters building, which was substantially completed in the fourth quarter of 2018, we consolidated the Company’s operations from the 17 floors we previously occupied and we have leased five and a half additional floors to third parties as of December 30, 2018.
In addition, we have 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 before the lease ends in 2019 for $6.9 million. As of December 30, 2018, we also owned other properties with an aggregate of approximately 3,000 gross square feet and leased other properties with an aggregate of approximately 187,000 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. See Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of certain matters, which is incorporated herein by reference. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of these matters, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome in one or more matters could be material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows for an individual reporting period. However, based on currently available information, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, is likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.



P. 16 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Name
 
Age
 
Employed By
Registrant Since
 

Recent Position(s) Held as of February 26, 2019
Mark Thompson
 
61
 
2012
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2012); Director-General, British Broadcasting Corporation (2004 to 2012)
A.G. Sulzberger
 
38
 
2009
 
Publisher of The Times (since 2018); Deputy Publisher (2016 to 2017); Associate Editor (2015-2016); Assistant Editor (2012-2015)
R. Anthony Benten
 
55
 
1989
 
Senior Vice President, Treasurer (since December 2016) and Corporate Controller (since 2007); Senior Vice President, Finance (2008 to 2016)
Diane Brayton
 
50
 
2004
 
Executive Vice President, General Counsel (since January 2017) and Secretary (since 2011); Deputy General Counsel (2016); Assistant Secretary (2009 to 2011) and Assistant General Counsel (2009 to 2016)
Roland A. Caputo
 
58
 
1986
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since 2018); Executive Vice President, Print Products and Services Group (2013 to 2018); Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The New York Times Media Group (2008 to 2013)
Meredith Kopit Levien
 
47
 
2013
 
Executive Vice President (since 2013) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2017); Chief Revenue Officer (2015 to 2017); Executive Vice President, Advertising (2013 to 2015); Chief Revenue Officer, Forbes Media LLC (2011 to 2013)



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 17

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 under the trading symbol “NYT”. The Class B Common Stock is unlisted and is not actively traded.
The number of security holders of record as of February 21, 2019, was as follows: Class A Common Stock: 5,394; Class B Common Stock: 25.
We have paid quarterly dividends of $0.04 per share on the Class A and Class B Common Stock since late 2013. In February 2019, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share. We currently expect to continue to pay comparable cash dividends in the future, although changes in our dividend program may 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 future indebtedness.
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)
October 1, 2018 - November 4, 2018
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
16,236,612

November 5, 2018 - December 2, 2018
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
16,236,612

December 3, 2018 - December 30, 2018
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
16,236,612

Total for the fourth quarter of 2018
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
16,236,612

(1) 
On January 13, 2015, the Board of Directors approved an authorization of $101.1 million to repurchase shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. As of December 30, 2018, repurchases under this authorization totaled $84.9 million (excluding commissions), and $16.2 million remained under this authorization. All purchases were made pursuant to our publicly announced share repurchase program. Our Board of Directors has authorized us to purchase shares from time to time, subject to market conditions and other factors. There is no expiration date with respect to this authorization.


P. 18 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION
The following graph shows the annual cumulative total stockholder return for the five fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, on an assumed investment of $100 on December 29, 2013, in the Company, the Standard & Poor’s S&P 400 MidCap Stock Index and the Standard & Poor’s S&P 1500 Publishing and Printing Index. 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.
Stock Performance Comparison Between the S&P 400 Midcap Index, S&P 1500 Publishing & Printing Index and The New York Times Company’s Class A Common Stock
stockperformancechart2018a01.jpg


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 19

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, which was sold in 2013, have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented (see Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). 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 2017 comprised 53 weeks and all other fiscal years presented in the table below comprised 52 weeks.
 
 
As of and for the Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

 
December 27,
2015

 
December 28,
2014

 
 
(52 Weeks)
 
(53 Weeks)
 
(52 Weeks)
 
(52 Weeks)
 
(52 Weeks)
Statement of Operations Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
1,748,598

 
$
1,675,639

 
$
1,555,342

 
$
1,579,215

 
$
1,588,528

Operating costs (1)
 
1,558,778

 
1,493,278

 
1,419,416

 
1,385,840

 
1,470,234

Headquarters redesign and consolidation
 
4,504

 
10,090

 
—

 
—

 
—

Restructuring charge
 
—

 
—

 
16,518

 
—

 
—

Multiemployer pension and other contractual (gain)/loss (1)
 
(4,851
)
 
(4,320
)
 
6,730

 
9,055

 
—

Early termination charge and other expenses
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,550

Operating profit (1)
 
190,167

 
176,591

 
112,678

 
184,320

 
115,744

Other components of net periodic benefit costs (1)
 
8,274

 
64,225

 
11,074

 
47,735

 
23,796

Gain/(loss) from joint ventures
 
10,764

 
18,641

 
(36,273
)
 
(783
)
 
(8,368
)
Interest expense and other, net
 
16,566

 
19,783

 
34,805

 
39,050

 
53,730

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
176,091

 
111,224

 
30,526

 
96,752

 
29,850

Income from continuing operations
 
127,460

 
7,268

 
26,105

 
62,842

 
33,391

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
(431
)
 
(2,273
)
 
—

 
(1,086
)
Net income attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
125,684

 
4,296

 
29,068

 
63,246

 
33,307

Balance Sheet Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities
 
$
826,363

 
$
732,911

 
$
737,526

 
$
904,551

 
$
981,170

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
638,846

 
640,939

 
596,743

 
632,439

 
665,758

Total assets
 
2,197,123

 
2,099,780

 
2,185,395

 
2,417,690

 
2,566,474

Total debt and capital lease obligations
 
253,630

 
250,209

 
246,978

 
431,228

 
650,120

Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
 
1,040,781

 
897,279

 
847,815

 
826,751

 
726,328

(1) 
As a result of the adoption of the ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of 2018, the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs/(income) from our pension and other postretirement benefits plans will continue to be presented within operating costs, while the other components of net periodic benefits costs/(income) such as interest cost, amortization of prior service credit and gains or losses from our pension and other postretirement benefits plans will be separately presented outside of “Operating costs” in the new line item “Other components of net periodic benefits costs/(income)”. The Company has recast the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the respective prior periods presented to conform with the current period presentation. Costs associated with multiemployer pension plans were not addressed in ASU 2017-07, and continue to be included in operating costs, except as separately disclosed.



P. 20 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

 
 
As of and for the Years Ended
(In thousands, except ratios, per share
and employee data)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

 
December 27,
2015

 
December 28,
2014

 
(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 from continuing operations
 
$
0.76

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.23

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
—

 
(0.01
)
 
—

 
(0.01
)
Net income
 
$
0.76

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.22

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders: 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
0.75

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.21

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
—

 
(0.01
)
 
—

 
(0.01
)
Net income
 
$
0.75

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.20

Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.16

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.16

New York Times Company stockholders’ equity per share
 
$
6.23

 
$
5.46

 
$
5.21

 
$
4.97

 
$
4.50

Average basic shares outstanding
 
164,845

 
161,926

 
161,128

 
164,390

 
150,673

Average diluted shares outstanding
 
166,939

 
164,263

 
162,817

 
166,423

 
161,323

Key Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit to revenues
 
10.9
%
 
10.5
%
 
7.2
%
 
11.7
%
 
7.3
%
Return on average common stockholders’ equity
 
13.0
%
 
0.5
%
 
3.5
%
 
8.1
%
 
4.2
%
Return on average total assets
 
5.8
%
 
0.2
%
 
1.3
%
 
2.5
%
 
1.3
%
Total debt and capital lease obligations to total capitalization
 
19.6
%
 
21.8
%
 
22.6
%
 
34.3
%
 
47.2
%
Current assets to current liabilities
 
1.33

 
1.80

 
2.00

 
1.53

 
1.91

Full-Time Equivalent Employees
 
4,320

 
3,789

 
3,710

 
3,560

 
3,588

The items below are included in the Selected Financial Data. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of 2018, the Company has recast the respective prior periods to conform with the current period presentation.
2018
The items below had a net unfavorable effect on our Income from continuing operations of $7.3 million, or $.05 per share:
•
$15.3 million of pre-tax expenses ($11.2 million after tax, or $.07 per share) for non-operating retirement costs;
•
an $11.3 million pre-tax gain ($8.5 million after tax or $.05 per share) reflecting our proportionate share of a distribution from the sale of assets by Madison Paper Industries (“Madison”), a partnership that previously operated a paper mill, in which the Company has an investment through a subsidiary. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this item;
•
a $6.7 million pre-tax charge ($4.9 million after tax, or $.03 per share) for severance costs;
•
a $4.9 million pre-tax gain ($3.6 million after tax or $.02 per share) from a multiemployer pension plan liability adjustment. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this item; and


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 21

•
a $4.5 million pre-tax charge ($3.3 million after tax or $.02 per share) in connection with the redesign and consolidation of space in our headquarters building. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this item.
2017 (53-week fiscal year)
The items below had a net unfavorable effect on our Income from continuing operations of $119.9 million, or $.73 per share:
•
$102.1 million of pre-tax pension settlement charges ($61.5 million after tax, or $.37 per share) in connection with the transfer of certain pension benefit obligations to insurers (in connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07 this amount was reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” below “Operating profit”);
•
a $68.7 million charge ($.42 per share) primarily attributable to the remeasurement of our net deferred tax assets required as a result of tax legislation;
•
a $37.1 million pre-tax gain ($22.3 million after tax, or $.14 per share) primarily in connection with the settlement of contractual funding obligations for a postretirement plan (in connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, $32.7 million relating to the postretirement plan was reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” below “Operating profit” while the contractual gain of $4.3 million remains in “Multiemployer pension and other contractual gains” within “Operating profit”);
•
a $23.9 million pre-tax charge ($14.4 million after tax, or $.09 per share) for severance costs;
•
a $15.3 million net pre-tax gain ($9.4 million after tax, or $.06 per share) from joint ventures consisting of (i) a $30.1 million gain related to the sale of the remaining assets of Madison, (ii) an $8.4 million loss reflecting our proportionate share of Madison’s settlement of pension obligations, and (iii) a $6.4 million loss from the sale of our 49% equity interest in Donahue Malbaie Inc. (“Malbaie”), a Canadian newsprint company;
•
a $10.1 million pre-tax charge ($6.1 million after tax, or $.04 per share) in connection with the redesign and consolidation of space in our headquarters building; and
•
$1.5 million of pre-tax expenses ($0.9 million after tax, or $.01 per share) for non-operating retirement costs;
2016
The items below had a net unfavorable effect on our Income from continuing operations of $60.2 million, or $.37 per share:
•
a $37.5 million pre-tax loss ($22.8 million after tax, or $.14 per share) from joint ventures related to the announced closure of the paper mill operated by Madison;
•
a $21.3 million pre-tax pension settlement charge ($12.8 million after tax, or $.08 per share) in connection with lump-sum payments made under an immediate pension benefits offer to certain former employees (in connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07 this amount was reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” below “Operating profit”);
•
an $18.8 million pre-tax charge ($11.3 million after tax, or $.07 per share) for severance costs;
•
a $16.5 million pre-tax charge ($9.8 million after tax, or $.06 per share) in connection with the streamlining of the Company’s international print operations (primarily consisting of severance costs), (in connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, $1.7 million related to a gain from the pension curtailment previously included with this special item was reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” below “Operating profit”);
•
a $6.7 million pre-tax charge ($4.0 million after tax or $.02 per share) for a partial withdrawal obligation under a multiemployer pension plan following an unfavorable arbitration decision;
•
a $5.5 million of pre-tax expenses ($3.3 million after tax, or $.02 per share) for non-operating retirement costs; and
•
a $3.8 million income tax benefit ($.02 per share) primarily due to a reduction in the Company’s reserve for uncertain tax positions.


P. 22 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

2015
The items below had a net unfavorable effect on our Income from continuing operations of $47.3 million, or $.28 per share:
•
a $40.3 million pre-tax pension settlement charge ($24.0 million after tax, or $.14 per share) in connection with lump-sum payments made under an immediate pension benefits offer to certain former employees;
•
$22.9 million of pre-tax expenses ($13.7 million after tax, or $.08 per share) for non-operating retirement costs;
•
a $9.1 million pre-tax charge ($5.4 million after tax, or $.03 per share) for partial withdrawal obligations under multiemployer pension plans; and
•
a $7.0 million pre-tax charge ($4.2 million after tax, or $.03 per share) for severance costs.
2014
The items below had a net unfavorable effect on our Income from continuing operations of $29.7 million, or $.19 per share:
•
$27.5 million of pre-tax expenses ($16.3 million after tax, or $.10 per share) for non-operating retirement costs;
•
a $36.1 million pre-tax charge ($21.4 million after tax, or $.13 per share) for severance costs;
•
a $21.1 million income tax benefit ($.13 per share) primarily due to reductions in the Company’s reserve for uncertain tax positions;
•
a $9.5 million pre-tax pension settlement charge ($5.7 million after tax, or $.04 per share) in connection with lump-sum payments made under an immediate pension benefits offer to certain former employees;
•
a $9.2 million pre-tax charge ($5.9 million after tax or $.04 per share) for an impairment related to the Company’s investment in a joint venture; and
•
a $2.6 million pre-tax charge ($1.5 million after tax, or $.01 per share) for the early termination of a distribution agreement.

The following table reconciles other components of net periodic benefit costs, to the comparable non-GAAP metric, non-operating retirement costs:
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

 
December 27,
2015

 
December 28,
2014

 
(52 Weeks)
 
(53 Weeks)
 
(52 Weeks)
 
(52 Weeks)
 
(52 Weeks)
Other components of net periodic benefit costs:
 
8,274

 
64,225

 
11,074

 
47,735

 
23,796

Add: Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs
 
7,002

 
6,599

 
14,001

 
15,537

 
13,282

Less: Special Items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension settlement expense
 
—

 
102,109

 
21,294

 
40,329

 
9,525

Postretirement benefit plan settlement gain
 
—

 
(32,737
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Pension curtailment gain
 
—

 
—

 
(1,683
)
 
—

 
—

Non-operating retirement costs
 
15,276

 
1,452

 
5,464

 
22,943

 
27,553




THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 23

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 30, 2018, and results of operations for the three years ended December 30, 2018. 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, print and digital products and related businesses. We have one reportable segment with businesses that include our newspaper, websites and mobile applications.
We generate revenues principally from subscriptions and advertising. Other revenues primarily consist of revenues from licensing, affiliate referrals, building rental revenue, commercial printing, NYT Live (our live events business) and retail commerce. Our main operating costs are employee-related costs.
In the accompanying analysis of financial information, we present certain information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in our financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). We are presenting in this report supplemental non-GAAP financial performance measures that exclude depreciation, amortization, severance, non-operating retirement costs and certain identified special items, as applicable. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures, and should be read in conjunction with financial information presented on a GAAP basis. For further information and reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, see “— Results of Operations — Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
As a result of the adoption of the ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of 2018, the Company has recast the Consolidated Statement of Operations for periods prior to 2018 to conform with the current period presentation. 
Fiscal year 2017 comprised 53 weeks, while all other fiscal years presented in this Item 7 comprised 52 weeks. This report includes a discussion of the estimated impact of this additional week in 2017 on our year-over-year comparison of revenues where meaningful. Management believes that estimating the impact of the additional week on the Company’s operating costs and operating profit presents challenges and, therefore, no such estimate is made with respect to these items. For further detail on the impact of the additional week on our results, see the discussion below and “— Results of Operations-Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
2018 Financial Highlights
In 2018, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.75, compared with $0.03 for 2017. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations excluding severance, non-operating retirement costs and special items discussed below (or “adjusted diluted earnings per share,” a non-GAAP measure) were $0.81 for 2018, compared with $0.76 for 2017.
Operating profit in 2018 was $190.2 million, compared with $176.6 million for 2017. The increase was mainly driven by higher digital subscription revenues, other revenues and digital advertising revenues, partially offset by lower print advertising revenues and higher operating costs. Operating profit before depreciation, amortization, severance, multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs and special items discussed below (or “adjusted operating profit,” a non-GAAP measure) was $262.6 million and $274.8 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Total revenues increased 4.4% to $1.75 billion in 2018 from $1.68 billion in 2017 primarily driven by an increase in digital subscription revenue as well as increases in other revenues and digital advertising revenue, partially offset by a decrease in print advertising revenue and print subscription revenue. Total digital revenues increased to approximately $709 million in 2018 compared with $620 million in 2017. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated total revenues increased 6.2%, driven by the same factors identified above.
Subscription revenues increased 3.4% to $1.04 billion in 2018 compared with $1.01 billion in 2017, primarily due to growth in the number of subscriptions to the Company’s digital-only products. Revenue from the Company’s digital-only subscription products (which include our news product, as well as our Crossword and Cooking products) increased 17.7% compared with 2017, to $400.6 million. Excluding the impact of the additional week in


P. 24 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

2017, estimated subscription revenues and digital-only subscription revenues increased 5.3% and 20.2%, respectively, driven by the same factors identified above.
Paid digital-only subscriptions totaled approximately 3,360,000 as of December 30, 2018, a 27.1% increase compared with year-end 2017. News product subscriptions totaled approximately 2,713,000 at the end of 2018, a 21.6% increase compared with 2017. Other product subscriptions, which include subscriptions to our Crossword product and Cooking product, totaled approximately 647,000 at the end of 2018, a 56.7% increase compared with 2017.
Total advertising revenues remained flat at $558.3 million in 2018 compared with 2017, reflecting a 6.5% decrease in print advertising revenues, offset by an 8.6% increase in digital advertising revenues. The decrease in print advertising revenues resulted from a continued decline in display advertising, primarily in the luxury and entertainment categories. The increase in digital advertising revenues primarily reflected increases in revenue from both direct-sold advertising and creative services, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from programmatic advertising. Print and digital advertising revenues in 2017 also benefited from an extra week in the fiscal year. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated advertising revenues increased 1.7%, driven by the same factors identified above.
Other revenues increased 36.0% to $147.8 million in 2018 compared with $108.7 million in 2017, largely due to growth in our commercial printing operations, affiliate referral revenue associated with the product review and recommendation website, Wirecutter, and revenue from the rental of five and a half additional floors in our New York headquarters building. Digital other revenues totaled $49.5 million in 2018, an 18.8% increase compared with 2017, driven primarily by affiliate referral revenue associated with Wirecutter. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated other revenues increased 36.7%, driven by the same factors identified above.
Operating costs increased in 2018 to $1.56 billion from $1.49 billion in 2017, driven by higher marketing expenses incurred to promote our brand and products and grow our subscriber base, labor and raw material costs related to our commercial printing operations, and costs related to our advertising business, partially offset by lower print production and distribution costs related to our newspaper. Operating costs before depreciation, amortization, severance and multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs (or “adjusted operating costs,” a non-GAAP measure) increased in 2018 to $1.49 billion from $1.40 billion in 2017.
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:
Competition in our industry
We operate in a highly competitive environment. Our print and digital products compete for subscription and advertising revenue with both traditional and other content providers, as well as search engines and social media platforms. Competition among companies offering online content is intense, and new competitors can quickly emerge. Some of our current and potential competitors may have greater resources than we do, which may allow them to compete more effectively than us.  
Our ability to compete effectively depends on, among other things, our ability to continue delivering high-quality journalism and content that is interesting and relevant to our audience; the popularity, ease of use and performance of our products compared to those of our competitors; the engagement of our current users with our products, and our ability to reach new users; our ability to develop, maintain and monetize our products, and the pricing of our products; our marketing and selling efforts; the visibility of our content and products compared with that of our competitors; our ability to provide marketers with a compelling return on their investments; our ability to attract, retain and motivate talented employees, including journalists and product and technology specialists; our ability to manage and grow our business in a cost-effective manner; and our reputation and brand strength compared with those of our competitors.
Evolving subscription model
Subscription revenue is a significant source of revenue for us and an increasingly important driver as the overall composition of our revenues has shifted in response to our “subscription-first” strategy and transformations in our industry. The largest portion of our subscription revenue is currently from our print newspaper, where we have experienced declining circulation volume in recent years. This is due to, among other factors, increased competition


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 25

from digital media formats (which are often free to users), higher print subscription and single-copy prices and a growing preference among some consumers to receive their news from sources other than a print newspaper.
Advances in technology have led to an increased number of methods for the delivery and consumption of news and other content. These developments are also driving changes in the preferences and expectations of consumers as they seek more control over how they consume content. Our ability to retain and grow our digital subscriber base depends on, among other things, our ability to evolve our subscription model, address changing consumer demands and developments in technology and improve our digital product offering while continuing to deliver high-quality journalism and content that is interesting and relevant to readers. Retention and growth of our digital subscriber base also depends on the engagement of users with our products, including the frequency, breadth and depth of their use.
Advertising market dynamics
We derive substantial revenue from the sale of advertising in our products. In determining whether to buy advertising, our advertisers consider the demand for our products, demographics of our reader base, advertising rates, results observed by advertisers, breadth of advertising offerings and alternative advertising options.
During 2018, the Company, along with others in the industry, continued to experience significant pressure on print advertising revenue. Although print advertising revenue represented a majority of our total advertising revenue in 2018, the overall proportion continues to decline. The increased popularity of digital media among consumers, particularly as a source for news and other content, has driven a corresponding shift in demand from print advertising to digital advertising. However, our digital advertising revenue has not replaced, and may not replace in full, print advertising revenue lost as a result of the shift.
The digital advertising market continues to undergo significant changes. The increasing number of digital media options available, including through social media platforms and news aggregators, has resulted in audience fragmentation and increased competition for advertising. Competition from digital content providers and platforms, some of which charge lower rates than we do or have greater audience reach and targeting capabilities, and the significant increase in inventory of digital advertising space, have affected and will likely continue to affect our ability to attract and retain advertisers and to maintain or increase our advertising rates. In recent years, large digital platforms, such as Facebook, Google and Amazon, which have greater audience reach and targeting capabilities than we do, have commanded an increased share of the digital display advertising market, and we anticipate that this trend will continue. In addition, digital advertising networks and exchanges, real-time bidding and other programmatic buying channels that allow advertisers to buy audiences at scale are playing a more significant role in the advertising marketplace and may cause further downward pricing pressure.
The character of our digital advertising business also continues to change, as demand for newer forms of advertising, such as branded content and other customized advertising increases. The margin on revenues from some of these advertising forms is generally lower than the margin on revenues we generate from our print advertising and traditional digital display advertising. Consequently, we may experience further downward pressure on our advertising revenue margins as a greater percentage of advertising revenues comes from these newer forms.
In addition, technologies have been and will continue to be developed that enable consumers to block digital advertising on websites and mobile devices. Advertisements blocked by these technologies are treated as not delivered and any revenue we would otherwise receive from the advertiser for that advertisement is lost.
As the digital advertising market continues to evolve, our ability to compete successfully for advertising budgets will depend on, among other things, our ability to engage and grow our audience and prove the value of our advertising and the effectiveness of our platforms to advertisers.
Economic conditions
Global, national and local economic conditions affect various aspects of our business. Our subscription revenue is sensitive to discretionary spending available to subscribers in the markets we serve, and to the extent poor economic conditions lead consumers to reduce spending on discretionary activities, our ability to retain current subscribers and obtain new subscribers could be hindered.
In addition, 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/or budget cuts of key advertisers in response to economic conditions could have an effect on our advertising revenues.


