UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY |
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The New York Times
Company
Notice of 2006
Annual Meeting and
Proxy Statement
229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
tel 212-556-1234 |
Invitation to 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
DATE: Tuesday, April 18, 2006
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: New Amsterdam Theatre
214 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
March 8, 2006
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
Please join me at our Annual Meeting on April 18, 2006, where we will ask you to vote on the election of our Board of Directors and the ratification of the selection of our auditors.
Two of our directors will be retiring next month and, therefore, will not be standing for re-election at this year's Annual Meeting. We will be bidding good-bye to John F. Akers and Henry B. Schacht, who have served since 1985 and 1999, respectively. They have both provided invaluable advice while serving on, among others, our Audit, Compensation and Finance Committees. During Mr. Akers' 21-year tenure on our Board, he twice served as Chair of our Finance Committee and became our first Presiding Director in 2002. We are immensely grateful for Messrs. Akers' and Schacht's many contributions to the success of the Company and we wish them both well.
We are delighted to add one exceptional new nominee for election by our stockholders this year, James M. Kilts, who joined our Board last June. Mr. Kilts has 30 years of consumer products industry experience and is highly regarded as an innovator and industry leader. His skills, expertise and leadership will greatly benefit our Company.
In addition to the formal items of business at our Annual Meeting, my colleagues and I will review the major Company developments over the past year and share with you our plans for the future. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and express your views to the senior management of The New York Times Company. Members of the Board of Directors will also be present.
Whether or not you are able to attend the Annual Meeting in person, it is important that your shares be represented. You can vote your shares using the Internet or a toll-free telephone number, or by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card by mail. Instructions on each of these voting methods are outlined in the enclosed Proxy Statement. Please vote as soon as possible.
I hope to see you on April 18th.
Sincerely yours,
ARTHUR SULZBERGER, JR.
Chairman of the Board
229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
tel 212-556-1234 |
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To be held April 18, 2006
To the Holders of Class A and Class B
Common Stock of The New York Times Company:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of The New York Times Company will be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at the New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, for the following purposes:
Holders of the Class A and Class B common stock as of the close of business on February 17, 2006, are entitled to notice of and to attend this meeting as set forth in the Proxy Statement. Class A stockholders are entitled to vote for the election of four of the 13 directors. Class A and Class B stockholders, voting together as a single class, are entitled to vote on the proposal to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as auditors for the 2006 fiscal year. Class B stockholders are entitled to vote for the election of nine of the 13 directors and on all other matters presented to the meeting.
New
York, NY
March 8, 2006
By Order of the Board of Directors
RHONDA L. BRAUER
Secretary & Corporate Governance Officer
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE VOTE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE BY TELEPHONE, ON THE INTERNET OR BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENSURING A QUORUM AT THE MEETING.
Table of Contents
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Page |
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Voting On Matters Before The Annual Meeting | 1 | |||
Voting Methods | 2 | |||
Where To Find More Information On The New York Times Company | 3 | |||
General Information | 4 | |||
The 1997 Trust | 4 | |||
Principal Holders of Common Stock | 5 | |||
Security Ownership of Management and Directors | 8 | |||
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance | 9 | |||
Proposal Number 1 Election of Directors | 10 | |||
Profiles of Nominees for the Board of Directors | 11 | |||
Class A Directors | 11 | |||
Class B Directors | 12 | |||
Interest of Directors in Certain Transactions of the Company | 15 | |||
Board of Directors and Corporate Governance | 16 | |||
Board Meetings and Attendance | 18 | |||
Nominating & Governance Committee | 18 | |||
Board Committees | 20 | |||
Directors' Compensation | 22 | |||
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance | 22 | |||
Compensation of Executive Officers | 23 | |||
Compensation Committee Report | ||||
Audit Committee Report | 31 | |||
Proposal Number 2 Selection of Auditors | 32 | |||
Audit and Other Fees | 32 | |||
Audit Committee's Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures | 32 | |||
Recommendation and Vote Required | 33 | |||
Other Matters | 33 | |||
Submission of Stockholder Proposals for 2007 | 33 | |||
Certain Matters Relating to Proxy Materials and Annual Reports | 33 | |||
Appendix I. Corporate Governance Principles | I-1 |
The New York Times Company
Proxy Statement
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on April 18, 2006
Voting On Matters Before The Annual Meeting
If your stock is held through a broker or bank, you will receive voting instructions from your bank or broker describing how to vote your stock. The availability of telephone or Internet voting will depend upon the bank's or broker's voting processes.
Whichever method you use, each valid proxy received in time will be voted at the Annual Meeting by the persons named on the proxy card in accordance with your instructions. To ensure that your proxy is voted, it should be received by the close of business on April 17, 2006.
If you submit a proxy card without giving instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.
Mellon Investor Services has been engaged as the independent inspector of election to tabulate stockholder votes at the Annual Meeting.
The Audit Committee of the Board recommends voting:
If a broker which is the record holder of shares indicates on a proxy form that it does not have discretionary authority to vote those shares on a Proposal, or if shares are voted in other circumstances in which proxy authority is defective or has been withheld on such Proposal, those non-voted shares will be counted as present for quorum purposes but as not voting on the Proposal. This will have no effect on Proposal 1 and will have the same effect as a negative vote on Proposal 2.
1
We have been advised by our legal counsel that the procedures that have been put in place are consistent with the requirements of applicable state law. Please remember that if your stock is held through a broker or bank, you will receive voting instructions from your bank or broker describing the available processes for voting your stock.
Voting in Person at the Annual Meeting Attend the Annual Meeting to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, at the New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Please note that even if you hold your stock in street name, you can still vote in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy from your broker. Please contact your broker for information. |
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Internet Voting (Available 24 hours a day) |
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Go to the Web site address: |
www.proxyvoting.com/nyt for Class A stockholders |
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www.proxyvoting.com/nyt1 for Class B stockholders | ||||
Mark your selections. Click on "Submit your vote." Review your recorded selections. Click on "Proceed" to confirm your vote. If you currently receive the Company's Proxy Statement, Annual Report and proxy card by mail and would prefer to receive these documents via the Internet, you may consent to future Internet receipt of these documents when voting your shares on the Internet. |
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Telephone Voting (Available 24 hours a day) Call 1-866-540-5760. Follow the voice prompts. |
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Proxy Card Voting by Mail Mark your selections. Date and sign your name as it appears on the proxy card. Mail the completed proxy in the return envelope provided. Note: If you voted by telephone or the Internet, do not return your proxy card by mail. |
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2
Where To Find More Information On The New York Times Company
Documents Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
The
New York Times Company
229 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 556-1234
Attention: Corporate Secretary
We will send you the requested documents without charge, excluding exhibits.
Additional Information
There are a number of other sources for additional information on The New York Times Company:
Corporate Governance Principles
Board Committee Charters:
Code of Ethics for the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chairman and Senior Financial Officers
Code of Ethics for Directors
Business Ethics Policy
Copies of the foregoing are available in print at no charge to any stockholder. To obtain documents from us, please direct requests in writing or by telephone to:
The
New York Times Company
229 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 556-1234
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Please note that information contained on our Web site does not constitute part of this Proxy Statement.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You should rely only on the information contained in this Proxy Statement to vote on the Proposals at the Annual Meeting. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from what is contained in this Proxy Statement. This Proxy Statement is dated March 8, 2006. You should not assume that the information contained in this Proxy Statement is accurate as of any date other than such date, and the mailing of this Proxy Statement to stockholders shall not create any implication to the contrary.
3
General Information
The 1997 Trust
Since the purchase of The New York Times newspaper by Adolph S. Ochs in 1896, control of The New York Times and related properties has rested with his family. Family members have taken an active role in the stewardship and management of The New York Times Company. The title of Publisher of The New York Times has been held by various family members, from Adolph S. Ochs to the current Publisher, Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., who also serves as the current Chairman of the Board.
In February 1990, on the death of Adolph S. Ochs's daughter, Iphigene Ochs Sulzberger ("Mrs. Sulzberger"), control passed to her four children through the automatic termination of a trust established by Mr. Ochs. That trust held 83.7% of the Class B stock of the Company, which is not publicly traded and the holders of which have the right to elect approximately 70% of the Board of Directors. Mrs. Sulzberger's four children are: Marian S. Heiskell, Ruth S. Holmberg, Judith P. Sulzberger and Arthur Ochs Sulzberger (the "grantors").
In 1997, the grantors executed an indenture (the "Trust Indenture") creating a trust (the "1997 Trust") for the benefit of each of the grantors and his or her family. The grantors transferred to the 1997 Trust all shares of Class B stock previously held by the trust established by Adolph S. Ochs, together with a number of shares of Class A stock. The 1997 Trust currently holds 738,810 shares of Class B stock and 1,400,000 shares of Class A stock. The 1997 Trust is also the indirect owner of an additional 4,300,197 shares of Class A stock. The primary objective of the 1997 Trust is to maintain the editorial independence and the integrity of The New York Times and to continue it as an independent newspaper, entirely fearless, free of ulterior influence and unselfishly devoted to the public welfare ("the primary objective of the 1997 Trust").
The current trustees of the 1997 Trust are Daniel H. Cohen, Lynn G. Dolnick, Susan W. Dryfoos, Arthur S. Golden, Michael Golden, Eric M. A. Lax, Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., and Cathy J. Sulzberger (the "Trustees").
