Technology
Scholastic Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Company Reaffirms Fiscal 2025 Guidance
Revolving Credit Facility Upsized to $400 Million
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children’s publishing, education and media company, today reported financial results for the Company’s fiscal second quarter ended November 30, 2024.
Peter Warwick, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Scholastic’s proprietary school-based channels continued to deliver the joy and excitement of books and reading this fall, and our publishing and entertainment divisions moved ahead with exciting plans for this fiscal year and next. As we outlined when announcing our first quarter earnings, second quarter results were lower than a year ago, primarily reflecting the timing of this year’s publishing releases. Confident in our ability to navigate a dynamic market and achieve our plan for the remainder of the year, we have reaffirmed our guidance for fiscal 2025.
“The reach and impact of Scholastic Book Fairs continue to grow, as schools booked the largest number of fall fairs since the pandemic. Our Book Clubs also experienced positive momentum on new promotions and improved engagement among children and families. Multiple new releases – including Christmas at Hogwarts and The Christmas Pig in paperback by J.K. Rowling and the final book in Aaron Blabey’s Bad Guys® series: The Bad Guys in One Last Thing – maintained Scholastic’s presence at the top of bestseller lists. We also continued to benefit from the addition of 9 Story Media Group. We executed on an integrated development and production slate, including digital-first growth opportunities, and expanded the reach and monetization of Scholastic IP on advertising-supported platforms leveraging 9 Story’s distribution capabilities.
“Looking at the remainder of the year, Scholastic published the thirteenth book in Dav Pilkey’s global bestselling series, Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, earlier this month. With millions of young readers across the globe driving the title to the number one bestselling book in the U.S. and Canada, as well as the number one bestselling children’s book in the UK and Australia, Scholastic will benefit across our channels and geographies, demonstrating our strategic advantages as a global children’s book publisher and seller. Later this fiscal year, in March 2025, we will release the highly anticipated fifth book in Suzanne Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games® series, Sunrise on the Reaping, proving again that strategy.
“Scholastic’s trusted brand, bestselling IP, global scale and differentiated business models offer multiple opportunities to drive long-term profitable growth in our core markets while expanding beyond with new models, channels and products. With a strong balance sheet, including a recently upsized, $400 million revolving credit facility, and a history of robust free cash conversion, we remain committed to continuing to invest in these growth opportunities, while returning excess cash to shareholders.”
Fiscal 2025 Q2 Review
In $ millions
Second Quarter
Change
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2024
$
%
Revenues
$
544.6
$
562.6
$
(18.0)
(3) %
Operating income (loss)
$
74.7
$
101.3
$
(26.6)
(26) %
Earnings (loss) before taxes
$
70.0
$
101.5
$
(31.5)
(31) %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
1.71
$
2.45
$
(0.74)
(30) %
Operating income (loss), ex. one-time items *
$
78.9
$
101.3
$
(22.4)
(22) %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, ex. one-time items *
$
1.82
$
2.45
$
(0.63)
(26) %
Adjusted EBITDA *
$
108.7
$
124.0
$
(15.3)
(12) %
* Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached
Revenues decreased 3% to $544.6 million, reflecting timing-related factors in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment, including the current year’s publishing plan and fall fair bookings compared to the prior year, as well as lower supplemental curriculum and collections product sales in Education Solutions, partly offset by the contribution of 9 Story Media Group, recorded in the Entertainment segment.
Operating income decreased 26% to $74.7 million in the quarter, including $4.2 million in one-time charges, compared to $101.3 million a year ago. Excluding one-time charges in both periods, operating income decreased 22% from a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure of operations explained in the accompanying tables) decreased 12% to $108.7 million. These results reflect lower operating income in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution and Education Solutions segments, primarily due to lower revenues.
Quarterly Results
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution
In the fiscal second quarter, the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment’s revenues decreased 6% to $367.0 million.
Book Fairs revenues were $231.0 million, down 5% from the prior year period, reflecting a larger number of fall-season fairs booked in December compared to the prior year period, which contributed to lower fair count in the quarter. Slightly lower average revenue per fair, driven by the addition of smaller fairs on higher targeted fair count, also contributed to lower revenue year over year. Participation at Book Fairs is expected to remain strong in the remainder of the school year, with fair count on track to achieve 90,000 fairs in fiscal 2025.
Book Clubs revenues were $33.2 million, up 2% from the prior year period, primarily reflecting an increase in revenue per sponsor. After strategically transitioning Book Clubs to a smaller, more profitable core business in fiscal 2024, the Company continues to adapt and implement new strategies to reengage customers.
