NYT 10-Q 6.24.2012


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 24, 2012
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, NEW YORK
(Address of principal executive offices)
10018
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 212-556-1234
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 x      No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   x     No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer  x
 
Accelerated filer  o
 
Non-accelerated filer  o 
 
Smaller reporting company  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes   o     No  x
Number of shares of each class of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of July 27, 2012 (exclusive of treasury shares):
 
Class A Common Stock
  
 
147,456,794

  shares
Class B Common Stock
  
 
818,385

  shares
 



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
 
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
 
(13 weeks)
 
(26 weeks)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
 
$
244,259

 
$
262,104

 
$
482,127

 
$
521,035

Circulation
 
233,291

 
215,388

 
460,285

 
422,316

Other
 
37,662

 
34,496

 
72,176

 
69,301

Total revenues
 
515,212

 
511,988

 
1,014,588

 
1,012,652

Operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
 
33,596

 
34,222

 
66,959

 
68,375

Wages and benefits
 
110,203

 
107,454

 
221,990

 
219,914

Other
 
68,899

 
68,172

 
136,941

 
136,565

Total production costs
 
212,698

 
209,848

 
425,890

 
424,854

Selling, general and administrative costs
 
226,223

 
230,595

 
460,501

 
464,661

Depreciation and amortization
 
25,183

 
26,600

 
57,473

 
52,273

Total operating costs
 
464,104

 
467,043

 
943,864

 
941,788

Impairment of assets
 
194,732

 
9,225

 
194,732

 
9,225

Pension withdrawal expense
 
—

 
4,228

 
—

 
4,228

Operating (loss)/profit
 
(143,624
)
 
31,492

 
(124,008
)
 
57,411

Gain on sale of investments
 
37,797

 
—

 
55,645

 
5,898

Impairment of investments
 
—

 
—

 
4,900

 
—

Income/(loss) from joint ventures
 
1,079

 
2,791

 
1,050

 
(2,958
)
Interest expense, net
 
15,464

 
25,152

 
30,916

 
49,743

(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
(120,212
)
 
9,131

 
(103,129
)
 
10,608

Income tax benefit/(expense)
 
36,541

 
(1,505
)
 
32,465

 
(909
)
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
 
(83,671
)
 
7,626

 
(70,664
)
 
9,699

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(4,505
)
 
(127,449
)
 
24,565

 
(124,296
)
Net loss
 
(88,176
)
 
(119,823
)
 
(46,099
)
 
(114,597
)
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
27

 
105

 
80

 
298

Net loss attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
(88,149
)
 
$
(119,718
)
 
$
(46,019
)

$
(114,299
)
Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
 
$
(83,644
)
 
$
7,731

 
$
(70,584
)
 
$
9,997

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(4,505
)
 
(127,449
)
 
24,565

 
(124,296
)
Net loss
 
$
(88,149
)
 
$
(119,718
)
 
$
(46,019
)
 
$
(114,299
)
Average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
148,005

 
147,176

 
147,936

 
146,976

Diluted
 
148,005

 
151,802

 
147,936

 
152,945

Basic (loss)/earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
 
$
(0.57
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
(0.48
)
 
$
0.07

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(0.03
)
 
(0.86
)
 
0.17

 
(0.85
)
Net loss
 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
(0.81
)
 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
(0.78
)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
 
$
(0.57
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
(0.48
)
 
$
0.06

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(0.03
)
 
(0.84
)
 
0.17

 
(0.81
)
Net loss
 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
(0.79
)
 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
(0.75
)
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
 
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
 
(13 weeks)
 
(26 weeks)
Net loss
 
$
(88,176
)
 
$
(119,823
)
 
$
(46,099
)
 
$
(114,597
)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, before tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(6,712
)
 
699

 
(4,399
)
 
8,444

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

 
—

 
1,143

 
77

Unrealized (loss)/gain on available-for-sale security
 
(3,425
)
 
—

 
3,589

 
—

Pension and postretirement benefits obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments related to pension and postretirement benefits obligation
 
—

 
—

 
(16,090
)
 
—

Amortization of unrecognized amounts included in pension and postretirement benefits obligation
 
5,888

 
4,030

 
11,771

 
8,643

Total pension and postretirement benefits obligation
 
5,888

 
4,030

 
(4,319
)
 
8,643

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, before tax
 
(4,249
)
 
4,729

 
(3,986
)
 
17,164

Income tax benefit/(expense)
 
1,618

 
(2,029
)
 
1,753

 
(6,981
)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
 
(2,631
)
 
2,700

 
(2,233
)
 
10,183

Comprehensive loss
 
(90,807
)
 
(117,123
)
 
(48,332
)
 
(104,414
)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
27

 
105

 
80

 
298

Comprehensive loss attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
(90,780
)
 
$
(117,018
)
 
$
(48,252
)
 
$
(104,116
)
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


3


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
June 24,
2012
 
December 25,
2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
290,292

 
$
175,151

Short-term investments
279,858

 
104,846

Restricted cash
24,341

 
27,628

Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $17,177 in 2012 and $17,412 in 2011)
227,932

 
261,805

Inventories:
 
 
 
Newsprint and magazine paper
13,589

 
14,567

Other inventory
2,817

 
3,213

Total inventories
16,406

 
17,780

Deferred income taxes
73,055

 
73,055

Other current assets
50,556

 
56,961

Assets held for sale
—

 
178,181

Total current assets
962,440

 
895,407

Other assets
 
 
 
Investments in joint ventures
43,541

 
82,019

Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $916,705 in 2012 and $868,798 in 2011)
896,093

 
938,903

Intangible assets acquired:
 
 
 
Goodwill (less accumulated impairment losses of $999,950 in 2012 and $805,218 in 2011)
291,294

 
488,894

Other intangible assets acquired (less accumulated amortization of $72,382 in 2012 and $69,952 in 2011)
14,793

 
17,285

Total intangible assets acquired
306,087

 
506,179

Deferred income taxes
348,101

 
280,283

Miscellaneous assets
160,544

 
180,659

Total assets
$
2,716,806

 
$
2,883,450

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


4


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS-(Continued)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
June 24,
2012
 
December 25,
2011
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
90,616

 
$
98,385

Accrued payroll and other related liabilities
81,920

 
112,024

Unexpired subscriptions
65,776

 
63,103

Accrued expenses
130,419

 
165,564

Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
74,995

 
74,900

Total current liabilities
443,726

 
513,976

Other liabilities
 
 
 
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations
700,820

 
698,220

Pension benefits obligation
848,669

 
880,504

Postretirement benefits obligation
101,397

 
104,192

Other
155,353

 
177,049

Total other liabilities
1,806,239

 
1,859,965

Stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
Common stock of $.10 par value:
 
 
 
Class A – authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued: 2012 – 150,085,772; 2011 – 150,007,446 (including treasury shares: 2012 – 2,836,305; 2011 – 2,979,786)
15,009

 
15,001

Class B – convertible – authorized and issued shares: 2012 – 818,385; 2011 – 818,885 (including treasury shares: 2012 – 0; 2011 – 0)
82

 
82

Additional paid-in capital
34,278

 
32,024

Retained earnings
1,040,606

 
1,086,625

Common stock held in treasury, at cost
(107,572
)
 
(110,974
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
8,286

 
10,928

Unrealized derivative loss on cash-flow hedge of equity method investment
—

 
(652
)
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale security
2,102

 
—

Funded status of benefit plans
(529,019
)
 
(526,674
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(518,631
)
 
(516,398
)
Total New York Times Company stockholders’ equity
463,772

 
506,360

Noncontrolling interest
3,069

 
3,149

Total stockholders’ equity
466,841

 
509,509

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,716,806

 
$
2,883,450

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


5


THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
For the Six Months Ended
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
(26 weeks)
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(46,099
)
 
$
(114,597
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Impairment of assets
194,732

 
161,318

Pension withdrawal expense
—

 
4,228

Gain on sale of investments
(55,645
)
 
(5,898
)
Impairment of investments
4,900

 
—

Loss on sale of Regional Media Group
4,717

 
—

Depreciation and amortization
57,811

 
58,195

Stock-based compensation expense
4,144

 
6,812

Undistributed loss of equity method investments–net of dividends
4,769

 
2,958

Long-term retirement benefit obligations
(20,253
)
 
(52,896
)
Other–net
4,934

 
6,323

Changes in operating assets and liabilities–net of dispositions:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable–net
35,954

 
43,625

Inventories
814

 
699

Other current assets
(3,085
)
 
1,853

Accounts payable and other liabilities
(116,700
)
 
(70,105
)
Unexpired subscriptions
2,878

 
2,646

Net cash provided by operating activities
73,871

 
45,161

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Purchases of short-term investments
(284,856
)
 
(259,724
)
Proceeds from sale of Regional Media Group
140,044

 
—

Maturities of short-term investments
109,844

 
64,961

Proceeds from sale of investments–net of purchases
92,525

 
5,475

Capital expenditures
(19,215
)
 
(23,449
)
Change in restricted cash
3,287

 
(28,628
)
Proceeds from the sale of assets
—

 
4,597

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
41,629

 
(236,768
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Long-term obligations:
 
 
 
Repayments
(280
)
 
(294
)
Capital shares:
 
 
 
Issuances
207

 
218

Net cash used in financing activities
(73
)
 
(76
)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
115,427

 
(191,683
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(286
)
 
466

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
175,151

 
369,668

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter
$
290,292

 
$
178,451

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

In the opinion of The New York Times Company’s (the “Company”) management, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 24, 2012, and December 25, 2011, and the results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods ended June 24, 2012, and June 26, 2011. The Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are referred to collectively as “we,” “us” or “our.” All adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included and are of a normal and recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The financial statements were prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim reporting. As permitted under those rules, certain notes or other financial information that are normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted from these interim financial statements. These financial statements, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2011. Due to the seasonal nature of our business, operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s operations. The fiscal periods included herein comprise 13 weeks for the second-quarter periods and 26 weeks for the full six-month periods.
 