P. 26 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Fixed costs
A significant portion of our expenses are fixed costs that neither increase nor decrease proportionately with revenues. We are limited in our ability to make short-term adjustments to manage some of these costs by certain of our collective bargaining agreements. Employee-related costs, depreciation, amortization and raw materials together accounted for nearly half of our total operating costs in 2018.
For a discussion of these and other factors that could affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, see “Item 1A — Risk Factors.”
Our Strategy
We continue to operate during a period of transformation in our industry, which has presented both challenges to and opportunities for the Company. We believe that the following priorities will be key to our strategic efforts.
Providing journalism worth paying for
We believe that The Times’s original and high-quality content and journalistic excellence set us apart from other news organizations, and that our readers are willing to pay for trustworthy, insightful and differentiated content.
During 2018, The Times again broke stories and produced investigative reports that sparked global conversations on wide-ranging topics. Our ground-breaking journalism continues to be recognized, most notably in the number of Pulitzer prizes The Times has received — more than any other news organization. In addition, we have continued to make significant investments in our newsroom, adding journalistic talent across a wide range of areas — from our business coverage to our opinion pages — and investing in new forms of visual and multimedia journalism. Our highly popular news podcast, The Daily, which we launched in 2017, was the most downloaded podcast on Apple’s iTunes in 2018. And during the year, we announced the development of a new TV show called The Weekly that will launch in 2019 and provide a new platform through which to deliver our journalism.
We believe that the continued growth over the last year in subscriptions to our products demonstrates the success of our “subscription-first” strategy and the willingness of our readers to pay for high-quality journalism. As of December 30, 2018, we had approximately 4.3 million total subscriptions to our products, more than at any point in our history.
In 2019, we expect to continue to make significant investments in our journalism and remain committed to providing high-quality, trustworthy and differentiated content that we believe sets us apart.
Growing our audience and strengthening engagement to support subscription growth
We continue to focus on expanding our audience reach and strengthening the engagement of users by making The Times an indispensable part of their daily lives. And we continue to communicate the value of independent, high-quality journalism and why it matters.
During 2018, we continued to enhance our core news product to improve user experience and engagement, and took further steps to build direct relationships with users to support continued subscription growth. We also invested in brand marketing initiatives to reinforce the importance of deeply-reported independent journalism and the value of The Times brand.
During the year, we also continued to make enhancements to our lifestyle products and services, including our Crossword and Cooking products and Wirecutter. And we continued our efforts to grow and engage our audience around the world, investing in, among other things, opportunities to reach more readers in the United Kingdom and Australia. In addition, we continued to experiment with reaching new readers on third-party platforms, while remaining focused on building direct relationships with readers on our own platforms.
Looking ahead, we will explore additional opportunities to grow and engage our audience, further innovate our products and invest in brand marketing initiatives, while remaining committed to creating high-quality content that sets The Times apart.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 27

Growing our long-term profitability
We are focused on becoming a more effective and efficient organization and have taken and continue to take a number of steps to maximize the long-term profitability of the Company.
In addition to growing our digital subscription revenue, we remain committed to growing our digital advertising revenue by developing innovative and compelling advertising offerings that integrate well with the user experience and provide value to advertisers. We believe we have a powerful brand that, because of the quality of our journalism, attracts educated, affluent and influential audiences, and provides a safe and trusted platform for advertisers’ brands. We will continue to focus on leveraging our brand in developing and refining our advertising offerings.
We are also focused on maximizing the efficiency and profitability of our print products and services, which remains a significant part of our business.
In recent years, we have taken steps to realign our organizational structure to accelerate our digital transformation, and we continue to optimize our product, technology and data systems, and enterprise platforms to improve the speed with which we are able to achieve our goals.
Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on optimizing our organizational and cost structure to support long-term profitable growth.
Effectively managing our liquidity and our non-operating costs
We have continued to strengthen our liquidity position and further de-leverage and de-risk our balance sheet. As of December 30, 2018, the Company had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of approximately $826 million, which exceeded our total debt and capital lease obligations by approximately $573 million. 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 March 2009, we entered into an agreement to sell and simultaneously lease back the Condo Interest in our headquarters building. The sale price for the Condo Interest was $225.0 million less transaction costs, for net proceeds of approximately $211 million. We have an option, exercisable in the fourth quarter of 2019, to repurchase the Condo Interest for $250.0 million, and we have provided notice of our intent to exercise this option. We believe exercising this option is in the best interest of the Company given that the market value of the Condo Interest exceeds the exercise price.
In addition, we remain focused on managing our pension plan obligations. Our qualified pension plans were underfunded (meaning the present value of future benefits obligations exceeded the fair value of plan assets) as of December 30, 2018, by approximately $81 million, compared with approximately $69 million as of December 31, 2017. We made contributions of approximately $8 million to certain qualified pension plans in 2018, compared with approximately $128 million, including discretionary contributions of $120 million, in 2017. We expect contributions made in 2019 to satisfy minimum funding requirements to total approximately $9 million.
We have taken steps over the last several years to reduce the size and volatility of our pension obligations, including freezing accruals under all but one of our qualified defined benefit pension plans, which cover both our non-union employees and those covered by certain collective bargaining agreements, and making immediate pension benefits offers in the form of lump-sum payments to certain former employees. During 2017, we entered into agreements to transfer certain future benefit obligations and administrative costs to insurers, which allowed us to reduce our overall qualified pension plan obligations by approximately $263 million. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on these actions. We will continue to look for ways to reduce the size and volatility 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 volatility in our retirement-related costs, including pension, multiemployer pension and retiree medical costs.


P. 28 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Fiscal years 2018 and 2016 each comprised 52 weeks and fiscal year 2017 comprised 53 weeks. The following table presents our consolidated financial results:
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

 
2018 vs. 2017

 
2017 vs. 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subscription
 
$
1,042,571

 
$
1,008,431

 
$
880,543

 
3.4

 
14.5

Advertising
 
558,253

 
558,513

 
580,732

 
*

 
(3.8
)
Other
 
147,774

 
108,695

 
94,067

 
36.0

 
15.6

Total revenues
 
1,748,598

 
1,675,639

 
1,555,342

 
4.4

 
7.7

Operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wages and benefits
 
380,678

 
363,686

 
364,302

 
4.7

 
(0.2
)
Raw materials
 
76,542

 
66,304

 
72,325

 
15.4

 
(8.3
)
Other production costs
 
196,956

 
186,352

 
192,728

 
5.7

 
(3.3
)
Total production costs
 
654,176

 
616,342

 
629,355

 
6.1

 
(2.1
)
Selling, general and administrative costs
 
845,591

 
815,065

 
728,338

 
3.7

 
11.9

Depreciation and amortization
 
59,011

 
61,871

 
61,723

 
(4.6
)
 
0.2

Total operating costs (1)
 
1,558,778

 
1,493,278

 
1,419,416

 
4.4

 
5.2

Headquarters redesign and consolidation
 
4,504

 
10,090

 
—

 
(55.4
)
 
*

Restructuring charge
 
—

 
—

 
16,518

 
*

 
*

Multiemployer pension and other contractual (gain)/loss (1)
 
(4,851
)
 
(4,320
)
 
6,730

 
12.3

 
*

Operating profit (1)
 
190,167

 
176,591

 
112,678

 
7.7

 
56.7

Other components of net periodic benefit costs (1)
 
8,274

 
64,225

 
11,074

 
(87.1
)
 
*

Gain/(loss) from joint ventures
 
10,764

 
18,641

 
(36,273
)
 
(42.3
)
 
*

Interest expense and other, net
 
16,566

 
19,783

 
34,805

 
(16.3
)
 
(43.2
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
176,091

 
111,224

 
30,526

 
58.3

 
*

Income tax expense
 
48,631

 
103,956

 
4,421

 
(53.2
)
 
*

Income from continuing operations
 
127,460

 
7,268

 
26,105

 
*

 
(72.2
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
(431
)
 
(2,273
)
 
*

 
(81.0
)
Net income
 
127,460

 
6,837

 
23,832

 
*

 
(71.3
)
Net (income)/loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
(1,776
)
 
(2,541
)
 
5,236

 
(30.1
)
 
*

Net income attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
125,684

 
$
4,296

 
$
29,068

 
*

 
(85.2
)
* Represents a change equal to or in excess of 100% or one that is not meaningful.
(1) 
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of 2018, the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs/(income) from our pension and other postretirement benefits plans will continue to be presented within operating costs, while the other components of net periodic benefits costs/(income) such as interest cost, amortization of prior service credit and gains or losses from our pension and other postretirement benefits plans will be separately presented outside of “Operating costs” in the new line item “Other components of net periodic benefits costs/(income)”. The Company has recast the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the respective prior periods presented to conform with the current period presentation. Costs associated with multiemployer pension plans were not addressed in ASU 2017-07, and continue to be included in operating costs, except as separately disclosed.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 29

Revenues
Subscription, advertising and other revenues were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

 
2018 vs. 2017

 
2017 vs. 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Subscription
 
$
1,042,571

 
$
1,008,431

 
$
880,543

 
3.4

 
14.5

Advertising
 
558,253

 
558,513

 
580,732

 
—

 
(3.8
)
Other
 
147,774

 
108,695

 
94,067

 
36.0

 
15.6

Total
 
$
1,748,598

 
$
1,675,639

 
$
1,555,342

 
4.4

 
7.7

Subscription Revenues
Subscription revenues consist of revenues from subscriptions to our print and digital products (which include our news product, as well as our Crossword and Cooking products), and single-copy and bulk sales of our print products (which represent less than 10% of these revenues). Our Cooking product first launched as a paid digital product in the third quarter of 2017. Subscription revenues are based on both the number of copies of the printed newspaper sold and digital-only subscriptions, and the rates charged to the respective customers.
The following table summarizes digital-only subscription revenues for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 25, 2016:
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
December 25, 2016

 
2018 vs. 2017
 
2017 vs. 2016
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Digital-only subscription revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

   News product subscription revenues(1)
 
$
378,484

 
$
325,956

 
$
223,459

 
16.1
 
45.9
   Other product subscription revenues(2)
 
22,136

 
14,387

 
9,369

 
53.9
 
53.6
Total digital-only subscription revenues
 
$
400,620

 
$
340,343

 
$
232,828

 
17.7
 
46.2
(1) Includes revenues from subscriptions to the Company’s news product. News product subscription packages that include access to the Company’s Crossword and Cooking products are also included in this category.
(2) Includes revenues from standalone subscriptions to the Company’s Crossword and Cooking products.
The following table summarizes digital-only subscriptions as of December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 25, 2016:
 
 
As of
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
December 25, 2016

 
2018 vs. 2017
 
2017 vs. 2016
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Digital-only subscriptions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    News product subscriptions(1)
 
2,713

 
2,231

 
1,618

 
21.6
 
37.9
   Other product subscriptions(2)
 
647

 
413

 
247

 
56.7
 
67.2
Total digital-only subscriptions
 
3,360

 
2,644

 
1,865

 
27.1
 
41.8
(1) Includes subscriptions to the Company’s news product. News product subscription packages that include access to the Company’s Crossword and Cooking products are also included in this category.
(2) Includes standalone subscriptions to the Company’s Crossword and Cooking products.



P. 30 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

2018 Compared with 2017
Subscription revenues increased 3.4% in 2018 compared with 2017. The increase was primarily driven by significant growth in the number of digital-only subscriptions, which led to digital-only subscription revenue growth of approximately 18%, partially offset by a decline in print subscription revenue of approximately 4%. Print subscription revenue decreased due to a decline of approximately 6% in home-delivery subscriptions and a decrease of approximately 7% in single-copy and bulk sales revenue, partially offset by an increase of approximately 6% in home-delivery prices for The New York Times newspaper. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated subscription revenues and digital-only subscription revenues increased 5.3% and 20.2%, respectively, driven by the same factors identified above.
2017 Compared with 2016
Subscription revenues increased 14.5% in 2017 compared with 2016. The increase was primarily driven by significant growth in the number of digital-only subscriptions, which led to digital-only subscription revenue growth of approximately 46%, as well as an increase of approximately 7% in home-delivery prices for The New York Times newspaper, which more than offset a decline of approximately 1% in home-delivery subscriptions. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated subscription revenues and digital-only subscription revenues increased 12.4% and 43.1%, respectively, driven by the same factors identified above.
Advertising Revenues
Advertising revenues are derived from the sale of our advertising products and services on our print and digital platforms. These revenues are primarily determined by the volume, rate and mix of advertisements. Display advertising revenue is principally from advertisers promoting products, services or brands in print in the form of column-inch ads, and on our digital platforms in the form of banners, video, rich media and other interactive ads. Display advertising also includes branded content on The Times’s platforms. Other advertising primarily represents, for our print products, classified advertising revenue, including line-ads sold in the major categories of real estate, help wanted, automotive and other as well as revenue from preprinted advertising, also known as free-standing inserts. Digital other advertising revenue primarily includes creative services fees associated with, among other things, our digital marketing agencies and our branded content studio; advertising revenue from our podcasts; and advertising revenue generated by Wirecutter, our product review and recommendation website.
2018 Compared with 2017
 
 
Years Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
% Change
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Print
 
Digital
 
Total
 
Print
 
Digital
 
Total
 
Print
 
Digital
 
Total
Display
 
$
269,160

 
$
202,038

 
$
471,198

 
$
285,679

 
$
198,658

 
$
484,337

 
(5.8
)%
 
1.7
%
 
(2.7
)%
Other
 
30,220

 
56,835

 
87,055

 
34,543

 
39,633

 
74,176

 
(12.5
)%
 
43.4
%
 
17.4
 %
Total advertising
 
$
299,380

 
$
258,873

 
$
558,253

 
$
320,222

 
$
238,291

 
$
558,513

 
(6.5
)%
 
8.6
%
 
—
 %
Print advertising revenues, which represented 54% of total advertising revenues in 2018, declined 6.5% to $299.4 million in 2018 compared with $320.2 million in 2017. The decrease was driven by a continued decline in display advertising revenue, primarily in the luxury and entertainment categories, as well as a decline in classified advertising revenue, primarily in the real estate category. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated print advertising revenues declined 5.3%, driven by the same factors identified above.
Digital advertising revenues, which represented 46% of total advertising revenues in 2018, increased 8.6% to $258.9 million in 2018 compared with $238.3 million in 2017. The increase primarily reflected increases in revenue from both direct-sold advertising and creative services, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from programmatic advertising. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated digital advertising revenues increased 11.3%, driven by the same factors identified above.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 31

2017 Compared with 2016
 
 
Years Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 25, 2016
 
% Change
 
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Print
 
Digital
 
Total
 
Print
 
Digital
 
Total
 
Print
 
Digital
 
Total
Display
 
$
285,679

 
$
198,658

 
$
484,337

 
$
335,652

 
$
181,545

 
$
517,197

 
(14.9
)%
 
9.4
%
 
(6.4
)%
Other
 
34,543

 
39,633

 
74,176

 
36,328

 
27,207

 
63,535

 
(4.9
)%
 
45.7
%
 
16.7
 %
Total advertising
 
$
320,222

 
$
238,291

 
$
558,513

 
$
371,980

 
$
208,752

 
$
580,732

 
(13.9
)%
 
14.2
%
 
(3.8
)%
Print advertising revenues, which represented 57% of total advertising revenues in 2017, declined 13.9% to $320.2 million in 2017 compared with $372.0 million in 2016. The decrease was driven by a continued decline in display advertising revenue, primarily in the luxury, travel and real estate categories. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated print advertising revenues declined 15.0%, driven by the same factors identified above.
Digital advertising revenues, which represented 43% of total advertising revenues in 2017, increased 14.2% to $238.3 million in 2017 compared with $208.8 million in 2016. The increase primarily reflected increases in display advertising revenue from mobile advertising and branded content, as well as an increase in other advertising revenue, primarily associated with growth in creative services fees. This was partially offset by a continued decline in traditional website display advertising. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated digital advertising revenues increased 11.5%, driven by the same factors identified above.
Other Revenues
Other revenues primarily consist of revenues from licensing, affiliate referrals, building rental revenue, commercial printing, NYT Live (our live events business) and retail commerce. Digital other revenues consists primarily of digital archive licensing and affiliate referral revenue. Building rental revenue consists of revenue from the lease of floors in our New York headquarters building, which totaled $23.3 million, $16.7 million and $17.1 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
2018 Compared with 2017
Other revenues increased 36.0% in 2018 compared with 2017 largely due to growth in our commercial printing operations, affiliate referral revenue associated with our product review and recommendation website, Wirecutter, and higher rental revenue from the lease of additional space in our New York headquarters building. Digital other revenues totaled $49.5 million in 2018, an 18.8% increase compared with 2017, driven primarily by affiliate referral revenue associated with Wirecutter. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated other revenues increased 36.7%, driven by the same factors identified above.
2017 Compared with 2016
Other revenues increased 15.6% in 2017 compared with 2016 largely due to affiliate referral revenue associated with Wirecutter, which the Company acquired in October 2016. Digital other revenues totaled $41.7 million in 2017, a 83.7% increase compared with 2016, driven primarily by affiliate referral revenue associated with Wirecutter. Excluding the impact of the additional week in 2017, estimated other revenues increased 14.9%, driven by the same factor identified above.


P. 32 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Operating Costs
Operating costs were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

 
2018 vs. 2017

 
2017 vs. 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Production costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wages and benefits
 
$
380,678

 
$
363,686

 
$
364,302

 
4.7

 
(0.2
)
Raw materials
 
76,542

 
66,304

 
72,325

 
15.4

 
(8.3
)
Other production costs
 
196,956

 
186,352

 
192,728

 
5.7

 
(3.3
)
Total production costs
 
654,176

 
616,342

 
629,355

 
6.1

 
(2.1
)
Selling, general and administrative costs
 
845,591

 
815,065

 
728,338

 
3.7

 
11.9

Depreciation and amortization
 
59,011

 
61,871

 
61,723

 
(4.6
)
 
0.2

Total operating costs
 
$
1,558,778

 
$
1,493,278

 
$
1,419,416

 
4.4

 
5.2

The components of operating costs as a percentage of total operating costs were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
Components of operating costs as a percentage of total operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wages and benefits
 
44
%
 
46
%
 
45
%
Raw materials
 
5
%
 
4
%
 
5
%
Other operating costs
 
47
%
 
46
%
 
46
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
4
%
 
4
%
 
4
%
Total
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
The components of operating costs as a percentage of total revenues were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
Components of operating costs as a percentage of total revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wages and benefits
 
40
%
 
40
%
 
41
%
Raw materials
 
4
%
 
4
%
 
5
%
Other operating costs
 
42
%
 
41
%
 
41
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
3
%
 
4
%
 
4
%
Total
 
89
%
 
89
%
 
91
%


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 33

Production Costs
Production costs include items such as labor costs, raw materials and machinery and equipment expenses related to news gathering and production activity, as well as costs related to producing branded content.
2018 Compared with 2017
Production costs increased in 2018 compared with 2017, primarily driven by increases in wages and benefits (approximately $17 million), raw materials expense (approximately $10 million) and outside services costs (approximately $10 million). Wages and benefits increased primarily as a result of increased hiring to support the Company’s initiatives. Raw materials expense increased due to increased commercial printing activity and higher newsprint prices. Outside services costs increased primarily due to higher costs associated with the generation of content in our newsroom.
2017 Compared with 2016
Production costs decreased in 2017 compared with 2016, primarily driven by a decrease in other production costs (approximately $6 million) and raw materials expense (approximately $6 million). Other production costs decreased primarily as a result of lower outside printing expenses (approximately $5 million). Raw materials expense decreased primarily due to lower newsprint consumption (approximately $6 million).
Selling, General and Administrative Costs
Selling, general and administrative costs include costs associated with the selling, marketing and distribution of products as well as administrative expenses.
2018 Compared with 2017
Selling, general and administrative costs increased in 2018 compared with 2017, primarily due to an increase in promotion and marketing costs (approximately $46 million), partially offset by a decrease in outside services (approximately $7 million) and distribution costs (approximately $6 million). Promotion and marketing costs increased due to increased spending to promote our subscription business and brand. Outside services decreased primarily due to lower consulting fees, and distribution costs decreased as a result of fewer print copies produced.
2017 Compared with 2016
Selling, general and administrative costs increased in 2017 compared with 2016, primarily due to an increase in compensation costs (approximately $47 million), promotion and marketing costs (approximately $26 million) and severance costs (approximately $5 million). Compensation costs increased primarily as a result of higher incentive compensation, increased hiring to support growth initiatives and higher benefit costs. Promotion and marketing costs increased due to increased spending related to promotion of our subscription business and brand. Severance costs increased due to a workforce reduction announced in the second quarter of 2017 primarily affecting the newsroom.
Depreciation and Amortization
2018 Compared with 2017
Depreciation and amortization costs decreased in 2018 compared with 2017 due to disposals of fixed assets in connection with our headquarters redesign and consolidation project.
2017 Compared with 2016
Depreciation and amortization costs were flat in 2017 compared with 2016.
Other Items
See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding other items.