Consolidated Trade revenues were $102.8 million, down 13% from the prior year period, primarily reflecting lower frontlist sales compared to the prior year period when the Company benefited from the release of multiple new titles in major franchises and series. Fiscal 2025 revenues are expected to benefit from new releases in the second half of the fiscal year, including the release earlier this month of Big Jim Begins, the newest book in Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man® series, and the March 2025 release of Sunrise on the Reaping, the fifth book in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games® series.
Segment operating income was $102.1 million, compared to $111.6 million a year ago. The year-over-year decline was primarily driven by lower timing-related sales in Trade and Book Fairs on relatively consistent operating expenses.
Education Solutions
Education Solutions revenues decreased 12% to $71.2 million, related to lower spending on supplemental curriculum products, as school districts adopt and implement new core programs. Segment operating loss was $0.5 million, compared to segment operating income of $5.8 million in the prior period, primarily reflecting lower segment revenues.
Entertainment
Segment revenues were $16.8 million, primarily reflecting the addition of 9 Story Media Group revenues. Segment operating loss was $4.7 million, which included one-time charges of $0.8 million. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted segment operating loss was $3.9 million reflecting the contribution from 9 Story Media Group. As part of the acquisition, the Company incurred $2.4 million of intangible amortization during the quarter. Excluding the amortization, operating loss was $1.5 million.
International
Excluding favorable foreign currency exchange of $1.9 million, International revenues decreased 2% to $86.7 million, reflecting lower revenues in Australia in a soft retail market. Segment operating income was $5.7 million, which includes one-time charges of $1.4 million, compared to $8.0 million in the prior year period. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted operating income decreased $0.9 million, driven by lower revenues.
Overhead
Overhead costs were $27.9 million, which included one-time charges of $2.0 million, compared to $23.3 million in the prior year period. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted overhead costs increased $2.6 million driven by the impact of higher employee benefit costs.
Capital Position and Liquidity
In $ millions
Second Quarter
Change
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2024
$
%
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
$
71.2
$
109.7
$
(38.5)
(35) %
Additions to property, plant and equipment and prepublication expenditures
(16.6)
(21.1)
4.5
21 %
Net borrowings (repayments) of film related obligations
(12.2)
—
(12.2)
NM
Free cash flow (use)*
$
42.4
$
88.6
$
(46.2)
(52) %
Net cash (debt)*
$
(120.8)
$
143.2
$
(264.0)
NM
* Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached
Net cash provided by operating activities was $71.2 million, compared to $109.7 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by higher inventory spend, higher interest payments and lower customer remittances. Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure of operations explained in the accompanying tables) was $42.4 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $88.6 million in the prior period.
Net debt was $120.8 million compared to a net cash position of $143.2 million in the prior year period, reflecting the Company’s borrowings under its recently upsized revolving credit facility to fund the acquisition of 9 Story Media Group.
The Company distributed $5.6 million in dividends and repurchased 185,378 shares of its common stock for $5.0 million in the second quarter. The Company expects to continue purchasing shares, from time to time as conditions allow, on the open market or in negotiated private transactions for the foreseeable future.
Fiscal Year-To-Date 2025 Review
In $ millions (except per share data)
Year-To-Date
Change
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2024
$
%
Revenues
$
781.8
$
791.1
$
(9.3)
(1) %
Operating income (loss)
$
(13.8)
$
2.2
$
(16.0)
NM
Earnings (loss) before taxes
$
(21.8)
$
3.5
$
(25.3)
NM
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.48)
$
0.09
$
(0.57)
NM
Operating income (loss), ex. one-time items *
$
(6.7)
$
8.5
$
(15.2)
NM
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, ex. one-time items*
$
(0.29)
$
0.23
$
(0.52)
NM
Adjusted EBITDA *
$
48.2
$
53.4
$
(5.2)
(10) %
* Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached
Revenues decreased 1% to $781.8 million year to date, primarily due to timing-related revenue declines in Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution in the second quarter, and lower supplemental curriculum and collections product sales in Education Solutions, partly offset by the contribution of 9 Story Media Group, recorded in the Entertainment segment.
Operating loss was $13.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2025, compared to operating income of $2.2 million a year ago, including $7.1 million and $6.3 million in one-time charges related to restructuring and cost-savings activities in each period, respectively. Excluding one-time charges, operating income decreased $15.2 million from a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $5.2 million to $48.2 million. These results primarily reflect lower revenues in the second quarter and the impact of the 9 Story Media Group acquisition. As part of the acquisition, the Company incurred $4.2 million of intangible amortization during the period. Excluding the amortization, operating loss was $9.6 million.