For comparability, certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2012 presentation, specifically reclassifications related to a discontinued operation (see Note 12).

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

As of June 24, 2012, our significant accounting policies, which are detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2011, have not changed materially.

We report components of comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements consisting of an income statement followed by a separate statement of comprehensive income/(loss) in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standard Board’s amended guidance on the presentation of comprehensive income. The new guidance was effective for us in the first quarter of 2012.

NOTE 3. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

We have short-term investments, with original maturities of longer than 3 months, in U.S. Treasury securities and commercial paper as of June 24, 2012, and in U.S. Treasury securities as of December 25, 2011. Since we have the intention and ability to hold these investments to maturity, they are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at amortized cost.

The carrying value of the short-term investments was $279.9 million as of June 24, 2012, which included approximately $270 million in U.S. Treasury securities and approximately $10 million in commercial paper, and $104.8 million in U.S. Treasury securities as of December 25, 2011. The short-term investments have remaining maturities of about 1 month to 8 months as of June 24, 2012.

See Note 9 for information regarding the fair value of our short-term investments.


7
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)




NOTE 4. IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

About Group

Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment annually or in an interim period if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Our policy is to perform our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. However, due to certain impairment indicators at the About Group, we performed an interim impairment test as of June 24, 2012.

The interim impairment test resulted in a $194.7 million estimated non-cash charge in the second quarter of 2012 for the impairment of goodwill at the About Group. Any change to the estimate of the impairment charge will be recorded in the third quarter of 2012 when we complete the impairment test.

While we saw improvements in total advertising trends for the About Group in the second quarter of 2012 compared with first-quarter 2012 levels, our expectations for future operating results and cash flows in the long-term are lower than our previous estimates primarily driven by a reassessment of the sustainability of our estimated long-term growth rate for display advertising. The reduction in our estimated long-term growth rate resulted in the carrying value of the net assets being greater than their fair value, and therefore a write-down of goodwill to its fair value was required.

The fair value of the About Group’s goodwill was the residual fair value after allocating the total fair value of the About Group to its other assets, net of liabilities. See Note 9 for information regarding the fair value of goodwill.

Assets Held for Sale

In the second quarter of 2011, we classified certain assets as held for sale at The New York Times Media Group, primarily of Baseline, a leading online subscription database and research service for information on the film and television industries and a provider of premium film and television data to Web sites, which was part of the News Media Group reportable segment. The carrying value of these assets was greater than their fair value, less cost to sell, resulting in an impairment of certain intangible assets and property totaling $9.2 million. The impairment charge reduced the carrying value of intangible assets to $0 and the property to a nominal value. In October 2011, we completed the sale of Baseline, which resulted in a nominal gain.

NOTE 5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS ACQUIRED

The following tables display the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired as of June 24, 2012 and December 25, 2011.
The table below includes goodwill impaired during the second quarter of 2012 at the About Group (see Note 4).
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:

(In thousands)
 
News Media Group
 
About Group
 
Total
Balance as of December 25, 2011:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
$
926,836

 
$
367,276

 
$
1,294,112

Accumulated impairment losses
 
(805,218
)
 
—

 
(805,218
)
Balance as of December 25, 2011
 
121,618

 
367,276

 
488,894

Goodwill impaired during year
 
—

 
(194,732
)
 
(194,732
)
Foreign currency translation
 
(2,868
)
 
—

 
(2,868
)
Balance as of June 24, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
923,968

 
367,276

 
1,291,244

Accumulated impairment losses
 
(805,218
)
 
(194,732
)
 
(999,950
)
Balance as of June 24, 2012
 
$
118,750

 
$
172,544

 
$
291,294



8
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



Other intangible assets acquired were as follows:

 
 
June 24, 2012
 
December 25, 2011
(In thousands, except years)
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
 
Weighted Average Useful Life (Years)
Amortized other intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Content
 
$
21,384

 
$
(19,433
)
 
$
1,951

 
1
 
$
21,384

 
$
(18,133
)
 
$
3,251

 
1
Customer lists
 
23,341

 
(21,558
)
 
1,783

 
2
 
23,355

 
(20,796
)
 
2,559

 
2
Other
 
32,607

 
(31,391
)
 
1,216

 
5
 
32,657

 
(31,023
)
 
1,634

 
4
Total
 
$
77,332

 
$
(72,382
)
 
4,950

 
 
 
$
77,396

 
$
(69,952
)
 
7,444

 
 
Unamortized other intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade names
 
 
 
 
 
9,843

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9,841

 
 
Total other intangible assets acquired
 


 


 
$
14,793

 
 
 


 


 
$
17,285

 
 

Amortization expense related to other intangible assets acquired that are subject to amortization was $2.5 million in the first six months of 2012 and is expected to be $2.2 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2012.

Amortization expense for the next five years related to these intangible assets is expected to be as follows:

(In thousands)
 
Amount
2013
 
$
1,500

2014
 
560

2015
 
330

2016
 
250

2017
 
100


NOTE 6. INVESTMENTS

Equity Method Investments

As of June 24, 2012, our investments in joint ventures consisted of equity ownership interests in the following entities:

Company
 
Approximate %
Ownership
Metro Boston LLC
 
49
%
Donohue Malbaie Inc.
 
49
%
Madison Paper Industries
 
40
%
quadrantONE LLC
 
25
%

Cost Method Investments

In February 2012, we sold 100 of our units in Fenway Sports Group for an aggregate price of $30.0 million (pre-tax gain of $17.8 million in the first quarter of 2012) and in May 2012, we completed the sale of our remaining 210 units for an aggregate price of $63.0 million (pre-tax gain of $37.8 million in the second quarter of 2012). These sales resulted in a pre-tax gain of $55.6 million in 2012. Effective with the February 2012 sale, given our reduced ownership level and lack of influence on the operations of Fenway Sports Group, we changed the accounting for this investment from the equity method to the cost method in the first quarter of 2012. Therefore, starting in February 2012, we no longer recognized our proportionate share of the operating results of Fenway Sports Group in joint venture results in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.


9
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



In the first quarter of 2012, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $4.9 million to reduce the carrying value of certain investments to fair value. The impairment charge was primarily related to our investment in Ongo Inc., a consumer service for reading and sharing digital news and information from multiple publishers. See Note 9 for additional information regarding the fair value of these investments.

In the first quarter of 2011, we sold a minor portion of our interest in Indeed.com, a job listing aggregator, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $5.9 million. We retain a substantial portion of our initial interest in Indeed.com.

Available-for-Sale Security

In connection with the initial public offering of Brightcove, Inc. in the first quarter of 2012, changes in the fair value of our investment in Brightcove, Inc. (available-for-sale security) are recognized as unrealized gains or losses within “Miscellaneous assets” and “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 24, 2012, we recognized an unrealized gain of $3.6 million ($2.1 million after-tax). See Note 9 for additional information regarding the fair value of our investment in Brightcove, Inc.

NOTE 7. DEBT OBLIGATIONS
As of June 24, 2012, our current indebtedness included senior notes and a sale-leaseback of a portion of our New York headquarters. Our total debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
 
Coupon Rate
 
June 24,
2012
 
December 25,
2011
Senior notes due 2012
 
4.610
%
 
$
74,968

 
$
74,900

Senior notes due 2015
 
5.0
%
 
249,907

 
249,891

Senior notes due 2016
 
6.625
%
 
221,147

 
220,787

Option to repurchase ownership interest in headquarters building in 2019
 
 
 
222,674

 
220,861

Total debt
 
 
 
768,696

 
766,439

Capital lease obligations
 
 
 
7,119

 
6,681

Total debt and capital lease obligations
 
 
 
$
775,815

 
$
773,120

See Note 9 for information regarding the fair value of our long-term debt.
As of June 24, 2012, there were $0 outstanding borrowings under our $125.0 million asset-backed 5-year revolving credit facility.
Interest Expense, Net
“Interest expense, net” in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:
 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
Cash interest expense
 
$
14,434

 
$
23,215

 
$
28,796

 
$
46,168

Non-cash amortization of discount on debt
 
1,098

 
2,085

 
2,257

 
4,187

Capitalized interest
 
(7
)
 
(27
)
 
(14
)
 
(332
)
Interest income
 
(61
)
 
(121
)
 
(123
)
 
(280
)
Total interest expense, net
 
$
15,464

 
$
25,152

 
$
30,916

 
$
49,743



10
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



NOTE 8. OTHER

Severance Costs

We recognized severance costs of $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2012 and $7.1 million in the first six months of 2012. These costs were recognized at the News Media Group and Corporate and are recorded in “Selling, general and administrative costs” in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of June 24, 2012, we had a severance liability of approximately $12 million included in “Accrued expenses” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Accelerated Depreciation

In the first quarter of 2012, we recorded a $6.7 million charge for accelerated depreciation for certain assets at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette’s (“T&G”) facility in Millbury, Mass., associated with the consolidation of most of T&G’s printing into The Boston Globe’s (the “Globe”) facility in Boston, Mass., which was completed early in the second quarter of 2012.

