Chatham Asset Management Sends Letter To R.R. Donnelley

Rhea-AI Summary

Chatham Asset Management, which holds approximately 9.9% of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD), has commended RRD on its recent strategic initiatives while proposing actions to stabilize its financial standing. In a letter to RRD's management, Chatham suggested an immediate defeasance transaction to address $150 million in upcoming debt maturities and proposed a stock repurchase program to enhance shareholder value. Chatham appreciates RRD's proactive engagement with stakeholders and believes these steps are essential for bolstering liquidity and strengthening the company's financial transformation.

Positive

• Chatham Asset Management commended RRD for its recent strategic initiatives and improved operating performance.
• The sale of DLS Worldwide was viewed positively as it enhances liquidity and signals commitment to stakeholder value.
• Chatham's proposals, including a defeasance transaction, aim to address $150 million debt due in 2021, improving liquidity.

Negative

• RRD's stock market capitalization remains under $100 million despite a 16% gain after the asset sale, indicating possible ongoing valuation concerns.

CHATHAM, N.J., Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chatham Asset Management, LLC ("Chatham"), a private investment firm which manages funds that beneficially own approximately 9.9% of the outstanding common stock and which is the largest bondholder of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company ("RRD" or the "Company") (NYSE: RRD), today sent a letter to RRD Chairman John C. Pope, RRD President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel L. Knotts, and the Company's Board of Directors commending RRD on its recent strategic initiatives and outlining further proposed actions to reduce debt, improve liquidity and enhance value for the Company's stakeholders.

Specific proposals outlined in the letter include an immediate defeasance transaction and stock repurchase program. Chatham recognizes and appreciates RRD's willingness to engage with its stakeholders and looks forward to continuing an ongoing dialogue with the Company.

The full text of the letter follows: 

September 16, 2020

Mr. John C. Pope
Chair, Board of Directors

Mr. Daniel L. Knotts
President and Chief Executive Officer

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
35 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Dear Messrs. Pope and Knotts:

We first want to commend the management team on the recent operating performance and navigating the extremely difficult economic climate.  Secondly, while we were surprised by the recently announced sale of DLS Worldwide, this is precisely the type of transaction that both addresses company objectives and signals to the market that R. R. Donnelley is committed to creating further value for all stakeholders.

Further, we wish to commend the company's willingness to engage with its stakeholders in recent months. The debt exchanges completed over the summer exemplify the benefits of a productive relationship with debtholders, one that is proactive in addressing maturities and extending the maturity runway for R. R. Donnelley's continued financial transformation. In particular, we have found a willing partner in R. R. Donnelley's Chief Financial Officer, Terry Peterson, and we look forward to continuing this ongoing dialogue.

It is in the spirit of these extremely positive developments and constructive relationship that we now write. We believe, considering the substantial boost to liquidity represented by the sale of DLS Worldwide, that it is in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders for R. R. Donnelley to address its very quickly upcoming maturities, specifically the roughly $150 million in debt coming due in March and April of 2021.  It is our view that an immediate defeasance transaction would remove any doubts or concerns regarding liquidity, and a defeasance is far superior to simply leaving the cash on the balance sheet.  The company will undoubtedly benefit from removing any broader concerns about the capital structure.  Additionally, as we understand the seasonal nature of R. R. Donnelley's business, the first quarter is one in which much of the company's available liquidity must go to preparing to fulfill second half orders. As such, we believe management would be continuing its prudent and forward-looking oversight by addressing these commitments sooner rather than later, and we are supportive of removing this uncertainty from the capital structure with immediate effect.

Lastly, given the depressed valuation of the equity, we believe that the company should consider repurchasing stock and/or a stock repurchase program. While we acknowledge that management is rightly focused on its liquidity and debt reduction, we note that on September 15, R. R. Donnelley's share price gained some 16% on the news of its recent asset sale and yet the entire market capitalization is still under $100 million. Management would do well to use a relatively small amount of liquidity to remove between 10% and 20% of the outstanding share count at these very low prices.

Sincerely,

/s/

Anthony Melchiorre
Managing Member
Chatham Asset Management

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chatham-asset-management-sends-letter-to-rr-donnelley-301132679.html

SOURCE Chatham Asset Management, LLC

FAQ

What proposals did Chatham make for RRD on September 16, 2020?

Chatham proposed an immediate defeasance transaction for upcoming debt and a stock repurchase program to enhance shareholder value.

How much debt is RRD facing in early 2021?

RRD has approximately $150 million in debt coming due in March and April of 2021.

What was RRD's stock market capitalization after the DLS Worldwide sale?

RRD's stock market capitalization remained under $100 million following the sale.

What percentage of RRD's stock does Chatham Asset Management own?

Chatham Asset Management beneficially owns approximately 9.9% of RRD's outstanding common stock.

Why did Chatham commend RRD's management?

Chatham praised RRD's recent operating performance and its engagement with stakeholders.