Additional Information
To supplement our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, we include certain non-GAAP calculations and presentations including, as noted above, “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Free Cash Flow”. Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached to this press release for supporting details on the impact of one-time items on operating income, net income and diluted EPS, and the use of non-GAAP financial measures included in this release. This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Conference Call
The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its results at 4:30 p.m. ET today, December 19, 2024. Peter Warwick, Scholastic President and Chief Executive Officer, and Haji Glover, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, will moderate the call.
A live webcast of the call can be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/m98wgyws/. To access the conference call by phone, please go to https://register.vevent.com/register/BIba13029c72e1414fa441a92404a14a4d, which will provide dial-in details. To avoid delays, participants are encouraged to dial into the conference call five minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. Shortly following the call, an archived webcast and accompanying slides from the conference call will be posted at investor.scholastic.com.
About Scholastic
For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children’s books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children’s media. As the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to future periods. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the conditions of the children’s book and educational materials markets generally and acceptance of the Company’s products within those markets, and other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated.
SCHL: Financial
Table 1
Scholastic Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions, except shares and per share data)
Three months ended
Six months ended
11/30/24
11/30/23
11/30/24
11/30/23
Revenues (1)
$
544.6
$
562.6
$
781.8
$
791.1
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold
228.6
234.1
356.9
364.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses (2)
224.9
213.1
407.0
397.3
Depreciation and amortization
16.3
14.1
31.6
27.5
Asset impairments and write downs (2)
0.1
—
0.1
—
Total operating costs and expenses
469.9
461.3
795.6
788.9
Operating income (loss)
74.7
101.3
(13.8)
2.2
Interest income (expense), net
(4.4)
0.4
(7.4)
1.8
Other components of net periodic benefit (cost)
(0.3)
(0.2)
(0.6)
(0.5)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
70.0
101.5
(21.8)
3.5
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (3)
21.2
24.6
(8.1)
0.8
Net income (loss) (1)
48.8
76.9
(13.7)
2.7
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share of Class A and Common Stock (4)
Basic
$
1.73
$
2.51
$
(0.48)
$
0.09
Diluted
$
1.71
$
2.45
$
(0.48)
$
0.09
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
28,234
30,653
28,309
31,159
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
28,586
31,442
28,757
32,038
(1)
The financial results of 9 Story Media Group from the date of acquisition on June 20, 2024 through November 30, 2024 are
included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations as of November 30, 2024. The unaudited pro-forma
consolidated results of operations as if the acquisition had occurred on June 1, 2023, the beginning of fiscal 2024,
includes revenues of $544.6 and $787.5 and net income of $48.8 and net loss of $15.5 for the three and six months ended
November 30, 2024, respectively, and revenues of $578.8 and $827.1 and net income of $73.9 and net loss of $4.9 for the
three and six months ended November 30, 2023, respectively.
(2)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized pretax severance of $3.8 and $5.0,
respectively, related to cost-savings initiatives and pretax costs of $0.4 and $2.1, respectively, related to the acquisition of 9
Story Media Group. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized pretax severance of $6.3 related
to cost-savings initiatives.
(3)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized a benefit of $1.0 and $1.7, respectively, for
income taxes in respect to one-time pretax items. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized a
benefit of $1.6 for income taxes in respect to one-time pretax items.
(4)
Earnings (loss) per share are calculated on non-rounded net income (loss) and shares outstanding. Recalculating earnings
per share based on numbers rounded to millions may not yield the results as presented.