The 1997 Trust will continue in existence until the expiration of 21 years after the death of the last remaining survivor of all descendants of Mrs. Sulzberger living on December 14, 2000. The Trust Indenture is subject to the terms and provisions of a 1986 shareholders agreement (the "Shareholders Agreement") among the grantors, their children and the Company, which restricts the transfer of Class B stock that is held by the trust by requiring, prior to any sale or transfer, the offering of those shares among the other family stockholders and then to the Company at the Class A stock market price then prevailing (or if the Company is the purchaser, at the option of the selling stockholder, in exchange for Class A stock on a share-for-share basis). The Shareholders Agreement provides for the conversion of such shares into Class A stock if the purchase rights are not exercised by the family stockholders or the Company and such shares of Class A stock are to be transferred to a person or persons other than family stockholders or the Company. There are certain exceptions for gifts and other transfers within the family of Adolph S. Ochs provided that the recipients become parties to the Shareholders Agreement.
In addition, the Shareholders Agreement provides that if the Company is a party to a merger (other than a merger solely to change the Company's jurisdiction of incorporation), consolidation or plan of liquidation in which such Class B stock is exchanged for cash, stock, securities or any other property of the Company or of any other corporation or entity, each signing stockholder will convert his or her shares of such Class B stock into Class A stock prior to the effective date of such transaction so that a holder of such shares will receive the same cash, stock or other consideration that a holder of Class A stock would receive in such a transaction. Except for the foregoing, each signing stockholder has agreed not to convert any shares of such Class B stock received from a trust created under the will of Adolph S. Ochs into Class A stock. The Shareholders Agreement will terminate upon the expiration of 21 years after the death of the last remaining survivor of all descendants of Mrs. Sulzberger living on August 5, 1986.
The Trustees, subject to the limited exceptions described below, are directed to retain the Class B stock held in the 1997 Trust and not to sell, distribute or convert such shares into Class A stock and to vote such Class B stock against any merger, sale of assets or other transaction pursuant to which control of The New York Times passes from the Trustees, unless they unanimously determine that the primary objective of the 1997 Trust can be achieved better by the sale, distribution or conversion of such stock or by the implementation of such transaction. If upon such determination any Class B stock is distributed to the beneficiaries of the 1997 Trust, it must be distributed only to descendants of Mrs. Sulzberger, subject to the provisions of the Shareholders Agreement (if it is still in effect). Similarly, any sale by the 1997 Trust of Class B stock upon such determination can be made only in compliance with the Shareholders Agreement.
The Trustees are granted various powers and rights, including among others: (i) to vote all of the shares of Class A and Class B stock held by the 1997 Trust; (ii) to nominate the successor trustees who may also serve on the Company's Board of Directors; and (iii) to amend certain provisions of the Trust Indenture, but not the provisions relating to retaining the Class B stock or the manner in which such shares may be distributed, sold or converted. The Trustees act by the affirmative vote of six of the eight Trustees. Generally, a Trustee may be removed by the agreement of six of the remaining seven Trustees. In general, four of the trustees will be appointed by all eight trustees; the remaining four trustees will be elected by the beneficiaries of the 1997 Trust.
Upon the termination of the 1997 Trust at the end of the stated term thereof, the shares of Class A and Class B stock held by such trust will be distributed to the descendants of Mrs. Sulzberger then living.
4
Principal Holders of Common Stock
The following table sets forth the only persons who, to the knowledge of management, owned beneficially on February 17, 2006, more than 5% of the outstanding shares of either Class A or Class B stock:
|
Shares (%) |
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---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name and Address |
Class A |
Class B |
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1997 Trust1,2 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
6,439,007 | (4.4 | %) | 738,810 | (88.6 | %) | |||
Daniel H. Cohen1,2,3 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
6,785,030 | (4.7 | %) | 740,430 | (88.8 | %) | |||
Lynn G. Dolnick1,2,4 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
6,768,132 | (4.7 | %) | 739,369 | (88.6 | %) | |||
Susan W. Dryfoos1,2,5 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
7,077,581 | (4.9 | %) | 739,770 | (88.7 | %) | |||
Arthur S. Golden1,2,6 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
6,817,124 | (4.7 | %) | 739,928 | (88.7 | %) | |||
Michael Golden1,2,7 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
7,108,715 | (4.9 | %) | 739,930 | (88.7 | %) | |||
Eric M. A. Lax1,2,8 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
6,445,147 | (4.4 | %) | 738,810 | (88.6 | %) | |||
Arthur Sulzberger, Jr.1,2,9 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
7,690,239 | (5.3 | %) | 739,770 | (88.7 | %) | |||
Cathy J. Sulzberger1,2,10 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 |
6,832,275 | (4.7 | %) | 739,770 | (88.7 | %) | |||
Private Capital Management11 8889 Pelican Bay Blvd Naples, FL 34108 |
20,717,362 | (14.4 | %) | 0 | |||||
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.11 100 E. Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202 |
19,825,289 | (13.7 | %) | 0 | |||||
FMR Corp.11 82 Devonshire Street Boston, MA 02109 |
12,362,420 | (8.6 | %) | 0 | |||||
Morgan Stanley11 1585 Broadway New York, NY 10036 |
7,863,110 | (5.4 | %) | 0 |
(Footnotes continue on following page)
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(Footnotes continued from preceding page)
(Footnotes continue on following page)
6
(Footnotes continued from preceding page)
7
Security Ownership of Management and Directors
The following table shows the beneficial ownership, reported to the Company as of February 17, 2006, of Class A and Class B stock, including shares as to which a right to acquire ownership exists (by the exercise of stock options or the conversion of Class B stock into Class A stock) within the meaning of Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of each Director, the chief executive officer and the four other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company during 2005 and all Directors and executive officers of the Company, as a group. A portion of the shares reported below are held by the 1997 Trust, whose Trustees share voting and, in some cases, investment power with respect thereto. See "The 1997 Trust." The table also shows the amount of Class A stock units credited to the account of non-employee Directors under the Company's Non-Employee Directors Deferral Plan. Distribution in cash is made subsequent to retirement.
|
Class A Stock |
Percent of Outstanding Class A Stock |
Class A Stock Units |
Class B Stock |
Percent of Outstanding Class B Stock |
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John F. Akers1 Director |
27,035 | 849 | 0 | ||||||||
Brenda C. Barnes1 Director |
38,950 |
849 |
0 |
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Raul E. Cesan1 Director |
53,000 |
8,537 |
0 |
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Lynn G. Dolnick2,3 Director |
6,768,132 |
(4.7 |
%) |
849 |
739,369 |
(88.6 |
%) |
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Leonard P. Forman4, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
384,266 |
0 |
0 |
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Michael Golden2,3 Vice Chairman, Publisher of the International Herald Tribune and Director |
7,108,715 |
(4.9 |
%) |
0 |
739,930 |
(88.7 |
%) |
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Scott Heekin-Canedy4 President and General Manager, The New York Times |
151,129 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||
William E. Kennard1 Director |
17,200 |
5,606 |
0 |
||||||||
James M. Kilts Director |
3,814 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||
David E. Liddle1 Director |
26,600 |
849 |
0 |
||||||||
Ellen R. Marram1 Director |
36,000 |
9,408 |
0 |
||||||||
Thomas Middelhoff1 Director |
10,709 |
849 |
0 |
||||||||
Janet L. Robinson4 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
601,475 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||
Henry B. Schacht1 Director |
38,000 |
849 |
0 |
||||||||
Arthur Sulzberger, Jr.2,3 Chairman of the Board, Publisher of The New York Times and Director |
7,690,239 |
(5.3 |
%) |
0 |
739,770 |
(88.7 |
%) |
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Cathy J. Sulzberger2,3 Director |
6,832,275 |
(4.7 |
%) |
849 |
739,770 |
(88.7 |
%) |
(Table continues and footnotes appear on following page)
8
Doreen A. Toben1 Director |
8,500 |
2,514 |
0 |
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All Directors and Executive Officers2 (31 individuals) |
11,795,247 |
(7.9 |
%) |
26,065 |
742,409 |
(89.0 |
%) |
Note: Each individual Director and Executive Officer has beneficial ownership of less than 1%, other than in those instances noted.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
The Company's directors and executive officers and the beneficial holders of more than 10% of the Class A stock are required to file reports with the SEC of changes in their ownership of Company stock. Based on its review of such reports, the Company believes that all such filing requirements were met during 2005, except that Ms. Toben filed a Form 4 nine days late with regard to one purchase transaction.
9
Proposal Number 1
Election of Directors
Thirteen Directors will be elected to the Board of The New York Times Company at the 2006 Annual Meeting. Nominees proposed for election as Directors are listed below. Directors will hold office until the next Annual Meeting and until their successors are elected and qualified. Each of the nominees is now a member of the Board of Directors and was elected at the 2005 Annual Meeting for which proxies were solicited, except for James M. Kilts, who was elected by the Board on June 16, 2005.
The Certificate of Incorporation of the Company provides that Class A stockholders have the right to elect 30% of the Board of Directors (or the nearest larger whole number). Accordingly, Class A stockholders will elect four of the 13 Directors; Class B stockholders will elect nine. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast.
Class A Nominees (4) |
Class B Nominees (9) |
|
---|---|---|
Raul E. Cesan William E. Kennard James M. Kilts Doreen A. Toben |
Brenda C. Barnes Lynn G. Dolnick Michael Golden David E. Liddle Ellen R. Marram Thomas Middelhoff Janet L. Robinson Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. Cathy J. Sulzberger |
If any of the nominees become unavailable for election, all uninstructed proxies will be voted for such other person or persons designated by the Board. The Board has no reason to anticipate that this will occur.
