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Scholastic Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results

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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.

 

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SOURCE Scholastic Corporation

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Ellucian Announces 2026 Impact Award Winners, Honoring Institutions Leading with Data, SaaS, and Student-First Innovation

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Key Highlights:

Ellucian recognized four institutions for innovative use of the company’s technology solutions to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency.Award winners demonstrated measurable impact through SaaS transformation, data-driven decision-making, and student-first digital experiences.Each winning institution will receive $25,000 USD to support continued innovation and student success initiatives.

RESTON, Va., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, announced the winners of its eighth annual Impact Award at Ellucian Live, the industry’s premier technology conference. The annual Ellucian Impact Award Program celebrates visionary higher education institutions that are inspiring others to push the boundaries of technology and innovation. These institutions demonstrate the impactful use of Ellucian’s AI-powered platform and solutions to transform the student experience and institutional performance.

Recognizing Innovation that Transforms Higher Education

“Higher education is being redefined in real time, and this year’s Impact Award winners exemplify what it means to lead through change,” said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. “These institutions are harnessing the full power of Ellucian’s AI-driven, SaaS-native solutions to break down barriers, unlock insights, and create more connected, student-centered experiences. Their work demonstrates how innovation, when grounded in purpose, can drive meaningful outcomes for students, faculty, staff, and communities worldwide.”

2026 Ellucian Impact Award-winning institutions will each receive a $25,000 USD award recognizing achievements across four categories, including Students First, Unlocking the Power of Data, Shaping the Future through SaaS, and Institutional Agility.

The 2026 Ellucian Impact Award Winners are:

Shaping the Future through SaaS

St. John’s University – Queens, N.Y.

St. John’s University earned recognition for its bold, institution-wide SaaS transformation through Project Genesis, modernizing core systems across student, finance, and HR on Ellucian’s SaaS-native platform. The university retired nearly 800 customizations, reduced support requests by 20%, and enabled faculty and staff to save 30–40% of their time through streamlined processes. Critical services are now significantly faster, with financial aid processing reduced from multiple days to one day and grade changes completed in about an hour instead of a full day. With 99.99% uptime and a more agile operating model, St. John’s is accelerating innovation while strengthening the experience for students, faculty, and staff.

Students First

Florida Polytechnic University – Lakeland, Fla.

Florida Polytechnic University was recognized for transforming the student experience with Ellucian solutions delivering a unified, student-first digital campus. The central workspace, MyFloridaPoly, is a single hub consolidating academic, administrative, and campus life resources. Streamlining access to essential tools and services reduced login barriers by 85%, increased mobile usage by 70%, and helped students save up to two hours per week. At the same time, the university retired more than 100 customizations and reduced infrastructure and licensing costs by 40%, creating a modern, scalable environment built around student success and continuous innovation.

Unlocking the Power of Data

Rend Lake College – Ina, Ill.

Rend Lake College earned recognition for using Ellucian Student powered by Colleague to transform a manual, paper-based state reporting process — collecting required student career and demographic data — into a fully automated, data-driven workflow. The institution expanded its data collection reach by 45%, increasing from 1,290 to more than 1,870 students, while boosting response rates by over 13%. Automation eliminated approximately two weeks of manual data entry, improving accuracy and freeing staff to focus on higher-value, student-centered support. The initiative also delivered measurable financial impact and supported a 5% enrollment growth, demonstrating how targeted data innovation can drive both operational efficiency and institutional outcomes.

Institutional Agility

American University of Beirut – Beirut, Lebanon

The American University of Beirut was recognized for its exceptional institutional agility, leveraging Ellucian solutions to sustain operations and expand global reach amid ongoing national crises. Through the launch of AUB Online and modernization of its digital ecosystem, the university increased its program portfolio to more than 30 offerings and generated $6 million in tuition revenue, with continued growth projected. At the same time, AUB unified access to services through Ellucian’s central workspace capability, simplifying the digital environment by 83% and increasing user adoption from 45% to 90%. Operational efficiency improved significantly, with 80% fewer support tickets, 20% faster registration processes, and a 40% reduction in IT costs — positioning the university to deliver resilient, scalable education to learners worldwide.