Table 2
Scholastic Corporation
Segment Results
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Three months ended
Change
Six months ended
Change
11/30/24
11/30/23
$
%
11/30/24
11/30/23
$
%
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution (1)
Revenues
Books Clubs
$
33.2
$
32.4
$
0.8
2 %
$
35.9
$
35.0
$
0.9
3 %
Book Fairs
231.0
242.1
(11.1)
(5) %
259.8
269.4
(9.6)
(4) %
School Reading Events
264.2
274.5
(10.3)
(4) %
295.7
304.4
(8.7)
(3) %
Consolidated Trade
102.8
117.9
(15.1)
(13) %
176.7
190.4
(13.7)
(7) %
Total Revenues
367.0
392.4
(25.4)
(6) %
472.4
494.8
(22.4)
(5) %
Operating income (loss)
102.1
111.6
(9.5)
(9) %
65.5
70.6
(5.1)
(7) %
Operating margin
27.8 %
28.4 %
13.9 %
14.3 %
Education Solutions
Revenues
71.2
81.0
(9.8)
(12) %
126.9
147.0
(20.1)
(14) %
Operating income (loss)
(0.5)
5.8
(6.3)
(109) %
(17.5)
(12.9)
(4.6)
(36) %
Operating margin
NM
7.2 %
NM
NM
Entertainment (1)
Revenues
16.8
0.4
16.4
NM
33.4
0.8
32.6
NM
Operating income (loss)
(4.7)
(0.8)
(3.9)
NM
(5.2)
(1.3)
(3.9)
NM
Operating margin
NM
NM
NM
NM
International
Revenues
86.7
86.5
0.2
0 %
143.5
143.7
(0.2)
(0) %
Operating income (loss)
5.7
8.0
(2.3)
(29) %
(2.6)
(0.2)
(2.4)
NM
Operating margin
6.6 %
9.2 %
NM
NM
Overhead
Revenues
2.9
2.3
0.6
26 %
5.6
4.8
0.8
17 %
Operating income (loss)
(27.9)
(23.3)
(4.6)
(20) %
(54.0)
(54.0)
0.0
NM
Operating income (loss)
$
74.7
$
101.3
$
(26.6)
(26) %
$
(13.8)
$
2.2
$
(16.0)
NM
NM – Not meaningful
(1)
The newly formed Entertainment segment includes the operations of Scholastic Entertainment Inc. (SEI),
which were included in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior periods, and 9 Story
Media Group. The financial results for SEI for the three and six months ended November 30, 2023 have been
reclassified to Entertainment to reflect this change.
Table 3
Scholastic Corporation
Supplemental Information
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Selected Balance Sheet Items
11/30/24
11/30/23
Cash and cash equivalents
$
139.6
$
149.5
Accounts receivable, net
293.0
311.8
Inventories, net
282.0
302.3
Accounts payable
157.2
159.5
Deferred revenue
225.0
225.0
Accrued royalties
67.3
57.5
Film related obligations
21.6
—
Lines of credit and long-term debt
256.2
6.3
Net cash (debt) (1)
(120.8)
143.2
Total stockholders’ equity
986.0
1,079.1
Selected Cash Flow Items
Three months ended
Six months ended
11/30/24
11/30/23
11/30/24
11/30/23
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
71.2
$
109.7
$
29.3
$
71.6
Property, plant and equipment additions
(10.9)
(14.8)
(30.9)
(29.1)
Prepublication expenditures
(5.7)
(6.3)
(10.1)
(11.7)
Net borrowings (repayments) of film related obligations
(12.2)
—
(14.6)
—
Free cash flow (use) (2)
$
42.4
$
88.6
$
(26.3)
$
30.8
(1)
Net cash (debt) is defined by the Company as cash and cash equivalents less production
cash of $4.2 as of November 30, 2024, net of lines of credit, short-term and long-term debt.
Film related obligations are not included. The Company utilizes this non-GAAP financial
measure, and believes it is useful to investors, as an indicator of the Company’s effective
leverage and financing needs.
(2)
Free cash flow (use) is defined by the Company as net cash provided by or used in
operating activities (which includes royalty advances) and cash acquired through acquisitions
and from sale of assets, reduced by spending on property, plant and equipment and
prepublication costs and adjusted for net cash flows from film related obligations. The
Company believes that this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors as an
indicator of cash flow available for debt repayment and other investing activities, such as
acquisitions. The Company utilizes free cash flow as a further indicator of operating
performance and for planning investing activities.