Notes on Nominees:
10
Profiles of Nominees for the Board of Directors
The following information was provided by the nominees:
Class A Directors
RAUL E. CESAN Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Committee Memberships: |
58 1999 Founder and Managing Partner, Commercial Worldwide LLC (investments) (from 2001) President and Chief Operating Officer of Schering-Plough Corporation (from 1998 to 2001), Executive Vice President of Schering-Plough Corporation and President of Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals (from 1994 to 1998), President of Schering Laboratories (from 1992 to 1994), President of Schering-Plough International (from 1988 to 1992) Audit (Chair) and Finance |
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WILLIAM E. KENNARD Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Other Directorships: Committee Memberships: |
49 2001 Managing Director, The Carlyle Group (from 2001) Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (from 1997 to 2001), General Counsel of the Federal Communications Commission (from 1993 to 1997) Sprint Nextel Corporation Nominating & Governance (Chair) and Finance |
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JAMES M. KILTS Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Other Directorships: Committee Memberships: |
58 2005 Vice Chairman of the Board of The Procter & Gamble Company (from October 2005) President (from 2003 to October 2005), Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (from 2001 to October 2005), The Gillette Company; President and Chief Executive Officer (from 1999 to 2000), Nabisco Group Holdings Corp.; President and Chief Executive Officer (from 1998 to 1999), Nabisco Holdings Corp and Nabisco Inc.; Executive Vice President, Worldwide Food (from 1994 to 1997), Phillip Morris Companies; President (from 1989 to 1994), Kraft USA and Oscar Mayer; President, Kraft Limited in Canada; Senior Vice President, Kraft International The Procter & Gamble Company and MetLife, Inc. Finance |
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11
DOREEN A. TOBEN Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Other Directorships: Committee Memberships: |
56 2004 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Verizon Communications, Inc. (from 2002) Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Telecom Group, Verizon Communications, Inc. (from 2000 to 2002); Vice President and Controller (from 1999 to 2000) and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Telecom/Network, Bell Atlantic Inc. (from 1997 to 1999) Verizon Wireless Inc. Audit and Foundation |
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Class B Directors |
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BRENDA C. BARNES Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Other Directorships: Committee Memberships: |
52 1998 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sara Lee Corporation (from October 2005) President and Chief Executive Officer (February 2005 to October 2005), President and Chief Operating Officer (from July 2004 to February 2005), Sara Lee Corporation; Interim President and Chief Operating Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts (from November 1999 to March 2000); President and Chief Executive Officer (from 1996 to 1997) and Chief Operating Officer (from 1993 to 1996), Pepsi-Cola North America, President (1992), Pepsi-Cola South Sara Lee Corporation and Staples, Inc. Compensation (Chair) and Nominating & Governance |
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LYNN G. DOLNICK Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Committee Memberships: |
54 2005 Director of various non-profit corporations Associate Director, Exhibits and Outreach (from 1998 to 2004), Head, Division of Exhibits (from 1993 to 1998), Head, Office of Exhibit Interpretation (from 1991 to 1993), Special Assistant to Director (from 1986 to 1991), Director, NOAHS Center (New Opportunities in Animal Health Sciences) (from 1985 to 1987), Smithsonian's National Zoological Park Finance |
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12
MICHAEL GOLDEN Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Committee Memberships: |
56 1997 Vice Chairman of the Company (from 1997) and Publisher, The International Herald Tribune (from 2003) Vice President, Operations Development, of the Company (from 1996 to 1997); Executive Vice President, NYT Sports/Leisure Magazines, and Vice President and Publisher, Tennis magazine (from 1994 to 1996) and Executive Vice President and General Manager (from 1991 to 1994), NYT Women's Magazines Foundation |
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DAVID E. LIDDLE Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Committee Memberships: |
61 2000 Partner, U.S. Venture Partners (from 2000) Chairman (1999), President (from 1992 to 1999) and Co-Founder of Interval Research Corporation; Vice President, Personal Systems, International Business Machines Corporation (1991); President and Chief Executive Officer, Metaphor Computer Systems, Inc. (from 1982 to 1991) Audit and Compensation |
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ELLEN R. MARRAM Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Other Directorships: Committee Memberships: |
59 1998 President, The Barnegat Group, LLC (business advisory firm) (from 2006) Operating Advisor (from 2006), Managing Director (from 2000 to 2005), North Castle Partners, LLC; President and Chief Executive Officer of efdex, Inc. (the Electronic Food & Drink Exchange) (from 1999 to 2000); President (from 1993 to 1998) and Chief Executive Officer (from 1997 to 1998), Tropicana Beverage Group, and Executive Vice President, The Seagram Company Ltd. and Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Inc. (from 1993 to 1998); Senior Vice President, Nabisco Foods Group, and President and Chief Executive Officer, Nabisco Biscuit Company (from 1988 to 1993) Eli Lilly and Company and Ford Motor Company Finance (Chair), Nominating & Governance and Audit |
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13
THOMAS MIDDELHOFF Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Other Directorships: Committee Memberships: |
52 2003 Chief Executive Officer, KarstadtQuelle AG (from 2005) Non-executive Chairman, KarstadtQuelle AG (from 2004 to 2005); Managing Director, Investcorp Ltd. (from 2003 to 2005); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (from 1997 to 2002), Head of Corporate Development and Coordinator of Multimedia Business (from 1994 to 1998), and Member of The Board Industry Division (from 1990 to 1994), Bertelsmann AG; Managing Director (from 1989 to 1990), Mohndruck, Calandar Publishing Company APCOA Parking AG, KarstadtQuelle AG, The Polestar Corporation and Thomas Cook AG (Non-executive Chairman) Compensation |
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JANET L. ROBINSON Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Committee Memberships: |
55 2004 President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (from 2005) Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company (2004); Senior Vice President, Newspaper Operations, of the Company (from 2001 to 2004); President and General Manager, The New York Times (from 1996 to 2004) Foundation |
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ARTHUR SULZBERGER, JR. Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: |
54 1997 Chairman of the Company (from 1997) and Publisher, The New York Times (from 1992) Deputy Publisher (from 1988 to 1992) and Assistant Publisher (from 1987 to 1988), The New York Times |
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14
CATHY J. SULZBERGER Age: Director Since: Principal Occupation: Recent Business Experience: Committee Memberships: |
56 2002 Partner, LHIW Real Estate Development Partnership (from 1988) Director, The Chattanooga Times (from 1996 to 1999); Consumer Affairs Consultant, Consumer Relations and Information Development, National Association of Retail Druggists (from 1980 to 1988) Finance and Foundation (Chair) |
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Interest of Directors in Certain Transactions of the Company
1. In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries from time to time engage in transactions with other corporations whose officers or directors are also Directors of the Company. These include the Company's purchase of products and services from Verizon Communications, Inc. and the running of advertising in Company properties for the products and services of Ford Motor Company, The Procter & Gamble Company, Sprint Nextel Corporation and Verizon Communications, Inc., as well as other Director-affiliated companies. All of these arrangements are conducted on an arm's-length basis. The relevant outside Director does not participate in these business relationships nor profit directly from them. Due to the nature of these transactions, they may not even come to the attention of the Company's Board or the relevant Director.
Any transaction with the Company in which a Director has a direct, or indirect, material interest would be specifically disclosed by the Company in its public filings.
None of the current transactions would render any of the Company's independent Directors not independent under the categorical standards the Board has adopted to assist it in making independence determinations (see "Board of Directors and Corporate GovernanceIndependent Directors").
2. During 2005, Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. was employed as Chairman of the Company and Publisher of The New York Times, and Michael Golden was employed as Vice Chairman of the Company and Publisher of the International Herald Tribune. See "Compensation of Executive Officers" for a description of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr.'s and Mr. Golden's compensation. James Dryfoos was employed as Senior Analyst Systems (IT Department) and was paid a total of $112,000 in 2005. Michael Greenspon is Director, Sales & Operations (Circulation, Retail Sales, LLC), and was paid a total of $109,371 in 2005. Messrs. Dryfoos and Greenspon are each the son of a cousin of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr., Cathy J. Sulzberger, Mr. Golden and Lynn G. Dolnick. Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Sulzberger are siblings, and are cousins of Mr. Golden and Ms. Dolnick, who are also siblings.
15
Board of Directors and Corporate Governance
The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the direction, affairs and management of the Company. The Board recognizes its fiduciary duty to both Class A and Class B stockholders.
The following highlights the key corporate governance practices applicable to the Board:
Corporate Governance Principles. The New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") rules require listed companies to adopt corporate governance principles. The current version of the Company's corporate governance principles, most recently amended in February 2006, reflecting the following and other provisions, is included in this Proxy Statement as Appendix I. A printable copy of our corporate governance principles is available on our Web site and is also available in print to any stockholder requesting it. Such request can be submitted via the Web site, or in writing or by telephone as described on page 3.
Corporate Governance Officer. The Company has also appointed a Corporate Governance Officer to promote best practices and help the Company remain in the forefront of good corporate governance. The Corporate Governance Officer periodically reviews the Company's corporate governance principles and practices to assure that they continue to reflect high standards and makes recommendations to the Nominating & Governance Committee in connection with the Company's governance practices.
Director Election. All Directors stand for election annually. Voting is not cumulative.
Director Attendance at Annual Meetings. All Directors are expected to attend the Company's annual meeting of stockholders, except John F. Akers (who is retiring from the Board). All Directors attended the Company's 2005 annual meeting of stockholders in person, except for Ms. Barnes and Ms. Toben, who could not attend due to scheduling conflicts.
Director Retirement Age. None of our Directors will stand for re-election after his or her 70th birthday, unless the Board determines otherwise.
Directors as Stockholders. All Directors are expected to own stock in the Company. Ownership of $100,000 in Company stock is considered an appropriate amount for each Director to accumulate over a reasonable period of time.
Director Orientation. The Company has a comprehensive orientation program for all new non-management Directors with respect to their role as directors and as members of the particular Board committees on which they will serve. It includes one-on-one meetings with senior management and top New York Times editors, a plant visit and extensive written materials on each of the Company's different business units. The senior management meetings cover a corporate overview, the Company's strategic plans, its significant financial, accounting and risk management issues, its compliance programs, and its business conduct policies. All other Directors are also invited to attend each orientation program.
