The New York Times Company (NYT) — ESG & Values Scores

Environment story

NYT does not disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, or Scope 3 GHG emissions in the 10-K filing. No net-zero target year is stated. The company acknowledges ESG reporting expectations and sustainability commitments in risk factors but provides no quantified environmental metrics, decarbonization initiatives, or renewable energy percentage. No resource controversies (toxic waste, water consumption) are documented in the filing. The absence of disclosed emissions data and climate targets results in a starting score of 100, reduced by 15 for undisclosed Scope 3 emissions and 15 for absence of disclosed net-zero target year. No verified physical decarbonization infrastructure investments are evident in the text.

Criticisms on file

No material criticisms on file for this pillar.

Disclosed initiatives

Sustainability Commitments (Generic)

Risk factors note that NYT has 'undertaken or announced sustainability-related actions and goals that require ongoing investments and changes to operations,' but no specific initiatives, metrics, or timelines are disclosed in the 10-K.

Social story

Approximately 43% of NYT's full-time equivalent employees are represented by unions as of December 31, 2025. The company discloses no CEO-to-median-worker pay ratio. Executive/board diversity metrics are not provided in quantitative form. The 10-K acknowledges competitive labor market, inflation pressures on employee costs, and union negotiations as material risks. No documented strikes within the past 24 months are mentioned, though labor unrest is identified as a historical and potential risk factor. Supply-chain audits for human-rights hazards are not disclosed. Starting score of 100 reduced by 15 for undisclosed CEO-to-median-worker pay ratio (unable to verify if >200:1) and 15 for undisclosed leadership diversity (assumed <30% without data). Union standing is neutral (no suppression activities documented, but also no neutrality agreements noted).

Criticisms on file

Unionization Risk: Company faces risks from ongoing unionization efforts, including attempts to include additional employees from The Athletic in union units; labor unrest, strikes, and work slowdowns could result in negative publicity and business disruption.
Source: NYT 10-K, Risk Factors section (Item 1A), 'A significant number of our employees are represented by labor organizations...'

Disclosed initiatives

Talent Attraction and Retention

Risk factors acknowledge competitive talent market and need to invest in compensation, benefits, career development, and workplace culture. Company notes stock-based compensation as important retention tool.
Diverse Workforce (Generic)

Risk factors reference need to 'attract, develop, retain and maximize the contributions of highly talented individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences and skills' but no quantified diversity metrics or formal programs are disclosed.

Governance story

NYT operates under a dual-class share structure: Class A (1 vote per share) and Class B (1 vote per share, but 70% board seats controlled). A family trust (Ochs family descendants) holds ~95% of Class B stock, granting the trust control of 70% of the Board and the ability to block major transactions. This structure is a material governance deficit. Board independence percentage is not disclosed. The 10-K discloses $13.3 million in Generative AI Litigation Costs in 2025, reflecting lawsuits against AI companies for unauthorized use of NYT content; this represents enforcement of intellectual property rights, not active lobbying against climate or consumer-protection regulation. No active antitrust proceedings, SEC consent decrees, or consumer-safety regulatory actions are documented in the filing. Lobbying expenditures are not disclosed. Starting score of 100 reduced by 20 for dual-class voting structure concentrating control in a single family trust.

Criticisms on file

Generative AI Intellectual Property Litigation: Company has filed lawsuits against AI developers for unlawful copying and unauthorized use of NYT journalism and content. In 2025, litigation-related costs totaled $13.3 million. No assurance of success; companies may continue unauthorized use and cost to litigate remains high.
Source: NYT 10-K, Item 1A Risk Factors ('Generative AI technology has negatively impacted...') and Item 7 MD&A ('Generative AI Litigation Costs').
Concentrated Control via Dual-Class Structure: Ochs family trust (~95% of Class B stock) directs 70% of Board elections and has the ability to block any merger, asset sale, or change of control. Trust agreement restricts trustees from voting in favor of control-transfer transactions unless primary trust objective is better served. This structure could inhibit shareholder value maximization.
Source: NYT 10-K, Item 1A Risk Factors ('Our Class B Common Stock is principally held by descendants of Adolph S. Ochs...')

Disclosed initiatives

Governance Risk Management

Credit Facility (amended June 2025) includes affirmative and negative covenants restricting certain operations; company in compliance as of December 31, 2025.

These are Missionomics' own editorial scores — directional signals built from disclosed facts under a published method, not certifications or definitive ratings of The New York Times Company. Coverage and confidence vary by data point, and figures can lag real-world changes. Read the full Methodology for sourcing, scoring, and correction details — or open The New York Times Company in the app for interactive charts and portfolio building.

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