NOTE 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 Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table summarizes our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 24, 2012:
(In thousands)
 
June 24, 2012
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2

Level 3
Available-for-sale security
 
$
10,591

 
$
10,591

 
$
—

 
$
—

Certain financial assets are valued using market prices on the active markets. Level 1 instrument valuations are obtained from real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets. In the first quarter of 2012, the common stock of Brightcove, Inc. (available-for-sale security) began to trade on an active market (see Note 6).

11
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
Certain non-financial assets, such as goodwill, other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and certain investments, are only recorded at fair value if an impairment charge is recognized. The following table presents non-financial assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis and the impairment loss recorded during 2012 on those assets:
(In thousands)
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value Measured and Recorded Using
 
Impairment Losses
 
as of June 24, 2012
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
2012
Goodwill
 
$
172,544

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
172,544

 
$
194,732

Cost method investments
 
$
600

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
600

 
$
4,900

The impairment charge in the second quarter of 2012 was related to goodwill at the About Group (see Note 4). The total fair value of the About Group was determined using a discounted cash flow model (present value of future cash flows). We estimated a 3.5% annual growth rate to arrive at a residual year representing the perpetual cash flows of the About Group. The residual year cash flow was capitalized to arrive at the terminal value of the About Group. Utilizing a discount rate of 15.0%, the present value of the cash flows during the projection period and terminal value were aggregated to estimate the fair value of the About Group. In our 2011 annual impairment test, we had assumed a 5.0% annual growth rate and a 13.8% discount rate. In determining the appropriate discount rate, we considered the weighted-average cost of capital for comparable companies.
The impairment charge in the first quarter of 2012, which was primarily related to our investment in Ongo Inc., was due to events that reduced the fair value of our investments (see Note 6). We determined the fair value of these investments using the market and income approaches. The market approach includes the use of financial metrics and ratios of comparable companies. The income approach includes the use of a discounted cash flow model.
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Recorded, at Fair Value
Our short-term investments, which include U.S. Treasury securities and commercial paper, are recorded at amortized cost (see Note 3). As of June 24, 2012 and December 25, 2011, the amortized cost approximated fair value because of the short-term maturity and highly liquid nature of these investments. We classified these investments as Level 2 since the fair value estimates are based on market observable inputs for investments with similar terms and maturities.
The carrying value of our long-term debt was approximately $694 million as of June 24, 2012 and $692 million as of December 25, 2011. The fair value of our long-term debt was approximately $824 million as of June 24, 2012 and $800 million as of December 25, 2011. We estimate the fair value of our debt utilizing market quotations for debt that have quoted prices in active markets. Since our debt does not trade on a daily basis in an active market, the fair value estimates are based on market observable inputs based on borrowing rates currently available for debt with similar terms and average maturities (Level 2).


12
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



NOTE 10. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

Pension

Single-Employer Plans
The components of net periodic pension cost of all Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans and The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan, a joint Company and Guild-sponsored plan, were as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
 
June 24, 2012
 
June 26, 2011
(In thousands)
 
Qualified
Plans
 
Non-
Qualified
Plans
 
All Plans
 
Qualified
Plans
 
Non-
Qualified
Plans
 
All Plans
Service cost
 
$
2,894

 
$
377

 
$
3,271

 
$
3,019

 
$
377

 
$
3,396

Interest cost
 
24,130

 
3,165

 
27,295

 
24,998

 
3,286

 
28,284

Expected return on plan assets
 
(29,614
)
 
—

 
(29,614
)
 
(27,953
)
 
—

 
(27,953
)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
201

 
—

 
201

 
201

 
—

 
201

Recognized actuarial loss
 
7,471

 
1,162

 
8,633

 
6,445

 
804

 
7,249

Net periodic pension cost
 
$
5,082

 
$
4,704

 
$
9,786

 
$
6,710

 
$
4,467

 
$
11,177


 
 
For the Six Months Ended
 
 
June 24, 2012
 
June 26, 2011
(In thousands)
 
Qualified
Plans
 
Non-
Qualified
Plans
 
All Plans
 
Qualified
Plans
 
Non-
Qualified
Plans
 
All Plans
Service cost
 
$
5,901

 
$
754

 
$
6,655

 
$
6,038

 
$
754

 
$
6,792

Interest cost
 
48,317

 
6,330

 
54,647

 
49,996

 
6,572

 
56,568

Expected return on plan assets
 
(59,191
)
 
—

 
(59,191
)
 
(55,906
)
 
—

 
(55,906
)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
402

 
—

 
402

 
402

 
—

 
402

Recognized actuarial loss
 
14,937

 
2,324

 
17,261

 
12,890

 
1,608

 
14,498

Net periodic pension cost
 
$
10,366

 
$
9,408

 
$
19,774

 
$
13,420

 
$
8,934

 
$
22,354


Pursuant to an amendment to a collective bargaining agreement covering the mailers of The New York Times (“The Times”), we froze such mailers’ benefit accruals under a Company-sponsored pension plan. This resulted in a remeasurement and curtailment of the pension plan in the first quarter of 2012, which reduced the underfunded status of the plan by approximately $3 million. This amount is recognized within “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 24, 2012.

In 2012, we expect to make mandatory contributions of approximately $47 million (of which approximately $24 million was made in the first six months of 2012), primarily contractual contributions to The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan. In addition to contractual contributions to The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan and our minimum funding requirements, we may make discretionary contributions in 2012 to our Company-sponsored qualified pension plans depending on cash flows, pension asset performance, interest rates and other factors.

Multiemployer Plans
In the second quarter of 2011, certain employees of the Globe represented by a union ratified amendments to their collective bargaining agreement, which resulted in a partial withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan. We recorded an estimated $4.2 million charge related to our withdrawal obligation under this multiemployer pension plan.


13
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



Other Postretirement Benefits

The components of net periodic postretirement benefit income were as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
Service cost
 
$
239

 
$
290

 
$
478

 
$
580

Interest cost
 
1,246

 
1,825

 
2,492

 
3,650

Amortization of prior service credit
 
(3,778
)
 
(3,901
)
 
(7,556
)
 
(7,802
)
Recognized actuarial loss
 
832

 
481

 
1,664

 
962

Curtailment gain
 
—

 
—

 
(27,213
)
 
—

Net periodic postretirement benefit income
 
$
(1,461
)
 
$
(1,305
)
 
$
(30,135
)
 
$
(2,610
)

In the first quarter of 2012, we sold the Regional Media Group (see Note 12). The sale significantly reduced the expected years of future service for current employees, resulting in a remeasurement and curtailment of a postretirement benefit plan. We recognized a curtailment gain of $27.2 million in the first quarter of 2012. The curtailment gain is included in the gain on the sale within “(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
NOTE 11. INCOME TAXES

We had an income tax benefit of $36.5 million (effective tax rate of 30.4%) in the second quarter of 2012 and an income tax benefit of $32.5 million (effective tax rate of 31.5%) in the first six months of 2012. A lower tax rate applied to the charge for the impairment of goodwill at the About Group and the size of the charge relative to our total pre-tax loss from continuing operations had an unfavorable impact on the effective tax rate in both periods.

We had an effective tax rate of 16.5% in the second quarter of 2011 and 8.6% in the first six months of 2011. The effective tax rate for the second quarter and first six months of 2011 was favorably impacted by adjustments to reduce our reserve for uncertain tax positions and state law changes.

NOTE 12. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On January 6, 2012, we completed the sale of the Regional Media Group, consisting of 16 regional newspapers, other print publications and related businesses, to Halifax Media Holdings LLC for approximately $140 million in cash. The net after-tax proceeds from the sale, including a tax benefit, were approximately $150 million, which we are using for general corporate purposes. The sale resulted in an after-tax gain of $25.7 million (including post-closing adjustments recorded in the second quarter of 2012 totaling $4.5 million).

The results for the Regional Media Group, which had previously been included in the News Media Group reportable segment, have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.


14
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Regional Media Group presented as discontinued operations.

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
Revenues
 
$
—

 
$
64,714

 
$
6,115

 
$
130,554

Total operating costs
 
—

 
58,190

 
8,017

 
118,875

Impairment of goodwill
 
—

 
152,093

 
—

 
152,093

Pre-tax loss
 
—

 
(145,569
)
 
(1,902
)
 
(140,414
)
Income tax benefit(1)
 
—

 
18,120

 
736

 
16,118

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
(127,449
)
 
(1,166
)
 
(124,296
)
(Loss)/gain on sale, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss on sale
 
(7,026
)
 
—

 
(4,717
)
 
—

Income tax benefit(2)
 
2,521

 
—

 
30,448

 
—

(Loss)/gain on sale, net of income taxes
 
(4,505
)
 
—

 
25,731

 
—

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
$
(4,505
)
 
$
(127,449
)
 
$
24,565

 
$
(124,296
)
(1) The income tax benefit in 2011 was unfavorably impacted because a portion of the goodwill impairment was non-deductible.
(2) The income tax benefit for the first six months of 2012 includes a tax deduction for goodwill triggered upon the sale.

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities held for sale as of December 25, 2011.

(In thousands)
 
December 25,
2011
Accounts receivable, net
 
$
26,550

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
146,287

Other assets
 
5,344

Total assets
 
178,181

Total liabilities(1)
 
19,568

Net assets
 
$
158,613

(1) Included in “Accrued expenses” in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 25, 2011.