Ongoing Director Education. From time to time, the Company will provide Directors with additional educational materials and presentations from Company and/or third-party experts on subjects that would enable them to perform better their duties and to recognize and deal appropriately with issues that arise. In addition, the Company will pay all reasonable expenses for any Director who wishes to attend a director continuing education program.
"Controlled Company" Exception to NYSE Rules. The Company's Board of Directors has determined not to take advantage of an available exception from certain of the NYSE rules. A company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by a single entity, a "controlled company", need not comply with the requirements for a majority of independent directors or for independent compensation and nominating/corporate governance committees discussed below. As a result of the 1997 Trust's holdings of Class B stock, the Company would qualify as a controlled company and could elect not to comply with these independence requirements. However, the Company's Board of Directors has determined to comply in all respects with the NYSE rules.
Independent Directors. The NYSE rules require listed companies to have a board of directors with at least a majority of independent directors. The Company has now, and has had for many years, a majority of independent Directors.
The Board has determined that each of Mr. Akers, Ms. Barnes, Messrs. Cesan, Kennard and Kilts, Dr. Liddle, Ms. Marram, Dr. Middelhoff, Mr. Schacht and Ms. Toben are independent. Of the remaining directors, Messrs. Sulzberger, Jr. and Golden and Ms. Robinson are executive officers of the Company, Ms. Dolnick is a cousin of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and a sister of Mr. Golden, and Ms. Sulzberger is the sister of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and a cousin of Mr. Golden.
The NYSE rules specify five categories of relationships between an individual and a listed company that render the individual ineligible to be independent. The Board has determined that none of the Company's independent directors has a relationship with the Company that falls within these categories.
16
Under the NYSE rules, a director qualifies as "independent" so long as he or she has none of these impermissible relationships with the Company and upon the Board affirmatively determining that he or she has no other material relationship with the Company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company).
The NYSE rules permit the adoption of, and the Board of the Company has adopted, categorical standards defining "material relationships" for the purpose of determining independence. Under these standards, the Board has determined that the following relationships provided they are not required to be disclosed in the Company's public filings by SEC rules are immaterial to the Company for this purpose:
The Board has determined that each of the Company's independent directors has only immaterial relationships with the Company under these categorical standards.
Board Committees. Both the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the NYSE rules require the Company to have an audit committee comprised solely of independent directors, and the NYSE rules also require the Company to have independent compensation and nominating/corporate governance committees. The Company is in compliance with these requirements.
Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, members of an audit committee must have no affiliation with the issuer, other than the Board seat, and receive no compensation in a capacity other than as a Director/committee member. Each member of our Audit Committee meets this independence standard.
Audit Committee Financial Experts. Rules promulgated by the SEC under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act require the Company to disclose annually whether our Audit Committee has one or more "audit committee financial experts," as defined by the SEC. The Board has determined that currently each of Mr. Cesan, Dr. Liddle, Ms. Marram, Mr. Schacht and Ms. Toben qualifies as such an expert.
Codes of Ethics. The Company has adopted a Business Ethics Policy, applicable to all employees, a code of ethics that applies not only to the Company's CEO and senior financial officers, as required by the SEC, but also to its Chairman and Vice Chairman, and a code of ethics for Directors. A printable version of each of these documents is available on our Web site and is also available in print to any stockholder requesting it. Such request can be submitted via the Web site, or in writing or by telephone as described on page 3.
Non-Management Directors. The NYSE rules require that the non-management directors of a listed company meet periodically in executive sessions. The Company's non-management Directors meet separately at the end of each regular meeting of the Board. Additionally, as required by proposed amendments to NYSE rules, at least once a year the independent Directors meet in executive session. Ms. Dolnick and Ms. Sulzberger are non-management Directors who, due to their family relation to Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Mr. Golden, are not considered independent. Mr. Akers currently serves as Presiding Director at these sessions. Ms. Marram has been appointed by the non-management Directors to replace Mr. Akers, who is retiring, as Presiding Director, effective April 18, 2006.
Interested parties may express their concerns to the Company's non-management Directors or the independent Directors by contacting the Presiding Director, care of the Corporate Secretary, The New York Times Company, 229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036. The Corporate Secretary will relay all such correspondence to the Presiding Director.
Communications with the Board. Stockholders may communicate with the Board of Directors care of the Corporate Secretary, The New York Times Company, 229 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036. The Corporate Secretary will relay all such correspondence to the entire Board of Directors.
Board and Committee Evaluations. Our Board has a Board and Committee evaluation process to examine and discuss how our Board and Committees function as groups and with senior management of our Company. We believe that our stockholders' interests can be best protected by acknowledging the separate responsibilities of management and our Board and its Committees and by ensuring an open environment for Board and management discussions and actions.
No Interlocking Directorships. The Chairman of the Board, as Publisher of The New York Times newspaper, does not sit on any other company board. Although other members of senior management without editorial responsibilities are not so precluded, none sit on the boards of directors of any company at which one of our Directors is the chief executive officer or chief operating officer.
17
Succession Planning. Recognizing the critical importance of executive leadership to the success of the Company, the Board works with senior management to ensure that effective plans are in place for both short-term and long-term executive succession at The New York Times Company.
Senior Management Evaluation. In consultation with all non-management Directors, the Compensation Committee annually evaluates the performance of our Chairman, President and CEO and Vice Chairman.
Corporate Financial Ethics Hotline. The Company has established a corporate financial ethics hotline to allow an employee to lodge a complaint, confidentially and anonymously, about any accounting, internal control or auditing matter that is of concern.
Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines. Those executive officers named in the "Summary Compensation Table" are subject to stock ownership guidelines. The Chairman is required to own shares of Class A stock equal to three times his base salary. The President and CEO, the Vice Chairman and the Chief Financial Officer are required to hold an amount equal in value to two times his or her base salary in Company stock. All other named executive officers are required to hold an amount equal in value to their base salary in Company stock. Restricted stock and restricted stock units are counted in calculating ownership. An affected executive officer has five years to attain the holding requirements.
Board Meetings and Attendance
Board Meetings in 2005: Seven
Board Committees: Five Standing Committees: Audit, Compensation, Finance, Foundation, and Nominating & Governance. See "Board Committees" for Committee descriptions and membership.
Total Committee Meetings in 2005: 22
2005 Attendance: All Directors attended 75% or more of the total Board and Committee meetings.
Nominating & Governance Committee
Our Nominating & Governance Committee is comprised of four non-employee, independent Directors, William E. Kennard, Chair, John F. Akers, Brenda C. Barnes, and Ellen R. Marram.
The Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A printable version of the charter is available on our Web site and is also available in print to any stockholder requesting it. Such request can be submitted in writing or by telephone as described on page 3. The chart set forth in "Board Committees" describes the principal functions of the Committee under its charter.
The Committee will consider Director candidates recommended by stockholders. Stockholders wishing to recommend Director candidates for consideration by the Committee may do so by writing to the Corporate Secretary, giving the recommended nominee's name, biographical data and qualifications, accompanied by the written consent of the recommended nominee.
Consistent with the Company's Corporate Governance Principles, the Committee considers various criteria in Board candidates, including, among others, independence, diversity, character, judgment and business experience, as well as their appreciation of the Company's core purpose, core values and journalistic mission, and whether they have time available to devote to Board activities. The Committee also considers whether a potential nominee would satisfy:
Whenever a vacancy exists on the Board due to expansion of the Board's size or the resignation or retirement of an existing Director, the Committee begins its process of identifying and evaluating potential Director nominees. The Committee considers recommendations of management, stockholders and others. The Committee has sole authority to retain and terminate any search firm to be used to identify Director candidates, including approving its fees and other retention terms. In this regard, from time to time the Committee has retained a global executive recruiting firm, whose function is to bring specific Director candidates to the attention of the Committee. As discussed above, the 1997 Trust, as holder of a majority of our Class B stock, has the right to elect 70% of our Board. The Committee considers, among other potential nominees, recommendations of the trustees of the 1997 Trust for nominees to be elected by the holders of the Class B stock.
18
Director candidates are evaluated using the criteria described above and in light of the then-existing composition of the Board, including its overall size, structure, backgrounds and areas of expertise of existing Directors and the relative mix of independent and management Directors. The Committee also considers the specific needs of the various Board committees. The Committee recommends potential Director nominees to the full Board, and final approval of a candidate is determined by the full Board. This evaluation process is the same for Director nominees who are recommended by our stockholders.
James M. Kilts was elected as a member of the Board on June 16, 2005, and will stand for election by our stockholders for the first time at the 2006 Annual Meeting. Mr. Kilts was first brought to the attention of senior management and the Committee by a Committee member. Mr. Kilts first met with the Chair of the Committee, who then recommended that the Committee recommend to the full Board that he be elected a Director.
The Committee did not receive any recommendations from stockholders proposing candidate(s) for election at the 2006 Annual Meeting.