P. 34 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

NON-OPERATING ITEMS
Investments in Joint Ventures
See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our joint venture investments.
Interest Expense and Other, Net
See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding interest expense and other.
Income Taxes
See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding income taxes.
Discontinued Operations
See Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding discontinued operations.
Other Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
See Note 10 and 11 of the Notes the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding other components of net periodic benefit costs.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We have included in this report certain supplemental financial information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Specifically, we have referred to the following non-GAAP financial measures in this report:
•
diluted earnings per share from continuing operations excluding severance, non-operating retirement costs and the impact of special items (or adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations);
•
operating profit before depreciation, amortization, severance, multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs and special items (or adjusted operating profit); and
•
operating costs before depreciation, amortization, severance and multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs (or adjusted operating costs).
The special items in 2018 consisted of:
•
an $11.3 million pre-tax gain ($7.1 million or $.04 per share after tax and net of noncontrolling interest) reflecting our proportionate share of a distribution from the sale of assets by Madison, in which the Company has an investment through a subsidiary;
•
a $4.9 million pre-tax gain ($3.6 million after tax or $.02 per share) from a multiemployer pension plan liability adjustment; and
•
a $4.5 million pre-tax charge ($3.3 million after tax or $.02 per share) in connection with the redesign and consolidation of space in our headquarters building.
The special items in 2017 consisted of:
•
$102.1 million of pre-tax pension settlement charges ($61.5 million after tax, or $.37 per share) in connection with the transfer of certain pension benefit obligations to insurers (in connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07 this amount was reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” below “Operating profit”);
•
a $68.7 million charge ($.42 per share) primarily attributable to the remeasurement of our net deferred tax assets required as a result of recent tax legislation;
•
a $37.1 million pre-tax gain ($22.3 million after tax, or $.14 per share) primarily in connection with the settlement of contractual funding obligations for a postretirement plan (in connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, $32.7 million relating to the postretirement plan was reclassified to “Other components of net


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 35

periodic benefit costs” below Operating profit while the contractual gain of $4.3 million remains in “Multiemployer pension and other contractual gains” within “Operating profit”);
•
a $15.3 million pre-tax net gain ($7.8 million after tax and net of noncontrolling interest, or $.05 per share) from joint ventures consisting of (i) a $30.1 million gain related to the sale of the remaining assets of Madison, (ii) an $8.4 million loss reflecting our proportionate share of Madison’s settlement of pension obligations, and (iii) a $6.4 million loss from the sale of our 49% equity interest in Malbaie; and
•
a $10.1 million pre-tax charge ($6.1 million after tax, or $.04 per share) in connection with the redesign and consolidation of space in our headquarters building.
The special items in 2016 consisted of:
•
a $37.5 million pre-tax loss ($17.7 million after tax and net of noncontrolling interest, or $.11 per share) from joint ventures related to the announced closure of the paper mill operated by Madison;
•
a $21.3 million pre-tax pension settlement charge ($12.8 million after tax, or $.08 per share) in connection with lump-sum payments made under an immediate pension benefits offer to certain former employees (in connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07 this amount was reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” below “Operating profit”);
•
a $16.5 million pre-tax charge ($9.8 million after tax, or $.06 per share) in connection with the streamlining of the Company’s international print operations (primarily consisting of severance costs); (in connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, $1.7 million related to a gain from the pension curtailment previously included in this special item was reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” below “Operating profit”);
•
a $6.7 million pre-tax charge ($4.0 million after tax, or $.02 per share) for a partial withdrawal obligation under a multiemployer pension plan following an unfavorable arbitration decision; and
•
a $3.8 million income tax benefit ($.02 per share) primarily due to a reduction in the Company’s reserve for uncertain tax positions.
We have included these non-GAAP financial measures because management reviews them on a regular basis and uses them to evaluate and manage the performance of our operations. We believe that, for the reasons outlined below, these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors as a supplement to reported diluted earnings/(loss) per share from continuing operations, operating profit/(loss) and operating costs. However, these measures should be evaluated only in conjunction with the comparable GAAP financial measures and should not be viewed as alternative or superior measures of GAAP results.
In connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07 in the first quarter of 2018, the Company modified its definitions of adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating costs and non-operating retirement costs in response to changes in the GAAP presentation of single employer pension and postretirement benefit costs. For comparability purposes, the Company has also presented each of its non-GAAP financial measures for the years ended 2017 and 2016, reflecting the recast of its financial statements for such periods to account for the adoption of ASU 2017-07 and the revised definitions of the non-GAAP financial measures for more details.
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of 2018, all single employer pension and other postretirement benefit expenses with the exception of service cost were reclassified from operating costs to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs/(income).” See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, the Company made the following changes to its non-GAAP financial measures in order to align them with the new GAAP presentation:
•
revised the components of non-operating retirement costs to include amortization of prior service credit of single employer pension and other postretirement benefit expenses; and
•
revised the definition of adjusted operating costs to exclude only multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs (which historically have been and continue to be a component of non-operating retirement costs), rather than all non-operating retirement costs. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07, non-operating retirement costs other than multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs are now separately presented outside of operating costs and accordingly have no impact on operating profit and cost under GAAP, or adjusted


P. 36 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

operating profit or adjusted operating costs. Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs remain in GAAP operating costs and therefore continue to be an adjustment to these non-GAAP measures.
Non-operating retirement costs include:
•
interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial gains and loss components and amortization of prior service credits of single employer pension expense;
•
interest cost and amortization of actuarial gains and loss components and amortization of prior service credits of retirement medical expense; and
•
all multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs.
These non-operating retirement costs are primarily tied to financial market performance and changes in market interest rates and investment performance. Management considers non-operating retirement costs to be outside the performance of the business and believes that presenting adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations excluding non-operating retirement costs and presenting adjusted operating results excluding multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs, in addition to the Company’s GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations and GAAP operating results, provide increased transparency and a better understanding of the underlying trends in the Company’s operating business performance.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share provides useful information in evaluating the Company’s period-to-period performance because it eliminates items that the Company does not consider to be indicative of earnings from ongoing operating activities. Adjusted operating profit is useful in evaluating the ongoing performance of the Company’s business as it excludes the significant non-cash impact of depreciation and amortization as well as items not indicative of ongoing operating activities. Total operating costs include depreciation, amortization, severance and multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs. Total operating costs excluding these items provide investors with helpful supplemental information on the Company’s underlying operating costs that is used by management in its financial and operational decision-making.
Management considers special items, which may include impairment charges, pension settlement charges and other items that arise from time to time, to be outside the ordinary course of our operations. Management believes that excluding these items provides a better understanding of the underlying trends in the Company’s operating performance and allows more accurate comparisons of the Company’s operating results to historical performance. In addition, management excludes severance costs, which may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, because it believes these costs do not necessarily reflect expected future operating costs and do not contribute to a meaningful comparison of the Company’s operating results to historical performance.
Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures from, respectively, diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, operating profit and operating costs, the most directly comparable GAAP items, as well as details on the components of non-operating retirement costs, are set out in the tables below.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 37

Reconciliation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations excluding severance, non-operating retirement costs and special items (or adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations)
 
 
Years Ended
% Change
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

(1) 
December 25,
2016

(1) 
2018 vs. 2017

 
2017 vs. 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
 
$
0.75

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.19

 
*

 
(84.2
%)
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


Severance
 
0.04

 
0.15

 
0.12

 
(73.3
%)
 
25.0
%
Non-operating retirement costs
 
0.09

 
0.01

 
0.03

 
*

 
(66.7
%)
Special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


Headquarters redesign and consolidation
 
0.03

 
0.06

 
—

 
(50.0
%)
 
*

Restructuring charge
 
—

 
—

 
0.10

 
*

 
*

Pension settlement charge
 
—

 
0.62

 
0.13

 
*

 
*

Postretirement benefit plan settlement gain, multiemployer and other contractual (gain)/loss
 
(0.03
)
 
(0.23
)
 
0.04

 
(87.0
)%
 
*

(Gain)/loss in joint ventures, net of noncontrolling interest
 
(0.06
)
 
(0.08
)
 
0.18

 
(25.0
%)
 
*

Income tax expense of adjustments
 
(0.02
)
 
(0.22
)
 
(0.24
)
 
(90.9
)%
 
(8.3
)%
Reduction in reserve for uncertain tax positions
 
—

 
—

 
(0.02
)
 
*

 
*

Deferred tax asset remeasurement adjustment
 
—

 
0.42

 
—

 
*

 
*

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
 
$
0.81

 
$
0.76

 
$
0.53

 
6.6
 %
 
43.4
 %
* Represents a change equal to or in excess of 100% or one that is not meaningful.
(1) Revised to reflect recast of GAAP results to conform with current period presentation and the revised definition of non-operating retirement costs. See “—Impact of Modification of Non-GAAP Measures” for more detail.
(2) Amounts may not add due to rounding.



P. 38 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Reconciliation of operating profit before depreciation & amortization, severance, multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs and special items (or adjusted operating profit)
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

(1) 
December 25,
2016

(1) 
2018 vs. 2017

 
2017 vs. 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Operating profit
 
$
190,167

 
176,591

 
112,678

 
7.7
 %
 
56.7
 %
Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation & amortization
 
59,011

 
61,871

 
61,723

 
(4.6
%)
 
0.2
%
Severance
 
6,736

 
23,949

 
18,829

 
(71.9
%)
 
27.2
%
Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs
 
7,002

 
6,599

 
14,001

 
6.1
 %
 
(52.9
)%
Special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Headquarters redesign and consolidation
 
4,504

 
10,090

 
—

 
(55.4
)%
 
*

Restructuring charge
 
—

 
—

 
16,518

 
*

 
*

Multiemployer pension and other contractual (gain)/loss
 
(4,851
)
 
(4,320
)
 
6,730

 
12.3
 %
 
*

Adjusted operating profit
 
$
262,569

 
$
274,780

 
$
230,479


(4.4
)%
 
19.2
 %
* Represents a change equal to or in excess of 100% or one that is not meaningful.
(1) Revised to reflect recast of GAAP results to conform with current period presentation and the revised definition of non-operating retirement costs. See “—Impact of Modification of Non-GAAP Measures” for more detail.
Reconciliation of operating costs before depreciation & amortization, severance and multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs (or adjusted operating costs)
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

(1) 
December 25,
2016

(1) 
2018 vs. 2017

 
2017 vs. 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
 
 
Operating costs
 
$
1,558,778

 
$
1,493,278

 
$
1,419,416

 
4.4
 %
 
5.2
 %
Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


Depreciation & amortization
 
59,011

 
61,871

 
61,723

 
(4.6
%)
 
0.2
%
Severance
 
6,736

 
23,949

 
18,829

 
(71.9
%)
 
27.2
%
Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs
 
7,002

 
6,599

 
14,001

 
6.1
 %
 
(52.9
)%
Adjusted operating costs
 
$
1,486,029

 
$
1,400,859

 
$
1,324,863

 
6.1
 %
 
5.7
 %
* Represents a change equal to or in excess of 100% or one that is not meaningful.
(1) Revised to reflect recast of GAAP results to conform with current period presentation and the revised definition of non-operating retirement costs. See “—Impact of Modification of Non-GAAP Measures” for more detail.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 39

Reconciliation of revenues excluding the estimated impact of the additional week (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
 
2018
 
2017
As Reported
 
Additional Week
 
2017 Adjusted
 
% Change
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
Subscription
 
$
1,042,571

 
$
1,008,431

 
$
(18,453
)
 
$
989,978

 
5.3
 %
Advertising
 
558,253

 
558,513

 
(9,821
)
 
548,692

 
1.7
 %
Other
 
147,774

 
108,695

 
(598
)
 
108,097

 
36.7
 %
   Total revenues
 
$
1,748,598

 
$
1,675,639

 
$
(28,872
)
 
$
1,646,767

 
6.2
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
 
2017
As Reported
 
Additional Week
 
2017 Adjusted
 
2016
 
% Change
 
 
(53 weeks)
 
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
Subscription
 
$
1,008,431

 
$
(18,453
)
 
$
989,978

 
$
880,543

 
12.4
 %
Advertising
 
558,513

 
(9,821
)
 
548,692

 
580,732

 
(5.5
)%
Other
 
108,695

 
(598
)
 
108,097

 
94,067

 
14.9
 %
   Total revenues
 
$
1,675,639

 
$
(28,872
)
 
$
1,646,767

 
$
1,555,342

 
5.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
 
2018
 
2017
As Reported
 
Additional Week
 
2017 Adjusted
 
% Change
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
Print advertising revenue
 
$
299,380

 
$
320,222

 
$
(4,222
)
 
$
316,000

 
(5.3
)%
Digital advertising revenue
 
258,873

 
238,291

 
(5,599
)
 
232,692

 
11.3
 %
   Total advertising revenue
 
$
558,253

 
$
558,513

 
$
(9,821
)
 
$
548,692

 
1.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
 
2017
As Reported
 
Additional Week
 
2017 Adjusted
 
2016
 
% Change
 
 
(53 weeks)
 
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
Print advertising revenue
 
$
320,222

 
$
(4,222
)
 
$
316,000

 
$
371,980

 
(15.0
)%
Digital advertising revenue
 
238,291

 
(5,599
)
 
232,692

 
208,752

 
11.5
 %
   Total advertising revenue
 
$
558,513

 
$
(9,821
)
 
$
548,692

 
$
580,732

 
(5.5
)%
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
 
2018
 
2017
As Reported
 
Additional Week
 
2017 Adjusted
 
% Change
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
Total digital-only subscription revenues
 
$
400,620

 
$
340,343

 
$
(7,056
)
 
$
333,287

 
20.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
 
2017
As Reported
 
Additional Week
 
2017 Adjusted
 
2016
 
% Change
 
 
(53 weeks)
 
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
 
 
Total digital-only subscription revenues
 
$
340,343

 
$
(7,056
)
 
$
333,287

 
$
232,828

 
43.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



P. 40 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Impact of Modification of Non-GAAP Measures
In connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07 in the first quarter of 2018, the Company modified its definitions of adjusted operating profit, adjusted operating costs and non-operating retirement costs in response to changes in the GAAP presentation of single employer pension and postretirement benefit costs. For comparability purposes, the Company has presented its non-GAAP financial measures for the first twelve months of 2017 and 2016, reflecting the recast of its financial statements for such periods to account for the adoption of ASU 2017-07 and the revised definitions of the non-GAAP financial measures. The following tables show the adjustments to the previously presented metrics.
Adjustments made to the reconciliation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations to adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
Twelve Months
 
 
2017
Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
2017
Recast
 
2016
Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
2016
Recast
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
 
$
0.03

 
$
—

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.19

 
$
—

 
0.19

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance
 
0.15

 
—

 
0.15

 
0.12

 
—

 
0.12

Non-operating retirement costs
 
0.07

 
(0.06
)
(1) 
0.01

 
0.10

 
(0.07
)
(1) 
0.03

Special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Headquarters redesign and consolidation
 
0.06

 
—

 
0.06

 
—

 
—

 
—

Restructuring charge
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
0.09

 
0.01

 
0.10

Pension settlement expense
 
0.62

 
—

 
0.62

 
0.13

 
—

 
0.13

Postretirement benefit plan settlement gain, multiemployer and other contractual (gain)/loss
 
(0.23
)
 
—

 
(0.23
)
 
0.04

 
—

 
0.04

(Gain)/loss in joint ventures, net of noncontrolling interest
 
(0.08
)
 
—

 
(0.08
)
 
0.18

 
—

 
0.18

Income tax expense of adjustments
 
(0.24
)
 
0.02

 
(0.22
)
 
(0.26
)
 
0.02

 
(0.24
)
Reduction in uncertain tax positions
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(0.02
)
 
—

 
(0.02
)
Deferred tax asset remeasurement adjustment
 
0.42

 
—

 
0.42

 
—

 
—

 
—

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(2)
 
$
0.80

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.76

 
$
0.57

 
$
(0.04
)
 
0.53

(1) Reflects the inclusion of amortization of prior service credits in the definition of non-operating retirement costs.
(2) Amounts may not add due to rounding.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 41

Adjustments made to the reconciliation of operating profit to adjusted operating profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
Twelve Months
(In thousands)
 
2017
Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
2017
Recast
 
2016
Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
2016
Recast
Operating profit
 
$
112,366

 
$
64,225

(1) 
$
176,591

 
$
101,604

 
$
11,074

(1) 
$
112,678

Add:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation & amortization
 
61,871

 
—

 
61,871

 
61,723

 
—

 
61,723

Severance
 
23,949

 
—

 
23,949

 
18,829

 
—

 
18,829

Non-operating retirement costs
 
11,152

 
(11,152
)
(2) 
—

 
15,880

 
(15,880
)
(2) 
—

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs (excluding special items)
 
—

 
6,599

(2) 
6,599

 
—

 
14,001

(2) 
14,001

Special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Headquarters redesign and consolidation
 
10,090

 
—

 
10,090

 
—

 
—

 
—

Restructuring charge
 
—

 
—

 
*

 
14,804

 
1,714

 
16,518

Multiemployer pension and other contractual (gain)/loss
 
(37,057
)
 
32,737

(1) 
(4,320
)
 
6,730

 
—

 
6,730

Pension settlement expense
 
102,109

 
(102,109
)
(1) 
—

 
21,294

 
(21,294
)
(1) 
—

Adjusted operating profit
 
$
284,480

 
$
(9,700
)
(3) 
$
274,780

 
$
240,864

 
$
(10,385
)
(3) 
$
230,479

(1) Recast as a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(2) As a result of the change in definition of adjusted operating profit, only multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs, rather than all non-operating retirement costs, are excluded from adjusted operating profit.
(3) Represents amortization of prior service credits, which historically were a component of operating profit but not an adjustment to adjusted operating profit. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07, amortization of prior service credits are now a component of other components of net periodic benefit costs/(income) rather than operating profit. For the twelve months ended 2017 and 2016, $(9.7) million and $(10.4) million, respectively, of amortization of prior service credits have been reclassified out of operating profit, thereby reducing operating profit and adjusted operating profit.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments made to the reconciliation of operating costs to adjusted operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve Months
 
Twelve Months
(In thousands)
 
2017
Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
2017
Recast
 
2016
Previously Reported
 
Adjustment
 
2016
Recast
Operating costs
 
$
1,488,131

 
$
5,147

(1) 
$
1,493,278

 
$
1,410,910

 
$
8,506

(1) 
$
1,419,416

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation & amortization
 
61,871

 
—

 
61,871

 
61,723

 
—

 
61,723

Severance
 
23,949

 
—

 
23,949

 
18,829

 
—

 
18,829

Non-operating retirement costs
 
11,152

 
(11,152
)
(2) 
—

 
15,880

 
(15,880
)
(2) 
—

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs
 
—

 
6,599

(2) 
6,599

 
—

 
14,001

(2) 
14,001

Adjusted operating costs
 
$
1,391,159

 
$
9,700

(3) 
$
1,400,859

 
$
1,314,478

 
$
10,385

(3) 
$
1,324,863

(1) Recast as a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
(2) As a result of the change in definition of adjusted operating costs, only multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs, rather than all non-operating retirement costs, are excluded from adjusted operating costs.
(3) Represents amortization of prior service credits, which historically were a component of operating costs but not an adjustment to adjusted operating costs. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07, amortization of prior service credits are now a component of other components of net periodic benefit costs/(income) rather than operating costs. For the twelve months ended of 2017 and 2016, $(9.7) million and $(10.4) million, respectively, of amortization of prior service credits have been reclassified out of operating costs, thereby increasing operating costs and adjusted operating costs.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


P. 42 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

The following table reconciles other components of net periodic benefit costs/(income), excluding special items, to the comparable non-GAAP metric, non-operating retirement costs.
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Twelve Months of 2017
 
Twelve Months of 2016
Pension:
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
 
$
68,582

 
$
74,465

Expected return on plan assets
 
(102,900
)
 
(111,159
)
Amortization and other costs
 
33,369

 
32,458

Amortization of prior service credit (1)
 
(1,945
)
 
(1,945
)
Non-operating pension income
 
(2,894
)
 
(6,181
)
Other postretirement benefits:
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
 
1,881

 
1,979

Amortization and other costs
 
3,621

 
4,105

Amortization of prior service credit (1)
 
(7,755
)
 
(8,440
)
Non-operating other postretirement benefits income
 
(2,253
)
 
(2,356
)
Other components of net periodic benefit income
 
(5,147
)
 
(8,537
)
Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal costs
 
6,599

 
14,001

Total non-operating retirement costs
 
$
1,452

 
$
5,464

 
 
 
 
 
(1) The total amortization of prior service credit was $(9.7) million and $(10.4) million for the twelve months ended of 2017 and 2016, respectively.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 43

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
The following table presents information about our financial position.
Financial Position Summary
 
 
 
 
 
 
% Change
(In thousands, except ratios)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
2018 vs. 2017
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
241,504

 
$
182,911

 
32.0
Marketable securities
 
584,859

 
550,000

 
6.3
Total debt and capital lease obligations
 
253,630

 
250,209

 
1.4
Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
 
1,040,781

 
897,279

 
16.0
Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total debt and capital lease obligations to total capitalization
 
19.6
%
 
21.8
%
 
 
Current assets to current liabilities
 
1.33

 
1.80

 
 
Our primary sources of cash inflows from operations were revenues from subscription and advertising sales. Subscription and advertising revenues provided about 60% and 32%, respectively, of total revenues in 2018. The remaining cash inflows were primarily from other revenue sources such as licensing, affiliate referrals, the leasing of floors in our headquarters building, commercial printing, NYT Live (our live events business) and retail commerce.
Our primary sources of cash outflows were for employee compensation and benefits and other operating expenses. We believe our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities 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 30, 2018, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $826.4 million and total debt and capital lease obligations of $253.6 million. Accordingly, our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities exceeded total debt and capital lease obligations by $572.8 million. Included within marketable securities is $54.2 million of securities required as collateral for letters of credit issued by the Company in connection with the leasing of floors in our headquarters building. See Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding these letters of credit. Our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances increased in 2018 primarily due to cash proceeds from operating activities and stock option exercises, and lower contributions to certain qualified pension plans, partially offset by capital expenditures of approximately $77 million.
We have paid quarterly dividends of $0.04 per share on the Class A and Class B Common Stock since late 2013. In February 2019, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.05 per share. 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 March 2009, we entered into an agreement to sell and simultaneously lease back the Condo Interest in our headquarters building. The sale price for the Condo Interest was $225.0 million less transaction costs, for net proceeds of approximately $211 million. We have an option, exercisable in the fourth quarter of 2019, to repurchase the Condo Interest for $250.0 million, and we have provided notice of our intent to exercise this option. We believe that exercising this option is in the best interest of the Company given that the market value of the Condo Interest exceeds the exercise price, and we plan to use existing cash and marketable securities for this repurchase.
During 2018, we made contributions of approximately $8 million to certain qualified pension plans funded by cash on hand. As of December 30, 2018, the underfunded balance of our qualified pension plans was approximately $81 million, an increase of approximately $12 million from December 31, 2017. We expect contributions made to satisfy minimum funding requirements to total approximately $9 million in 2019.