15
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



NOTE 13. (LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share have been computed as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
Amounts attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
 
$
(83,644
)
 
$
7,731

 
$
(70,584
)
 
$
9,997

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(4,505
)
 
(127,449
)
 
24,565

 
(124,296
)
Net loss
 
$
(88,149
)
 
$
(119,718
)
 
$
(46,019
)
 
$
(114,299
)
Average number of common shares outstanding–Basic
 
148,005

 
147,176

 
147,936

 
146,976

Incremental shares for assumed exercise of securities
 
—

 
4,626

 
—

 
5,969

Average number of common shares outstanding–Diluted
 
148,005

 
151,802

 
147,936

 
152,945

Basic (loss)/earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
 
$
(0.57
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
(0.48
)
 
$
0.07

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(0.03
)
 
(0.86
)
 
0.17

 
(0.85
)
Net loss–Basic
 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
(0.81
)
 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
(0.78
)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
 
$
(0.57
)
 
$
0.05

 
$
(0.48
)
 
$
0.06

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(0.03
)
 
(0.84
)
 
0.17

 
(0.81
)
Net loss–Diluted
 
$
(0.60
)
 
$
(0.79
)
 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
(0.75
)

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 and warrants could have the most significant impact on diluted shares.

Securities that could potentially be dilutive are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share when a loss from continuing operations exists or when the exercise price exceeds the market value of our Class A common stock, because their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts.

The number of stock options that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, because they were anti-dilutive, were approximately 18 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2012 and approximately 20 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2011.

A total of 15.9 million warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share in the second quarter and first six months of 2012 because they were anti-dilutive.


16
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



NOTE 14. SUPPLEMENTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY INFORMATION

Stockholders’ equity is summarized as follows:
 
(In thousands)
 
Total New York Times Company Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interest
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance as of December 25, 2011
 
$
506,360

 
$
3,149

 
$
509,509

Net loss
 
(46,019
)
 
(80
)
 
(46,099
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
(2,233
)
 
—

 
(2,233
)
Effect of issuance of shares
 
1,057

 
—

 
1,057

Stock-based compensation
 
4,607

 
—

 
4,607

Balance as of June 24, 2012
 
$
463,772

 
$
3,069

 
$
466,841

 
(In thousands)
 
Total New York Times Company Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interest
 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance as of December 26, 2010
 
$
659,927

 
$
4,149

 
$
664,076

Net loss
 
(114,299
)
 
(298
)
 
(114,597
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
10,183

 
—

 
10,183

Effect of issuance of shares
 
5,762

 
—

 
5,762

Stock-based compensation
 
7,955

 
—

 
7,955

Balance as of June 26, 2011
 
$
569,528

 
$
3,851

 
$
573,379



17
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



NOTE 15. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our reportable segments consist of the News Media Group and the About Group. These segments are evaluated regularly by key management in assessing performance and allocating resources.

Below is a description of our reportable segments:

News Media Group

The News Media Group consists of The New York Times Media Group, which includes The Times, the International Herald Tribune, NYTimes.com, and related businesses; and the New England Media Group, which includes the Globe, BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, the T&G, Telegram.com, and related businesses.

About Group

The About Group consists of About.com, ConsumerSearch.com, CalorieCount.com and related businesses.

Our Statements of Operations by segment and Corporate were as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
News Media Group
 
$
489,802

 
$
484,144

 
$
965,234

 
$
953,666

About Group
 
25,410

 
27,844

 
49,354

 
58,986

Total
 
$
515,212

 
$
511,988

 
$
1,014,588

 
$
1,012,652

Operating profit/(loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
News Media Group(1)
 
$
52,211

 
$
29,422

 
$
75,285

 
$
55,298

About Group(2)
 
(186,827
)
 
11,475

 
(179,831
)
 
25,622

Corporate
 
(9,008
)
 
(9,405
)
 
(19,462
)
 
(23,509
)
Total
 
$
(143,624
)
 
$
31,492

 
$
(124,008
)
 
$
57,411

Gain on sale of investments
 
37,797

 
—

 
55,645

 
5,898

Impairment of investments
 
—

 
—

 
4,900

 
—

Income/(loss) from joint ventures
 
1,079

 
2,791

 
1,050

 
(2,958
)
Interest expense, net
 
15,464

 
25,152

 
30,916

 
49,743

(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
(120,212
)
 
9,131

 
(103,129
)
 
10,608

Income tax benefit/(expense)
 
36,541

 
(1,505
)
 
32,465

 
(909
)
(Loss)/income from continuing operations
 
(83,671
)
 
7,626

 
(70,664
)
 
9,699

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(4,505
)
 
(127,449
)
 
24,565

 
(124,296
)
Net loss
 
(88,176
)
 
(119,823
)
 
(46,099
)
 
(114,597
)
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
27

 
105

 
80

 
298

Net loss attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
(88,149
)
 
$
(119,718
)
 
$
(46,019
)
 
$
(114,299
)
(1) In the first quarter of 2012, we recorded a $6.7 million charge for accelerated depreciation for certain assets at the T&G’s facility in Millbury, Mass., associated with the consolidation of most of T&G’s printing into the Globe’s facility in Boston, Mass., which was completed early in the second quarter of 2012. In the second quarter of 2011, we recorded a $9.2 million impairment charge for certain assets held for sale at The New York Times Media Group, and a $4.2 million charge for a pension withdrawal obligation under a multiemployer pension plan at the Globe, which are both part of the News Media Group reportable segment.
(2) In the second quarter of 2012, we recorded a $194.7 million estimated non-cash impairment charge for goodwill at the About Group.

18
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



NOTE 16. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Restricted Cash

We were required to maintain $24.3 million of restricted cash as of June 24, 2012 subject to certain collateral requirements primarily for obligations under our workers’ compensation programs.

Other

There are various legal actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and are now pending against us. These actions are generally for amounts greatly in excess of the payments, if any, that may be required to be made. It is the opinion of management after reviewing these actions with our legal counsel that the ultimate liability that might result from these actions would not have a material adverse effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


19


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

We are a leading global, multimedia news and information company that currently includes newspapers, digital businesses, investments in paper mills and other investments. We classify our businesses based on our operating strategies into two reportable segments, the News Media Group and the About Group. Our segments and divisions are:
News Media Group (consisting of The New York Times Media Group, which includes The New York Times (“The Times”), the International Herald Tribune (the “IHT”), NYTimes.com, and related businesses; and the New England Media Group, which includes The Boston Globe (the “Globe”), BostonGlobe.com, Boston.com, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette (the “T&G”), Telegram.com, and related businesses. The News Media Group generates revenues principally from advertising and circulation. Other revenues primarily consist of revenues from news services/syndication, commercial printing, rental income, digital archives and direct mail advertising services. The News Media Group’s main operating costs are employee-related costs and raw materials, primarily newsprint.
About Group (consisting of About.com, ConsumerSearch.com, CalorieCount.com and related businesses). The About Group generates revenues through cost-per-click advertising (sponsored links for which the About Group is paid when a user clicks on the ad), display advertising and e-commerce (including sales lead generation). Almost all of its revenues (95% in the first six months of 2012) are derived from the sale of cost-per-click and display advertising. Cost-per-click advertising accounted for 57% of the About Group’s total advertising revenues in the first six months of 2012. The About Group’s main operating costs are employee-related costs and content and hosting costs.
Joint Ventures Our investments accounted for under the equity method are as follows:
▪
a 49% interest in Metro Boston LLC, which publishes a free daily newspaper in the greater Boston area;
▪
a 49% interest in a Canadian newsprint company, Donohue Malbaie Inc.;
▪
a 40% interest in a partnership, Madison Paper Industries, operating a supercalendered paper mill in Maine; and
▪
a 25% interest in quadrantONE LLC, an online advertising network that sells bundled premium, targeted display advertising onto local newspaper and other Web sites.
During the second quarter and first six months of 2012, total revenues increased 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively, compared with the same prior-year periods, driven primarily by growth in circulation revenues, offset by declines in advertising revenues.
The advertising marketplace remained challenging. Total advertising revenues declined in the second quarter of 2012, although the rate of decline moderated from the level experienced in the first quarter of 2012, due primarily to improved digital advertising revenue trends at the About Group. Compared with the prior-year periods, total advertising revenues decreased 6.8% and 7.5% in the second quarter and first six months of 2012, respectively, as both print and digital advertising revenues experienced declines. Print advertising revenues decreased 8.0% and 7.6% in the second quarter and first six months of 2012, respectively. Digital advertising revenues decreased 4.0% and 7.2% in the second quarter and first six months of 2012, respectively. We expect total advertising revenue trends in the third quarter of 2012 to improve from second-quarter 2012 levels due to better digital advertising performance across our Company.
At the News Media Group, advertising revenues decreased 6.6% in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the same prior-year period, due to an 8.0% reduction in print advertising revenues and a 1.6% decline in digital advertising revenues, which were similar to the trends experienced in the first quarter of 2012. Compared with the same prior-year period, advertising revenues decreased 6.3% in the first six months of 2012, due to a 7.6% reduction in print advertising revenues and a 1.9% decline in digital advertising revenues. Digital advertising revenue trends at the News Media Group in the second quarter of 2012 improved compared with first-quarter 2012 levels, but digital advertising continued to experience pressure due to a decrease in spending, particularly in the technology category at The New York Times Media Group, and market factors including the weak economic climate and an increasingly competitive landscape.
About Group advertising revenues decreased 8.9% in the second quarter and 16.7% in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year periods, mainly due to lower display and cost-per-click advertising revenues, although trends improved compared with first-quarter levels particularly for cost-per-click advertising. On the display side, the About Group continues to face competition and an uneven economic environment, although it has made progress in the rebuilding of About.com’s sales team. While total display advertising revenues declined 14% in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the same prior-year period, the rate of decline for display advertising revenues moderated from first-quarter levels. Compared with the prior-year period, cost-per-click advertising revenues declined 5% in the second quarter of 2012, reflecting lower click-through rates. This decline reflected a moderation from first-quarter 2012 declines as a result of modest growth in page views and cost-per-click advertising rates. We expect cost-per-click advertising in the third quarter of 2012 to benefit from cycling through a Google algorithm change that negatively affected ConsumerSearch’s traffic beginning in July 2011. Although, as discussed further below, we recorded a non-cash charge with respect to the About Group in the second quarter of