Table 4
Scholastic Corporation
Supplemental Results
Excluding One-Time Items
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions, except per share data)
Three months ended
11/30/2024
11/30/2023
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)
$
1.71
$
0.11
$
1.82
$
2.45
$
—
$
2.45
Net income (loss) (2)
$
48.8
$
3.2
$
52.0
$
76.9
$
—
$
76.9
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
$
70.0
$
4.2
$
74.2
$
101.5
$
—
$
101.5
Children’s Book Publishing and
Distribution (3)
$
102.1
$
—
$
102.1
$
111.6
$
—
$
111.6
Education Solutions
(0.5)
—
(0.5)
5.8
—
5.8
Entertainment (3) (4)
(4.7)
0.8
(3.9)
(0.8)
—
(0.8)
International (5)
5.7
1.4
7.1
8.0
—
8.0
Overhead (6)
(27.9)
2.0
(25.9)
(23.3)
—
(23.3)
Operating income (loss)
$
74.7
$
4.2
$
78.9
$
101.3
$
—
$
101.3
Six months ended
11/30/2024
11/30/2023
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)
$
(0.48)
$
0.19
$
(0.29)
$
0.09
$
0.15
$
0.23
Net income (loss) (2)
$
(13.7)
$
5.4
$
(8.3)
$
2.7
$
4.7
$
7.4
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
$
(21.8)
$
7.1
$
(14.7)
$
3.5
$
6.3
$
9.8
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution (3)
$
65.5
$
—
$
65.5
$
70.6
$
—
$
70.6
Education Solutions
(17.5)
—
(17.5)
(12.9)
—
(12.9)
Entertainment (3) (4)
(5.2)
2.5
(2.7)
(1.3)
—
(1.3)
International (5)
(2.6)
1.4
(1.2)
(0.2)
1.2
1.0
Overhead (6)
(54.0)
3.2
(50.8)
(54.0)
5.1
(48.9)
Operating income (loss)
$
(13.8)
$
7.1
$
(6.7)
$
2.2
$
6.3
$
8.5
(1)
Earnings (loss) per share are calculated on non-rounded net income (loss) and shares outstanding. Recalculating
earnings per share based on rounded numbers may not yield the results as presented.
(2)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized a benefit of $1.0 and $1.7,
respectively, for income taxes in respect to one-time pretax items. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the
Company recognized a benefit of $1.6 for income taxes in respect to one-time pretax items.
(3)
The newly formed Entertainment segment includes the operations of Scholastic Entertainment Inc. (SEI), which were
included in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior periods, and 9 Story Media Group. The
financial results for SEI for the three and six months ended November 30, 2023 have been reclassified to Entertainment
to reflect this change.
(4)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized pretax severance of $0.4 related to
cost-savings initiatives and pretax costs of $0.4 and $2.1, respectively, related to the acquisition of 9 Story Media Group.
(5)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized pretax severance of $1.4 related to
cost-savings initiatives. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized pretax severance of
$1.2 related to cost-savings initiatives.
(6)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized pretax severance of $2.0 and $3.2,
respectively, related to cost-savings initiatives. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized
pretax severance of $5.1 related to restructuring and cost-savings initiatives.
Table 5
Scholastic Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Supplemental
Adjusted EBITDA
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Three months ended
11/30/24
11/30/23
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
70.0
$
101.5
One-time items before income taxes
4.2
—
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
74.2
101.5
Interest (income) expense (1)
4.2
(0.4)
Depreciation and amortization (2)
30.3
22.9
Adjusted EBITDA (3)
$
108.7
$
124.0
Six months ended
11/30/24
11/30/23
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
(21.8)
$
3.5
One-time items before income taxes
7.1
6.3
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
(14.7)
9.8
Interest (income) expense (1)
7.6
(1.8)
Depreciation and amortization (2)
55.3
45.4
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
$
48.2
$
53.4
(1)
For the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, amounts include
production loan interest amortized into cost of goods sold.
(2)
For the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, amounts include
prepublication and production cost amortization of $10.7 and $17.4, respectively,
and depreciation of $0.8 and $1.5, respectively, recognized in cost of goods sold,
amortization of deferred financing costs of less than $0.1 and $0.1, respectively,
and amortization of capitalized cloud software of $2.5 and $4.7, respectively,
recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the three and
six months ended November 30, 2023, amounts include prepublication
amortization of $6.6 and $13.3, respectively, and depreciation of $0.6 and
$1.2, respectively, recognized in cost of goods sold, amortization of
deferred financing costs of less than $0.1 and $0.1, respectively, and
amortization of capitalized cloud software of $1.6 and $3.3, respectively,
recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses.
(3)
Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings (loss), excluding
one-time items, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The
Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of
operating profitability and useful for measuring returns on capital
investments over time as it is not distorted by unusual gains, losses, or
other items.
