WeWork Delays Financial Report While Restructuring Continues In Key Markets

WeWork is still mired in problems during its ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring efforts as it once again delayed filing its annual financial report. The news comes alongside the more optimistic update that the company has renegotiated leases for eight North American locations.  

Under the new lease agreements, WeWork will retain spaces in seven U.S. cities — including two properties in Manhattan’s Midtown South, three in California, and one in Montreal, Canada. 

According to a report published by BisNow, the renegotiated terms include reduced rent payments across all eight sites and smaller footprints at three of them. WeWork has also committed to paying nearly $2 million in rent arrears at five of the locations. 

To date, WeWork has assumed 21 leases and rejected 93 as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. However, more than half of its North American locations remain in limbo. The outcomes of these pending decisions could have long-lasting impacts on the commercial real estate markets where WeWork had a presence. 

The flexible workspace provider also reported a $153.7 million loss in January. According to a report published by CoStar, WeWork has once again delayed filing its annual financial report due to the ongoing search for a new independent registered public accounting firm following Ernst & Young’s resignation in November.  

This development underscores the complexity of WeWork’s financial situation as it navigates the Chapter 11 process. Many agreements for U.S. locations tied to the bankruptcy case have yet to be resolved. Further complicating matters, U.S. bankruptcy laws require companies to continue honoring lease agreements until they are officially rejected through court. It’s reported that WeWork has, so far, rejected around 90 leases among the nearly 300 U.S. and Canada locations.