To learn more about Ellucian solutions, visit: https://www.ellucian.com/

WHAT IS ELLUCIAN
Ellucian powers innovation for higher education, partnering with approximately 3,000 customers across 50 countries, serving more than 21 million students. Ellucian’s AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, including data-rich tools for student recruitment, enrolment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian’s innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners and user community of more than 45,000 provides best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes.

Media Contacts
Greg Giangrande, Chief Marketing Officer
Greg.Giangrande@Ellucian.com

Jess Weston, Manager, Communications
Jess.Weston@Ellucian.com

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SOURCE Ellucian

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Bahamas Grid Company Appoints Two New Board Directors

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NASSAU, The Bahamas, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) today announced the appointment of Nikolai Sawyer and Debra Symonette to its Board of Directors, effective April 20, 2026.

These appointments follow the company’s recent transition to a fully independent, Bahamian-led operating model, including the conclusion of Island Grid Solutions’ management role and the appointment of new executive leadership.

Mr. Sawyer is a senior financial attorney with over 20 years of experience across corporate law, banking, and financial services. He brings deep expertise in regulatory strategy, risk management, and corporate governance. 

Ms. Symonette is President and Director of Super Value Food Stores Limited and a Certified Public Accountant with over 25 years of financial leadership experience. She has held senior roles in accounting, audit, and corporate governance, and currently serves as a Director of Commonwealth Bank. 

“With these appointments, BGC continues to strengthen its governance as we move forward as a fully Bahamian-led organization,” said Anthony Ferguson, Chairman of BGC. “Nikolai and Debra bring extensive legal, financial, and operational experience that will support the company’s long-term performance and accountability.”

“This is an important step in BGC’s continued evolution,” said Dareo McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to working with the Board to drive long-term performance and reliability across the system.”

The company’s Board of Directors now comprises Anthony Ferguson (Chairman), Nikolai Sawyer, and Debra Symonette.

About Bahamas Grid Company
Bahamas Grid Company (BGC) is a utility company in New Providence responsible for upgrading, maintaining, and operating the island’s transmission and distribution infrastructure, with the goal of delivering reliable, resilient, and sustainable power to all residents and businesses. 

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Auburn’s College of Education embraces an AI-powered future to advance its mission

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AUBURN, Ala., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into daily life, Auburn University’s College of Education is sharpening its focus on this powerful tool and exploring how it can strengthen the preparation of future educators and healthcare workers.

Throughout the College of Education (and featured in the recent release of the college’s Keystone Magazine), artificial intelligence is being thoughtfully integrated across its four academic units, reflecting both the breadth of the college and a shared commitment to ethical, human-centered practice. Auburn College of Education Dean Jeffrey Fairbrother shared his perspective on how artificial intelligence aligns with the college’s vision for the future.

“In the College of Education, we’re committed to opening doors and improving lives, and artificial intelligence is an important door to opportunity,” he said. “I am proud of our faculty who are embracing AI to expand access, enhance learning and empower educators, always guided by ethics and integrity. By opening these doors today, we’re building a better future for all, far into the future.”

In the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, faculty are focused on teacher preparation and continuously improving methods of learning. Paul Fitchett, head of C&T, oversees several faculty members leading AI-focused initiatives, including some who are developing a course on the applied use of AI in the workplace that will come with industry credentialing.

“We are exploring AI through a number of different, applied facets,” Fitchett said. “Some individuals are leveraging AI to expand research capabilities while others are engaging AI to support teaching and learning, improving the educational experience for instructors and students alike.”

In Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications, AI is treated as both a research tool and an object of study, with faculty developing a new AI course and even patent-pending technologies that support agriculture, Extension work and global food systems, always emphasizing the “expert in the loop” and transparency over blind automation. In Elementary Education, future teachers learn to use AI as a collaborative planning and efficiency tool, refining outputs through pedagogical expertise and deep knowledge of learners.