19
Name of Committee and Members |
Principal Functions of the Committee |
Meetings in 2005 |
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Audit Raul E. Cesan, Chair David E. Liddle Ellen R. Marram Henry B. Schacht |
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Engages the Company's independent auditors, subject to ratification by the stockholders, and receives periodic reports from the auditors and management regarding the auditors' independence and other matters. Recommends appropriate action to ensure the auditors' independence. |
8 | |||
Doreen A. Toben | |
Reviews with management and the independent auditors the Company's quarterly and annual financial statements and other financial disclosures, the adequacy of internal controls and major issues regarding accounting principles and practices, including any changes resulting from amendments to SEC or Financial Accounting Standards Board rules. |
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Meets at each meeting with the Company's senior internal audit executive, representatives of management and the independent auditors in separate executive sessions. |
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Reviews and approves the scope of the audit at the outset and reviews the performance of the independent auditors and any audit problems or difficulties encountered. |
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Reviews the Company's risk assessment and risk management policies. |
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Reviews the organization, resources and competence of the Company's internal audit department. |
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Prepares the report to stockholders included in the annual Proxy Statement. |
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Compensation Brenda C. Barnes, Chair John F. Akers David E. Liddle Thomas Middelhoff Henry B. Schacht |
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Approves remuneration arrangements for the Company's executive officers and senior management other than the Chairman, the CEO and the Vice Chairman, including base salaries, salary increases, incentive compensation plans and awards. Reviews the reasonableness and appropriateness of all such compensation. |
4 | |||
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In consultation with all non-employee Directors, annually evaluates the performance of the Chairman, the CEO and the Vice Chairman and, together with the other independent directors, approves their remuneration arrangements. |
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Adopts and oversees the administration of incentive compensation and executive stock plans and determines awards granted to executive officers and senior management under such plans. |
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Advises the Board on the reasonableness and appropriateness of executive compensation plans and levels generally, including whether these effectively serve the interests of the Company and its stockholders by creating appropriate incentives for high levels of individual and Company performance. |
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Appoints the ERISA Management Committee, which oversees administration of the Company's health, benefit and savings plans and which reports to the Compensation Committee once a year. |
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Has sole authority to engage an executive compensation consultant. |
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Prepares the report to stockholders included in the annual Proxy Statement. |
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Nominating & Governance William E. Kennard, Chair John F. Akers |
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Makes recommendations to the Board regarding the composition of the Board and its Committees, including size and qualifications for membership. |
3 | |||
Brenda C. Barnes Ellen R. Marram |
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Recommends candidates to the Board for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting. |
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Advises the Board on appropriate compensation for outside directors. |
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Advises the Board on corporate governance matters. |
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Oversees periodic evaluation of the Board. |
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Has sole authority to engage a search firm to identify director candidates. |
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Finance Ellen R. Marram, Chair John F. Akers Raul E. Cesan Lynn G. Dolnick |
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Reviews the Company's financial policies, including, without limitation, dividend policy, investment of cash, stock repurchase, short- and long-term financing, foreign currency, hedging and derivative transactions, material acquisitions and dispositions and capital expenditures. |
5 | |||
William E. Kennard James M. Kilts Henry B. Schacht |
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Establishes (and adjusts from time to time) investment policies for the Company's retirement and savings plans. |
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Cathy J. Sulzberger | |
Appoints the Pension Investment Committee, which appoints and reviews the performance of the trustees and investment managers for the Company's retirement and savings plans and which reports to the Finance Committee from time to time. |
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Foundation Cathy J. Sulzberger, Chair Michael Golden |
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Advises the Board on the policies and direction of The New York Times Company Foundation and The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund. |
2 | |||
Janet L. Robinson Doreen A. Toben |
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Reviews and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the Company's contributions to The New York Times Company Foundation. |
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20
Directors' Compensation
Directors' compensation is paid only to non-employee Directors. The goal of this compensation is to help us remain competitive in attracting and retaining high quality Directors. We also recognize that over the past few years, there has been an increase in board responsibilities and potential liability.
Based on available information, we believe our non-employee Director compensation package generally falls in the mid-range of director compensation at comparable companies.
Annual Retainer: $30,000. Effective April 1, 2006, the annual retainer will be $35,000. This is the first increase in the annual retainer since 2002.
Annual Chair and Presiding Director Retainer: $10,000 to each of the Committee Chairs and the Presiding Director.
Meeting Fees: $2,000 per Board or Committee meeting attended; and $1,500 per informal Committee information session, designated as such by the Committee Chair. Audit Committee members also receive $1,500 for participating in quarterly pre-earnings release telephone calls.
Stock Options: Options to purchase 4,000 shares of our Class A stock have been granted annually on the date of the Annual Meeting at an exercise price equal to the market value at the time of grant. Options vest on the date of the next succeeding Annual Meeting and have a term of 10 years from date of grant. It is anticipated that a similar grant will be made on the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting.
Phantom Stock Units: Pursuant to a discretionary grant, phantom stock units worth $30,000 were credited to each non-employee Director's account under the Company's Non-Employee Directors Deferral Plan on the date of the 2005 Annual Meeting. It is anticipated that a similar grant will be made as of the date of the 2006 Annual Meeting. The number of phantom stock units credited is based on the average closing price of a share of Class A stock for the 30 trading days prior to date of credit. Distribution in cash is generally made upon retirement.
Non-Employee Directors Deferral Plan: The Company's Non-Employee Directors Deferral Plan allows each non-employee Director to elect to defer the receipt of a portion of his or her cash compensation. Deferred amounts are credited to a cash or a Class A stock unit account, as elected by the Director. Subsequent to retirement, the non-employee Director will receive cash payments of amounts accumulated in his or her account.
Matching Gifts Program: The Company matches 150% of charitable contributions made by Directors to colleges, schools, cultural, journalism or environmental organizations, up to a maximum Company contribution of $4,500 per person per year. The Company also matches charitable contributions of retired Directors. A Director is considered "retired" if such Director has served at least five years on the Board and is at least age 60 at the time he or she leaves the Company's Board.
Life Insurance: The Company currently maintains insurance of $100,000 on the life of each non-employee Director. However, the Board has determined to discontinue this insurance effective April 1, 2006. The income required by the Internal Revenue Service to be imputed in 2005 to non-employee Directors relative to this insurance was approximately $4,000 in aggregate. Life insurance of $25,000 is maintained on the life of each currently retired non-employee Director. The Board has determined to discontinue this insurance for non-employee Directors who retire after April 18, 2006.
Expenses: Reasonable expenses are reimbursed for attendance at Board and Committee meetings.
Aggregate Directors Compensation: For 2005, the Company paid an aggregate of approximately $889,000 in the form of retainers, meeting fees and expenses of attendance (including amounts deferred at the Directors' request but not including the stock options and phantom stock units referred to above).
Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
The Company maintains directors' and officers' liability insurance. Currently, this is part of our combined insurance, which was purchased effective March 1, 2006, with an expiration date of March 1, 2007, at a cost of $7,543,113. The aggregate limit for the combined insurance for D&O claims is $100 million. If the $100 million combined limit is exhausted, there is a separate $50 million side limit available for directors' and officers' liability. The insurance companies providing directors' and officers' liability insurance are Continental Casualty Company, Ace American Insurance Company, Zurich American Insurance Company, Twin City Fire Insurance, American Alternative Insurance Company, Allied World Assurance Co. Ltd., Starr Excess Insurance International Ltd., Federal Insurance Company and St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company.
21
Compensation of Executive Officers
The following table summarizes, for each of the last three fiscal years, the compensation of our chief executive officer and each of our four other most highly compensated executive officers.
Summary Compensation Table
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|
|
Long-Term Compensation |
|
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|
Annual Compensation |
Awards |
Payouts |
|
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|
|
|||||||||||||||
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
(f) |
(g) |
(h) |
(i) |
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Name and Principal Position |
Fiscal Year |
Salary ($)1 |
Bonus ($) |
Other Annual Compensation ($)2 |
Restricted Stock Awards ($)3 |
Stock Options (#) |
LTIP Payouts ($)4 |
All Other Compensation ($)5 |
||||||||
Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. Chairman of the Board and Publisher of The New York Times |
2005 2004 2003 |
1,055,596 1,024,850 995,000 |
560,521 894,694 743,265 |
11,754 0 10,216 |
817,500 433,840 0 |
150,000 59,000 90,000 |
0 0 0 |
6,150 6,000 6,000 |
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Janet L. Robinson6 President and Chief Executive Officer |
2005 2004 2003 |
900,000 780,000 650,000 |
477,900 491,790 340,113 |
121,450 1,096 4,753 |
2,016,500 414,120 926,800 |
149,000 55,000 48,000 |
0 0 0 |
6,150 6,000 6,000 |
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Michael Golden Vice Chairman and Publisher of the International Herald Tribune |
2005 2004 2003 |
608,960 591,220 574,000 |
233,536 372,764 309,673 |
243,839 187,093 6,902 |
327,000 452,392 0 |
60,000 29,670 48,000 |
0 0 0 |
6,150 6,000 6,000 |
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Leonard P. Forman Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
2005 2004 2003 |
595,590 572,680 556,000 |
238,409 361,075 299,962 |
24,586 5,837 12,148 |
327,000 218,892 695,100 |
60,000 29,670 48,000 |
0 0 0 |
6,150 6,000 6,000 |
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Scott Heekin-Canedy7 President and General Manager, The New York Times |
2005 2004 |
500,000 425,000 |
175,625 178,500 |
5,400 0 |
327,000 192,547 |
60,000 26,120 |
0 0 |
6,150 6,000 |
22
Option Grants In Last Fiscal Year
|
Individual Grants1 |
Grant Date Value2 |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
||||||||||
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
(f) |
|||||
Name |
Options Granted (#) |
% of Total Options Granted to Employees in Fiscal Year |
Exercise or Base Price ($/SH) |
Expiration Date |
Grant Date Present Value ($) |
|||||
Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. | 150,000 | 8.17 | % | 27.445 | 12/20/2015 | 765,000 | ||||
Janet L. Robinson |
149,000 |
8.11 |
% |
27.445 |
12/20/2015 |
759,900 |
||||
Michael Golden |
60,000 |
3.27 |
% |
27.445 |
12/20/2015 |
306,000 |
||||
Leonard P. Forman |
60,000 |
3.27 |
% |
27.445 |
12/20/2015 |
306,000 |
||||
Scott Heekin-Canedy |
60,000 |
3.27 |
% |
27.445 |
12/20/2015 |
306,000 |
||||
Fiscal Year-End Option Values1
(a) |
(d) |
(e) |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Name |
Number of Unexercised Options at Fiscal Year End (#) Exercisable/ Unexercisable2 |
Value of Unexercised In-the-Money Options at Fiscal Year End ($) Exercisable/ Unexercisable3 |
||
Arthur Sulzberger, Jr.4 |
764,890/194,250 |
0/0 |
||
Janet L. Robinson |
451,750/190,250 |
0/0 |
||
Michael Golden4 |
320,979/82,253 |
79,339/0 |
||
Leonard P. Forman |
349,992/82,253 |
0/0 |
||
Scott Heekin-Canedy |
128,030/79,590 |
0/0 |
23
Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards in Last Fiscal Year
Under the Company's long-term performance award program for senior executives, a grant was made in December 2005 for the five-year cycle commencing January 2006. The actual amount that will be paid will depend on two performance measures. Fifty percent of each executive's potential award is based on the total return to holders of Class A stock relative to the total return to holders of stock in the companies that make up the "peer group" described under "Performance Presentation" during the five-year period 2006-2010. Fifty percent of the potential award is based on the percentage increase in the Company's revenues in excess of the percentage increase in costs and expenses during the same five-year period. Achievement with respect to each element of the award is independent of the other.