20


2012, the Group continues to execute on its turnaround strategy and we expect its performance to meaningfully improve in the second half of 2012, with display advertising and cost-per-click advertising revenues projected to return to positive growth.
Our results for the second quarter and first six months of 2012 reflect strong growth in circulation revenues as we continue to execute on our digital strategy, expanding our digital subscription base and further developing this consumer revenue stream. Compared with the prior-year periods, circulation revenues increased 8.3% and 9.0% in the second quarter and first six months of 2012, respectively, mainly as the addition of digital subscription offerings and the increase in home-delivery and weekday single-copy prices in January 2012 at The Times offset a decline in print copies sold across the News Media Group. We expect circulation revenues to increase in the mid- to high-single digits in the third quarter of 2012 because of growth in digital subscriptions as well as from the print price increases implemented earlier in 2012.
Paid subscribers to digital subscription packages, e-readers and replica editions of The Times and the IHT totaled approximately 509,000 as of the end of the second quarter of 2012, an increase of approximately 12% since March 18, 2012, which was the one-year anniversary of NYTimes.com’s digital subscription launch. Paid digital subscribers to BostonGlobe.com and the Globe’s e-readers and replica editions totaled approximately 23,000 as of the end of the second quarter of 2012, an increase of approximately 28% since March 18, 2012. In total, paid subscribers to our digital products across our Company were approximately 532,000 as of the end of the second quarter of 2012. Although in March 2012 we cycled past the first full year of digital subscription packages at The Times, we believe there is more opportunity for further growth in this revenue stream and our subscriber count.
Operating costs decreased 0.6% in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011 primarily due to lower professional fees and distribution costs, offset in part by higher compensation and various other costs. Operating costs increased 0.2% in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year period primarily due to higher compensation costs, depreciation and amortization expense, severance costs, content costs and various other costs offset in part by lower benefits expense, professional fees and outside printing costs. Our cost management efforts are focused on balancing our investments to support our digital and journalistic initiatives, while finding additional cost efficiencies across the organization. We expect operating costs to increase in the low- to mid-single digits in the third quarter of 2012. We plan to continue to invest in our digital capabilities and subscription acquisition efforts and in the About Group’s sales and marketing initiatives. We expect higher production costs from new commercial printing activity at the New England Media Group and higher variable compensation costs. We expect these costs to be partially offset by cost savings in our production and distribution operations, reduced support functions and the further leveraging of our centralized processes and resources.
Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were approximately $570 million as of June 24, 2012, an improvement of approximately $290 million since the end of 2011, largely due to the proceeds from the sales of the Regional Media Group and our interest in Fenway Sports Group, as well as cash flows from operations. Two priorities for cash remain managing the underfunded levels of our pension plans and paying off our $75.0 million 4.610% senior notes due at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2012. As of June 24, 2012, our total debt and capital lease obligations were approximately $776 million and our total debt and capital lease obligations, net of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, or “net debt,” were approximately $206 million. We believe net debt provides a useful measure of our liquidity and overall debt position. As of June 24, 2012, we had no outstanding borrowings under our $125.0 million asset-backed five-year revolving credit facility. See the “Recent Developments” section for additional information on the sales of the Regional Media Group in the first quarter of 2012 and our ownership interest in Fenway Sports Group during the first six months of 2012.
We expect the following on a pre-tax basis in 2012:
▪
Results from joint ventures: $6 to $8 million,
▪
Depreciation and amortization: $105 to $110 million,
▪
Interest expense, net: $60 to $65 million, and
▪
Capital expenditures: approximately $50 million.


21


RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Impairment of Assets
In the second quarter of 2012, we recorded an estimated $194.7 million non-cash impairment charge for goodwill at the About Group. While total advertising revenue trends for the About Group improved in the second quarter of 2012 compared with first-quarter levels and we expect to build on that progress in the second half of 2012, we have reduced our long-term display advertising growth and profitability assumptions for the About Group, which led to the impairment charge in the second quarter of 2012. See “Results of Operations – Other Items – Impairment of Assets” for additional information.
Gain on Sale of Investments
In February 2012, we sold 100 of our units in Fenway Sports Group for an aggregate price of $30.0 million (pre-tax gain of $17.8 million in the first quarter of 2012) and in May 2012, we completed the sale of our remaining 210 units for an aggregate price of $63.0 million (pre-tax gain of $37.8 million in the second quarter of 2012). These sales resulted in a pre-tax gain of $55.6 million in 2012.
Sale of Regional Media Group – Discontinued Operations

On January 6, 2012, we completed the sale of the Regional Media Group, consisting of 16 regional newspapers, other print publications and related businesses, to Halifax Media Holdings LLC for approximately $140 million in cash. The net after-tax proceeds from the sale, including a tax benefit, were approximately $150 million, which we are using for general corporate purposes. The sale resulted in an after-tax gain of $25.7 million (including post-closing adjustments recorded in the second quarter of 2012 totaling $4.5 million).

The results for the Regional Media Group, which had previously been included in the News Media Group reportable segment, have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Accelerated Depreciation
In the first quarter of 2012, we recorded a $6.7 million charge for accelerated depreciation for certain assets at the T&G’s facility in Millbury, Mass., associated with the consolidation of most of T&G’s printing into the Globe’s facility in Boston, Mass., which was completed early in the second quarter of 2012.
Impairment of Investments
In the first quarter of 2012, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $4.9 million to reduce the carrying value of certain investments to fair value. The impairment charge was primarily related to our investment in Ongo Inc., a consumer service for reading and sharing digital news and information from multiple publishers.






22


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table presents our consolidated financial results.
 
 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
 
$
244,259

 
$
262,104

 
(6.8
)
 
$
482,127

 
$
521,035

 
(7.5
)
Circulation
 
233,291

 
215,388

 
8.3

 
460,285

 
422,316

 
9.0

Other
 
37,662

 
34,496

 
9.2

 
72,176

 
69,301

 
4.1

Total revenues
 
515,212

 
511,988

 
0.6

 
1,014,588

 
1,012,652

 
0.2

Operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
 
33,596

 
34,222

 
(1.8
)
 
66,959

 
68,375

 
(2.1
)
Wages and benefits
 
110,203

 
107,454

 
2.6

 
221,990

 
219,914

 
0.9

Other
 
68,899

 
68,172

 
1.1

 
136,941

 
136,565

 
0.3

Total production costs
 
212,698

 
209,848

 
1.4

 
425,890

 
424,854

 
0.2

Selling, general and administrative costs
 
226,223

 
230,595

 
(1.9
)
 
460,501

 
464,661

 
(0.9
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
25,183

 
26,600

 
(5.3
)
 
57,473

 
52,273

 
9.9

Total operating costs
 
464,104

 
467,043

 
(0.6
)
 
943,864

 
941,788

 
0.2

Impairment of assets
 
194,732

 
9,225

 
*

 
194,732

 
9,225

 
*

Pension withdrawal expense
 
—

 
4,228

 
N/A

 
—

 
4,228

 
N/A

Operating (loss)/profit
 
(143,624
)
 
31,492

 
*

 
(124,008
)
 
57,411

 
*

Gain on sale of investments
 
37,797

 
—

 
N/A

 
55,645

 
5,898

 
*

Impairment of investments
 
—

 
—

 
N/A

 
4,900

 
—

 
N/A

Income/(loss) from joint ventures
 
1,079

 
2,791

 
(61.3
)
 
1,050

 
(2,958
)
 
*

Interest expense, net
 
15,464

 
25,152

 
(38.5
)
 
30,916

 
49,743

 
(37.8
)
(Loss)/income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
(120,212
)
 
9,131

 
*

 
(103,129
)
 
10,608

 
*

Income tax benefit/(expense)
 
36,541

 
(1,505
)
 
*

 
32,465

 
(909
)
 
*

(Loss)/income from continuing operations
 
(83,671
)
 
7,626

 
*

 
(70,664
)
 
9,699

 
*

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
(4,505
)
 
(127,449
)
 
(96.5
)
 
24,565

 
(124,296
)
 
*

Net loss
 
(88,176
)
 
(119,823
)
 
(26.4
)
 
(46,099
)
 
(114,597
)
 
(59.8
)
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
27

 
105

 
(74.3
)
 
80

 
298

 
(73.2
)
Net loss attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders
 
$
(88,149
)
 
$
(119,718
)
 
(26.4
)
 
$
(46,019
)
 
$
(114,299
)
 
(59.7
)
* Represents an increase or decrease in excess of 100%.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Revenues

Revenues by reportable segment and for the Company as a whole were as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
News Media Group
 