P. 44 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

As part of our continued effort to reduce the size and volatility of our pension obligations, in 2017, the Company entered into arrangements with insurers to transfer certain future benefit obligations and administrative costs for certain qualified pension plans. These transactions allowed us to reduce our overall qualified pension plan obligations by approximately $263 million. In addition, in 2017 we made discretionary contributions totaling $120 million to certain qualified plans. See Note 10 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
In 2018, we received a cash distribution of $12.5 million related to the wind-down of our Madison investment. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the Company’s investment in Madison. We expect to receive an additional cash distribution in 2019 in the range of $5 million to $8 million related to the wind-down of our Madison investment.
In early 2015, the Board of Directors authorized up to $101.1 million of repurchases of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. As of December 30, 2018, repurchases under this authorization totaled $84.9 million (excluding commissions) and $16.2 million remained under this authorization. Our Board of Directors has authorized us to purchase shares from time to time, subject to market conditions and other factors. There is no expiration date with respect to this authorization.
Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash
Cash flows provided by/(used in) by category were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
 
% Change
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

 
2018 vs. 2017
 
2017 vs. 2016

Operating activities
 
$
157,117

 
$
86,712

 
$
103,876

 
81.2
 
(16.5
)
Investing activities
 
$
(101,095
)
 
$
14,100

 
$
124,468

 
*
 
(88.7
)
Financing activities
 
$
3,824

 
$
(26,019
)
 
$
(237,024
)
 
*
 
(89.0
)
* Represents an increase or decrease in excess of 100%.
Operating Activities
Cash from operating activities is generated by cash receipts from subscriptions, advertising sales and other revenue. Operating cash outflows include payments for employee compensation, pension and other benefits, raw materials, marketing expenses, interest and income taxes.
Net cash provided by operating activities increased in 2018 compared with 2017 due to lower contributions to certain qualified pension plans, partially offset by lower cash collections from advertising receivables.
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased in 2017 compared with 2016 due to contributions totaling approximately $128 million to certain qualified pension plans, partially offset by higher revenues and lower tax payments.
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, acquisitions of new businesses and investments.
Net cash used in investing activities in 2018 was primarily related to capital expenditures of $77.5 million and $36.5 million in net purchases of marketable securities.
Net cash provided by investing activities in 2017 was primarily related to maturities and disposals of marketable securities of $548.5 million and proceeds from the sale of our 49% share in Malbaie of $15.6 million, offset by purchases of marketable securities of $466.5 million and capital expenditures of $84.8 million.
Net cash provided by investing activities in 2016 was primarily due to maturities of marketable securities, offset by purchases of marketable securities and a cash distribution of $38.0 million from the liquidation of certain


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 45

investments related to our corporate-owned life insurance, consideration paid for acquisitions of $40.4 million and payments for capital expenditures of $30.1 million.
Payments for capital expenditures were approximately $77 million, $85 million and $30 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
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, the payment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations and stock-based compensation tax withholding.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2018 was primarily related to stock issuances in connection with option exercises of $41.3 million, partially offset by dividend payments of $26.4 million and stock-based compensation tax withholding of $10.5 million.
Net cash used in financing activities in 2017 was primarily related to dividend payments ($26.0 million).
Net cash used in financing activities in 2016 was primarily related to the repayment, at maturity, of the $189.2 million remaining principal amount under our 6.625% senior notes in December 2016, dividend payments of $25.9 million and share repurchases of $15.7 million.
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 $18.3 million of restricted cash as of December 30, 2018 and $18.0 million as of December 31, 2017, substantially all of which is set aside to collateralize workers’ compensation obligations.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures totaled approximately $57 million, $104 million and $26 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The cash payments related to the capital expenditures totaled approximately $77 million, $85 million and $30 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increased expenditures for 2017 primarily related to the redesign and consolidation of space in our headquarters building and certain improvements at our printing and distribution facility in College Point, New York.
Third-Party Financing
As of December 30, 2018, our current indebtedness consisted of the repurchase option related to a sale-leaseback of a portion of our New York headquarters. See Note 7 for information regarding our total debt and capital lease obligations. See Note 9 for information regarding the fair value of our long-term debt.


P. 46 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Contractual Obligations
The information provided is based on management’s best estimate and assumptions of our contractual obligations as of December 30, 2018. Actual payments in future periods may vary from those reflected in the table.
 
 
Payment due in
(In thousands)
 
Total
 
2019
 
2020-2021
 
2022-2023
 
Later Years
Debt(1)
 
$
275,558

 
$
275,558

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Capital leases(2)
 
7,245

 
7,245

 
—

 
—

 
—

Operating leases(2)
 
49,992

 
7,650

 
12,935

 
11,297

 
18,110

Benefit plans(3)
 
419,105

 
59,581

 
93,586

 
80,076

 
185,862

Total
 
$
751,900

 
$
350,034

 
$
106,521

 
$
91,373

 
$
203,972

(1) 
Includes estimated interest payments on long-term debt. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our debt.
(2) 
See Note 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to our capital and operating leases.
(3) 
The Company's general funding policy with respect to qualified pension plans is to contribute amounts at least sufficient to satisfy the minimum amount required by applicable law and regulations. Contributions for our qualified pension plans and future benefit payments for our unfunded pension and other postretirement benefit payments have been estimated over a 10-year period; therefore, the amounts included in the “Later Years” column only include payments for the period of 2024-2028. For our funded qualified pension plans, estimating funding depends on several variables, including the performance of the plans' investments, assumptions for discount rates, expected long-term rates of return on assets, rates of compensation increases (applicable only for the Guild-Times Adjustable Pension Plan that has not been frozen) and other factors. Thus, our actual contributions could vary substantially from these estimates. While benefit payments under these plans are expected to continue beyond 2028, we have included in this table only those benefit payments estimated over the next 10 years. Benefit plans in the table above also include estimated payments for multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liabilities. See Notes 10 and 11 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 related to our deferred executive compensation plan (the “DEC”) and (2) various other liabilities, including our contingent tax liability for uncertain tax positions. These liabilities are not included in the table above primarily because the future payments are not determinable. See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
The DEC previously enabled certain eligible executives to elect to defer a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis. The deferred amounts are invested at the executives’ option in various mutual funds. The fair value of deferred compensation is based on the mutual fund investments elected by the executives and on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The fair value of deferred compensation was $23.2 million as of December 30, 2018. The DEC was frozen effective December 31, 2015, and no new contributions may be made into the plan. See Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on “Other Liabilities — Other.”
Our liability for uncertain tax positions was approximately $14.8 million, including approximately $3.2 million of accrued interest as of December 30, 2018. 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 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding income taxes.
We have a contract through the end of 2022 with Resolute FP US Inc., a subsidiary of Resolute Forest Products Inc., 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 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 30, 2018.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 47

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.
Our critical accounting policies include our accounting for goodwill and intangibles, retirement benefits and income taxes. Specific risks related to our critical accounting policies are discussed below.
Goodwill and Intangibles
We evaluate whether there has been an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets not amortized on an annual basis or in an interim period if certain circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may exist. For a description of our related accounting policies, refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

Goodwill
 
$
140,282

 
$
143,549

Intangibles
 
$
6,225

 
$
8,161

Total assets
 
$
2,197,123

 
$
2,099,780

Percentage of goodwill and intangibles to total assets
 
7
%
 
7
%
The impairment analysis is considered critical because of the significance of goodwill and intangibles to our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We test for goodwill impairment at a reporting unit level. 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.
If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we compare the fair value of a 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.
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, discount rates and royalty 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 a reporting unit.
The significant estimates and assumptions used by management in assessing the recoverability of goodwill and intangibles 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.


P. 48 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Retirement Benefits
Our single-employer pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations 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 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, 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.
Revenue Recognition
Our contracts with customers sometimes include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. We use an observable price to determine the standalone selling price for separate performance obligations if available or, when not available, an estimate that maximizes the use of observable inputs and faithfully depicts the selling price of the promised goods or services if we sold those goods or services separately to a similar customer in similar circumstances.
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) the amount of taxes payable for the current year and (2) deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences 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 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 (i.e., sources of taxable income) and negative (i.e., 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.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 49

PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
We sponsor several frozen single-employer defined benefit pension plans. The Company and The NewsGuild of New York jointly sponsor the Guild-Times Adjustable Pension Plan which continues to accrue active benefits. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company became the sole sponsor of the frozen Newspaper Guild of New York - The New York Times Pension Plan (the “Guild-Times Plan”). The Guild-Times Plan was previously joint trusteed between the Guild and the Company. Effective December 31, 2018, the Guild-Times Plan and the Retirement Annuity Plan For Craft Employees of The New York Times Companies were merged into The New York Times Companies Pension Plan. Our pension liability also includes our multiemployer pension plan withdrawal obligations. Our liability for postretirement obligations includes our liability to provide health benefits to eligible retired employees.
The table below includes the liability for all of these plans.
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

Pension and other postretirement liabilities (includes current portion)
 
$
446,860

 
$
476,965

Total liabilities
 
$
1,154,482

 
$
1,202,417

Percentage of pension and other postretirement liabilities to total liabilities
 
38.7
%
 
39.7
%
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 frozen, except for a foreign-based pension plan discussed below.
Our joint Company and Guild-sponsored plan is a qualified plan and is 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 30, 2018 is as follows:
 
 
December 30, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Qualified
Plans
 
Non-Qualified
Plans
 
All Plans
Pension obligation
 
$
1,491,398

 
$
223,066

 
$
1,714,464

Fair value of plan assets
 
1,410,151

 
—

 
1,410,151

Pension underfunded/unfunded obligation, net
 
$
(81,247
)
 
$
(223,066
)
 
$
(304,313
)
We made contributions of approximately $8 million to the joint Company and Guild-sponsored plan in 2018. We expect contributions made to satisfy minimum funding requirements to total approximately $9 million in 2019.
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 (less plan expenses to be incurred) during the year. The expected long-term rate of return determined on this basis was 5.70% at the beginning of 2018. Our plan assets had an average rate of return of approximately (4.66%) in 2018 and an average annual return of approximately 7.05% over the three-year


P. 50 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

period 2016-2018. We regularly review our actual asset allocation and periodically rebalance our investments to meet our investment strategy.
The 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 2019 expected long-term rate of return to be 5.70%. If we had decreased our expected long-term rate of return on our plan assets by 50 basis points in 2018, pension expense would have increased by approximately $7 million 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 (i.e., 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 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 4.43% for our qualified plans and 4.35% for our non-qualified plans as of December 30, 2018.
If we had decreased the expected discount rate by 50 basis points for our qualified plans and our non-qualified plans in 2018, pension expense would have increased by approximately $0.5 million and our pension obligation would have increased by approximately $99 million as of December 30, 2018.
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 $97 million as of December 30, 2018. This liability represents the present value of the obligations related to complete and partial withdrawals that have already occurred as well as an estimate of future partial withdrawals that we considered probable and reasonably estimable. For those plans that have yet to provide us with a demand letter, the actual liability will not be known until they 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 10 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 do not provide post-age 65 retiree medical benefits for employees who retired on or after March 1, 2009. 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 general corporate 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 was 6.90% as of December 30, 2018. A one-percentage point change in the assumed health-care cost trend rate would result in an increase of less than $0.1 million or a decrease of less than $0.1 million in our 2018 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 of approximately $1 million or a decrease of approximately $1 million in our accumulated benefit obligation as of December 30, 2018.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 51

See Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our other postretirement benefits.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding recent accounting pronouncements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our market risk is principally associated with the following:
•
Our exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to interest earned and market value on our cash and cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities consist of cash, money market funds, certificates of deposit, U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities, commercial paper, and corporate debt securities. Our investment policy and strategy are focused on preservation of capital and supporting our liquidity requirements. Changes in U.S. interest rates affect the interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, and the market value of those securities. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have resulted in a decrease of approximately $4 million in the market value of our marketable debt securities as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017. Any realized gains or losses resulting from such interest rate changes would only occur if we sold the investments prior to maturity.
•
Newsprint is a commodity subject to supply and demand market conditions. The cost of raw materials, of which newsprint expense is a major component, represented approximately 5% and 4% of our total operating costs in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Based on the number of newsprint tons consumed in 2018 and 2017, a $10 per ton increase in newsprint prices would have resulted in additional newsprint expense of $0.9 million (pre-tax) in 2018 and 2017.
•
The discount rate used to measure the benefit obligations for our qualified pension plans is determined by using the Ryan Curve, which provides rates for the bonds included in the curve and allows adjustments for certain outliers (i.e., 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, or if a larger percentage of our workforce were to be unionized. In addition, if we are unable to negotiate labor contracts on reasonable terms, or if we were to experience labor unrest or other business interruptions in connection with labor negotiations or otherwise, our ability to produce and deliver our products could be impaired.
See Notes 4, 10, 11 and 19 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



P. 52 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY 2018 FINANCIAL REPORT
INDEX
PAGE
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 53

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
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 2018, 2017 and 2016. 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 55.
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.
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.
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018. 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 (2013 framework). Based on its assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 30, 2018.
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 30, 2018, which is included on Page 56 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


P. 54 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of The New York Times Company
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The New York Times Company as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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 30, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed at Item 15(A)(2) of The New York Times Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The New York Times Company at December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 30, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), The New York Times Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Adoption of ASU No. 2017-07
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, The New York Times Company changed its classification of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the consolidated statement of operations in all fiscal years presented due to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of The New York Times Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on The New York Times Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to The New York Times Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as The New York Times Company’s auditor since 2007.

New York, New York
February 26, 2019

 


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 55

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of The New York Times Company
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited The New York Times Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, The New York Times Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The New York Times Company as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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 30, 2018, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed at Item 15(A)(2) and our report dated February 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to The New York Times Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
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.


P. 56 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

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.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
February 26, 2019


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 57

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018


December 31, 2017

Assets
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
241,504

 
$
182,911

Short-term marketable securities
 
371,301

 
308,589

Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $13,249 in 2018 and $14,542 in 2017)
 
222,464

 
184,885

Prepaid expenses
 
25,349

 
22,851

Other current assets
 
33,328

 
50,463

Total current assets
 
893,946

 
749,699

Long-term marketable securities
 
213,558

 
241,411

Property, plant and equipment:
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
484,931

 
528,111

Buildings, building equipment and improvements
 
712,439

 
674,056

Software
 
225,846

 
232,791

Land
 
105,710

 
105,710

Assets in progress
 
21,765

 
45,672

Total, at cost
 
1,550,691

 
1,586,340

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(911,845
)
 
(945,401
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
638,846

 
640,939

Goodwill
 
140,282

 
143,549

Deferred income taxes
 
128,431

 
153,046

Miscellaneous assets
 
182,060

 
171,136

Total assets
 
$
2,197,123

 
$
2,099,780

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


P. 58 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS — continued
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
111,553

 
$
125,479

Accrued payroll and other related liabilities
 
104,543

 
104,614

Unexpired subscriptions revenue
 
84,044

 
75,054

Short-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
253,630

 
—

Accrued expenses and other
 
119,534

 
110,510

Total current liabilities
 
673,304

 
415,657

Other liabilities
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
—

 
250,209

Pension benefits obligation
 
362,940

 
405,422

Postretirement benefits obligation
 
40,391

 
48,816

Other
 
77,847

 
82,313

Total other liabilities
 
481,178

 
786,760

Stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
Common stock of $.10 par value:
 
 
 
 
Class A – authorized: 300,000,000 shares; issued: 2018 – 173,158,414; 2017 – 170,276,449 (including treasury shares: 2018 – 8,870,801; 2017 – 8,870,801)
 
17,316

 
17,028

Class B – convertible – authorized and issued shares: 2018 – 803,408; 2017 – 803,763 (including treasury shares: 2018 – none; 2017 – none)
 
80

 
80

Additional paid-in capital
 
206,316

 
164,275

Retained earnings
 
1,506,004

 
1,310,136

Common stock held in treasury, at cost
 
(171,211
)
 
(171,211
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
4,677

 
6,328

Funded status of benefit plans
 
(520,308
)
 
(427,819
)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities
 
(2,093
)
 
(1,538
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
 
(517,724
)
 
(423,029
)
Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
 
1,040,781

 
897,279

Noncontrolling interest
 
1,860

 
84

Total stockholders’ equity
 
1,042,641

 
897,363

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
2,197,123

 
$
2,099,780

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 59

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018


December 31, 2017


December 25, 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subscription
 
$
1,042,571

 
$
1,008,431

 
$
880,543

Advertising
 
558,253

 
558,513

 
580,732

Other
 
147,774

 
108,695

 
94,067

Total revenues
 
1,748,598

 
1,675,639

 
1,555,342

Operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wages and benefits
 
380,678

 
363,686

 
364,302

Raw materials
 
76,542

 
66,304

 
72,325

Other production costs
 
196,956

 
186,352

 
192,728

Total production costs
 
654,176

 
616,342

 
629,355

Selling, general and administrative costs
 
845,591

 
815,065

 
728,338

Depreciation and amortization
 
59,011

 
61,871

 
61,723

Total operating costs
 
1,558,778

 
1,493,278

 
1,419,416

Headquarters redesign and consolidation
 
4,504

 
10,090

 
—

Restructuring charge
 
—

 
—

 
16,518

Multiemployer pension and other contractual (gain)/loss
 
(4,851
)
 
(4,320
)
 
6,730

Operating profit
 
190,167

 
176,591

 
112,678

Other components of net periodic benefit costs
 
8,274

 
64,225

 
11,074

Gain/(loss) from joint ventures
 
10,764

 
18,641

 
(36,273
)
Interest expense and other, net
 
16,566

 
19,783

 
34,805

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
176,091

 
111,224

 
30,526

Income tax expense
 
48,631

 
103,956

 
4,421

Income from continuing operations
 
127,460

 
7,268

 
26,105

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
(431
)
 
(2,273
)
Net income
 
127,460

 
6,837

 
23,832

Net (income)/loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
(1,776
)
 
(2,541
)
 
5,236

Net income attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
125,684

 
$
4,296

 
$
29,068

Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
125,684

 
$
4,727

 
$
31,341

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
(431
)
 
(2,273
)
Net income
 
$
125,684

 
$
4,296

 
$
29,068

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


P. 60 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS — continued
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
December 25, 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
164,845

 
161,926

 
161,128

Diluted
 
166,939

 
164,263

 
162,817

Basic earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
0.76

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.19

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
—

 
(0.01
)
Net income
 
$
0.76

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.18

Diluted earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
0.75

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.19

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
—

 
(0.01
)
Net income
 
$
0.75

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.18

Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.16

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.16

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 61

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
December 25, 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
Net income
 
$
127,460

 
$
6,837

 
$
23,832

Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments-income/(loss)
 
(4,368
)
 
12,110

 
(3,070
)
Pension and postretirement benefits obligation
 
3,910

 
89,881

 
51,405

Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities
 
(300
)
 
(2,545
)
 
—

Other comprehensive income, before tax
 
(758
)
 
99,446

 
48,335

Income tax expense
 
(198
)
 
41,545

 
19,096

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
 
(560
)
 
57,901

 
29,239

Comprehensive income
 
126,900

 
64,738

 
53,071

Comprehensive (income)/loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
(1,776
)
 
(3,655
)
 
5,275

Comprehensive income attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
125,124

 
$
61,083

 
$
58,346

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


P. 62 – 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
Comprehensive
Loss, Net of
Income
Taxes
Total
New York
Times
Company
Stockholders’
Equity
Non-
controlling
Interest
Total
Stock-
holders’
Equity
 
 
Balance, December 27, 2015
$
16,908

$
146,348

$
1,328,744

$
(156,155
)
$
(509,094
)
$
826,751

$
1,704

$
828,455

 
Net income/(loss)
—

—

29,068

—

—

29,068

(5,236
)
23,832

 
Dividends
—

—

(25,901
)
—

—

(25,901
)
—

(25,901
)
 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
—

—

—

—

29,278

29,278

(39
)
29,239

 
Issuance of shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options – 114,652 Class A shares
12

750

—

—

—

762

—

762

 
Restricted stock units vested – 304,171 Class A shares
30

(2,769
)
—

—

—

(2,739
)
—

(2,739
)
 
Performance-based awards – 524,520 Class A shares
53

(6,941
)
—

—

—

(6,888
)
—

(6,888
)
 
Share repurchases - 1,179,672 Class A shares
—

—

—

(15,056
)
—

(15,056
)
—

(15,056
)
 
Stock-based compensation
—

12,622

—

—

—

12,622

—

12,622

 
Income tax shortfall related to share-based payments
—

(82
)
—

—

—

(82
)
—

(82
)
 
Balance, December 25, 2016
17,003

149,928

1,331,911

(171,211
)
(479,816
)
847,815

(3,571
)
844,244

 
Net income
—

—

4,296

—

—

4,296

2,541

6,837

 
Dividends
—

—

(26,071
)
—

—

(26,071
)
—

(26,071
)
 
Other comprehensive income
—

—

—

—

56,787

56,787

1,114

57,901

 
Issuance of shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options – 657,704 Class A shares
66

4,535

—

—

—

4,601

—

4,601

 
Restricted stock units vested – 283,116 Class A shares
28

(2,743
)
—

—

—

(2,715
)
—

(2,715
)
 
Performance-based awards – 115,881 Class A shares
11

(1,360
)
—

—

—

(1,349
)
—

(1,349
)
 
Stock-based compensation
—

13,915

—

—

—

13,915

—

13,915

 
Balance, December 31, 2017
17,108

164,275

1,310,136

(171,211
)
(423,029
)
897,279

84

897,363

 
Impact of adopting new accounting guidance
—

—

96,707

—

(94,135
)
2,572

—

2,572

 
Net income
—

—

125,684

—

—

125,684

1,776

127,460

 
Dividends
—

—

(26,523
)
—

—

(26,523
)
—

(26,523
)
 
Other comprehensive loss
—

—

—

—

(560
)
(560
)
—

(560
)
 
Issuance of shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options – 2,327,046 Class A shares
233

41,055

—

—

—

41,288

—

41,288

 
Restricted stock units vested – 282,723 Class A shares
28

(4,619
)
—

—

—

(4,591
)
—

(4,591
)
 
Performance-based awards – 271,841 Class A shares
27

(5,930
)
—

—

—

(5,903
)
—

(5,903
)
 
Stock-based compensation
—

11,535

—

—

—

11,535

—

11,535

 
Balance, December 30, 2018
$
17,396

$
206,316

$
1,506,004

$
(171,211
)
$
(517,724
)
$
1,040,781

$
1,860

$
1,042,641

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 63

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
December 25, 2016

Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
127,460

 
$
6,837

 
$
23,832

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring charge
 
—

 
—

 
16,518

Pension settlement expense
 
—

 
102,109

 
21,294

Multiemployer pension plan charges
 
—

 
—

 
11,701

Depreciation and amortization
 
59,011

 
61,871

 
61,723

Stock-based compensation expense
 
12,959

 
14,809

 
12,430

(Gain)/loss from joint ventures
 
(10,764
)
 
(18,641
)
 
36,273

Deferred income taxes
 
4,047

 
105,174

 
(13,128
)
Long-term retirement benefit obligations
 
(46,877
)
 
(184,418
)
 
(56,942
)
Other – net
 
1,139

 
(1,352
)
 
4,525

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable – net
 
(37,579
)
 
12,470

 
9,825

Other current assets
 
18,241

 
(30,527
)
 
1,599

Accounts payable, accrued payroll and other liabilities
 
20,490

 
10,012

 
(32,276
)
Unexpired subscriptions
 
8,990

 
8,368

 
6,502

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
157,117

 
86,712

 
103,876

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of marketable securities
 
(470,493
)
 
(466,522
)
 
(566,846
)
Maturities/disposals of marketable securities
 
434,012

 
548,461

 
725,365

Cash distribution from corporate-owned life insurance
 
—

 
—

 
38,000

Business acquisitions
 
—

 
—

 
(40,410
)
Proceeds/(purchases) of investments
 
12,447

 
15,591

 
(1,955
)
Capital expenditures
 
(77,487
)
 
(84,753
)
 
(30,095
)
Other - net
 
426

 
1,323

 
409

Net cash (used) in/provided by investing activities
 
(101,095
)
 
14,100

 
124,468

Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations
 
(552
)
 
(552
)
 
(189,768
)
Dividends paid
 
(26,418
)
 
(26,004
)
 
(25,897
)
Capital shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock issuances
 
41,288

 
4,601

 
761

Repurchases
 
—

 
—

 
(15,684
)
Windfall tax benefit related to stock-based payments
 
—

 
—

 
3,193

Share-based compensation tax withholding
 
(10,494
)
 
(4,064
)
 
(9,629
)
Net cash provided by/(used) in financing activities
 
3,824

 
(26,019
)
 
(237,024
)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
59,846

 
74,793

 
(8,680
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
(983
)
 
593

 
(237
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year
 
200,936

 
125,550

 
134,467

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the year
 
$
259,799

 
$
200,936

 
$
125,550

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 


P. 64 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash Flow Information
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
December 25, 2016

Cash payments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest, net of capitalized interest
 
$
28,133

 
$
27,732

 
$
39,487

Income tax (refunds)/payments – net
 
$
(1,070
)
 
$
21,552

 
$
44,896

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 65

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, print and digital products and related businesses. 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 subscriptions 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 2018 and 2016 each comprised 52 weeks and fiscal year 2017 comprised 53 weeks. Our fiscal years ended as of December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 25, 2016, respectively.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Marketable Securities
We have investments in marketable debt 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. The Company’s marketable securities are accounted for as available for sale (“AFS”).
AFS securities are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, after applicable income taxes, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).
We conduct an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) analysis on a quarterly basis or more often if a potential loss-triggering event occurs. We consider factors such as the duration, severity and the reason for the decline in value, the potential recovery period and whether we intend to sell. For AFS securities, we also consider whether (i) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis and (ii) the amortized cost basis cannot be recovered as a result of credit losses.