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Stock Price-Based Plan |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
(f) |
|||||
Name |
Number of Shares, Units or Other Rights (#) |
Performance or Other Period Until Maturation or Payout |
Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
|||||
Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. | 1 | 5 years (2006-2010) | 175,000 | 700,000 | 1,225,000 | |||||
Janet L. Robinson |
1 |
5 years (2006-2010) |
172,500 |
690,000 |
1,207,500 |
|||||
Michael Golden |
1 |
5 years (2006-2010) |
92,500 |
370,000 |
647,500 |
|||||
Leonard P. Forman |
1 |
5 years (2006-2010) |
92,500 |
370,000 |
647,500 |
|||||
Scott Heekin-Canedy |
1 |
5 years (2006-2010) |
92,500 |
370,000 |
647,500 |
Pension Plan Table
The following table shows the annual estimated benefits payable under our defined benefit retirement plans upon retirement to employees in specified covered compensation and years of credited service classifications. The maximum annual benefit payable under the plans that cover the executive officers is 50% of average annual covered compensation for the five highest-paid consecutive years out of the most recent 10 years. The maximum annual benefit is payable with 20 years of credited service and is prorated for less than 20 years. The amount of estimated annual benefit is based upon the assumption that the nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan will continue in force in its present form.
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Estimated Annual Pension For Representative Years of Credited Service |
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Highest Five-Year Average Annual Compensation |
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10 |
15 |
20 or More |
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750,000 |
187,500 |
281,250 |
375,000 |
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1,000,000 |
250,000 |
375,000 |
500,000 |
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1,250,000 |
312,500 |
468,750 |
625,000 |
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1,500,000 |
375,000 |
562,500 |
750,000 |
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1,750,000 |
437,500 |
656,250 |
875,000 |
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2,000,000 |
500,000 |
750,000 |
1,000,000 |
The benefits described in the table above are calculated on a straight-life annuity basis and are not subject to any reduction for Social Security or other offset amounts.
For named executive officers, annual covered compensation for 2005 is the sum of (i) the amount shown for 2005 in column (c) of the Summary Compensation Table, (ii) the annual bonus earned for 2004, shown in column (d) of the Summary Compensation Table, and (iii) any bonus earned for 2005 that was paid in 2005. Annual covered compensation for 2005 was $1,950,290 for Mr. Sulzberger, Jr.; $1,391,790 for Ms. Robinson; $981,724 for Mr. Golden; $966,665 for Mr. Forman, and $728,500 for Mr. Heekin-Canedy.
The named executive officers had the following full years of credited service as of December 25, 2005: Mr. Sulzberger, Jr.: 27; Ms. Robinson: 22; Mr. Golden: 21; Mr. Forman: 21; and Mr. Heekin-Canedy: 14.
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Performance Presentation
The following graph shows the annual cumulative total stockholder return for the five years ending December 31, 2005, on an assumed investment of $100 on December 31, 2000, in the Company, the Standard & Poor's S&P 500 Stock Index and an index of peer group communications companies. The peer group returns are weighted by market capitalization at the beginning of each year. The peer group is comprised of the Company and the following other communications companies: Dow Jones & Company, Inc., Gannett Co., Inc., Knight Ridder, Inc., Media General, Inc., The McClatchy Company, Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company. Stockholder return is measured by dividing (a) the sum of (i) the cumulative amount of dividends declared for the measurement period, assuming monthly reinvestment of dividends and (ii) the difference between the issuer's share price at the end and the beginning of the measurement period by (b) the share price at the beginning of the measurement period. As a result, stockholder return includes both dividends and stock appreciation.
Stock Performance Comparison Between S&P 500, The New York Times
Company's Class A Common Stock and Peer Group Common Stock
Compensation Committee Report
To the Stockholders of The New York Times Company:
Compensation Policies and Purposes
In structuring compensation for the Company's executive officers, including the Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer, the goal of the Compensation Committee is to enable the Company to attract, retain and motivate the highest caliber of executives by offering competitive compensation and rewarding superior performance and to link the executives' total compensation to the interests of stockholders. Accordingly, we tie a substantial portion of each executive officer's total potential compensation to Company performance. In addition to a base salary, executives are eligible for annual bonuses and long-term performance awards that reinforce the relationship between pay and performance by conditioning compensation on the achievement of financial goals. In addition, executives receive grants of stock options and restricted stock units, which increase or decrease in value depending on the value of the Company's Class A stock. The "at risk" compensation opportunities align the interests of executives with those of stockholders:
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Committee Procedures
Our Committee consists solely of non-employee Directors of the Company. The Board of Directors has determined that each Committee member is "independent" under the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE.
Together with the other independent members of the Board, we evaluate the performance of the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman and approve their compensation. In addition, we approve all compensation for the Company's other executive officers. Compensation for other members of senior management is reviewed and established pursuant to salary "bands," whereby the compensation of such senior management members reflects the levels of responsibility and the market value of their positions. In addition, we discuss with management in general terms the compensation of non-executive employees. Finally, we oversee the administration of employee compensation programs.
We annually evaluate the Company's executive compensation policies with regard to the link between executive compensation and the interests of stockholders, as well as competitiveness of the programs. Each year, our outside compensation consultant reports to us on its review of data from nationally recognized compensation surveys. The review analyzes total target and actual annual cash compensation and the economic value of long-term awards for comparable executive positions at a cross-industry subset of U.S. companies with revenues comparable to the Company as well as similar data from media companies, including those companies in the "peer group" described under "Performance Presentation" in this Proxy Statement. Although we do not use a specific formula to set pay in relation to this market data, we generally use the data to target annual total compensation for executive officers at slightly above the mid-range of companies surveyed and to allocate a substantial portion of such compensation to performance-based annual bonuses.
In December of each year, we meet to discuss and approve executive compensation. At that time, we take the following actions:
In February of each year, we certify the achievement of performance goals for the recently completed year and long-term cycles and approve the payment of the annual bonuses and long-term performance awards.
Compensation Structure
Executive compensation consists of a base salary and the incentive compensation described above. The more responsible the executive officer's position is, the greater the portion of the "at risk" compensation opportunities. In setting overall compensation for individual executive officers, allocating overall compensation into its components and setting the targets at which compensation is payable, we consider individual performance and responsibilities as well as the strategic and operating plans of the executive's operating unit, where applicable, and the Company as a whole. We do not assign these factors specific mathematical weights but rather exercise our own judgment in allocating compensation.
Salaries
Salaries for executive officers are reviewed annually. Salary increases are based on a number of factors, including a review of the competitive data described above. We believe the salaries set for 2005 were appropriate in light of salaries paid for comparable positions at other companies and the individual performance and responsibilities of the executives.
Annual Bonuses
Potential annual bonuses are set as a percentage of salary. The more responsible the executive officer's position is, the higher the percentage. The amounts actually paid to each corporate executive officer for 2005 depended principally upon the Company's achievement of designated earnings per share targets. For executive officers who work for specific operating divisions of the Company, the annual bonus received for 2005 depended 50% on the achievement of the Company-wide earnings per share targets and 50%
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upon the achievement of operating result targets by the individual's operating unit.
For the targets set for 2006, the amount each corporate executive officer receives will depend 75% upon the Company's achievement of designated earnings per share targets for 2006 and 25% upon the officer's achievement of individual goals. For executive officers who work for specific operating divisions of the Company, the annual bonus will depend 40% on the achievement of the Company-wide earnings per share targets, 35% upon the achievement of operating result targets by the individual's operating unit and 25% upon the officer's achievement of individual goals. The total award may be increased or decreased by up to 10% based on the level of achievement of diversity goals.
Long-Term Performance Awards
Cash amounts paid under long-term performance awards have historically depended on the total return over a multi-year period to Class A stockholders relative to the total return to stockholders of the companies that make up the "peer group" described under "Performance Presentation." A target range of potential payouts is specified for each participant, including each executive officer, and may increase to 175% of target or be zero, depending on total stockholder return. For the three-year performance cycle ending in 2005, for which target amounts were set in 2002, the Company's total return to stockholders was below the amount required to generate an award and no payments were made.
Beginning with the performance cycle that commenced January 2005, we extended the measurement period used to determine long-term performance awards from three to five years to better reflect a full economic cycle and the time required for the realization of the Company's business strategy. For the performance cycle beginning in January 2006, the actual amount that will be paid will depend on two performance measures over a five-year period. Fifty percent of each executive's potential award remains tied to the total return to holders of Class A stock relative to the total return to holders of stock in the "peer group" companies. Fifty percent of the potential award will be based on the percentage increase in the Company's revenues in excess of the percentage increase in costs and expenses during the same five-year period. Achievement with respect to each element of the award is independent of the other. The adoption of the new performance measure enhances the link between award payment and the successful execution of the Company's growth strategy and cost-control initiatives.