$
489,802

 
$
484,144

 
1.2

 
$
965,234

 
$
953,666

 
1.2

About Group
 
25,410

 
27,844

 
(8.7
)
 
49,354

 
58,986

 
(16.3
)
Total revenues
 
$
515,212

 
$
511,988

 
0.6

 
$
1,014,588

 
$
1,012,652

 
0.2


23


News Media Group

Advertising, circulation and other revenues by division of the News Media Group and for the Group as a whole were as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
The New York Times Media Group
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
 
$
171,129

 
$
183,850

 
(6.9
)
 
$
344,488

 
$
365,396

 
(5.7
)
Circulation
 
194,208

 
175,528

 
10.6

 
384,175

 
343,890

 
11.7

Other
 
22,503

 
22,284

 
1.0

 
43,226

 
45,479

 
(5.0
)
Total
 
$
387,840

 
$
381,662

 
1.6

 
$
771,889

 
$
754,765

 
2.3

New England Media Group
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
Advertising
 
$
49,099

 
$
51,869

 
(5.3
)
 
$
90,974

 
$
99,588

 
(8.6
)
Circulation
 
39,083

 
39,860

 
(1.9
)
 
76,110

 
78,426

 
(3.0
)
Other
 
13,780

 
10,753

 
28.2

 
26,261

 
20,887

 
25.7

Total
 
$
101,962

 
$
102,482

 
(0.5
)
 
$
193,345

 
$
198,901

 
(2.8
)
Total News Media Group
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
 
$
220,228

 
$
235,719

 
(6.6
)
 
$
435,462

 
$
464,984

 
(6.3
)
Circulation
 
233,291

 
215,388

 
8.3

 
460,285

 
422,316

 
9.0

Other
 
36,283

 
33,037

 
9.8

 
69,487

 
66,366

 
4.7

Total
 
$
489,802

 
$
484,144

 
1.2

 
$
965,234

 
$
953,666

 
1.2


Advertising Revenues
Advertising revenues are primarily determined by the volume, rate and mix of advertisements. Advertising spending, which drives a significant portion of revenues, is susceptible to economic conditions and the ongoing transformation in our industry. During the second quarter and first six months of 2012, the advertising marketplace remained challenging as advertisers continued to exercise caution due in part to macroeconomic conditions. Changes in spending patterns and marketing strategies of our advertisers in response to such conditions and alternative digital advertising platforms contributed to declines in both our print and digital advertising revenues during the second quarter and first six months of 2012. Overall, total advertising revenue trends in the second quarter of 2012 were similar to the first quarter of 2012, as print advertising revenue trends worsened and digital advertising trends improved compared with first-quarter 2012 levels. During the second quarter of 2012, total advertising revenues were volatile month to month, down 6.0% in April, 1.3% in May and 12.6% in June, compared with the same prior-year periods.
Total News Media Group advertising revenues decreased 6.6% in the second quarter of 2012 and 6.3% in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year periods due to lower print and digital advertising revenues across most advertising categories. Print advertising revenues, which represented approximately 77% of total advertising revenues for the News Media Group, declined 8.0% in the second quarter of 2012 and 7.6% in the first six months of 2012, mainly due to lower national display and real estate classified advertising revenues, compared with the same prior-year periods. Digital advertising revenues declined 1.6% in the second quarter of 2012 and 1.9% in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year periods, primarily due to declines in national display and real estate classified advertising revenues partially offset by higher retail advertising revenues during the second quarter of 2012.


24


Advertising revenues (print and digital) by category for the News Media Group were as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
National
 
$
147,486

 
$
157,113

 
(6.1
)
 
$
292,883

 
$
311,781

 
(6.1
)
Retail
 
35,971

 
36,996

 
(2.8
)
 
70,272

 
71,584

 
(1.8
)
Classified
 
30,484

 
34,542

 
(11.7
)
 
60,777

 
68,215

 
(10.9
)
Other
 
6,287

 
7,068

 
(11.0
)
 
11,530

 
13,404

 
(14.0
)
Total
 
$
220,228

 
$
235,719

 
(6.6
)
 
$
435,462

 
$
464,984

 
(6.3
)

Below is a percentage breakdown of advertising revenues in the first six months of 2012 (print and digital) by division.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Classified
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National
 
Retail
and
Preprint
 
Help-
Wanted
 
Real
Estate
 
Auto-
motive
 
Other
 
Total
Classified
 
Other
Advertising
Revenues
 
Total
The New York Times Media Group
 
77
%
 
13
%
 
2
%
 
4
%
 
1
%
 
2
%
 
9
%
 
1
%
 
100
%
New England Media Group
 
31
%
 
29
%
 
6
%
 
6
%
 
10
%
 
8
%
 
30
%
 
10
%
 
100
%
Total News Media Group
 
67
%
 
16
%
 
3
%
 
5
%
 
3
%
 
3
%
 
14
%
 
3
%
 
100
%

The New York Times Media Group

Total advertising revenues decreased in the second quarter and first six months of 2012 compared with the same periods in 2011 due to lower print and digital advertising revenues. Print advertising revenues were affected by declines in advertiser spending in most advertising categories, reflecting the continued uneven U.S. economic environment, uncertain global conditions and secular transformation of our industry. Lower digital advertising revenues were affected by market factors including the weak economic climate and an increasingly competitive landscape, as well as by reduced spending on digital platforms, primarily in the technology category during the second quarter of 2012 and the real estate classified advertising category during the first six months of 2012, which were offset in part by improvement in the retail advertising category.

During the second quarter and first six months of 2012, the declines in total national and classified advertising revenues were offset in part by higher print and digital retail advertising revenues, compared with the same periods in 2011. During the second quarter of 2012, the decrease in total national advertising revenues was mainly driven by declines in the technology, studio entertainment and national automotive categories offset in part by growth in the luxury category. During the first six months of 2012, the decrease in total national advertising revenues was mainly driven by declines in the technology, national automotive and studio entertainment categories offset in part by growth in the luxury category. The soft economic environment coupled with secular changes in our industry contributed to declines in total classified advertising revenues, primarily in the real estate and automotive categories. Total retail advertising revenues increased as advertisers increased spending mainly in the fashion jewelry category.

New England Media Group

Total advertising revenues declined in the second quarter and first six months of 2012 compared with the same periods in 2011 mainly due to declines in print advertising revenues. The decline in print advertising revenues was driven by lower advertising in most categories, reflecting uncertain national and local economic conditions and secular forces in our industry. Compared with the same prior-year periods, digital advertising revenues grew during the second quarter of 2012, primarily in the automotive classified and retail advertising categories, and decreased slightly during the first six months of 2012.


25


During the second quarter of 2012, total advertising revenues declined due to lower retail and classified advertising revenues, offset in part by higher national advertising revenues. The uncertain national and local economic conditions continued to negatively affect total retail advertising revenues, as retailers cut spending mainly in the home furnishings and home improvement categories. The soft economic environment coupled with secular changes in our industry contributed to declines in total classified advertising revenues, primarily in the real estate category. National advertising revenues increased mainly due to growth in the telecommunications and healthcare categories.

During the first six months of 2012, total advertising revenues declined due to lower retail, national and classified advertising revenues. The uncertain national and local economic conditions continued to negatively affect total retail advertising revenues, as retailers cut spending mainly in the home furnishings and department stores categories. The declines in total national advertising revenues were mainly driven by lower advertiser spending in the financial services and banks categories. The soft economic environment coupled with secular changes in our industry contributed to declines in total classified advertising revenues, primarily in the real estate category.

Circulation Revenues

Circulation revenues are based on the number of copies of the printed newspaper (through home-delivery subscriptions and single-copy and bulk sales) and digital subscriptions sold and the rates charged to the respective customers. Total circulation revenues consist of revenues from our print and digital products, including The Times digital subscription packages on NYTimes.com and across other digital platforms, which began in the second quarter of 2011, as well as BostonGlobe.com and digital subscription packages at the IHT, which started in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Circulation revenues increased in the second quarter of 2012 and first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year periods mainly as the addition of digital subscription offerings and the increase in home-delivery and weekday single-copy prices in January 2012 at The Times offset a decline in print copies sold across the News Media Group. In addition, in the second quarter of 2012, we continued to see benefits following the launch of The Times digital subscriptions, including improved retention rates in home-delivery circulation and growth in Sunday home-delivery circulation volume compared with the same prior-year period, despite the price increases implemented earlier in 2012.

Other Revenues

Other revenues primarily consist of revenues from news services/syndication, commercial printing, rental income, digital archives and direct mail advertising services. Other revenues increased in the second quarter and first six months of 2012 compared with the same periods in 2011 mainly due to higher commercial printing revenues at the New England Media Group.

About Group

About Group revenues decreased in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011 mainly due to lower display and cost-per-click advertising. Display advertising revenues were lower as the competitive landscape and uneven economic environment offset the progress made in the second quarter of 2012 in the rebuilding of the About.com’s sales team. The declines in cost-per-click advertising revenues were mainly due to lower click-through rates, slightly offset by modest growth in page views and cost-per-click advertising rates.

About Group revenues decreased in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011 mainly due to lower cost-per-click and display advertising. The declines in cost-per-click advertising revenues were mainly due to lower click-through rates. While the rate of declines in display advertising revenues moderated in the second quarter of 2012 from first-quarter levels, display advertising revenues were lower mainly due to competitive marketplace pressures as well as uneven economic conditions.