Table 6
Scholastic Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Supplemental
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Three months ended
11/30/24
CBPD (1) (2)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1) (2)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
102.1
$
(0.5)
$
(5.7)
$
5.2
$
(31.1)
$
70.0
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
0.8
1.4
2.0
4.2
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time
items
102.1
(0.5)
(4.9)
6.6
(29.1)
74.2
Interest (income) expense (3)
0.1
0.0
0.7
0.0
3.4
4.2
Depreciation and amortization (4)
7.8
6.2
8.0
2.1
6.2
30.3
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
$
110.0
$
5.7
$
3.8
$
8.7
$
(19.5)
$
108.7
Three months ended
11/30/23
CBPD (1) (2)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1) (2)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
111.6
$
5.8
$
(0.8)
$
7.6
$
(22.7)
$
101.5
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
—
—
—
—
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time
items
111.6
5.8
(0.8)
7.6
(22.7)
101.5
Interest (income) expense (3)
0.1
0.0
—
0.0
(0.5)
(0.4)
Depreciation and amortization (4)
8.0
7.8
0.1
1.6
5.4
22.9
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
$
119.7
$
13.6
$
(0.7)
$
9.2
$
(17.8)
$
124.0
Six months ended
11/30/24
CBPD (1) (2)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1) (2)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
65.5
$
(17.5)
$
(6.8)
$
(3.5)
$
(59.5)
$
(21.8)
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
2.5
1.4
3.2
7.1
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time
items
65.5
(17.5)
(4.3)
(2.1)
(56.3)
(14.7)
Interest (income) expense (3)
0.1
0.0
1.8
0.0
5.7
7.6
Depreciation and amortization (4)
15.3
12.4
11.5
4.0
12.1
55.3
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
$
80.9
$
(5.1)
$
9.0
$
1.9
$
(38.5)
$
48.2
Six months ended
11/30/23
CBPD (1) (2)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1) (2)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
70.5
$
(12.9)
$
(1.3)
$
(0.9)
$
(51.9)
$
3.5
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
—
1.2
5.1
6.3
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time
items
70.5
(12.9)
(1.3)
0.3
(46.8)
9.8
Interest (income) expense (3)
0.1
0.0
—
(0.1)
(1.8)
(1.8)
Depreciation and amortization (4)
15.7
15.6
0.2
3.5
10.4
45.4
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
$
86.3
$
2.7
$
(1.1)
$
3.7
$
(38.2)
$
53.4
(1)
The Company’s segments are defined as the following: CBPD – Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment;
EDUC – Education Solutions segment; ENT – Entertainment segment; INTL – International segment; OVH – unallocated
overhead.
(2)
The newly formed Entertainment segment includes the operations of Scholastic Entertainment Inc. (SEI), which were
included in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior periods, and 9 Story Media Group. The
financial results for SEI for the three and six months ended November 30, 2023 have been reclassified to Entertainment
to reflect this change.
(3)
For the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, amounts include production loan interest amortized into cost
of goods sold.
(4)
Depreciation and amortization in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution, Education Solutions and International
segments includes amounts allocated from overhead.
(5)
Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings (loss), excluding one-time items, before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of operating
profitability and useful for measuring returns on capital investments over time as it is not distorted by unusual gains,
losses, or other items.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scholastic-reports-fiscal-2025-second-quarter-results-302336593.html
SOURCE Scholastic Corporation
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Agoda Partners with Marina Bay Sands on Bespoke Flagship Store for Experience-Led Travel
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The custom digital storefront brings together Marina Bay Sands’ rooms, suites and resort experiences, expanding visibility across Agoda’s booking journey
SINGAPORE, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has partnered with Singapore’s landmark integrated resort, Marina Bay Sands to unveil a bespoke Marina Bay Sands Flagship Store on the Agoda platform. The customized luxury digital storefront brings together Marina Bay Sands’ rooms, suites, and select resort experiences, allowing travelers to explore and book them seamlessly in one place.
As the first custom flagship store dedicated to a single property, the storefront features rooms and suites from Marina Bay Sands’ Paiza Collection and Sands Collection, alongside select in-resort experiences. Through rich visual storytelling and editorial content, travelers can explore how the resort’s accommodation and wider dining, entertainment and cultural offerings can complement their stay.
Available in multiple languages including Japanese and Korean, the Flagship Store is designed to engage travelers across Asia Pacific and support them throughout their journey from discovery to booking.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda remarked, “Marina Bay Sands and Agoda’s collaboration offers travelers a richer travel perspective through seamless planning. Travelers often start with the experience they might have first seen on social media, whether that is a restaurant, a theatre show, or a cultural activity and then look for the stay that brings the trip together. Reducing friction in travel planning encourages more travel and helps position our partners’ at pivotal moments that influence booking decisions.”