Margaret Flores, interim head of the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling, emphasized the importance of research regarding how AI will impact these professions. SERC faculty members are working to integrate AI into their classrooms to inform their students about future uses in their careers.

In Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, faculty are embedding AI directly into applied coursework, training students to critically evaluate AI-generated vocational data, labor market information and assessment recommendations while grounding decisions in professional judgment and ethics. In the School Counseling Program, students are prepared to navigate AI’s possibilities and limits through ethics-focused coursework and national research, reinforcing that empathy, nuance and confidentiality remain irreplaceable.

Meanwhile, the Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success (EAGLES) Program is leveraging AI as an equalizer for students with intellectual disabilities, using federally funded digital literacy and AI modules to promote independence, self-advocacy and access.

“AI can enhance the services or instruction that we provide, reduce administrative tasks and increase efficiency in research,” Flores said. “We must ensure that researchers are shaping how AI is changing our fields.”

In the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, faculty are working with AI in multiple ways. Through basic and applied research, faculty are addressing early childhood vocabulary learning and mathematics learning, and learning how AI can help with research workflow, STEM learning and even the development of education policy.

Several faculty members are also incorporating AI into their classrooms, including the use of an AU tutor to support independent learning and AI-explicit language in teaching materials such as syllabi.

EFLT Department Head Hank Murrah said that his unit’s approach is about embracing the changes that come with AI while also working to shape how it will affect the future of education.

“We view AI as both a transformative research tool and a catalyst for innovation in teaching and learning,” Murrah said. “Our faculty are developing AI-driven interventions for STEM education, leveraging AI to streamline research workflows and exploring ethical frameworks for its use in classrooms. These efforts position us to prepare graduates who are not only AI-literate but capable of shaping evidence-based policy and practice. We believe AI will redefine how educators design learning experiences and how researchers generate insights—making education more adaptive, fair and impactful.”

Matt Miller serves as the director of the School of Kinesiology, whose faculty members are exploring how AI can help with conducting research and processing data to find ways to improve a person’s health. Within the School of Kinesiology, AI is being introduced in coursework related to exercise prescription and programming, helping students analyze data, tailor training plans and think critically about how emerging technologies can support safe, individualized, evidence-based practice.

“School of Kinesiology faculty members conduct research that yields large and complex datasets involving measures related to human movement, including but not limited to their physical activity throughout the day, brain activity during exercise, joint angles while walking or throwing a ball and protein expression after exercise training,” Miller said. “AI helps faculty members make sense of these measures to translate research findings into practical knowledge that can be used to enhance health and performance.”

Additionally, in the School of Kinesiology, the Sensorimotor and Rehabilitation (SMART) Neuroscience Lab studies the neuroscience of human movement using virtual and augmented reality simulations. And now, a new member of the lab has joined the team to help understand things like balance and walking: Circuit, the robotic “dog” who comes complete with artificial intelligence built in. Circuit is what’s called a quadruped robot (“robot dog”), and he’s used to explore new ways of supporting older adults’ safety at home.

Led by Director of Physical Therapy Harsimran Baweja, the SMART Neuroscience Lab is using Circuit to study whether robot dogs equipped with artificial intelligence and advanced sensors can reliably track human movement during everyday activities.

While there are many uses for AI, College of Education faculty members are also acutely aware that the human touch is an essential part of their work. The overall goal is to use AI to enhance the service provided to another human being, whether they are a student or a patient.

“Whatever their approach, integrity and professional ethics remain the driving force for our use of generative Artificial Intelligence,” Fitchett said. “Maintaining these principles is essential as we navigate an ever-changing landscape.”

Together, these efforts highlight a college-wide approach to AI that spans disciplines and populations, using emerging technologies not as replacements for human expertise, but as tools to expand opportunity, insight and impact.

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SOURCE Auburn University College of Education

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