26


Operating Costs

Operating costs were as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
Production costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
 
$
33,596

 
$
34,222

 
(1.8
)
 
$
66,959

 
$
68,375

 
(2.1
)
Wages and benefits
 
110,203

 
107,454

 
2.6

 
221,990

 
219,914

 
0.9

Other
 
68,899

 
68,172

 
1.1

 
136,941

 
136,565

 
0.3

Total production costs
 
212,698

 
209,848

 
1.4

 
425,890

 
424,854

 
0.2

Selling, general and administrative costs
 
226,223

 
230,595

 
(1.9
)
 
460,501

 
464,661

 
(0.9
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
25,183

 
26,600

 
(5.3
)
 
57,473

 
52,273

 
9.9

Total operating costs
 
$
464,104

 
$
467,043

 
(0.6
)
 
$
943,864

 
$
941,788

 
0.2


Production Costs

Production costs increased in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011 mainly due to higher compensation costs (approximately $2 million) related to new hires for our digital initiatives and annual salary increases.

Production costs increased in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011 primarily due to higher compensation costs (approximately $6 million) as well as various other costs, offset in part by lower outside printing costs (approximately $5 million) and benefits expense (approximately $4 million). Compensation costs increased mainly due to costs related to new hires for our digital initiatives and annual salary increases. Cost savings from the expiration of certain contractual commitments and contract negotiations mainly contributed to lower outside printing costs. Benefits expense was lower mainly due to a decline in various retiree-related costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Costs

Selling, general and administrative costs decreased in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011 primarily due to lower professional fees (approximately $4 million) from a lower level of consulting services.
 
Selling, general and administrative costs decreased in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year period primarily due to lower professional fees (approximately $6 million) and benefits expense (approximately $4 million), offset in part by severance costs (approximately $5 million) and various other costs. Professional fees were lower due to the level of consulting services. Benefits expense was lower mainly due to a decline in various retiree-related costs. The increase in severance costs was primarily driven by the level of workforce reduction programs year-over-year at the News Media Group and Corporate.


27


Depreciation and Amortization

Total depreciation and amortization, by reportable segment and for the Company as a whole, was as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
News Media Group
 
$
22,920

 
$
23,894

 
(4.1
)
 
$
53,036

 
$
46,817

 
13.3

About Group
 
2,263

 
2,706

 
(16.4
)
 
4,437

 
5,456

 
(18.7
)
Total depreciation and amortization
 
$
25,183

 
$
26,600

 
(5.3
)
 
$
57,473

 
$
52,273

 
9.9


Depreciation and amortization expense at the News Media Group increased in the first six months of 2012 compared with the first six months of 2011 primarily due to the $6.7 million of accelerated depreciation expense recognized for certain assets at the T&G’s facility in Millbury, Mass., associated with the consolidation of most of T&G’s printing into the Globe’s facility in Boston, Mass., which was completed early in the second quarter of 2012.

Depreciation and amortization expense at the About Group decreased in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year period mainly as an intangible asset at ConsumerSearch.com was fully amortized in 2011.

Segment Operating Costs

The following table sets forth consolidated operating costs by reportable segment, Corporate and the Company as a whole.

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
News Media Group
 
$
437,591

 
$
441,269

 
(0.8
)
 
$
889,949

 
$
884,915

 
0.6

About Group
 
17,505

 
16,369

 
6.9

 
34,453

 
33,364

 
3.3

Corporate
 
9,008

 
9,405

 
(4.2
)
 
19,462

 
23,509

 
(17.2
)
Total operating costs
 
$
464,104

 
$
467,043

 
(0.6
)
 
$
943,864

 
$
941,788

 
0.2


News Media Group

Operating costs for the News Media Group decreased in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the second quarter of 2011. This was primarily due to lower distribution costs (approximately $3 million) and various other costs, offset in part by higher compensation costs (approximately $2 million). Cost savings associated with circulation transportation efficiencies from route consolidations and contract negotiations mainly resulted in lower distribution costs. Compensation costs increased mainly due to costs related to new hires for our digital initiatives and annual salary increases.

Operating costs for the News Media Group increased in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same period of 2011 primarily due to higher compensation costs (approximately $8 million), depreciation and amortization expense (approximately $6 million) and severance costs (approximately $3 million), offset in part by lower benefits expense (approximately $6 million) and outside printing costs (approximately $5 million). Compensation costs increased mainly due to costs related to new hires for our digital initiatives and annual salary increases. Depreciation and amortization expense increased primarily due to the accelerated depreciation expense recognized for certain assets at the T&G’s facility in Millbury, Mass. Higher severance expense primarily resulted from the level of workforce reduction programs year-over-year. Benefits expense was lower mainly due to a decline in various retiree-related costs. Cost savings from the expiration of certain contractual commitments and contract negotiations mainly contributed to lower outside printing costs.
 

28


About Group

Operating costs for the About Group increased in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the same prior-year period mainly due to higher compensation costs ($1.0 million) driven by higher variable compensation expense.

Operating costs for the About Group increased in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year period primarily due to higher content costs ($1.4 million) mainly as a result of higher page views and the benefit from the sale of UCompareHealthCare.com recorded in February 2011. The increase was partially offset by a decline in depreciation and amortization expense ($1.0 million) and severance costs ($0.4 million) in the first six months of 2012.

Corporate

Operating costs for Corporate decreased in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the second quarter of 2011 primarily driven by lower professional fees (approximately $3 million), partially offset by various other costs. Professional fees declined due to a lower level of consulting services.

Operating costs for Corporate decreased in the first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year period as lower professional fees (approximately $5 million) and compensation costs (approximately $4 million) driven by lower variable and stock-based compensation expense, were partially offset by higher severance costs (approximately $2 million) and various other costs. Professional fees declined due to the level of consulting services. The increase in severance costs was driven by the level of workforce reduction programs year-over-year.

Other Items

Impairment of Assets

About Group

Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment annually or in an interim period if certain circumstances indicate a possible impairment may exist. Our policy is to perform our annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. However, due to certain impairment indicators at the About Group, we performed an interim impairment test as of June 24, 2012.

The interim impairment test resulted in a $194.7 million estimated non-cash charge in the second quarter of 2012 for the impairment of goodwill at the About Group. Any change to the estimate of the impairment charge will be recorded in the third quarter of 2012 when we complete the impairment test.

While we saw improvements in total advertising trends for the About Group in the second quarter of 2012 compared with first-quarter 2012 levels, our expectations for future operating results and cash flows in the long-term are lower than our previous estimates primarily driven by a reassessment of the sustainability of our estimated long-term growth rate for display advertising. The reduction in our estimated long-term growth rate resulted in the carrying value of the net assets being greater than their fair value, and therefore a write-down of goodwill to its fair value was required.

Assets Held for Sale

In the second quarter of 2011, we classified certain assets as held for sale at The New York Times Media Group, primarily of Baseline, a leading online subscription database and research service for information on the film and television industries and a provider of premium film and television data to Web sites, which was part of the News Media Group reportable segment. The carrying value of these assets was greater than their fair value, less cost to sell, resulting in an impairment of certain intangible assets and property totaling $9.2 million. In October 2011, we completed the sale of Baseline, which resulted in a nominal gain.

Pension Withdrawal Expense

In the second quarter of 2011, certain employees of the Globe represented by a union ratified amendments to their collective bargaining agreement, which resulted in a partial withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan. We recorded an estimated $4.2 million charge related to our withdrawal obligation under this multiemployer pension plan.


29


Operating (Loss)/Profit

Consolidated operating (loss)/profit, by reportable segment, Corporate and for the Company as a whole, was as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
% Change
News Media Group
 
$
52,211

 
$
29,422

 
77.5

 
$
75,285

 
$
55,298

 
36.1

About Group
 
(186,827
)
 
11,475

 
*

 
(179,831
)
 
25,622

 
*

Corporate
 
(9,008
)
 
(9,405
)
 
(4.2
)
 
(19,462
)
 
(23,509
)
 
(17.2
)
Total operating (loss)/profit
 
$
(143,624
)
 
$
31,492

 
*

 
$
(124,008
)
 
$
57,411

 
*

* Represents a decrease in excess of 100%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The reasons underlying the period-to-period changes in each segment’s and Corporate’s operating (loss)/profit are previously discussed under “Recent Developments,” “Revenues,” “Operating Costs” and “Other Items.”

Non-Operating Items

Joint Ventures

Income from joint ventures was $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2012 compared with $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2011. Joint venture results in the second quarter of 2012 were primarily impacted by the change in accounting for our investment in Fenway Sports Group in the first quarter of 2012, offset in part by improved results for the paper mills. Effective with the sale of 100 units in Fenway Sports Group in February 2012, given our reduced ownership level and lack of influence on the operations of Fenway Sports Group, we changed the accounting for this investment from the equity method to the cost method. Therefore, starting in February 2012, we no longer recognized our proportionate share of the operating results of Fenway Sports Group in joint venture results in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Income from joint ventures was $1.1 million in the first six months of 2012 compared with loss from joint ventures of $3.0 million in the same period of 2011. Joint venture results in the first six months of 2012 were primarily impacted by improved results for the paper mills and the change in accounting for our investment in Fenway Sports Group as noted above.

Gain on Sale of Investments

In the second quarter of 2012, we sold our remaining 210 units in Fenway Sports Group, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $37.8 million. In the first quarter of 2012, we sold 100 of our units in Fenway Sports Group, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $17.8 million. These sales resulted in a pre-tax gain of $55.6 million in 2012.

In the first quarter of 2011, we sold a minor portion of our interest in Indeed.com, a job listing aggregator, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $5.9 million. We retain a substantial portion of our initial interest in Indeed.com.