A new generation of high-intent travelers are increasingly influencing luxury travel, with customized and personalized vacations accounting for over a third of global luxury travel spend, as reported by Strategic Market Research. Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report points to a similar pattern emerging across Asia, where surveyed travelers are increasingly planning trips around the experiences they want to have, including culinary experiences at 31%, followed by cultural exploration at 25%.
The Agoda Flagship Store is a multichannel marketing solution that enables hospitality brands to tell their stories, foster customer loyalty and support revenue growth. Through its dedicated storefront, Marina Bay Sands will gain a targeted presence from the early stages of travel discovery and consideration. Agoda supports the initiative with homepage visibility and branded search placements through its Connected Ecosystem feature, which allows seamless store entry throughout the traveler journey – from discovery to booking.
Travelers can explore the Marina Bay Sands Flagship Store on Agoda here.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-partners-with-marina-bay-sands-on-bespoke-flagship-store-for-experience-led-travel-302887578.html
SOURCE Agoda
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Unprecedented Fish Sound Recordings Presented to the Library of Congress at Voices of the Ocean’s Convening to Inspire Ocean Regeneration
Published
25 minutes agoon
October 8, 2026By
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 6, 2026, Wave and Conservation Nation convened over 300 ocean leaders, scientists, innovators, conservationists and ocean-lovers at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., for Voices of the Ocean—an immersive evening celebrating the discoveries, ideas and people shaping the future of our ocean.
The evening included an unprecedented moment when FishEye Collaborative presented a collection of fish sounds from Hawai’i’s coral reefs to the Library of Congress. The recordings represent the largest publicly accessible natural sound collection of fish species from the United States and from across the Pacific Ocean, to join the Library’s historic inclusion of the original “Songs of the Humpback Whale” recordings.
Opening the evening via video-link, Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Founder of Wave, said: “It is especially meaningful that we have gathered here to celebrate those who are dedicating their lives to understanding and protecting our ocean, and to amplify the ideas, discoveries and solutions that can help secure a healthy, thriving ocean for generations to come.”
Doro Bush Koch, Co-founder of Conservation Nation, said: “What brought us together tonight is a shared love of the ocean and a belief that we can do something meaningful to protect it.”
In the historic Coolidge Auditorium, the program featured guests from the depths of the ocean to the frontiers of marine science and innovation. Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, esteemed marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer and founder of Mission Blue, spoke about the power of exploration, conservation and collective action.
Wave Chief Scientist Professor Carlos Duarte explored the ocean’s next frontier, examining how marine life is unlocking new possibilities for medicine and human health. Peabody Awardwinning science journalist Lulu Miller shared the remarkable story of a whale calf birth, accompanied by footage revealing the extraordinary communal behaviors of marine life.
Internationally bestselling author Sy Montgomery invited guests to see the ocean through a different lens, bringing the character, intelligence and spirit of marine animals to life.
The evening opened with a cinematic celebration of the ocean, featuring extraordinary footage by ocean filmmaker Matthew David Kaplan set to an original score by Alex Lustig. The program culminated in an immersive cinematic journey created by the next generation of ocean storytellers—filmmakers, photographers and marine biologists—accompanied by a live orchestra performance.
From Ocean Ideas to Ocean Innovation
The evening continued in the Library of Congress’ Great Hall, where guests met the founders behind a new generation of ocean solutions.
Among them were Coastal Assembly, a public benefit corporation working to grow the world’s coastlines; Coral Vita, pioneering new approaches to coral restoration; FishEye Collaborative, a conservation technology nonprofit using acoustic monitoring to help protect coral reefs and nearshore habitats; GRoW Reefs, developing reef-building products designed to accelerate native oyster reef restoration; and Room 71, an innovation studio at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution focused on advancing solutions emerging from ocean science and exploration.
Giving the Ocean a Voice
In the Great Hall, the presentation of fish sounds to the Library included new discoveries for these species. These recordings stand at the frontier of listening to animals and represent a mere glimpse of the myriad voices still to be discovered in the world’s oceans. In 2010, the Library of Congress honored the 1970 “Songs of the Humpback Whale,” recording that changed how Americans see the ocean. Today, by adding the first fish sounds to the Library’s archives, the hope is that ocean voices will be valued, kept safe, and available to the world for study and wonder.
Voices of the Ocean brought together many perspectives, disciplines and generations around one shared message: the ocean’s future depends on our ability to listen, learn, collaborate and act.
About Wave
Founded by HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, Wave is a Collective Action Platform dedicated to restoring a thriving ocean by 2050. Powered by the Future Investment Initiative Institute and in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Wave strives towards the ambitious yet attainable goal of Ocean Regeneration within a Human Generation.
