New York Times Lowers ExpectationsAgain; Considering Financing Alternatives
This story was written by Staci D. Kramer.
New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT) CEO Janet Robinson warned investors today that advertising is dropping at an unexpected rate and that "2009 will be among the most challenging years we have faced and more steps will be needed." That includes exploring financing alternatives, among them raising up to $225 million against its mid-Manhattan headquarters, as reported earlier this week. CFO Jim Follo said that will take the form of a sale-leaseback and that the proceeds will be used to repay long-term existing debt. As for the credit agreements maturing in 2009 and 2011, Follo added: '"We have no intention or need of fully replacing the $400 million credit facility expiring next year because our total borrowing under both agreements is projected to be significantly less than $800 million, and currently is approximately $400 million."
Their statements were released a few hours ahead of its planned presentation at the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference; we'll have more from there. Full text after the jump.
"Over the past several years, we have done a great deal to address the changes occurring in our business," said Janet L. Robinson, president and CEO. "This has included the creation of new products, major cost restructuring, divestitures of traditional businesses, acquisitions of digital properties, and significant development of our online properties.
"Like others in our industry and, in many businesses across America, we have seen the softness in the economy become more pervasive in the last several months. In November, the rate of change in advertising revenue declined from what we saw in October. The entertainment, real estate and
automotive advertising categories were especially soft.
"There is no doubt that 2009 will be among the most challenging years we have faced and more steps will be needed. We believe that through our revenue initiatives, expense cuts and the steps we are taking to improve our financial flexibility, the Times Company is well positioned to weather
the challenges next year is expected to bring."
"We are evaluating our liquidity requirements and are in discussions with our lenders with regard to debt maturing in 2009 and 2010," said James Follo, senior vice president and CFO. "We have no intention or need of fully replacing the $400 million credit facility expiring next year because our total borrowing under both agreements is projected to be significantly less than $800 million, and currently is approximately $400 million.
"We have begun a process to secure financing for up to $225 million in the form of a sale-leaseback for a portion of our headquarters. The proceeds will be used to repay existing long-term debt. The building provides a unique opportunity for us to borrow at attractive rates in today's market.
We are also looking at various other financing alternatives, including revolvers, public offerings or private placements. While the credit markets remain challenging, we expect to secure the financing necessary to meet our maturities when they come due.
"We also continue to evaluate our assets. Although the feasibility of asset sales at this time is uncertain given the current market and credit environment, it's incumbent upon us to make sure that we carefully evaluate our properties to determine if they remain a strategic fit and, given the
outlook for the business and their financial performance, make sense to continue to be a part of the Company."
By Staci D. Kramer