30


Interest Expense, Net

“Interest expense, net” in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
Cash interest expense
 
$
14,434

 
$
23,215

 
$
28,796

 
$
46,168

Non-cash amortization of discount on debt
 
1,098

 
2,085

 
2,257

 
4,187

Capitalized interest
 
(7
)
 
(27
)
 
(14
)
 
(332
)
Interest income
 
(61
)
 
(121
)
 
(123
)
 
(280
)
Total interest expense, net
 
$
15,464

 
$
25,152

 
$
30,916

 
$
49,743


“Interest expense, net” decreased in the second quarter and first six months of 2012 compared with the same prior-year periods mainly due to the prepayment of our 14.053% senior notes on August 15, 2011.

Income Taxes

We had an income tax benefit of $36.5 million (effective tax rate of 30.4%) in the second quarter of 2012 and an income tax benefit of $32.5 million (effective tax rate of 31.5%) in the first six months of 2012. A lower tax rate applied to the charge for the impairment of goodwill at the About Group and the size of the charge relative to our total pre-tax loss from continuing operations had an unfavorable impact on the effective tax rate in both periods.

We had an effective tax rate of 16.5% in the second quarter of 2011 and 8.6% in the first six months of 2011. The effective tax rate for the second quarter and first six months of 2011 was favorably impacted by adjustments to reduce our reserve for uncertain tax positions and state law changes.

Discontinued Operations

On January 6, 2012, we completed the sale of the Regional Media Group. See the “Recent Developments” section above for additional information on this sale.

The following table summarizes the results of operations for the Regional Media Group presented as discontinued operations.

 
 
For the Quarters Ended
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
Revenues
 
$
—

 
$
64,714

 
$
6,115

 
$
130,554

Total operating costs
 
—

 
58,190

 
8,017

 
118,875

Impairment of goodwill
 
—

 
152,093

 
—

 
152,093

Pre-tax loss
 
—

 
(145,569
)
 
(1,902
)
 
(140,414
)
Income tax benefit(1)
 
—

 
18,120

 
736

 
16,118

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
—

 
(127,449
)
 
(1,166
)
 
(124,296
)
(Loss)/gain on sale, net of income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss on sale
 
(7,026
)
 
—

 
(4,717
)
 
—

Income tax benefit(2)
 
2,521

 
—

 
30,448

 
—

(Loss)/gain on sale, net of income taxes
 
(4,505
)
 
—

 
25,731

 
—

(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
$
(4,505
)
 
$
(127,449
)
 
$
24,565

 
$
(124,296
)
(1) The income tax benefit in 2011 was unfavorably impacted because a portion of the goodwill impairment was non-deductible.
(2) The income tax benefit for the first six months of 2012 includes a tax deduction for goodwill triggered upon the sale.

31


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
We believe our cash balance and cash provided by operations, in combination with other financing sources, will be sufficient to meet our financing needs over the next twelve months. We have continued to improve our liquidity position and financial flexibility. As of June 24, 2012, we had total debt and capital lease obligations of approximately $776 million and cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of approximately $570 million. Accordingly, our total debt and capital lease obligations, net of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, was approximately $206 million. Our liquidity position improved approximately $290 million since the end of 2011 largely due to the proceeds from the sales of the Regional Media Group and our interest in Fenway Sports Group, as well as cash flows from operations. As of June 24, 2012, we had no outstanding borrowings under our $125.0 million asset-backed five-year revolving credit facility. See the “Recent Developments” section for additional information on the sales of the Regional Media Group and our ownership interest in Fenway Sports Group.

Contributions to our qualified pension plans can have a significant impact on cash flows. We have addressed a significant portion of our minimum funding requirements for 2012 through prior discretionary contributions. In 2012, we expect to make mandatory contributions of approximately $47 million (of which approximately $24 million was made in the first six months of 2012), primarily contractual contributions to The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan. In addition to contractual contributions to The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan and our minimum funding requirements, we may make discretionary contributions in 2012 to our Company-sponsored qualified pension plans depending on cash flows, pension asset performance, interest rates and other factors.

Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Cash

Cash flows provided by/(used in) by category were as follows:

 
 
For the Six Months Ended
(In thousands)
 
June 24,
2012
 
June 26,
2011
Operating Activities
 
$
73,871

 
$
45,161

Investing Activities
 
$
41,629

 
$
(236,768
)
Financing Activities
 
$
(73
)
 
$
(76
)

Operating Activities

Operating cash inflows include cash receipts from advertising and circulation sales and other revenue transactions. Operating cash outflows include payments for employee compensation, pension and other benefits, raw materials, services and supplies, interest and income taxes.

The improvement in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by lower pension contributions to certain qualified pension plans in the first six months of 2012 (approximately $24 million) compared with the first six months of 2011 (approximately $62 million).

Investing Activities

Cash from investing activities generally includes proceeds from short-term investments that have matured and the sale of assets or a business. Cash used in investing activities generally includes purchases of short-term investments, payments for capital projects, restricted cash subject to collateral requirements primarily for obligations under our workers’ compensation programs, acquisitions of new businesses and investments.

In the first six months of 2012, net cash provided by investing activities was primarily a result of proceeds from the sale of the Regional Media Group on January 6, 2012, short-term investments that matured and proceeds from the sale of our remaining interest in Fenway Sports Group offset in part by purchases of short-term investments and capital expenditures. In the first six months of 2011, net cash used in investing activities was mainly due to purchases of short-term investments, changes in restricted cash and capital expenditures, offset in part by proceeds from short-term investments that matured.

32


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, long-term debt and capital lease obligations.

In the first six months of 2012 and 2011, net cash used in financing activities was primarily for capital lease obligations offset by funds from stock option exercises.

See our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for additional information on our sources and uses of cash.

Restricted Cash

We were required to maintain $24.3 million of restricted cash as of June 24, 2012 subject to certain collateral requirements, primarily for obligations under our workers’ compensation programs.

Third-Party Financing

As of June 24, 2012, our current indebtedness included senior notes and a sale-leaseback of a portion of our New York headquarters. Our total debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following:
(In thousands)
 
Coupon Rate
 
June 24,
2012
 
December 25,
2011
Senior notes due 2012
 
4.610
%
 
$
74,968

 
$
74,900

Senior notes due 2015
 
5.0
%
 
249,907

 
249,891

Senior notes due 2016
 
6.625
%
 
221,147

 
220,787

Option to repurchase ownership interest in headquarters building in 2019
 
 
 
222,674

 
220,861

Total debt
 
 
 
768,696

 
766,439

Capital lease obligations
 
 
 
7,119

 
6,681

Total debt and capital lease obligations
 
 
 
$
775,815

 
$
773,120


Based on borrowing rates currently available for debt with similar terms and average maturities, the fair value of our long-term debt was approximately $824 million as of June 24, 2012 and $800 million as of December 25, 2011.

As of June 24, 2012, there were no outstanding borrowings under our $125.0 million asset-backed five-year revolving credit facility.

We were in compliance with our covenants under our third-party financing arrangements as of June 24, 2012.

Ratings

In July 2012, Standard & Poor’s lowered its ratings outlook to stable from positive, citing continued secular pressure on the business despite efforts at the development of new digital revenue.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our critical accounting policies are detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2011. As of June 24, 2012, our critical accounting policies have not changed materially from December 25, 2011.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS & OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Our contractual obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements are detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2011. As of June 24, 2012, our contractual obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements have not changed materially from December 25, 2011.


33


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the section titled “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 SEC filings and otherwise. We have tried, where possible, to identify such statements by using words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “will,” “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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2011, as well as other risks and factors identified from time to time in our SEC filings.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2011, details our disclosures about market risk. As of June 24, 2012, there were no material changes in our market risks from December 25, 2011.

Item 4. 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 June 24, 2012. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and our 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 our principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 24, 2012, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


34


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to our risk factors as set forth in “Item 1A-Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2011.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities(1) 
 
 
 
Total Number of Shares of Class A
Common Stock
Purchased
 
 Average Price Paid Per Share of Class A Common Stock
 
Total Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans or Programs
 
 Maximum Number
(or Approximate Dollar Value)
of Shares of Class A Common Stock
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Period
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
(d)
March 26, 2012 – April 29, 2012
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
$
91,386,000

April 30, 2012 – May 27, 2012
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
$
91,386,000

May 28, 2012 – June 24, 2012
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
$
91,386,000

Total for the second quarter of 2012
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
$
91,386,000

(1)
On April 13, 2004, our Board of Directors authorized repurchases in an amount up to $400.0 million. During the second quarter of 2012, we did not purchase any shares of Class A Common Stock pursuant to our publicly announced share repurchase program. As of July 27, 2012, we had authorization from our Board of Directors to repurchase an amount of up to approximately $91 million of our Class A Common Stock. Our Board of Directors has authorized us to purchase shares from time to time as market conditions permit. There is no expiration date with respect to this authorization.

Item 6. Exhibits

An exhibit index has been filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.


35


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Date: August 3, 2012
 
 
/s/ JAMES M. FOLLO        
 
 
 
James M. Follo
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)



36


Exhibit Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended June 24, 2012
 
Exhibit No.
  
  
 
 
 
12
  
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
 
 
31.1
  
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.
 
 
 
31.2
  
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.
 
 
 
32.1
  
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
32.2
  
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
101.INS
  
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
 
101.CAL
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
 
101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
 
101.LAB
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
 
101.PRE
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase


37