For more information, visit thewave.global
About Conservation Nation
Conservation Nation is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the conservation movement by funding and supporting a diverse group of conservationists from all communities while educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Through free, in-school STEM education programs, Conservation Nation connects students with diverse role models, builds confidence and belonging in nature, and sparks interest in conservation careers. Their grants, fellowships, and capacity-building initiatives equip conservationists around the world with the resources they need to protect endangered species and ecosystems, and to create a more inclusive and effective movement for the future. For more information, visit conservationnation.org
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States — and extensive materials from around the world — both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unprecedented-fish-sound-recordings-presented-to-the-library-of-congress-at-voices-of-the-oceans-convening-to-inspire-ocean-regeneration-302901841.html
SOURCE Conservation Nation
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AI’s Next Infrastructure Challenge Is Power: DIGITIMES Examines the Shift Toward 800VDC Data Centers
Published
25 minutes agoon
October 8, 2026By
TAIPEI, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As AI computing continues to scale, the infrastructure challenge is moving beyond processors. Rising rack-level power requirements are forcing data center operators, server makers, and semiconductor suppliers to rethink how electricity is delivered from the grid all the way to AI compute systems.
A new report from DIGITIMES Intelligence, “AI Data Center 800VDC Power Architecture Takes Shape; Future Hurdles Require Balancing Multiple Key Factors,” examines how the emerging 800VDC architecture could reshape power delivery across next-generation AI data centers—and how the transition is creating new strategic questions for the semiconductor and infrastructure ecosystem.
Power Is Becoming Part of the AI Performance Equation. As AI systems become increasingly compute-intensive, power delivery is becoming a system-level design issue rather than simply a facility consideration. Higher-density AI racks require the industry to reconsider conversion efficiency, power density, system footprint, thermal management, and the overall path electricity takes before reaching GPUs and other accelerators.
DIGITIMES observes that the industry’s transition toward higher-voltage DC architectures is accelerating changes across the power-delivery chain. The implications extend beyond data center design to power semiconductors, server systems, power conversion equipment, and the broader AI infrastructure supply chain.
800VDC Is Creating a New Power Semiconductor Battleground. The transition is also changing the role of power semiconductor technologies. Rather than pointing to a single winning technology, DIGITIMES’ analysis shows that different device architectures are finding distinct roles across the AI power-delivery chain, depending on voltage, switching frequency, power density, efficiency, and system requirements.
This makes the evolution of GaN and SiC particularly important to watch. As AI server power architectures evolve, their respective technical characteristics are influencing how semiconductor suppliers position products across different stages of the power system.
Competition Will Extend Beyond Device Performance. As the architecture matures, DIGITIMES expects competition to extend beyond individual device specifications. The ability to work with server OEMs and ODMs, participate in system-level design, maintain supply stability, and respond quickly to rapidly changing AI platform requirements will become increasingly important.
A Supply Chain Shift Worth Watching, for data center operators, server manufacturers, power semiconductor suppliers, and investors tracking AI infrastructure, the shift toward 800VDC is more than a change in voltage. It represents a broader redesign of how power moves through AI infrastructure—and potentially a redistribution of value across the supply chain.
The DIGITIMES Intelligence report provides an in-depth examination of the evolving 800VDC architecture, the roles of key power semiconductor technologies, emerging vendor strategies, and the competitive factors that could shape the next stage of AI data center infrastructure.
Read the full report:
DIGITIMES Intelligence 800VDC Report
https://dgt.ms/report800VDC_prnewswire
About DIGITIMES
DIGITIMES is a Decision Intelligence platform rooted in the global technology industry, providing first-hand industry intelligence, forward-looking research, and AI-driven analysis to help decision-makers navigate change and formulate strategies. Through its Intelligence, Research, and enterprise services, DIGITIMES connects technology trends with the supply chains and companies shaping the industry’s next moves.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ais-next-infrastructure-challenge-is-power-digitimes-examines-the-shift-toward-800vdc-data-centers-302899474.html
SOURCE DIGITIMES
Agoda Partners with Marina Bay Sands on Bespoke Flagship Store for Experience-Led Travel
Unprecedented Fish Sound Recordings Presented to the Library of Congress at Voices of the Ocean’s Convening to Inspire Ocean Regeneration
AI’s Next Infrastructure Challenge Is Power: DIGITIMES Examines the Shift Toward 800VDC Data Centers
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