Stock Options/Restricted Stock Units
The stock-based compensation for eligible employees, including executive officers, consists of stock options and restricted stock units.
In making equity grants in 2005, we considered, among other factors, the number of options previously granted that remain outstanding, changes to the accounting treatment of options and the evolving nature of executive compensation practices.
The value of the combined stock-based package granted to each executive officer in 2005 depended on the degree of responsibility of the executive's position and was based, in part, on our review of survey data supplied by our outside compensation consultant of stock options, restricted stock units and other long-term compensation granted to executive officers at comparable salary and responsibility levels at other companies.
In 2004, we adopted minimum stock ownership guidelines for those executive officers named in the "Summary Compensation Table." The Chairman is required to own shares of the Company's Class A stock equal in value to three times current annual base salary, and the other named executive officers are required to own shares equal in value to one or two times current annual base salary. Restricted stock and restricted stock units are counted in calculating ownership, but stock options are not. Each affected executive officer has five years from becoming subject to the guidelines to attain the holding requirements.
Tax
The Internal Revenue Code imposes certain limitations on the deductibility of compensation paid to those executive officers named in the "Summary Compensation Table." Certain compensation, including performance-based compensation meeting specified requirements, is exempt from this deduction limit. To
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the extent consistent with corporate performance objectives, we have structured, and intend to continue to structure, performance-based compensation, including stock option grants, annual bonuses and long-term performance awards, to executive officers who may be subject to these limitations in a manner that maximizes the available deduction. However, we have awarded non-deductible compensation in the past, and we reserve the right to do so in the future when we deem appropriate. A portion of the salary and other compensation received by certain of our executive officers for 2005 was not deductible.
Compensation of the Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer
We based 2005 compensation for Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., the Company's Chairman, and Janet L. Robinson, the President and Chief Executive Officer, on several different factors and criteria, including, for Ms. Robinson, her appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 27, 2004, as well as a review prepared by our outside compensation consultant. We reviewed all of the components of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr.'s and Ms. Robinson's compensation, as set forth below.
As was the case for all executive officers, the 2005 compensation of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson included a salary and the "at risk" compensation opportunities described above. In setting the various components of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr.'s and Ms. Robinson's compensation, including the amounts (including increases), the various performance targets and the relative mix of the various elements of their compensation, we considered the overall level of their compensation and the components consisting of the various elements of "at risk" compensation opportunities described above in this report. As noted above, we believe that including various types of "at risk" components produces an overall compensation package with appropriate incentives. We believe that each of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr.'s and Ms. Robinson's 2005 compensation packages was fair and reasonable and included an appropriately significant portion of "at risk" compensation opportunities to tie the amount of their compensation to the Company's performance.
Salary
Prior to setting 2005 salaries for Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson in December 2004, we reviewed data assembled by our outside compensation consultant concerning the compensation for similar positions at other companies of comparable size as described above and considered the individual performance and responsibilities of the executives. After such review, and commensurate with Ms. Robinson's new responsibilities, we set Mr. Sulzberger, Jr.'s base salary at $1,055,596, and Ms. Robinson's base salary at $900,000.
Annual Bonus
The 2005 earnings per share targets described above under "Compensation StructureAnnual Bonuses," set in December 2004, were used to determine annual bonuses for Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson. We set a target amount of $950,036 for Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and $810,000 for Ms. Robinson. Earnings per share in 2005 resulted in achievement of 59% of the target amount, and, as a result, an annual bonus payment of $560,521 was made to Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and an annual bonus payment of $477,900 was made to Ms. Robinson. The annual bonuses paid to Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson in 2005 were based solely on 2005 earnings per share targets; no component was discretionary.
Long-Term Performance Awards
As discussed above, for the three-year performance cycle ending in 2005, for which target amounts and performance targets were set in 2002, performance targets were not met and no payments were made to any participants. Like all executive officers, Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson received a long-term potential for the performance cycle beginning in January 2006 that is described above under "Compensation StructureLong Term Performance Awards." We set target amounts of $700,000 for Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and $690,000 for Ms. Robinson.
Stock Options
In December 2005, we granted Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. options to acquire 150,000 shares of Class A stock and granted Ms. Robinson options to acquire 149,000 shares of Class A stock. The exercise price was $27.445 per share, which reflects the market value of the Class A stock at the time of grant. As with stock options granted to other executive officers, the options granted to Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson vest in equal installments over four years and expire after ten years. We estimate that the value of these options as of the date of the grant was $765,000 in the case of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and $759,900 in the case of Ms. Robinson. This value has been computed in the manner described in "Executive CompensationOption Grants in Last Fiscal Year," consistent with the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment."
Restricted Stock Units
In December 2005, we granted 30,000 restricted stock units to Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and 74,000 restricted stock units to Ms. Robinson. The grant to Ms. Robinson included a grant of 45,000 restricted stock units designed to bring her total target compensation to slightly above the mid-range of compensation for similar positions at other companies of comparable size. All of the restricted stock units vest on the fifth
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anniversary of grant. Dividend equivalents are paid as and when dividends are paid on Class A stock. The grant date market value of the shares underlying this award was $817,500 in the case of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr.'s award and $2,016,500 in the case of Ms. Robinson's award. In 2005, Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson received dividends on previously awarded restricted stock in the amount of $59,150 and $45,825, respectively.
Deferred Compensation
Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson are eligible to participate in the Company's Deferred Executive Compensation Plan. Pursuant to this plan, they are allowed to defer portions of their cash compensation until their termination of employment. Deferred amounts earn returns at a rate equal to the returns earned by several widely held third-party mutual funds, as elected by the participant. In addition, Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson are eligible to participate in the Company's 401(k) savings plan.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Benefits
Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson participate in a supplemental executive retirement plan, which is a non-qualified plan designed to provide benefits to a select group of executives. These benefits are computed by averaging the executive's earnings, including base salary and annual cash bonuses, for the highest 60 consecutive months in the 120 months preceding retirement to arrive at final average earnings. The annual benefit payable to a participant who retires at age 65 is 50% of final average earnings (prorated for less than 20 years of service) minus the benefits paid under the qualified pension plan.
Executive Perquisites
We estimate that the incremental cost to the Company of the perquisites provided in 2005 was $7,667 for Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and $11,342 for Ms. Robinson, primarily for financial planning services in connection with the Company's newly established stock ownership guidelines. In addition, each received reimbursement of certain tax payments in connection with their compensation. The Committee believes that these relatively modest amounts of perquisites are appropriate for each of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr. and Ms. Robinson.
Other
The foregoing describes the material components of Mr. Sulzberger, Jr.'s and Ms. Robinson's compensation for 2005. Neither has an employment contract, and there are no arrangements providing for severance in the case of a change in control or termination. Neither has any contractual right to a post-retirement package providing for consulting arrangements or a continuation of benefits. It is anticipated that the Compensation Committee and the Board would review and determine such matters at the time of retirement.
Brenda
C. Barnes, Chair
John F. Akers
David E. Liddle
Thomas Middelhoff
Henry B. Schacht
29
Audit Committee Report
To the Stockholders of The New York Times Company:
The Audit Committee is composed of five non-employee Directors, Raul E. Cesan, Chair, David E. Liddle, Ellen R. Marram, Henry B. Schacht and Doreen A. Toben. The Board of Directors has determined that:
The Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors and most recently amended in November 2004. A printable version of the charter is available on our Web site and is also available in print to any stockholder requesting it. Such request can be submitted in writing or by telephone as described on page 3.
Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the financial reporting process, including the system of internal control over financial reporting. The Company's independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP ("Deloitte"), is responsible for performing an independent integrated audit of (i) the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and (ii) management's assessment of, and the effectiveness of, the Company's internal control over financial reporting, and for issuing the reports thereon. The Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in monitoring:
In this context, during 2005 the Committee met eight times and held separate discussions with management, the Company's internal auditors and Deloitte. The Committee's Chair, as representative of the Committee, discussed the Company's interim financial information contained in each quarterly earnings announcement with the Company's Chief Financial Officer and/or Controller and Deloitte prior to public release. Each other member of the Committee also generally participated in this discussion. The full Committee reviews the Company's quarterly financial statements with management and Deloitte. In addition, the Committee reviewed and discussed the Company's compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Management has represented to the Committee that the Company's 2005 annual consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Committee reviewed and discussed with management and Deloitte the Company's 2005 annual consolidated financial statements and Deloitte's audit report thereon, management's annual report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting and Deloitte's audit report on management's assessment of, and the effectiveness of, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. The Committee has also discussed the following with Deloitte:
In addition, the Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and has discussed with Deloitte that firm's independence from the Company and management, including all relationships between the firm and the Company. As part of its role of monitoring Deloitte's independence, the Committee has adopted a "Policy on Auditor Independence and Non-Audit Services" (which, among other things, requires management and the Committee to consider whether Deloitte's provision of any non-audit services would impair Deloitte's independence) and a "Policy on
30
Hiring Current or Former Employees of Independent Auditors." Both of these policies are available at http://www.nytco.com.
In addition, the Committee obtains and reviews annually a report by Deloitte describing:
The Committee discussed with the Company's internal auditors, Deloitte and management the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Committee met with the internal auditors and Deloitte, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their respective audits, the evaluations of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, and the overall quality of the Company's financial reporting.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board has approved, that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2005, for filing with the SEC.
The Committee also has recommended, subject to stockholder approval, the selection of Deloitte as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.