P. 66 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Concentration of Risk
Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentration of risk, are cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. Cash is placed with major financial institutions. As of December 30, 2018, 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.
Our marketable securities portfolio consists of investment-grade securities diversified among security types, issuers and industries. Our cash equivalents and marketable securities 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. Included within marketable securities is approximately $54 million of securities used as collateral for letters of credit issued by the Company in connection with the leasing of floors in our headquarters building.
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 included within Other current assets of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventory cost is generally based on the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for newsprint and other paper grades 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. We elected the fair value measurement alternative for our investment interests below 20% and account for these investments at cost less impairments, adjusted by observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investments of the same issuer given our equity instruments are without readily determinable fair values. Prior to 2018 and the adoption of ASU 2016-01 (see Note 6 for more information), investment interests below 20% were 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 evaluate whether there has been an impairment of our investments annually or in an interim period if circumstances indicate that a possible impairment may exist.
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 (i) is not recoverable (the carrying value of the asset is greater than the sum of undiscounted cash flows) and (ii) is greater than its fair value.
Goodwill and Intangibles
Goodwill is the excess of cost over the fair value of tangible and 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 identify a business as an operating segment if: (1) it engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; (2) its operating results are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (who is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and (3) it has available discrete financial information. We have determined that we have one reportable segment. Therefore, all required segment information can be found in the Consolidated Financial Statements.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 67

We test goodwill for impairment at a reporting unit level. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we adopted accounting guidance that simplifies our goodwill impairment testing by eliminating the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (formerly “Step 2”) in the event that an impairment is identified.
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 test (formerly “Step 1”). For the 2018 annual impairment testing, based on our qualitative assessment, we concluded 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, we compare the fair value of a 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 a 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 of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of that reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
Intangible assets that are not amortized (i.e., trade names) are tested for impairment at the asset level by comparing the fair value of the asset with its carrying amount. If the fair value, which is based on future cash flows, exceeds the carrying value, the asset is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over the fair value of the asset.
Intangible assets that are amortized (i.e., customer lists, non-competes, etc.) are tested for impairment at the asset 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.
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, discount rates and royalty 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 a reporting unit.
The significant estimates and assumptions used by management in assessing the recoverability of goodwill acquired and intangibles 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 value of a reporting unit or intangibles 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, (3) significant impairments and (4) 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 5.


P. 68 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

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. Employee medical costs above a certain threshold are insured by a third party. 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 $35 million and $38 million as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
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 have elected the practical expedient to use the month-end that is closest to our fiscal year-end for measuring the single-employer pension plan assets and obligations as well as other postretirement benefit plan assets and obligations. 
We also recognize the present value of pension liabilities associated with the withdrawal from multiemployer pension plans. We record liabilities for obligations related to complete, partial and estimated withdrawals from multiemployer pension plans. The actual liability for estimated withdrawals 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.
See Notes 10 and 11 for additional information regarding pension and other postretirement benefits.
Revenue Recognition
We generate revenues principally from subscriptions and advertising. Subscription revenues consist of revenues from subscriptions to our print and digital products (which include our news product, as well as our Crossword and Cooking products) and single-copy and bulk sales of our print products. Subscription revenues are based on both the number of copies of the printed newspaper sold and digital-only subscriptions, and the rates charged to the respective customers.
Advertising revenues are derived from the sale of our advertising products and services, primarily on our print and digital platforms. These revenues are primarily determined by the volume, rate and mix of advertisements.
Other revenues primarily consist of revenues from licensing, affiliate referrals (revenue generated by offering direct links to merchants in exchange for a portion of the sale price), building rental revenue, commercial printing, NYT Live (our live events business) and retail commerce.
Revenue is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring a promised good or service to a customer. A good or service is considered transferred when the customer obtains control, which is when the customer has the ability to direct the use of and/or obtain substantially all of the benefits of an asset.
Proceeds from subscription revenues are deferred at the time of sale and are recognized on a pro rata basis over the terms of the subscriptions. Payment is typically due upfront and the revenue is recognized ratably over the subscription period. The deferred proceeds are recorded within “Unexpired subscription revenue” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Single-copy revenue is recognized based on date of publication, net of provisions for related returns. Payment for single-copy sales is typically due upon complete satisfaction of our performance obligations. The Company does not have significant financing components or significant payment terms as we only offer industry standard payment terms to our customers.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 69

When our 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. We are considered a principal if we control a promised good or service before transferring that good or service to the customer. The Company considers several factors to determine if it controls the good and therefore is the principal. These factors include: (1) if we have primary responsibility for fulfilling the promise, (2) if we have inventory risk before the goods or services are transferred to the customer or after the transfer of control to the customer and (3) if we have discretion in establishing price for the specified good or service.
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 and rate adjustments.
We recognize a rebate obligation as a reduction of revenues, based on the amount of estimated rebates that will be earned , 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. We recognize an obligation for rate adjustments as a reduction of revenues, based on the amount of estimated post-billing adjustments that will be claimed. Measurement of the rate adjustment reserve is estimated based on historical experience of credits actually issued.
Payment for advertising is due upon complete satisfaction of our performance obligations. The Company has a formal credit checking policy, procedures and controls in place that evaluate collectability prior to ad publication. Our advertising contracts do not include a significant financing component.
Other revenues are recognized when the delivery occurs, services are rendered or purchases are made.
Performance Obligations
Our contracts with customers may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price.
In the case of our digital archive licensing contracts, the transaction price was allocated among the performance obligations, (i) the archival content and (ii) the updated content, based on the Company’s estimate of the standalone selling price of each of the performance obligations, as they are currently not sold separately.
Contract Assets
We record revenue from performance obligations when performance obligations are satisfied. For our digital archiving licensing revenue, we record revenue related to the portion of performance obligation (i) satisfied at the commencement of the contract when the customer obtains control of the archival content or (ii) when the updated content is transferred. We receive payments from customers based upon contractual billing schedules. As the transfer of control represents a right to the contract consideration, we record a contract asset in “Other current assets” for short-term contract assets and “Miscellaneous assets” for long-term contract assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for any amounts not yet invoiced to the customer. The contract asset is reclassified to “Accounts receivable” when the customer is invoiced based on the contractual billing schedule.
Significant Judgments
Our contracts with customers sometimes include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. We use an observable price to determine the standalone selling price for separate performance obligations if available or, when not available, an estimate that maximizes the use of observable inputs and faithfully depicts the selling price of the promised goods or services if we sold those goods or services separately to a similar customer in similar circumstances.
Practical Expedients and Exemptions
We expense the cost to obtain or fulfill a contract as incurred because the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. We also apply the practical expedient for the significant financing component when the difference between the payment and the transfer of the products and services is a year or less.


P. 70 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Income Taxes
Income taxes are recognized for the following: (1) the amount of taxes payable for the current year and (2) deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences 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 (i.e., sources of taxable income) and negative (i.e., 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.
On December 22, 2017, federal tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes included, but were not limited to, a federal corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings and numerous domestic and international-related provisions effective in 2018.
On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we determined that the $68.7 million of additional income tax expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, the one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings, and deferred tax assets related to executive compensation deductions was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at December 31, 2017. Provisional estimates were also made with regard to the Company’s deductions under the Tax Act’s new expensing provisions and state and local income taxes related to foreign earnings subject to the one-time transition tax. The ultimate impact of the Tax Act was expected to differ from the provisional amount recognized due to, among other things, changes in estimates resulting from the receipt or calculation of final data, changes in interpretations of the Tax Act, and additional regulatory guidance that would be issued. In the fourth quarter of 2018, in accordance with SAB 118, we completed the accounting for the impact of the Tax Act and recognized a $1.9 million tax benefit related to 2017, primarily attributable to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the repatriation of foreign earnings.
Stock-Based Compensation
We establish fair value based on market data for our stock-based awards to determine our cost and recognize the related expense over the appropriate vesting period. We recognize stock-based compensation expense for outstanding stock-settled long-term performance awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights, net of estimated forfeitures. See Note 16 for additional information related to stock-based compensation expense.
Earnings/(Loss) Per Share
As the Company has participating securities, GAAP requires to use the two-class method of computing earnings per share. 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. 71

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 and the effect of shares issuable under our Company’s stock-based incentive plans if such effect is dilutive.
Foreign Currency Translation
The assets and liabilities of foreign companies are translated at period-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.”




























P. 72 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standard Update(s)
Topic
Effective Period
Summary
2018-05
Income Taxes (Topic 740)
Upon issuance
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance that amends Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740 “Income Taxes” to conform with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 118, issued in December 2017, which allowed SEC registrants to record provisional amounts for the year ended December 31, 2017, due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enactment of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). In the fourth quarter of 2018, we completed our accounting for the impact of the Tax Act and recognized a $1.9 million tax benefit.
 2018-02
Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. 
The FASB issued authoritative guidance providing financial statement preparers with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate related to the Tax Act is recorded.
The Company elected to adopt this guidance to reclassify the stranded tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings in the first quarter of 2018. Our current accounting policy related to releasing tax effects from AOCI for pension and other postretirement benefits is a plan by plan approach. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $94.1 million cumulative effect adjustment for stranded tax effects, such as pension and other postretirement benefits, to “Retained earnings” on January 1, 2018. See Note 17 for more information.
2017-07
Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
Fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. 
The FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs to be presented separately from the other components of net periodic benefit costs. Service cost will be presented with other employee compensation cost within “Operating costs.” The other components of net periodic benefit costs, such as interest cost, amortization of prior service cost and gains or losses, are required to be presented outside of operations. The guidance should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component in the income statement and allows a practical expedient for the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. Since Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-07 only requires change to the Consolidated Statements of Operations classification of the components of net periodic benefit cost, there are no changes to income from continuing operations or net income. As a result of the adoption of the ASU during 2018, the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs continues to be recognized in total operating costs and the other components of net periodic benefit costs have been reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs/(income)” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations below “Operating profit” on a retrospective basis. The Company reclassified $0.9 million and $4.2 million of credits from “Production costs” and “Selling and general and administrative costs,” respectively, to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs/(income)” in 2017. Additionally, in 2017, the Company recorded a gain of $32.7 million in connection with the settlement of contractual funding obligations primarily from a postretirement plan, as well as a pension settlement charges of $102.1 million in connection with the transfer of certain pension benefit obligations to insurers that were reclassified from “Postretirement benefit plan withdrawl expense” and “Pension settlement expense”, respectively, to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs”. This recast increased the full year 2017 “Operating costs” by $5.1 million while “Operating profit” increased $64.2. The Company reclassified $1.3 million and $7.2 million of credits from “Production costs” and “Selling and general and administrative costs,” respectively, to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs/(income)” during 2016. Additionally, in 2016 the Company reclassified $1.7 million of pension credits out of “Restructuring charge” and $21.3 million of pension settlement charges out of “Pension settlement expense” into “Other components of net periodic benefit costs”. This recast increased the full year 2016 “Operating costs” by $8.5 million while “Operating profit” increased $11.1 million. There was no impact to net income for 2017 or 2016. See Note 10 for the components of net periodic benefit costs/(income) for our pension and other postretirement benefits plans.








THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 73

Accounting Standard Update(s)
Topic
Effective Period
Summary
2016-18
Statement of Cash Flow: Restricted Cash
Fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.

The FASB issued authoritative guidance that amends the guidance in ASC 230 on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The key requirements of the ASU are: (1) all entities should include in their cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statements of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents, (2) a reconciliation between the statement of financial position and the statement of cash flows must be disclosed when the statement of financial position includes more than one line item for cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, (3) changes in restricted cash that result from transfers between cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash should not be presented as cash flow activities in the statement of cash flows and (4) an entity with a material balance of amounts generally described as restricted cash must disclose information about the nature of the restrictions.
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-18 in 2018, the Company included the restricted cash balance with the cash and cash equivalents balances in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on a retrospective basis. The reclassification did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for 2017 and 2016. The Company has added a reconciliation from the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. See Note 8 for more information.
2016-01
2018-03
Financial Instruments—Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
Fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years.
The FASB issued authoritative guidance that addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments, including requirements to measure most equity investments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, to perform a qualitative assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values, and to separately present financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and by type of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements.
We adopted ASU 2016-01 in the first quarter of 2018 and elected the measurement alternative, defined as cost, less impairments, adjusted by observable price changes, given our equity instruments are without readily determinable fair values. This guidance did not impact our AFS securities because we only hold debt securities. We also early adopted ASU 2018-03 in the first quarter of 2018. The adoptions of ASU 2016-01 and ASU 2018-03 did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 6 for more information.
 
 
 
 


P. 74 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Accounting Standard Update(s)
Topic
Effective Period
Summary
2014-09
2016-08
2016-10
2016-12

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)
Fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017
The FASB issued authoritative guidance that prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance supersedes virtually all existing revenue guidance under GAAP. There are two transition options available to entities: the full retrospective approach or the modified retrospective approach.
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Topic 606. The Company has elected the modified retrospective approach, which allows for the new revenue standard to be applied to all existing contracts as of the effective date and a cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded to “Retained earnings.” The Company recognizes revenue under the core principle to depict the transfer of control to the Company’s customers in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled. In order to achieve that core principle, the Company applies the following five-step approach: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (5) recognize revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied.
The most significant change to the Company’s accounting practices related to accounting for certain licensing arrangements in the other revenue category for which archival and updated content is included. Under the former revenue guidance, licensing revenue was generally recognized over the term of the contract based on the annual minimum guarantee amount specified in the contractual agreement with the licensee. Based on the guidance of Topic 606, the Company has determined that the archival content and updated content included in these licensing arrangements represent two separate performance obligations. As such, a portion of the total contract consideration related to the archival content was recognized at the commencement of the contract when control of the archival content is transferred. The remaining contractual consideration will be recognized proportionately over the term of the contract when updated content is transferred to the licensee, in line with when the control of the new content is transferred.
The net impact of these changes accelerated the revenue of contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018. In connection with the adoption of the standard the Company recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of $2.6 million ($3.5 million before tax) and a contract asset of $3.5 million, with $1.3 million categorized as a current asset and $2.2 million categorized as a long term asset as of January 1, 2018. The impact to “Other revenues” as a result of applying Topic 606 was a decrease of $1.3 million for the twelve months ended December 30, 2018.
Our subscription and advertising revenues were not affected by the new guidance. See Note 3 for more information on our revenues and the application of Topic 606.

















THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 75

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standard Update(s)
Topic
Effective Period
Summary
2018-15
Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software
Fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.
The FASB issued authoritative guidance that clarifies the accounting for implementation costs in cloud computing arrangements. The standard provides that implementation costs be evaluated for capitalization using the same criteria as that used for internal-use software development costs, with amortization expense being recorded in the same income statement expense line as the hosted service costs and over the expected term of the hosting arrangement. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
2018-14
Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General
Fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.
The FASB issued authoritative guidance that modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance removes disclosures, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
2016-13
2018-19
Financial Instruments—Credit Losses
Fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years.
The FASB issued authoritative guidance that amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets, including trade receivables, available-for-sale marketable securities and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. For trade receivables, ASU 2016-13 eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current generally accepted accounting standards, and, instead, requires an entity to reflect its current estimate of all expected credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the gross trade receivables balance to present the net amount expected to be collected. For available-for-sale marketable securities, credit losses should be measured in a manner similar to current generally accepted accounting standards; however, ASU 2016-13 will require that credit losses be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.
2016-02
2018-10
2018-11
2018-20
Leases
Fiscal years beginning after December 30, 2018. Early adoption is permitted.
The FASB issued authoritative guidance that provides guidance on accounting for leases and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance issued in 2016 was subsequently amended in the 2018 ASU updates (collectively, “Topic 842”). Topic 842 requires lessees to recognize the following for all operating and finance leases at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is the obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis, and (2) a right-of-use asset representing the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, the underlying asset for the lease term. A lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less. The guidance does not fundamentally change lessor accounting; however, some changes have been made to align that guidance with the lessee guidance and other areas within GAAP. It requires that reimbursable expenses from a lessee be reported gross on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The Company expects to adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2019 utilizing the alternative transition method. Upon adoption, the Company expects to elect the transition package of practical expedients permitted within the new standard, which, among other things, allows the carryforward of the historical lease classification and allows the Company to recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company continues to evaluate which other, if any, practical expedients will be elected.
The adoption of the standards will require us to add right-of-use assets and lease liabilities onto our balance sheet. Based on our lease portfolio at December 30, 2018, the right-of-use asset and lease liability would have been in the range of $35 million to $40 million on our Consolidated Balance Sheets based on the remaining lease payments. We do not expect the lessee guidance to have a material impact to our Consolidated Statement of Operations or liquidity.

The Company considers the applicability and impact of all recently issued accounting pronouncements. Recent accounting pronouncements not specifically identified in our disclosures are either not applicable to the Company or are not expected to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.


P. 76 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

3. Revenue
We generate revenues principally from subscriptions and advertising. Subscription revenues consist of revenues from subscriptions to our print and digital products (which include our news product, as well as our Crossword and Cooking products) and single-copy and bulk sales of our print products. Subscription revenues are based on both the number of copies of the printed newspaper sold and digital-only subscriptions, and the rates charged to the respective customers.
Advertising revenues are derived from the sale of our advertising products and services on our print and digital platforms. These revenues are primarily determined by the volume, rate and mix of advertisements.
Other revenues primarily consist of revenues from licensing, affiliate referrals (revenue generated by offering direct links to merchants in exchange for a portion of the sale price), building rental revenue, commercial printing, NYT Live (our live events business) and retail commerce.
Subscription, advertising and other revenues were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
December 25, 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
Subscription
 
$
1,042,571

 
$
1,008,431

 
$
880,543

Advertising
 
558,253

 
558,513

 
580,732

Other (1)
 
147,774

 
108,695

 
94,067

Total
 
$
1,748,598

 
$
1,675,639

 
$
1,555,342

(1) Other revenue includes building rental revenue, which is not under the scope of Topic 606. Building rental revenue was approximately $23 million for the year ended December 30, 2018 and approximately $17 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016.
The following table summarizes digital-only subscription revenues, which are a component of subscription revenues above, for the years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016:
 
 
Years Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
December 25, 2016

 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
Digital-only subscription revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
News product subscription revenues(1)
 
$
378,484

 
$
325,956

 
223,459

Other product subscription revenues(2)
 
22,136

 
14,387

 
9,369

Total digital-only subscription revenues
 
$
400,620

 
$
340,343

 
232,828

(1) Includes revenues from subscriptions to the Company’s news product. News product subscription packages that include access to the Company’s Crossword and Cooking products are also included in this category.
(2) Includes revenues from standalone subscriptions to the Company’s Crossword and Cooking products.
Advertising revenues (print and digital) by category were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended
 
 
December 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 25, 2016
 
 
(52 weeks)
 
(53 weeks)
 
(52 weeks)
(In thousands)
 
Print
 
Digital
 
Total
 
Print
 
Digital
 
Total
 
Print
 
Digital
 
Total
Display
 
$
269,160

 
$
202,038

 
$
471,198

 
$
285,679

 
$
198,658

 
$
484,337

 
$
335,652

 
$
181,545

 
$
517,197

Other
 
30,220

 
56,835

 
87,055

 
34,543

 
39,633

 
74,176

 
36,328

 
27,207

 
63,535

Total advertising
 
$
299,380

 
$
258,873

 
$
558,253

 
$
320,222

 
$
238,291

 
$
558,513

 
$
371,980

 
$
208,752

 
$
580,732



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 77

Performance Obligations
Revenue is recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring a promised good or service to a customer. In the case of our digital archive licensing contracts, the transaction price was allocated among the performance obligations, (i) the archival content and (ii) the updated content, based on the Company’s estimate of the standalone selling price of each of the performance obligations, as they are currently not sold separately.
As of December 30, 2018, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations was approximately $27 million. The Company will recognize this revenue as control of the performance obligation is transferred to the customer. We expect that approximately $12 million, $12 million, $2 million and $1 million will be recognized in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Contract Assets
As of December 30, 2018, the Company had $2.5 million in contract assets recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet related to digital archiving licensing revenue. The contract asset is reclassified to “Accounts receivable” when the customer is invoiced based on the contractual billing schedule. The increase in the contract assets balance for the year ended December 30, 2018, is primarily driven by the cumulative catch-up adjustment recorded by the Company on January 1, 2018, of $3.5 million as a result of adoption of Topic 606, offset by $1.0 million of consideration that was reclassified to “Accounts receivable” when invoiced based on the contractual billing schedules for the period ended December 30, 2018.
Significant Judgments
Our contracts with customers sometimes include promises to transfer multiple products and services to a customer. Determining whether products and services are considered distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately versus together may require significant judgment. We use an observable price to determine the standalone selling price for separate performance obligations if available or, when not available, an estimate that maximizes the use of observable inputs and faithfully depicts the selling price of the promised goods or services if we sold those goods or services separately to a similar customer in similar circumstances.
Practical Expedients and Exemptions
We expense the cost to obtain or fulfill a contract as incurred because the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. We also apply the practical expedient for the significant financing component when the difference between the payment and the transfer of the products and services is a year or less.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 78

4. Marketable Securities
The Company accounts for its marketable securities as AFS. The Company recorded $2.8 million and $2.5 million of net unrealized loss in AOCI as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.
The following tables present the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair market value of our AFS securities as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017:
 
 
December 30, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair Value
Short-term AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Corporate debt securities
 
$
140,631

 
$
1

 
$
(464
)
 
$
140,168

   U.S. Treasury securities
 
107,717

 
—

 
(232
)
 
107,485

   U.S. governmental agency securities
 
92,628

 
—

 
(654
)
 
91,974

   Certificates of deposit
 
23,497

 
—

 
—

 
23,497

   Commercial paper
 
8,177

 
—

 
—

 
8,177

Total short-term AFS securities
 
$
372,650

 
$
1

 
$
(1,350
)
 
$
371,301

Long-term AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Corporate debt securities
 
$
130,612

 
$
44

 
$
(1,032
)
 