Raul
E. Cesan, Chair
David E. Liddle
Ellen R. Marram
Henry B. Schacht
Doreen A. Toben
Proposal Number 2
Selection of Auditors
The Audit Committee has selected the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as our auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006, subject to ratification of such selection by our Class A and Class B stockholders voting together as one class. Deloitte & Touche LLP has audited our financial statements for many years.
We have been informed by Deloitte & Touche LLP that their firm has no direct financial interest nor any material indirect financial interest in us or any of our affiliated companies. Deloitte & Touche LLP has not had any connection during the past three years with us or any of our affiliated companies in the capacity of promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer or employee.
A representative of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting and will be afforded the opportunity to make a statement if he or she decides to do so. The representative will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders at the Annual Meeting.
Audit Committee's Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our Audit Committee Charter, among other things, requires the Audit Committee to pre-approve the rendering by our independent registered public accounting firm of all auditing services, internal control-related services and permitted non-audit services.
The Chair of the Audit Committee may pre-approve the rendering of such services (other than internal control-related services) on behalf of the Committee, provided the matter is then presented to the full Committee at the next scheduled meeting.
Audit and Other Fees
The following table presents the aggregate fees incurred for audit and other services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP during fiscal years 2005 and 2004:
Service Type |
Fiscal 2005 |
Fiscal 2004 |
||||
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Audit Fees | $ | 3,106,000 | $ | 3,122,000 | ||
Audit-Related Fees | 145,000 | 384,000 | ||||
Tax Fees | 225,000 | 182,000 | ||||
All Other Fees | 50,000 | 51,000 | ||||
Total Fees Billed |
$ |
3,526,000 |
$ |
3,739,000 |
Audit Fees ($3,106,000; $3,122,000). This category includes the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements, the reviews of the financial statements included in the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, comfort letters to underwriters and services normally provided by the independent auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Audit fees also include fees for professional services rendered for the audits of (i) management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and (ii) the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Audit-Related Fees ($145,000; $384,000). This category includes the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for assurance and related services related to the performance or review of the Company's financial
31
statements and not described above under "Audit Fees." Audit-related fees also include fees from advice with respect to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 relating to internal controls, fees from audits of the Company's not-for-profit entities and, for 2004 only, the Company's benefit plans.
Tax Fees ($225,000; $182,000). This category includes the aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for tax services. Fees for assistance in the preparation of tax returns, claims for refunds and tax payment planning, including support during income tax audits or inquiries were $200,000 in 2005 and $171,000 in 2004. The remaining $25,000 in 2005 and $11,000 in 2004 was for tax advice, planning and consulting.
All Other Fees ($50,000; $51,000). This category includes aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP for products and services other than those described above, which consisted primarily of software licensing fees.
Recommendation and Vote Required
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following resolution, which will be presented to the meeting:
RESOLVED, that the selection, by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, of Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as auditors of The New York Times Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006, is hereby ratified, confirmed and approved.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Class A and Class B stock represented at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, voting together as one class, is required for approval of this resolution. As a result, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
Other Matters
Submission of Stockholder Proposals for 2007
Stockholders who intend to present proposals at the 2007 Annual Meeting under SEC Rule 14a-8 must ensure that such proposals are received by the Corporate Secretary of the Company not later than November 8, 2006. Such proposals must meet the requirements of the SEC to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's 2007 proxy materials. In order for a proposal submitted outside of Rule 14a-8 to be considered "timely" within the meaning of SEC Rule 14a-4(c), such proposal must be received prior to January 22, 2007.
Certain Matters Relating to Proxy Materials and Annual Reports
The Company may satisfy SEC rules regarding delivery of proxy statements and annual reports by delivering a single proxy statement and annual report to an address shared by two or more Company stockholders. This delivery method is referred to as "householding" and can result in meaningful cost savings for the Company. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, the Company has delivered only one proxy statement and annual report to multiple stockholders who share an address, unless contrary instructions were received from impacted stockholders prior to the mailing date. We undertake to deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of the proxy statement and/or annual report, as requested, to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of these documents was delivered. If you hold stock as a registered stockholder and prefer to receive separate copies of a proxy statement or annual report either now or in the future, please contact Mellon Investor Services, P.O. Box 3315, South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1915, telephone 1-800-240-0345. If your stock is held through a broker or bank and you prefer to receive separate copies of a proxy statement or annual report either now or in the future, please contact such broker or bank.
By order of the Board of Directors
RHONDA L. BRAUER
Secretary & Corporate Governance Officer
New York, NY
March 8, 2006
32
Appendix I
THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES
(Revised as of February 16, 2006)
Principles
The New York Times Company's Board of Directors, acting on the recommendation of the Nominating & Governance Committee, has adopted the following Corporate Governance Principles:
1. The Core Purpose and Core Values of the Company
The Company's core purpose is to enhance society by creating, collecting and distributing high-quality news, information and entertainment.
The core values that enable the Company to achieve its core purpose are:
In support of the Company's core purpose and core values, the Board is committed to the editorial independence at all Company properties.
2. Director Responsibilities
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3. Director Qualifications
4. Director Access to Officers and Employees
5. Director Compensation, Independence and Stock Ownership
6. Director Orientation and Ongoing Director Education
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management issues, its compliance programs, and its business conduct policies. All other Directors will also be invited to attend each orientation program.
7. Chairman, CEO and Vice Chairman Evaluation and Management Succession
8. Annual Performance Evaluation
9. Board Committees
10. Periodic Review
I-3
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Your signature on the proxy is your acknowledgment of
receipt of the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement, both dated March 8,
2006. The signer hereby revokes all proxies heretofore given by the signer to
vote at said meeting or at any adjournment thereof. |
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Signature |
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NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. |
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^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^ |
Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time
the day prior to annual meeting day.
Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner
as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
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Internet |
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Telephone |
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http://www.proxyvoting.com/nyt |
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1-866-540-5760 |
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Mark, sign and date |
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Use the Internet to vote your proxy. |
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OR |
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Use any touch-tone telephone to |
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OR |
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your proxy card and |
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Have your proxy card in hand |
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vote your proxy. Have your proxy |
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return it in the |
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when you access the web site. |
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card in hand when you call. |
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enclosed postage-paid |
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envelope. |
If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone,
you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.
You can view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement
on the Internet at www.nytco.com
PROXY |
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Class A |
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THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY |
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The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., Solomon B. Watson IV and Rhonda L. Brauer, and each of them, as proxies with full power of substitution in each, to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY to be held at 10:00 A.M., local time, at the New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036, on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, or at any adjournments thereof, and to vote on all matters coming before said meeting including the proposals indicated on the reverse side hereof. |
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You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes-SEE REVERSE SIDE-but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors recommendations. Your shares cannot be voted unless you sign and return this card. |
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(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side) |
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Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side) |
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^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^
The New York Times Company
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 18, 2006
10:00 A.M.
NEW AMSTERDAM THEATRE
214 WEST 42ND STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted FOR the election of Class B directors and FOR proposal 2. |
Please Mark Here for Address Change or |
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Comments |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the election of Class B directors and FOR proposal 2.
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FOR |
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AGAINST |
ABSTAIN |
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1. Election of Class B Directors |
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ITEM 2RATIFICATION OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE |
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LLP AS AUDITORS |
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FOR |
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WITHHELD |
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Nominees: |
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FOR ALL |
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01. Brenda C. Barnes 02. Lynn G. Dolnick 03. Michael Golden 04. David E. Liddle 05. Ellen R. Marram |
06. Thomas Middelhoff 07. Janet L. Robinson 08. Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. 09. Cathy J. Sulzberger |
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Choose MLinkSM for fast, easy and secure 24/7 online access to your future proxy materials, investment plan statements, tax documents and more. Simply log on to Investor ServiceDirect® at www.melloninvestor.com/isd where step-by-step instructions will prompt you through enrollment. |
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Withheld for the nominees you list below: (Write that nominees name in |
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the space provided below.) |
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This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of |
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Directors for the Annual Meeting on April 18, 2006. |
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Your signature on the proxy is your acknowledgment of
receipt of the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement, both dated March 8,
2006. The signer hereby revokes all proxies heretofore given by the signer to
vote at said meeting or at any adjournment thereof. |
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Signature |
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Signature |
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Date |
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NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. |
||||||
^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^ |
Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time
the day prior to annual meeting day.
Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner
as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
|
Internet |
|
|
|
Telephone |
|
|
|
|
|
http://www.proxyvoting.com/nyt1 |
|
|
|
1-866-540-5760 |
|
|
|
Mark, sign and date |
|
Use the Internet to vote your proxy. |
|
OR |
|
Use any touch-tone telephone to |
|
OR |
|
your proxy card and |
|
Have your proxy card in hand |
|
|
vote your proxy. Have your proxy |
|
|
return it in the |
||
|
when you access the web site. |
|
|
|
card in hand when you call. |
|
|
|
enclosed postage-paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
envelope. |
If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone,
you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.
You can view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement
on the Internet at www.nytco.com
PROXY |
|
Class B |
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THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY |
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The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., Solomon B. Watson IV and Rhonda L. Brauer, and each of them, as proxies with full power of substitution in each, to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY to be held at 10:00 A.M., local time, at the New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036, on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, or at any adjournments thereof, and to vote on all matters coming before said meeting including the proposals indicated on the reverse side hereof. |
|
||
|
|
|
||
You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes-SEE REVERSE SIDE-but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors recommendations. Your shares cannot be voted unless you sign and return this card. |
|
|||
|
|
|
||
|
(Continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side) |
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side) |
|
||
|
|
|
||
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||
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^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^
The New York Times Company
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
APRIL 18, 2006
10:00 A.M.
NEW AMSTERDAM THEATRE
214 WEST 42ND STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036