$
129,624

   U.S. Treasury securities
 
47,079

 
5

 
(347
)
 
46,737

   U.S. governmental agency securities
 
37,362

 
3

 
(168
)
 
37,197

Total long-term AFS securities
 
$
215,053

 
$
52

 
$
(1,547
)
 
$
213,558

 
 
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair Value
Short-term AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
150,334

 
$
—

 
$
(227
)
 
$
150,107

U.S. Treasury securities
 
70,985

 
—

 
(34
)
 
70,951

U.S. governmental agency securities
 
45,819

 
—

 
(179
)
 
45,640

Certificates of deposit
 
9,300

 
—

 
—

 
9,300

Commercial paper
 
32,591

 
—

 
—

 
32,591

Total short-term AFS securities
 
$
309,029

 
$
—

 
$
(440
)
 
$
308,589

Long-term AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
92,687

 
$
—

 
$
(683
)
 
92,004

U.S. Treasury securities
 
53,031

 
—

 
(403
)
 
52,628

U.S. governmental agency securities
 
97,798

 
—

 
(1,019
)
 
96,779

Total long-term AFS securities
 
$
243,516

 
$
—

 
$
(2,105
)
 
$
241,411



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 79

The following tables present the AFS securities as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017 that were in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position:
 
 
December 30, 2018
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross unrealized losses
Short-term AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
76,886

 
$
(115
)
 
$
61,459

 
$
(349
)
 
$
138,345

 
$
(464
)
U.S. Treasury securities
 
70,830

 
(31
)
 
28,207

 
(201
)
 
99,037

 
(232
)
U.S. governmental agency securities
 
11,664

 
(4
)
 
80,311

 
(650
)
 
91,975

 
(654
)
Certificates of deposit
 
$
1,599

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,599

 
$
—

Total short-term AFS securities
 
$
160,979

 
$
(150
)
 
$
169,977

 
$
(1,200
)
 
$
330,956

 
$
(1,350
)
Long-term AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
81,655

 
$
(570
)
 
$
27,265

 
$
(462
)
 
$
108,920

 
$
(1,032
)
U.S. Treasury securities
 
20,479

 
(29
)
 
23,762

 
(318
)
 
44,241

 
(347
)
U.S. governmental agency securities
 
21,579

 
(36
)
 
11,868

 
(132
)
 
33,447

 
(168
)
Total long-term AFS securities
 
$
123,713

 
$
(635
)
 
$
62,895

 
$
(912
)
 
$
186,608

 
$
(1,547
)
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Greater
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross unrealized losses
Short-term AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
140,111

 
$
(199
)
 
$
9,996

 
$
(28
)
 
$
150,107

 
$
(227
)
U.S. Treasury securities
 
70,951

 
(34
)
 
—

 
—

 
70,951

 
(34
)
U.S. governmental agency securities
 
19,770

 
(50
)
 
25,870

 
(129
)
 
45,640

 
(179
)
Total short-term AFS securities
 
$
230,832

 
$
(283
)
 
$
35,866

 
$
(157
)
 
$
266,698

 
$
(440
)
Long-term AFS securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
81,118

 
$
(579
)
 
$
10,886

 
$
(104
)
 
$
92,004

 
$
(683
)
U.S. Treasury securities
 
52,628

 
(403
)
 
—

 
—

 
52,628

 
(403
)
U.S. governmental agency securities
 
23,998

 
(125
)
 
72,781

 
(894
)
 
96,779

 
(1,019
)
Total long-term AFS securities
 
$
157,744

 
$
(1,107
)
 
$
83,667

 
$
(998
)
 
$
241,411

 
$
(2,105
)
We periodically review our AFS securities for OTTI. See Note 2 for factors we consider when assessing AFS securities for OTTI. As of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, we did not intend to sell and it was not likely that we would be required to sell these investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Unrealized losses related to these investments are primarily due to interest rate fluctuations as opposed to changes in credit quality. Therefore, as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we have recognized no OTTI loss.



P. 80 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Marketable debt securities
As of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, our short-term and long-term marketable securities had remaining maturities of less than 1 month to 12 months and 13 months to 34 months, respectively. See Note 9 for additional information regarding the fair value hierarchy of our marketable securities.
Letters of credit
We issued letters of credit totaling $48.8 million as of December 30, 2018, to secure commitments under certain sub-lease agreements associated with the rental of floors in our headquarters building. The letters of credit will expire by 2020, and are collateralized by marketable securities, with a fair value of $54.2 million, held in our investment portfolios. No amounts were outstanding on these letters of credit as of December 30, 2018. See Note 19 for additional information regarding the securities commitment.
5. Goodwill and Intangibles
In 2016, the Company acquired two digital marketing agencies, HelloSociety, LLC and Fake Love, LLC for an aggregate of $15.4 million, in separate all-cash transactions. Also in 2016, the Company acquired Submarine Leisure Club, Inc., which owned the product review and recommendation website, Wirecutter, in an all-cash transaction. We paid $25.0 million, including a payment made for a non-compete agreement, and also entered into a consulting agreement and retention agreements that will likely require payments over the three years following the acquisition.
The Company allocated the purchase prices for these acquisitions based on the final valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in allocations to goodwill, intangibles, property, plant and equipment and other miscellaneous assets.

The aggregate carrying amount of intangible assets of $6.2 million related to these acquisitions has been included in “Miscellaneous Assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The estimated useful lives for these assets range from 3 to 7 years and are amortized on a straight-line basis.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as of December 30, 2018, and since December 25, 2016, were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
Total Company
Balance as of December 25, 2016
 
$
134,517

Measurement Period Adjustment(1)
 
(198
)
Foreign currency translation
 
9,230

Balance as of December 31, 2017
 
143,549

Foreign currency translation
 
(3,267
)
Balance as of December 30, 2018
 
$
140,282

(1) Includes measurement period adjustment in connection with the Submarine Leisure Club, Inc. acquisition.

The foreign currency translation line item reflects changes in goodwill resulting from fluctuating exchange rates related to the consolidation of certain international subsidiaries.
6. Investments
Investments in Joint Ventures
As of December 30, 2018, the value of our investments in joint ventures was zero. As of December 31, 2017, our investment in joint ventures totaled $1.7 million and consisted of a 40% equity ownership interest in Madison Paper Industries (“Madison”), a partnership that previously operated a supercalendered paper mill in Maine. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we sold our 49% equity interest in Donohue Malbaie Inc. (“Malbaie”), a Canadian newsprint company, for $20 million Canadian dollars ($15.6 million USD).


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 81

These investments are accounted for under the equity method, and are recorded in “Miscellaneous assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our proportionate shares of the operating results of our investments are recorded in “Gain/(loss) from joint ventures” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In 2018, we had a gain from joint ventures of $10.8 million. The gain was primarily due to a distribution received from the pending liquidation of Madison, offset, in part, by our share of operating expenses of the partnership.
In 2017, we had a gain from joint ventures of $18.6 million. The gain was primarily due to the sale of assets of the paper mill previously operated by Madison, partially offset by our proportionate share of the loss recognized by Madison resulting from Madison’s settlement of pension obligations, as well as the sale of our investment in Malbaie.
In 2016, we had a loss from joint ventures of $36.3 million. The loss was primarily due to the shutdown of the Madison paper mill, as described below, partially offset by increased income from our investment in Malbaie, which benefited from higher newsprint prices and the impact of a significantly weakened Canadian dollar.
Madison
The Company and UPM-Kymmene Corporation (“UPM”), a Finnish paper manufacturing company, are partners through subsidiary companies in Madison. The Company’s 40% ownership of Madison is through an 80%-owned consolidated subsidiary that owns 50% of Madison. UPM owns 60% of Madison, including a 10% interest through a 20% noncontrolling interest in the consolidated subsidiary of the Company. In 2016, the paper mill closed and the Company’s joint venture in Madison is currently being liquidated.
In connection with the 2016 closure of the paper mill we recognized $41.4 million in losses from joint ventures. In the fourth quarter of 2016, Madison sold certain assets at the mill site and we recognized a gain of $3.9 million related to the sale. In 2017 we recognized a gain of $20.8 million, primarily related to the sale of the remaining assets (which consisted of primarily hydro power assets), partially offset by the loss related to our proportionate share of Madison’s settlement of certain pension obligations. In 2018, we recorded a gain of $11.3 million due to a distribution received from the pending liquidation of Madison.
The following table presents summarized unaudited balance sheet information for Madison, which follows a calendar year:
(In thousands)
 
December 31, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

Current assets
 
$
18,374

 
$
35,764

Noncurrent assets
 
—

 
9,640

Total assets
 
18,374

 
45,404

Current liabilities
 
3,336

 
137

Noncurrent liabilities
 
—

 
4,070

Total liabilities
 
3,336

 
4,207

Total equity
 
$
15,038

 
$
41,197



P. 82 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

The following table presents summarized unaudited income statement information for Madison, which follows a calendar year:
 
 
For the Twelve Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
December 31, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
December 31, 2016

Revenues
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
40,523

Income/(Expenses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales(1)
 
—

 
(13,396
)
 
(63,439
)
General and administrative income/(expense) and other(2)
 
(1,280
)
 
55,058

 
(62,759
)
Total income/(expense)
 
(1,280
)
 
41,662

 
(126,198
)
Operating income/(loss)
 
(1,280
)
 
41,662

 
(85,675
)
Other income/(expense)
 
122

 
18

 
2

Net income/(loss)
 
$
(1,158
)
 
$
41,680

 
$
(85,673
)
(1) Primarily represents Madison’s settlement of its pension obligations in 2017.
(2) Primarily represents gains/(losses) from the sale of assets and closure of Madison in 2017 and 2016.
During 2018, we received a $12.5 million cash distribution in connection with the pending liquidation of Madison. We received no distributions from Madison in 2017 or 2016.
Malbaie
We had a 49% equity interest in Malbaie, which we sold during the fourth quarter of 2017 for $20 million Canadian dollars ($15.6 million USD). We recognized a loss of $6.4 million before tax as a result of the sale. The other 51% equity interest was 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.
Other than from the sale of our equity interest in 2017, we received no distributions from Malbaie in 2018, 2017 or 2016.
Other
We purchased newsprint from Malbaie, and previously purchased supercalendered paper from Madison, at competitive prices. These purchases totaled approximately $11 million in 2017 and $14 million in 2016.
Non-Marketable Equity Securities
Our non-marketable equity securities are investments in privately held companies/funds without readily determinable market values. Realized gains and losses on non-marketable securities sold or impaired are recognized in “Interest expense and other, net.”

As of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, non-marketable equity securities included in “Miscellaneous assets’’ in our Consolidated Balance Sheets had a carrying value of $13.7 million and $13.6 million, respectively. We did not have any material fair value adjustments in 2018 and 2017.
 


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 83

7. Debt Obligations
Our indebtedness primarily consisted of the repurchase option related to a sale-leaseback of a portion of our New York headquarters. Our total debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

Option to repurchase ownership interest in headquarters building in 2019:
 
 
 
 
Principal amount
 
$
250,000

 
$
250,000

Less unamortized discount based on imputed interest rate of 13.0%
 
3,202

 
6,596

Net option to repurchase ownership interest in headquarters building in 2019
 
246,798

 
243,404

Capital lease obligations
 
6,832

 
6,805

Total debt and capital lease obligations
 
253,630

 
250,209

Less current portion
 
253,630

 
—

Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
$
—

 
$
250,209

See Note 9 for more information regarding the fair value of our debt.
The aggregate face amount of maturities of debt over the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
(In thousands)
 
Amount
2019
 
$
250,000

2020
 
—

2021
 
—

2022
 
—

2023
 
—

Thereafter
 
—

Total face amount of maturities
 
250,000

Less: Unamortized debt costs and discount
 
(3,202
)
Carrying value of debt (excludes capital leases)
 
$
246,798

“Interest expense and other, net,” as shown in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

Interest expense
 
$
28,134

 
$
27,732

 
$
39,487

Amortization of debt costs and discount on debt
 
3,394

 
3,205

 
4,897

Capitalized interest
 
(452
)
 
(1,257
)
 
(559
)
Interest income and other expense, net
 
(14,510
)
 
(9,897
)
 
(9,020
)
Total interest expense and other, net
 
$
16,566

 
$
19,783

 
$
34,805





P. 84 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

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 less transaction costs, for net proceeds of approximately $211 million. We have an option, exercisable in the fourth quarter of 2019, to repurchase the Condo Interest for $250.0 million, and we have delivered notice of our intent to exercise this option.
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%.
8. Other
Capitalized Computer Software Costs
Amortization of capitalized computer software costs included in “Depreciation and amortization” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations was $15.7 million, $12.8 million and $11.5 million for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, respectively. The unamortized computer software costs were $29.5 million and $28.1 million as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Headquarters Redesign and Consolidation
In December 2016, we announced plans to redesign our headquarters building, consolidate our space within a smaller number of floors and lease the additional floors to third parties. We incurred $4.5 million and $10.1 million of total costs related to these measures for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. We capitalized approximately $15 million and $62 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. This project is substantially complete as of December 30, 2018.
Marketing Expenses
Marketing expense to promote our brand and products and grow our subscriber base (which we formerly referred to as advertising expense) was $156.3 million, $118.6 million and $89.8 million for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, respectively. We expense our marketing costs as incurred.
Statement of Cash Flow
Restricted Cash
A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 from the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018

 
December 31, 2017

 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
241,504

 
$
182,911

Restricted cash included within other current assets
 
642

 
375

Restricted cash included within miscellaneous assets
 
17,653

 
17,650

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
$
259,799

 
$
200,936

Substantially all of the amount included in restricted cash is set aside to collateralize workers’ compensation obligations.
Tax Shortfall and/or Windfall for Stock-based Payments
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation,” which provides guidance on accounting for stock-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities,


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 85

and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance became effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 25, 2016.
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017, we recognized excess tax windfalls in income tax expense rather than additional paid-in capital. Excess tax shortfalls and/or windfalls for stock-based payments are now included in net cash from operating activities rather than net cash from financing activities. The changes have been applied prospectively in accordance with the ASU and prior periods have not been adjusted. 
Severance Costs
We recognized severance costs of $6.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018. On May 31, 2017, we announced certain measures designed to streamline our editing process and allow us to make further investments in the newsroom. These measures resulted in a workforce reduction primarily affecting our newsroom. We recognized severance costs of $23.9 million in 2017, substantially all of which were related to this workforce reduction. We recognized severance costs of $18.8 million in 2016. These costs are recorded in “Selling, general and administrative costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Additionally, during the second quarter of 2016, we announced certain measures to streamline our international print operations and support future growth efforts. These measures included a redesign of our international print newspaper and the relocation of certain editing and production operations conducted in Paris to our locations in Hong Kong and New York. During 2016, we incurred $2.9 million and $11.9 million, respectively, of total costs related to the measures, primarily related to relocation and severance charges. These costs were recorded in “Restructuring charge” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, $1.7 million related to a gain from the pension curtailment previously included within “Restructuring charge” was reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs”.
We had a severance liability of $8.4 million and $18.8 million included in “Accrued expenses and other” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. We anticipate most of the payments will be made within the next twelve months.



P. 86 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

9. 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 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had assets related to our qualified pension plans measured at fair value. The required disclosures regarding such assets are presented in Note 10.
The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(In thousands)
 
December 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term AFS securities(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
140,168

 
$
—

 
$
140,168

 
$
—

 
$
150,107

 
$
—

 
$
150,107

 
$
—

U.S Treasury securities
 
107,485

 
—

 
107,485

 
—

 
70,951

 
—

 
70,951

 
—

U.S. governmental agency securities
 
91,974

 
—

 
91,974

 
—

 
45,640

 
—

 
45,640

 
—

Certificates of deposit
 
23,497

 
—

 
23,497

 
—

 
9,300

 
—

 
9,300

 
—

Commercial paper
 
8,177

 
—

 
8,177

 
—

 
32,591

 
—

 
32,591

 
—

Total short-term AFS securities
 
$
371,301

 
$
—

 
$
371,301

 
$
—

 
$
308,589

 
$
—

 
$
308,589

 
$
—

Long-term AFS securities(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
129,624

 
$
—

 
$
129,624

 
$
—

 
$
92,004

 
$
—

 
$
92,004

 
$
—

U.S Treasury securities
 
46,737

 
—

 
46,737

 
—

 
52,628

 
—

 
52,628

 
—

U.S. governmental agency securities
 
37,197

 
—

 
37,197

 
—

 
96,779

 
—

 
96,779

 
—

Total long-term AFS securities
 
$
213,558

 
$
—

 
$
213,558

 
$
—

 
$
241,411

 
$
—

 
$
241,411

 
$
—

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred compensation(2)(3)
 
$
23,211

 
$
23,211

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
29,526

 
$
29,526

 
$
—

 
$
—

(1) We classified these investments as Level 2 since the fair value is based on market observable inputs for investments with similar terms and maturities.
(2) The deferred compensation liability, included in “Other liabilities—Other” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, consists of deferrals under The New York Times Company Deferred Executive Compensation Plan (the “DEC”), a frozen plan which enabled certain eligible executives to elect to defer a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis. The deferred amounts are invested at the executives’ option in various mutual funds. The fair value of deferred compensation is based on the mutual fund investments elected by the executives and on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Participation in the DEC was frozen effective December 31, 2015. Refer to Note 12 for detail.
(3) The Company invests deferred compensation in life insurance products. Our investments in life insurance products are included in “Miscellaneous assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and were $38.1 million as of December 30, 2018, and $40.3 million as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of these assets is measured using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent) and has not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 87

Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Reported, at Fair Value
The carrying value of our debt was approximately $247 million as of December 30, 2018, and approximately $243 million as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of our debt was approximately $260 million and $279 million as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. 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 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).
Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
Certain non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and certain investments are only recorded at fair value if an impairment charge is recognized. Goodwill and intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value in purchase accounting. 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. There was no impairment recognized in 2018, 2017 and 2016.
10. Pension Benefits
Single-Employer Plans
We sponsor several frozen single-employer defined benefit pension plans. The Company and The NewsGuild of New York jointly sponsor the Guild-Times Adjustable Pension Plan which continues to accrue active benefits. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company became the sole sponsor of the frozen Newspaper Guild of New York - The New York Times Pension Plan (the “Guild-Times Plan”). The Guild-Times Plan was previously joint trusteed between the Guild and the Company. Effective December 31, 2018, the Guild-Times Plan and the Retirement Annuity Plan For Craft Employees of The New York Times Companies (the “RAP”) were merged into The New York Times Companies Pension Plan.
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.
Net Periodic Pension Cost
The components of net periodic pension cost were as follows:
 
 
December 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 25, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Qualified
Plans
Non-
Qualified
Plans
All
Plans
 
Qualified
Plans
Non-
Qualified
Plans
All
Plans
 
Qualified
Plans
Non-
Qualified
Plans
All
Plans
Service cost
 
$
9,986

$
79

$
10,065

 
$
9,720

$
79

$
9,799

 
$
8,991

$
143

$
9,134

Interest cost
 
52,770

7,383

60,153

 
60,742

7,840

68,582

 
66,293

8,172

74,465

Expected return on plan assets
 
(82,327
)
—

(82,327
)
 
(102,900
)
—

(102,900
)
 
(111,159
)
—

(111,159
)
Amortization and other costs
 
26,802

5,114

31,916

 
29,051

4,318

33,369

 
28,274

4,184

32,458

Amortization of prior service credit
 
(1,945
)
—

(1,945
)
 
(1,945
)
—

(1,945
)
 
(1,945
)
—

(1,945
)
Effect of settlement/curtailment
 
—

221

221

 
102,109

—

102,109

 
21,294

(1,599
)
19,695

Net periodic pension cost
 
$
5,286

$
12,797

$
18,083

 
$
96,777

$
12,237

$
109,014

 
$
11,748

$
10,900

$
22,648

As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of 2018, the service cost component of net periodic pension cost continues to be recognized in “Total operating costs” while the other components have been reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations below “Operating profit” on a retrospective basis.


P. 88 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Over the past several years the Company has taken steps to reduce the size and volatility of our pension obligations. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company signed an agreement that froze the accrual of benefits under the RAP with respect to all participants covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the Company and The Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’ Union of New York and Vicinity. This group of participants was the last group under the RAP to have their benefit accruals frozen.
In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company entered into agreements with two insurance companies to transfer future benefit obligations and annuity administration for certain retirees (or their beneficiaries) in two of the Company’s qualified pension plans. This transfer of plan assets and obligations reduced the Company’s qualified pension plan obligations by $263.3 million. As a result of these agreements, the Company recorded pension settlement charges of $102.1 million. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company made discretionary contributions totaling $120 million to certain qualified pension plans.
In the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a pension settlement charge of $21.3 million in connection with a lump-sum payment offer made to certain former employees who participated in certain qualified pension plans. These lump-sum payments totaled $49.5 million and were made with cash from the qualified pension plans, not with Company cash. The effect of this lump-sum settlement was to reduce our pension obligations by $52.2 million. In addition, we recorded a $1.7 million curtailment related to the streamlining of the Company’s international print operations. See Note 8 for more information on the streamlining of the Company’s international print operations.
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income/loss were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

Net actuarial loss/(gain)
 
$
29,965

 
$
22,600

 
$
(4,289
)
Amortization of loss
 
(31,916
)
 
(33,369
)
 
(32,458
)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
1,945

 
1,945

 
1,945

Effect of settlement
 
(421
)
 
(102,109
)
 
(21,294
)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income)/loss
 
(427
)
 
(110,933
)
 
(56,096
)
Net periodic pension cost
 
18,083

 
109,014

 
22,648

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income)/loss
 
$
17,656

 
$
(1,919
)
 
$
(33,448
)
Actuarial gains and losses are amortized using a corridor approach. The gain or loss corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation and the market-related value of assets. Gains and losses in excess of the corridor are generally amortized over the future working lifetime for the ongoing plans and average life expectancy for the frozen plans.
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 $23 million and $2 million, respectively.
We also contribute to defined contribution benefit plans. The amount of cost recognized for defined contribution benefit plans was approximately $22 million, $23 million and $15 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 89

Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets
The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss were as follows: 
 
 
December 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(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
 
$
1,636,488

 
$
245,302

 
$
1,881,790

 
$
1,798,652

 
$
240,399

 
$
2,039,051

Service cost
 
9,986

 
79

 
10,065

 
9,720

 
79

 
9,799

Interest cost
 
52,770

 
7,383

 
60,153

 
60,742

 
7,840

 
68,582

Plan participants’ contributions
 
3

 
—

 
3

 
9

 
—

 
9

Actuarial (gain)/loss
 
(123,670
)
 
(10,221
)
 
(133,891
)
 
142,980

 
15,342

 
158,322

Curtailments
 
—

 
(200
)
 
(200
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Settlements
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(269,287
)
 
—

 
(269,287
)
Benefits paid
 
(84,179
)
 
(19,219
)
 
(103,398
)
 
(106,328
)
 
(18,510
)
 
(124,838
)
Effects of change in currency conversion
 
—

 
(58
)
 
(58
)
 
—

 
152

 
152

Benefit obligation at end of year
 
1,491,398

 
223,066

 
1,714,464

 
1,636,488

 
245,302

 
1,881,790

Change in plan assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
 
1,567,411

 
—

 
1,567,411

 
1,576,760

 
—

 
1,576,760

Actual return on plan assets
 
(81,529
)
 
—

 
(81,529
)
 
238,622

 
—

 
238,622

Employer contributions
 
8,445

 
19,219

 
27,664

 
127,635

 
18,510

 
146,145

Plan participants’ contributions
 
3

 
—

 
3

 
9

 
—

 
9

Settlements
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(269,287
)
 
—

 
(269,287
)
Benefits paid
 
(84,179
)
 
(19,219
)
 
(103,398
)
 
(106,328
)
 
(18,510
)
 
(124,838
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
 
1,410,151

 
—

 
1,410,151

 
1,567,411

 
—

 
1,567,411

Net amount recognized
 
$
(81,247
)
 
$
(223,066
)
 
$
(304,313
)
 
$
(69,077
)
 
$
(245,302
)
 
$
(314,379
)
Amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
$
—

 
$
(17,034
)
 
$
(17,034
)
 
$
—

 
$
(16,901
)
 
$
(16,901
)
Noncurrent liabilities
 
(81,247
)
 
(206,032
)
 
(287,279
)
 
(69,077
)
 
(228,401
)
 
(297,478
)
Net amount recognized
 
$
(81,247
)
 
$
(223,066
)
 
$
(304,313
)
 
$
(69,077
)
 
$
(245,302
)
 
$
(314,379
)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss
 
$
654,579

 
$
94,123

 
$
748,702

 
$
641,194

 
$
109,880

 
$
751,074

Prior service credit
 
(18,786
)
 
—

 
(18,786
)
 
(20,731
)
 
—

 
(20,731
)
Total
 
$
635,793

 
$
94,123

 
$
729,916

 
$
620,463

 
$
109,880

 
$
730,343




P. 90 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

Projected benefit obligation
 
$
1,714,464

 
$
1,881,790

Accumulated benefit obligation
 
$
1,712,619

 
$
1,874,445

Fair value of plan assets
 
$
1,410,151

 
$
1,567,411

Assumptions
Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine benefit obligations for qualified pension plans were as follows:
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

Discount rate
 
4.43
%
 
3.75
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
3.00
%
 
2.95
%
The rate of increase in compensation levels is applicable only for the Guild-Times Adjustable Pension Plan that has not been frozen.
Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine net periodic pension cost for qualified plans were as follows:
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation
 
3.75
%
 
4.31
%
 
4.60
%
Discount rate in effect for determining service cost
 
3.88
%
 
4.74
%
 
5.78
%
Discount rate in effect for determining interest cost
 
3.31
%
 
3.54
%
 
3.68
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
2.95
%
 
2.95
%
 
2.91
%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
 
5.69
%
 
6.73
%
 
7.01
%
Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine benefit obligations for non-qualified plans were as follows:
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

Discount rate
 
4.35
%
 
3.67
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
2.50
%
 
2.50
%
The rate of increase in compensation levels is applicable only for the foreign plan, which has not been frozen.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 91

Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine net periodic pension cost for non-qualified plans were as follows:
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation
 
3.67
%
 
4.17
%
 
4.40
%
Discount rate in effect for determining interest cost
 
3.14
%
 
3.39
%
 
3.44
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
2.50
%
 
2.50
%
 
2.50
%
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 (i.e., 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. 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.
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, less expense expected to be incurred by the plan during the year.
The 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. An additional investment 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”).


P. 92 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

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 at 100% requires an allocation of total assets of 71.5% to 76.5% to Long Duration Assets and 23.5% to 28.5% to Return-Seeking Assets. As a plan's 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
 
Actual
Public Equity
70%
-
100%
 
85
%
High-Yield Fixed Income
0%
-
15%
 
0
%
Alternatives
0%
-
15%
 
15
%
Cash
0%
-
10%
 
0
%
The asset allocations by asset category for both Long Duration and Return-Seeking Assets, as of December 30, 2018, were as follows:
Asset Category
Percentage Range
 
Actual
Long Duration Fixed Income
71.5%
-
76.5%
 
75
%
Public Equity
16.5%
-
28.5%
 
21
%
High-Yield Fixed Income
0%
-
4%
 
0
%
Alternatives
0%
-
4%
 
3
%
Cash
0%
-
3%
 
1
%
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.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 93

Fair Value of Plan Assets
The fair value of the assets underlying our Company-sponsored qualified pension plans and the joint-sponsored Guild-Times Adjustable Pension Plan by asset category are as follows:
 
 
December 30, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Quoted Prices
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Investment
Measured at Net
Asset Value(3)
 
 
Asset Category
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
Total
Equity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Equities
 
$
25,459

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
25,459

International Equities
 
27,805

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
27,805

Mutual Funds
 
18,891

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
18,891

Registered Investment Companies
 
36,908

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
36,908

Common/Collective Funds(1)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
412,815

 
412,815

Fixed Income Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Corporate Bonds
 
—

 
532,466

 
—

 
—

 
532,466

U.S. Treasury and Other Government Securities
 
—

 
155,229

 
—

 
—

 
155,229

Group Annuity Contract
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
64,559

 
64,559

Municipal and Provincial Bonds
 
—

 
42,170

 
—

 
—

 
42,170

Government Sponsored Enterprises(2)
—

 
14,278

 
—

 
—

 
14,278

Other
 
—

 
13,754

 
—

 
—

 
13,754

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
19,667

 
19,667

Private Equity
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
12,752

 
12,752

Hedge Fund
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
33,398

 
33,398

Assets at Fair Value
 
109,063

 
757,897

 
—

 
543,191

 
1,410,151

Other Assets
 


 


 


 


 
—

Total
 
$
109,063

 
$
757,897

 
$
—

 
$
543,191

 
$
1,410,151

(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 NAV of the underlying funds.
(2) 
Represents investments that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
(3) 
Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.


P. 94 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

 
 
Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Quoted Prices
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Investment
Measured at Net
Asset Value(3)
 
 
Asset Category
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
 
 
Total
Equity Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Equities
 
$
65,466

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
65,466

International Equities
 
62,256

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
62,256

Mutual Funds
 
44,173

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
44,173

Registered Investment Companies
 
42,868

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
42,868

Common/Collective Funds(1)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
601,896

 
601,896

Fixed Income Securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Bonds
 
—

 
416,201

 
—

 
—

 
416,201

U.S. Treasury and Other Government Securities
 
—

 
144,085

 
—

 
—

 
144,085

Group Annuity Contract
—

 
—

 
—

 
45,005

 
45,005

Municipal and Provincial Bonds
 
—

 
36,674

 
—

 
—

 
36,674

Government Sponsored Enterprises(2)
—

 
11,364

 
—

 
—

 
11,364

Other
 
—

 
10,883

 
—

 
—

 
10,883

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
32,352

 
32,352

Private Equity
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
20,289

 
20,289

Hedge Fund
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
33,899

 
33,899

Assets at Fair Value
 
214,763

 
619,207

 
—

 
733,441

 
1,567,411

Other Assets
 


 


 


 


 
—

Total
$
214,763

 
$
619,207

 
$
—

 
$
733,441

 
$
1,567,411

(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 NAV of the underlying funds.
(2) 
Represents investments that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
(3) 
Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
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 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.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 95

Cash Flows
In 2018, we made contributions to the Guild-Times Adjustable Pension Plan of $8.4 million. We expect contributions made to satisfy minimum funding requirements to total approximately $9 million in 2019.
The following benefit payments, which reflect future service for plans that have not been frozen, are expected to be paid:
 
 
Plans
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Qualified
 
Non-
Qualified
 
Total
2019
 
$
86,901

 
$
17,368

 
$
104,269

2020
 
88,041

 
17,107

 
105,148

2021
 
89,678

 
16,909

 
106,587

2022
 
91,557

 
16,726

 
108,283

2023
 
92,962

 
16,423

 
109,385

2024-2028(1)
 
480,374

 
77,975

 
558,349

(1) 
While benefit payments under these plans are expected to continue beyond 2028 we have presented in this table only those benefit payments estimated over the next 10 years.
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. In recent years, certain events, such as amendments to various collective bargaining agreements and the sale of the New England 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. In 2016, we recorded $6.7 million in charges for partial withdrawal obligations under multiemployer pension plans. There was no such charge in 2017. During the third quarter of 2018, we recorded a gain of $4.9 million from a pension liability adjustment, which was recorded in “Multiemployer pension and other contractual (gain)/loss” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Our multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liability was approximately $97 million as of December 30, 2018 and approximately $108 million as of December 31, 2017. This liability represents the present value of the obligations related to complete and partial withdrawals that have already occurred as well as an estimate of future partial withdrawals that we considered probable and reasonably estimable. For those plans that have yet to provide us with a demand letter, the actual liability will not be fully known until they 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 elect to withdraw from these plans or if we trigger a partial withdrawal due to declines in contribution base units or a partial cessation of our obligation to contribute, we may be assessed a withdrawal liability based on a calculated share of the underfunded status of the plan.
•
If a multiemployer plan from which we have withdrawn subsequently experiences a mass withdrawal, we may be required to make additional contributions under applicable law.


P. 96 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Our participation in significant plans for the fiscal period ended December 30, 2018, 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. A plan is generally classified in critical status if a funding deficiency is projected within four years or five years, depending on other criteria. A plan in critical status is classified in critical and declining status if it is projected to become insolvent in the next 15 or 20 years, depending on other criteria. A plan is classified in endangered status if its funded percentage is less than 80% or a funding deficiency is projected within seven years. If the plan satisfies both of these triggers, it is classified in seriously endangered status. A plan not classified in any other status is classified in the green zone. 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.
 
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
2018
2017
2018
2017
2016
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan
13-6212879-001
Critical and Declining as of 1/01/18
Critical and Declining as of 1/01/17
Implemented
$
408

$
425

$
486

 No
(1) 
Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund(2)
13-6122251-001
Green as of 6/01/18
Green as of 6/01/17
N/A
992

995

1,040

 No
3/30/2020
GCIU-Employer Retirement Benefit Plan
91-6024903-001
Critical and Declining as of 1/01/18
Critical and Declining as of 1/01/17
Implemented
42

39

43

Yes
3/30/2021(3)
Pressmen’s Publishers’ Pension Fund(4)
13-6121627-001
Green as of 4/01/18
Green as of 4/01/17
N/A
1,129

963

1,001

 No
3/30/2021
Paper-Handlers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund(5)
13-6104795-001
Critical and Declining as of 4/01/18
Critical and Declining as of 4/01/17
Implemented
99

88

100

Yes
3/30/2021
Contributions for individually significant plans
 
 
$
2,670

$
2,510

$
2,670

 
 
Total Contributions
 
 
$
2,670

$
2,510

$
2,670

 
 
(1) 
There are two collective bargaining agreements requiring contributions to this plan: Mailers, which expires March 30, 2019, and Typographers, which expires March 30, 2020.
(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. As of December 30, 2018, only one collective bargaining agreement remained for the Stereotypers. 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.
(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.
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 NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 97

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
12/31/2017 & 12/31/2016(1)
Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund
5/31/2017 & 5/31/2016(1)
Pressmen’s Publisher’s Pension Fund
3/31/2018 & 3/31/2017
Paper-Handlers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund
3/31/2018 & 3/31/2017
(1) Forms 5500 for the plans’ year ended 12/31/18 and 5/31/18 were not available as of the date we filed our financial statements.
The Company received a notice and demand for payment of withdrawal liability from the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund in September 2013 and December 2014 associated with partial withdrawals. See Note 19 for further information.
11. 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 do not provide post-age 65 retiree medical benefits for employees who retired on or after March 1, 2009. 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 general corporate assets.
Net Periodic Other Postretirement Benefit Cost/(Income)
The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost/(income) were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

Service cost
 
$
21

 
$
367

 
$
417

Interest cost
 
1,476

 
1,881

 
1,979

Amortization and other costs
 
4,735

 
3,621

 
4,105

Amortization of prior service credit
 
(6,157
)
 
(7,755
)
 
(8,440
)
Effect of settlement/curtailment(1)
 
—

 
(32,737
)
 
—

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost/(income)
 
$
75

 
$
(34,623
)
 
$
(1,939
)
(1) In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a gain in connection with the settlement of a funding obligation related to a postretirement plan.
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of 2018, the service cost component of net periodic postretirement benefit cost/(income) continues to be recognized in “Total operating costs” while the other components have been reclassified to “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations below “Operating profit” on a retrospective basis.


P. 98 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

The changes in the benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income)/loss were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

Net actuarial loss/(gain)
 
$
(4,905
)
 
$
(6,625
)
 
$
28

Amortization of loss
 
(4,735
)
 
(3,621
)
 
(4,105
)
Amortization of prior service credit
 
6,157

 
7,755

 
8,440

Effect of curtailment
 
—

 
6,502

 
—

Effect of settlement
 
—

 
26,235

 
—

Total recognized in other comprehensive (income)/loss
 
(3,483
)
 
30,246

 
4,363

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost/(income)
 
75

 
(34,623
)
 
(1,939
)
Total recognized in net periodic postretirement benefit cost/(income) and other comprehensive (income)/loss
 
$
(3,408
)
 
$
(4,377
)
 
$
2,424

Actuarial gains and losses are amortized using a corridor approach. The gain or loss corridor is equal to 10% of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. Gains and losses in excess of the corridor are generally amortized over the average remaining service period to expected retirement of active participants.
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 $3 million and $5 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 $16 million in 2018, $15 million in 2017 and $15 million in 2016.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 99

The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/loss were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

Change in benefit obligation
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
54,642

 
$
65,042

Service cost
 
21

 
367

Interest cost
 
1,476

 
1,881

Plan participants’ contributions
 
3,974

 
4,007

Actuarial (gain)/loss
 
(4,905
)
 
3,703

Curtailments/settlements
 
—

 
(10,328
)
Benefits paid
 
(9,171
)
 
(10,030
)
Benefit obligation at the end of year
 
46,037

 
54,642

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

 
—

Employer contributions
 
5,197

 
6,023

Plan participants’ contributions
 
3,974

 
4,007

Benefits paid
 
(9,171
)
 
(10,030
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
 
—

 
—

Net amount recognized
 
$
(46,037
)
 
$
(54,642
)
Amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
$
(5,645
)
 
$
(5,826
)
Noncurrent liabilities
 
(40,392
)
 
(48,816
)
Net amount recognized
 
$
(46,037
)
 
$
(54,642
)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss
 
$
28,871

 
$
38,512

Prior service credit
 
(12,456
)
 
(18,613
)
Total
 
$
16,415

 
$
19,899

 Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine the postretirement benefit obligations were as follows:
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

Discount rate
 
4.18
%
 
3.46
%
Estimated increase in compensation level
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%


P. 100 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine net periodic postretirement cost were as follows:
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation
 
3.46
%
 
3.93
%
 
4.05
%
Discount rate in effect for determining service cost
 
3.56
%
 
4.08
%
 
4.24
%
Discount rate in effect for determining interest cost
 
3.01
%
 
3.21
%
 
2.96
%
Estimated increase in compensation level
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
The assumed health-care cost trend rates were as follows:
 
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

Health-care cost trend rate
 
6.90
%
 
7.60
%
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
 
2025

 
2025

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 2018
 
$
40

 
$
(36
)
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 30, 2018
 
$
1,139

 
$
(1,021
)
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

2019
$
5,802

2020
5,394

2021
4,962

2022
4,545

2023
4,196

2024-2028(1)
16,662

(1) 
While benefit payments under these plans are expected to continue beyond 2028, we have presented in this table only those benefit payments estimated over the next 10 years.
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 obligation for these benefits was $9.7 million as of December 30, 2018, and $11.3 million as of December 31, 2017.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 101

12. Other Liabilities
The components of the “Other Liabilities — Other” balance in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

Deferred compensation
 
$
23,211

 
$
29,526

Other liabilities
 
54,636

 
52,787

Total
 
$
77,847

 
$
82,313

Deferred compensation consists primarily of deferrals under our DEC. Refer to Note 9 for detail.
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 $38.1 million as of December 30, 2018, and $40.3 million as of December 31, 2017.
Other liabilities in the preceding table primarily included our post employment liabilities, our contingent tax liability for uncertain tax positions and self-insurance liabilities as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017.
13. Income Taxes
Reconciliations between the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations before income taxes and the federal statutory rate are presented below.
 
 
December 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
December 25, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Amount
 
% of
Pre-tax
 
Amount
 
% of
Pre-tax
 
Amount
 
% of
Pre-tax
Tax at federal statutory rate
 
$
36,979

 
21.0

 
$
38,928

 
35.0

 
$
10,685

 
35.0

State and local taxes, net
 
12,335

 
7.0

 
4,800

 
4.3

 
3,095

 
10.1

Effect of enacted changes in tax laws
 
(1,872
)
 
(1.0
)
 
68,747

 
61.8

 
—

 
—

Increase/(decrease) in uncertain tax positions
 
2,288

 
1.3

 
(2,277
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(4,534
)
 
(14.9
)
Loss/(gain) on Company-owned life insurance
 
449

 
0.2

 
(1,916
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(736
)
 
(2.4
)
Nondeductible expense
 
2,399

 
1.3

 
1,021

 
0.9

 
1,115

 
3.7

Domestic manufacturing deduction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,820
)
 
(6.0
)
Foreign Earnings and Dividends
 
—

 
—

 
458

 
0.4

 
(2,418
)
 
(7.9
)
Other, net
 
(3,947
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(5,805
)
 
(5.2
)
 
(966
)
 
(3.2
)
Income tax expense
 
$
48,631

 
27.6

 
$
103,956

 
93.5

 
$
4,421

 
14.4



P. 102 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

The components of income tax expense as shown in our Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

Current tax expense/(benefit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
31,719

 
$
(252
)
 
$
22,864

Foreign
 
705

 
458

 
312

State and local
 
10,172

 
350

 
(3,295
)
Total current tax expense
 
42,596

 
556

 
19,881

Deferred tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
913

 
105,905

 
(16,625
)
State and local
 
5,122

 
(2,505
)
 
1,165

Total deferred tax expense/(benefit)
 
6,035

 
103,400

 
(15,460
)
Income tax expense/(benefit)
 
$
48,631

 
$
103,956

 
$
4,421

State tax operating loss carryforwards totaled $2.0 million as of December 30, 2018 and $4.7 million as of December 31, 2017. Such loss carryforwards expire in accordance with provisions of applicable tax laws and have remaining lives up to 19 years.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes included, but were not limited to, a federal corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings and numerous domestic and international-related provisions effective in 2018.
On December 22, 2017, SAB 118 was issued to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we determined that the $68.7 million of additional income tax expense recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, the one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings, and deferred tax assets related to executive compensation deductions was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at December 31, 2017. Provisional estimates were also made with regard to the Company’s deductions under the Tax Act’s new expensing provisions and state and local income taxes related to foreign earnings subject to the one-time transition tax. The ultimate impact of the Tax Act was expected to differ from the provisional amount recognized due to, among other things, changes in estimates resulting from the receipt or calculation of final data, changes in interpretations of the Tax Act, and additional regulatory guidance that would be issued. In the fourth quarter of 2018, in accordance with SAB 118, we completed the accounting for the impact of the Tax Act and recognized a $1.9 million tax benefit related to 2017, primarily attributable to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the repatriation of foreign earnings.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 103

The components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

Deferred tax assets
 
 
 
 
Retirement, postemployment and deferred compensation plans
 
$
128,926

 
$
140,657

Accruals for other employee benefits, compensation, insurance and other
 
22,722

 
16,883

Net operating losses
 
1,598

 
6,228

Other
 
23,400

 
31,686

Gross deferred tax assets
 
$
176,646

 
$
195,454

Deferred tax liabilities
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
$
38,268

 
$
31,043

Intangible assets
 
7,225

 
7,300

Other
 
2,722

 
4,065

Gross deferred tax liabilities
 
48,215

 
42,408

Net deferred tax asset
 
$
128,431

 
$
153,046

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 (i.e., impairments of nondeductible goodwill and intangible assets).
We had an income tax receivable of $3.7 million as of December 30, 2018, compared with an income tax receivable of $25.4 million as of December 31, 2017.
Income tax benefits related to the exercise or vesting of equity awards reduced current taxes payable by $4.8 million, $13.7 million and $8.6 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
As of December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, “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 $194 million and $196 million, respectively.
A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
(In thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017

 
December 25,
2016

Balance at beginning of year
 
$
17,086

 
$
10,028

 
$
13,941

Gross additions to tax positions taken during the current year
 
680

 
9,009

 
997

Gross additions to tax positions taken during the prior year
 
3,019

 
103

 
—

Gross reductions to tax positions taken during the prior year
 
(8,607
)
 
(372
)
 
(3,042
)
Reductions from lapse of applicable statutes of limitations
 
(549
)
 
(1,682
)
 
(1,868
)
Balance at end of year
 
$
11,629

 
$
17,086

 
$
10,028

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would, if recognized, affect the effective income tax rate was approximately $10 million and $7 million as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.


P. 104 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

In 2018 , we recorded $2.3 million of income tax expense due to an increase in the Company’s reserve for uncertain tax positions. In 2017, we recorded a $2.3 million income tax benefit due to a reduction in the Company’s reserve for uncertain tax positions.
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 $3 million and $2 million as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties was a net charge of $0.7 million in 2018, a net benefit of $0.1 million in 2017 and a net benefit of $0.9 million in 2016.
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 2010. 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 $3.0 million that would, if recognized, impact the effective tax rate.
14. 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 $70.0 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. The net after-tax proceeds from the sale, including a tax benefit, were approximately $74.0 million. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company reached a settlement with respect to litigation involving NEMG T&G, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company that was a part of New England Media Group. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded charges of $0.7 million ($0.4 million after tax) and $3.7 million ($2.3 million after tax) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, respectively. The results of operations of the New England Media Group have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
15. Earnings/(Loss) Per Share
We compute earnings/(loss) per share using a two-class method, an earnings allocation method used 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.
Earnings/(loss) per share is computed using both basic shares and diluted shares. The difference between basic and diluted shares is that diluted shares include the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of outstanding securities. Our stock options, stock-settled long-term performance awards and restricted stock units could have the most significant impact on diluted shares. The decrease in our basic shares is primarily due to repurchases of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The difference between basic and diluted shares of approximately 2.1 million, 2.3 million and 1.7 million as of December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, respectively, resulted primarily from the dilutive effect of certain stock options and performance awards.
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.
There were no anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share in 2018. The number of stock options excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive was approximately 2 million in 2017 and 4 million in 2016.
There were no anti-dilutive stock-settled long-term performance awards and restricted stock units excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended 2018, 2017 and 2016.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 105

16. Stock-Based Awards
As of December 30, 2018, the Company was authorized to grant stock-based compensation under its 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2010 Incentive Plan”), which became effective April 27, 2010, and was amended and restated effective April 30, 2014. The 2010 Incentive Plan replaced the 1991 Executive Stock Incentive Plan (the “1991 Incentive Plan”). In addition, through April 30, 2014, the Company maintained its 2004 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Directors’ Plan”).
The Company’s long-term incentive compensation program provides executives the opportunity to earn cash and shares of Class A Common Stock at the end of three-year performance cycles based in part on the achievement of financial goals tied to a financial metric and in part on 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. In addition, the Company grants time-vested restricted stock units annually to a number of employees. These are settled in shares of Class A Common Stock.
We have outstanding stock-settled long-term performance awards, restricted stock units and stock options (together, “Stock-Based Awards”). We recognize stock-based compensation expense for outstanding stock-settled long-term performance awards, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights. Stock-based compensation expense was $13.0 million in 2018, $14.8 million in 2017 and $12.4 million in 2016.
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 and 2010 Incentive Plan generally vest over a stated vesting period or, with respect to awards granted prior to December 28, 2014, upon the retirement of an employee or director, as the case may be.
Each non-employee director of the Company receives an annual grant of restricted stock units under the 2010 Incentive Plan. Restricted stock units are awarded on the date of the annual meeting of stockholders and vest on the date of the subsequent year’s annual meeting, with the shares to be delivered upon a director’s cessation of membership on the Board of Directors. Each non-employee director is credited with additional restricted stock units with a value equal to the amount of all dividends paid on the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The Company’s directors are considered employees for purposes of stock-based compensation.
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 fair market value (as defined in each plan, respectively) of our Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Stock options were generally 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 have been made since 2012.
The 2004 Directors’ Plan provided for grants of stock options to non-employee directors at an exercise price equal to the fair market value (as defined in the 2004 Directors’ Plan) 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 have been made since 2012. The Company’s directors are considered employees for purposes of stock-based compensation.


P. 106 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Changes in our Company’s stock options in 2018 were as follows:
 
 
December 30, 2018
(Shares in thousands)
 
Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
$(000s)
Options outstanding at beginning of year
 
3,774

 
$
15

 
2
 
$
17,597

Exercised
 
(2,327
)
 
18

 
 
 
 
Forfeited/Expired
 
(59
)
 
20

 
 
 
 
Options outstanding at end of period (1)
 
1,388

 
$
9

 
2
 
$
18,052

Options exercisable at end of period
 
1,388

 
$
9

 
2
 
$
18,052

(1) All outstanding options are vested as of December 30, 2018.
The total intrinsic value for stock options exercised was $12.3 million in 2018, $7.0 million in 2017 and $0.7 million in 2016.
Restricted Stock Units
The 2010 Incentive Plan provides for grants of other stock-based awards, including restricted stock units.
Outstanding stock-settled restricted stock units have been granted with a stated vesting period up to 5 years. 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 2018 were as follows:
 
 
December 30, 2018
(Shares in thousands)
 
Restricted
Stock
Units
 
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Unvested stock-settled restricted stock units at beginning of period
 
886

 
$
15

Granted
 
319

 
25

Vested
 
(510
)
 
14

Forfeited
 
(72
)
 
18

Unvested stock-settled restricted stock units at end of period
 
623

 
$
20

Unvested stock-settled restricted stock units expected to vest at end of period
 
587

 
$
20

The intrinsic value of stock-settled restricted stock units vested was $12.4 million in 2018, $7.9 million in 2017 and $7.3 million in 2016.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
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.
Cash-settled awards have been granted with three-year performance periods and are based on the achievement of specified financial performance measures. Cash-settled awards have been classified as a liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. There were payments of approximately $3 million in 2018, $3 million in 2017 and $4 million in 2016.
Stock-settled awards have been granted with three-year performance periods and are based on relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”), which is calculated at stock appreciation plus deemed reinvested dividends, and another performance measure. Stock-settled awards are payable in Class A Common Stock and are classified within equity.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 107

The fair value of TSR awards is determined at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of awards under the other performance measure is determined by the average market price on the grant date.
Unrecognized Compensation Expense
As of December 30, 2018, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of our Stock-Based Awards was approximately $13 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.45 years.
Reserved Shares
We generally issue shares for the exercise of stock options and vesting of stock-settled restricted stock units from unissued reserved shares.
Shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for issuance were as follows:
(Shares in thousands)
 
December 30,
2018

 
December 31,
2017
Stock options, stock–settled restricted stock units and stock-settled performance awards
 
 
 
 
Stock options and stock-settled restricted stock units
 
2,165

 
4,772
Stock-settled performance awards(1)
 
2,009

 
2,559
Outstanding
 
4,174

 
7,331
Available
 
7,404

 
7,188
Employee Stock Purchase Plan(2)
 
 
 
 
Available
 
6,410

 
6,410
401(k) Company stock match(3)
 
 
 
 
Available
 
3,045

 
3,045
Total Outstanding
 
4,174

 
7,331
Total Available
 
16,859

 
16,643
(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 could be issued is included in the table above.
(2) 
We have not had an offering under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan since 2010.
(3) 
Effective 2014, we no longer offer a Company stock match under the Company’s 401(k) plan.


P. 108 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

17. 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 that were converted 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 803,408 shares as of December 30, 2018, and 803,763 as of December 31, 2017, of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding that may be converted 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.
In early 2015, the Board of Directors authorized up to $101.1 million of repurchases of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. As of December 30, 2018, repurchases under this authorization totaled $84.9 million (excluding commissions) and $16.2 million remained under this authorization. Our Board of Directors has authorized us to purchase shares from time to time, subject to market conditions and other factors. There is no expiration date with respect to this authorization.
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 30, 2018.
The following table summarizes the changes in AOCI by component as of December 30, 2018:
(In thousands)
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Funded Status of Benefit Plans
 
Net unrealized loss on available-for-sale Securities
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance as of December 31, 2017
 
$
6,328

 
$
(427,819
)
 
$
(1,538
)
 
$
(423,029
)
Other comprehensive (loss) before reclassifications, before tax(1)
 
(4,368
)
 
(25,060
)
 
(300
)
 
(29,728
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax(1)
 
—

 
28,970

 
—

 
28,970

Income tax (benefit)/expense(1)
 
(1,141
)
 
1,021

 
(78
)
 
(198
)
Net current-period other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
 
(3,227
)
 
2,889

 
(222
)
 
(560
)
AOCI reclassification to retained earnings(2)
 
1,576

 
(95,378
)
 
(333
)
 
(94,135
)
Balance as of December 30, 2018
 
$
4,677

 
$
(520,308
)
 
$
(2,093
)
 
$
(517,724
)
(1) 
All amounts are shown net of noncontrolling interest.
(2) 
As a result of adopting ASU 2018-02 in the first quarter of 2018, stranded tax effects of $94.1 million were reclassified from AOCI to “Retained earnings.” See Note 2 for more information.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 109

The following table summarizes the reclassifications from AOCI for the period ended December 30, 2018:
(In thousands)
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
Affect line item in the statement where net income is presented
Detail about accumulated other comprehensive loss components 
Funded status of benefit plans:
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service credit(1)
 
$
(8,102
)
 
Other components of net periodic benefit costs
Amortization of actuarial loss(1)
 
36,651

 
Other components of net periodic benefit costs
Pension settlement charge
 
421

 
Other components of net periodic benefit costs
Total reclassification, before tax(2)
 
28,970

 
 
Income tax expense
 
7,661

 
Income tax expense
Total reclassification, net of tax
 
$
21,309

 
 
(1) 
These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for pension and other retirement benefits. See Notes 10 and 11 for additional information.
(2) 
There were no reclassifications relating to noncontrolling interest for the year ended December 30, 2018.
18. Segment Information
The Company identifies a business as an operating segment if: i) it engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; ii) its operating results are regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (who is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance; and iii) it has available discrete financial information. The Company has determined that it has one reportable segment. Therefore, all required segment information can be found in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
19. 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 was approximately $14 million in 2018, $19 million in 2017, and $16 million in 2016. The decrease in rental expense in 2018 is a result of fewer costs incurred due to the wind down of the headquarters redesign and consolidation. The increase in rental expense in 2017 is related to additional costs incurred due to the headquarter redesign and consolidation. The approximate minimum rental commitments as of December 30, 2018 were as follows:
(In thousands)
Amount

2019
$
7,650

2020
6,829

2021
6,106

2022
5,869

2023
5,428

Later years
18,110

Total minimum lease payments
$
49,992



P. 110 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Capital Leases
Future minimum lease payments for all capital leases, and the present value of the minimum lease payments as of December 30, 2018, were as follows:
(In thousands)
Amount

2019
$
7,245

2020
—

2021
—

2022
—

2023
—

Later years
—

Total minimum lease payments
7,245

Less: imputed interest
(413
)
Present value of net minimum lease payments including current maturities
$
6,832

Restricted Cash
We were required to maintain $18.3 million of restricted cash as of December 30, 2018, and $18.0 million as of December 31, 2017, the majority of which is set aside to collateralize workers’ compensation obligations.
Newspaper and Mail Deliverers – Publishers’ Pension Fund
In September 2013, the Newspaper and Mail Deliverers-Publishers’ Pension Fund (the “NMDU Fund”) assessed a partial withdrawal liability against the Company in the gross amount of approximately $26 million for the plan years ending May 31, 2012, and 2013 (the “Initial Assessment”), an amount that was increased to a gross amount of approximately $34 million in December 2014, when the NMDU Fund issued a revised partial withdrawal liability assessment for the plan year ending May 31, 2013 (the “Revised Assessment”). The NMDU Fund claimed that when City & Suburban Delivery Systems, Inc., a retail and newsstand distribution subsidiary of the Company and the largest contributor to the NMDU Fund, ceased operations in 2009, it triggered a decline of more than 70% in contribution base units in each of these two plan years.
The Company disagreed with both the NMDU Fund’s determination that a partial withdrawal occurred and the methodology by which it calculated the withdrawal liability, and the parties engaged in arbitration proceedings to resolve the matter. In July 2017, the arbitrator issued a final award and opinion that supported the NMDU Fund’s determination that a partial withdrawal had occurred, and concluded that the methodology used to calculate the Initial Assessment was correct. However, the arbitrator also concluded that the NMDU Fund’s calculation of the Revised Assessment was incorrect. Both the Company and NMDU Fund challenged the arbitrator’s final award and opinion in federal district court. In March 2018, the court determined that a partial withdrawal had occurred, but supported the Company’s position that the NMDU Fund’s calculation of the withdrawal liability was improper. The Company has appealed the court’s decision with respect to the determination that a partial withdrawal had occurred, and the NMDU Fund has appealed the court’s decision with respect to the calculation of the withdrawal liability.
Due to requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 that sponsors make payments demanded by plans during arbitration and any resultant appeals, the Company had been making payments to the NMDU Fund since September 2013 relating to the Initial Assessment and February 2015 relating to the Revised Assessment based on the NMDU Fund’s demand. As a result, as of December 30, 2018, we have paid $18.9 million relating to the Initial Assessment since the receipt of the initial demand letter. We also paid approximately $5 million related to the Revised Assessment, which was refunded in July 2016 based on the arbitrator’s ruling. The Company recognized $0.3 million and $0.4 million of expense for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company recognized $10.7 million of expense (inclusive of a special item of $6.7 million) for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2016. The Company had a liability of $3.2 million as of December 30, 2018, related


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 111

to this matter. Management believes it is reasonably possible that the total loss in this matter could exceed the liability established by a range of zero to approximately $11 million.
NEMG T&G, Inc.
The Company was involved in class action litigation brought on behalf of individuals who, from 2006 to 2011, delivered newspapers at NEMG T&G, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“T&G”). T&G was a part of the New England Media Group, which the Company sold in 2013. The plaintiffs asserted several claims against T&G, including a challenge to their classification as independent contractors, and sought unspecified damages. In December 2016, the Company reached a settlement with respect to the claims, which was approved by the court in May 2017. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded charges of $0.7 million ($0.4 million after tax) and $3.7 million ($2.3 million after tax) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and December 25, 2016, respectively, within discontinued operations.
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. Although the Company cannot predict the outcome of these matters, it is possible that an unfavorable outcome in one or more matters could be material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows for an individual reporting period. However, based on currently available information, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, is likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.
Letter of Credit Commitments
We have issued letters of credit totaling $48.8 million and $56.0 million as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively, in connection with the leasing of floors in our headquarters building. The letters of credit will expire by 2020. Approximately $54 million and $63 million of marketable securities were reserved as collateral for the letters of credit, as of December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.
20. Subsequent Event
Quarterly Dividend
In February 2019, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.05 per share on our Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend is payable on April 18, 2019, to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 3, 2019. Our Board of Directors will continue to evaluate the appropriate dividend level on an ongoing basis in light of our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other relevant factors.



P. 112 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the Years Ended December 30, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 25, 2016:
(In thousands)
 
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 30, 2018
 
$
14,542

 
$
11,830

 
$
13,123

 
$
13,249

Year ended December 31, 2017
 
$
16,815

 
$
11,747

 
$
14,020

 
$
14,542

Year ended December 25, 2016
 
$
13,485

 
$
17,154

 
$
13,824

 
$
16,815

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 30, 2018
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Year ended December 31, 2017
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Year ended December 25, 2016
 
$
36,204

 
$
—

 
$
36,204

 
$
—

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


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 113

QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Quarterly financial information for each quarter in the years ended December 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017 is included in the following tables. See Note 14 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding discontinued operations.
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 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.
 
2018 Quarters
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
April 1,
2018

July 1,
2018

September 30,
2018

December 30,
2018

Full Year

 
(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(52 weeks)

Revenues
$
413,948

$
414,560

$
417,346

$
502,744

$
1,748,598

Operating costs
378,005

373,306

380,754

426,713

1,558,778

Headquarters redesign and consolidation(1)
1,888

1,252

—

1,364

4,504

Multiemployer pension and other contractual gain(2)
—

—

(4,851
)
—

(4,851
)
Operating profit
34,055

40,002

41,443

74,667

190,167

Other components of net periodic benefit costs
2,028

1,863

2,335

2,048

8,274

Gain/(loss) from joint ventures
15

(8
)
(16
)
10,773

10,764

Interest expense and other, net
4,877

4,536

4,026

3,127

16,566

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
27,165

33,595

35,066

80,265

176,091

Income tax expense 
5,251

9,999

10,092

23,289

48,631

Net income
21,914

23,596

24,974

56,976

127,460

Net (income)/loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(2
)
1

2

(1,777
)
(1,776
)
Net income attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
21,912

$
23,597

$
24,976

$
55,199

$
125,684

Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
21,912

$
23,597

$
24,976

$
55,199

$
125,684

Net income
$
21,912

$
23,597

$
24,976

$
55,199

$
125,684

Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
164,094

165,027

165,064

165,154

164,845

Diluted
166,237

166,899

166,966

167,249

166,939

Basic earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
0.13

$
0.14

$
0.15

$
0.33

$
0.76

Diluted earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
0.13

$
0.14

$
0.15

$
0.33

$
0.75

Dividends declared per share
$
0.04

$
0.04

$
0.04

$
0.04

$
0.16

(1) 
We recognized expenses related to the redesign and consolidation of space in our headquarters building.
(2) 
In the third quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a $4.9 million gain from a multiemployer pension plan liability adjustment.



P. 114 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

 
2017 Quarters
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
March 26,
2017

June 25,
2017

September 24, 2017

December 31, 2017

Full Year

 
(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(14 weeks)

(53 weeks)

Revenues
$
398,804

$
407,074

$
385,635

$
484,126

$
1,675,639

Operating costs(1)
368,587

378,613

351,273

394,805

1,493,278

Headquarters redesign and consolidation(2)
2,402

1,985

2,542

3,161

10,090

Multiemployer pension and other contractual gains(3)
—

—

—

(4,320
)
(4,320
)
Operating profit(1)
27,815

26,476

31,820

90,480

176,591

Other components of net periodic benefit (income)/costs(1)
(1,194
)
(1,193
)
(1,193
)
67,805

64,225

Gain/(loss) from joint ventures
173

(266
)
31,557

(12,823
)
18,641

Interest expense and other, net
5,325

5,133

4,660

4,665

19,783

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
23,857

22,270

59,910

5,187

111,224

Income tax expense(4)
10,742

6,711

23,420

63,083

103,956

Income/(loss) from continuing operations
13,115

15,559

36,490

(57,896
)
7,268

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

—

(488
)
57

(431
)
Net income/(loss)
13,115

15,559

36,002

(57,839
)
6,837

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
66

40

(3,673
)
1,026

(2,541
)
Net income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
$
13,181

$
15,599

$
32,329

$
(56,813
)
$
4,296

Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
13,181

$
15,599

$
32,817

$
(56,870
)
$
4,727

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

—

(488
)
57

(431
)
Net income/(loss)
$
13,181

$
15,599

$
32,329

$
(56,813
)
$
4,296

Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
161,402

161,787

162,173

162,311

161,926

Diluted
162,592

163,808

164,405

162,311

164,263

Basic earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
0.08

$
0.10

$
0.20

$
(0.35
)
$
0.03

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

—

—

—

—

Net income/(loss)
$
0.08

$
0.10

$
0.20

$
(0.35
)
$
0.03

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) from continuing operations
$
0.08

$
0.09

$
0.20

$
(0.35
)
$
0.03

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

—

—

—

—

Net income/(loss)
$
0.08

$
0.09

$
0.20

$
(0.35
)
$
0.03

Dividends declared per share
$
0.04

$
—

$
0.08

$
0.04

$
0.16

(1) 
As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of 2018, the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs/(income) from our pension and other postretirement benefits plans will continue to be presented within operating costs, while the other components of net periodic benefits costs/(income) such as interest cost, amortization of prior service credit and gains or losses from our pension and other postretirement benefits plans will be separately presented outside of “Operating costs” in the new line item “Other components of net periodic benefits costs/(income)”. The Company has recast the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the first, second, third and fourth quarter of 2017 to conform with the current period presentation. 
(2) 
We recognized expenses related to the redesign and consolidation of space in our headquarters building.
(3) 
In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a gain of $4.3 million in connection with the settlement of contractual funding obligation.
(4) 
We recorded a $68.7 million charge in the fourth quarter of 2017 primarily attributable to the remeasurement of our net deferred tax assets required as a result of tax legislation.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 115

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 30, 2018. 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 30, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.




P. 116 – 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 “Independence of Directors,” but only up to and including the section titled “Board Committees and Audit Committee Financial Experts,” “Board Committees” and “Nominating & Governance Committee” of our Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The Board of Directors has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. 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. We intend to post any amendments to or waivers from the code of ethics that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer on our website.
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 2019 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 “Principal Holders of Common Stock,” “Security Ownership of Management and Directors” and “The 1997 Trust” of our Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 117

Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table presents information regarding our existing equity compensation plans as of December 30, 2018.
Plan category
Number of securities to be issued upon
exercise of 
outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
 
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
 
Number of securities 
remaining
available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock-based awards
4,174,009

(1) 
$
9.40

(2) 
7,404,447

(3) 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
—

 
—

 
6,409,741

(4) 
Total
4,174,009

 
—

 
13,814,188

 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
None

 
None

 
None

 
(1) 
Includes (i) 1,388,288 shares of Class A stock to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding stock options granted under the 1991 Incentive Plan, the 2010 Incentive Plan, and the 2004 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan, at a weighted-average exercise price of $9.40 per share, and with a weighted-average remaining term of 2 years; (ii) 623,051 shares of Class A stock issuable upon the vesting of outstanding stock-settled restricted stock units granted under the 2010 Incentive Plan; (iii) 153,503 shares of Class A stock related to vested stock-settled restricted stock units granted under the 2010 Incentive Plan issuable to non-employee directors upon retirement from the Board; and (iv) 2,009,167, shares of Class A stock that would be issuable at maximum performance pursuant to outstanding stock-settled performance awards under the 2010 Incentive Plan. Under the terms of the performance awards, shares of Class A stock are to be issued at the end of three-year performance cycles based on the Company’s achievement against specified performance targets. The shares included in the table represent the maximum number of shares that would be issued under the outstanding performance awards; assuming target performance, the number of shares that would be issued under the outstanding performance awards is 1,004,584.
(2) 
Excludes shares of Class A stock issuable upon vesting of stock-settled restricted stock units and shares issuable pursuant to stock-settled performance awards.
(3) 
Includes shares of Class A stock available for future stock options to be granted under the 2010 Incentive Plan. As of December 30, 2018, the 2010 Incentive Plan had 7,404,447 shares of Class A stock remaining available for issuance upon the grant, exercise or other settlement of stock-based awards. Stock options granted under the 2010 Incentive Plan must provide for an exercise price of 100% of the fair market value (as defined in the 2010 Incentive Plan) on the date of grant. The 2004 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Incentive Plan terminated on April 30, 2014.
(4) 
Includes shares of Class A stock available for future issuance under the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). We have not had an offering under the ESPP since 2010.
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 — Independence of Directors” and “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance — Board Committees and Audit Committee Financial Experts” of our Proxy Statement for the 2019 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 3 — 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 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


P. 118 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

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 30, 2018
 
II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Separate financial statements of associated companies accounted for by the equity method are omitted in accordance with permission granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 3-13 of Regulation S-X.
(3) Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the accompanying index are filed as part of this report.




THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 119

 INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit numbers 10.18 through 10.26 are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
(3.1)
 
(3.2)
 
(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)
 
(10.1)
 
(10.2)
 
(10.3)
 
(10.4)
 
(10.5)
 
(10.6)
 
(10.7)
 
(10.8)
 
(10.9)
 
(10.10)
 
(10.11)
 
(10.12)
 
(10.13)
 
(10.14)
 


P. 120 – THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY

Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
(10.15)
 
(10.16)*
 
(10.17)*
 
(10.18)
 
(10.19)
 
(10.20)
 
(10.21)
 
(10.22)
 
(10.23)
 
(10.24)
 
(10.25)
 
(10.26)
 
(21)
 
(23.1)
 
(24)
 
Power of Attorney (included as part of signature page).
(31.1)
 
(31.2)
 
(32.1)
 
(32.2)
 
(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.
* Portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks) have been omitted and are subject to a confidential treatment order granted by the SEC pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 121

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, 2019
 
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
BY:
/s/ Roland A. Caputo
 
 
 
Roland A. Caputo
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
We, the undersigned directors and officers of The New York Times Company, hereby severally constitute Diane Brayton and Roland A. Caputo, 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/ Mark Thompson
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
(principal executive officer)
February 26, 2019
/s/ Roland A. Caputo
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
February 26, 2019
/s/ R. Anthony Benten
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Corporate Controller
(principal accounting officer)
February 26, 2019
/s/ A.G. Sulzberger
Publisher and Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ Arthur Sulzberger, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
February 26, 2019
/s/ Amanpal S. Bhutani
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ Robert E. Denham
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ Rachel Glaser
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ Hays N. Golden
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ Steven B. Green
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ Joichi Ito
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ James A. Kohlberg
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ Brian P. McAndrews
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ John W. Rogers, Jr.
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ Doreen Toben
Director
February 26, 2019
/s/ Rebecca Van Dyck
Director
February 26, 2019



THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY – P. 122