Technology
Scholastic Reports Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Over $35 Million Returned to Shareholders in Third Quarter; Share Repurchase Authorization Increased to $100 Million
Company Affirms Adjusted EBITDA Outlook at Low End of Range
NEW YORK, March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children’s publishing, education and media company, today reported financial results for the Company’s fiscal third quarter ended February 28, 2025.
Peter Warwick, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Scholastic achieved modest revenue growth and improved operating results in the third quarter. Despite increasing pressure on family and school spending on books and educational materials, strong performance by School Book Fairs and Clubs, successful new titles and the addition of 9 Story Media Group contributed to positive results, underscoring Scholastic’s unique strengths engaging kids with great books and quality children’s media.
“Scholastic’s winning record creating global children’s franchises continued last quarter. Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, the thirteenth book in Dav Pilkey’s global phenomenon, has been the top-selling book in the US and major English-speaking markets since its release in early December. Earlier this week Scholastic published the fifth book in Suzanne Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games® series, Sunrise on the Reaping, which is already topping some bestseller lists based on pre-orders. Last quarter Scholastic Entertainment also leveraged its new capabilities to greatly expand the distribution and monetization of the Company’s IP on YouTube, the dominant platform for kids’ media consumption. In February alone Scholastic’s branded channels drew almost 10 million views, up nearly 40 times from a year ago.
“The Education Solutions division was impacted by the continued slow-down in the supplemental curriculum market in the third quarter, but we remain encouraged by upcoming product launches. We have also begun a strategic review of this important and valuable business, as we explore options to optimize it for long-term success.
“Based on the intensifying spending pressure that we experienced last quarter and expect to continue into the fourth quarter, we forecast full-year Adjusted EBITDA at the low end of our fiscal 2025 guidance and more modest revenue growth year-over-year. We have taken a number of one-time and ongoing cost actions in response to these headwinds, as previously disclosed, benefiting both the current and next fiscal years. As we continue to focus on Scholastic’s long-term growth and profitability, we remain committed to our capital allocation priorities, expanding our share repurchase authorization to $100 million and after having returned over $35 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends last quarter.”
Outlook
For fiscal year 2025, the Company has narrowed its outlook for Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the accompanying tables) to approximately $140 million, from $140 million to $150 million previously. The Company now forecasts modest full-year revenue growth, compared to prior guidance of 4% to 6% growth.
Fiscal 2025 Q3 Review
In $ millions (except per share data)
Third Quarter
Change
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2024
$
%
Revenues
$
335.4
$
323.7
$
11.7
4 %
Operating income (loss)
$
(23.9)
$
(34.9)
$
11.0
32 %
Earnings (loss) before taxes
$
(28.4)
$
(34.6)
$
6.2
18 %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.13)
$
(0.91)
$
0.78
86 %
Operating income (loss), ex. one-time items *
$
(20.9)
$
(30.6)
$
9.7
32 %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, ex. one-time items *
$
(0.05)
$
(0.80)
$
0.75
94 %
Adjusted EBITDA *
$
6.0
$
(7.2)
$
13.2
183 %
* Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached
Revenues increased 4% to $335.4 million, reflecting the contribution of 9 Story Media Group, recorded in the Entertainment segment, and higher revenues in School Reading Events, partly offset by lower supplemental curriculum and collections product sales in Education Solutions.
Operating loss improved 32% to a loss of $23.9 million in the quarter compared to a loss of $34.9 million a year ago, including $3.0 million and $4.3 million in one-time charges in each period, respectively. Excluding one-time charges in both periods, operating loss improved $9.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure of operations explained in the accompanying tables) increased 183% to $6.0 million. The improved seasonal loss primarily reflects a reduction in discretionary overhead expenses and higher revenues in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment, which more than offset the impact of lower sales in Education Solutions.
Quarterly Results
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution
In the fiscal third quarter, the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment’s revenues increased 5% to $203.3 million.
Book Fairs revenues were $110.7 million, up 8% from the prior year period, reflecting a larger number of fall-season fairs occurring in December compared to the prior year period, which contributed to higher fair count in the quarter. Fair count remains on track to achieve 90,000 fairs in fiscal 2025. Revenue per fair was in-line with prior year.Book Clubs revenues were $15.2 million, up 14% from the prior year period, primarily reflecting higher order volumes and revenue per sponsor.Consolidated Trade revenues were $77.4 million, in line with the prior year period, primarily reflecting the strong performance of the global bestselling Dog Man® series, offset by lower backlist sales as increasing pressure on consumer spending led to softness in the retail book market. Fourth quarter revenues are expected to benefit from the March 2025 release of Sunrise on the Reaping, the fifth book in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games® series.
Segment operating income was $7.6 million, compared to $2.3 million a year ago, which included one-time charges of $0.5 million in the prior year period. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted operating loss improved by $4.8 million. The year-over-year increase was primarily driven by higher revenue in School Reading Events.
Education Solutions
Education Solutions revenues decreased 16% to $57.2 million, on lower sales driven by the continuing headwinds in the supplemental curriculum market. Segment operating loss was $6.9 million, compared to segment operating loss of $0.8 million in the prior period, reflecting lower segment revenues. The segment continues to invest in new products for release in the 2025/2026 school year.
Entertainment
Segment revenues were $12.8 million, primarily reflecting the addition of 9 Story Media Group. Segment operating loss was $3.9 million, which included one-time charges of $1.5 million, compared to $3.1 million in the prior year period, which included one-time charges of $3.0 million. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted segment operating loss increased $2.3 million. As part of the acquisition, the Company incurred $2.3 million of intangible amortization during the quarter. Excluding the amortization, operating loss was $0.1 million.
International
Excluding unfavorable foreign currency exchange of $2.7 million, International revenues increased 5% to $59.3 million, reflecting higher revenues in major markets. Segment operating loss was $2.1 million, which included one-time charges of $0.1 million, compared to a loss of $5.9 million in the prior year period. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted operating loss improved by $3.9 million, driven by higher revenues and operational efficiencies.
Overhead
Overhead costs were $18.6 million, which included one-time charges of $1.4 million, compared to $27.4 million in the prior year period, which included one-time charges of $0.8 million. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted overhead costs decreased $9.4 million driven by lower employee-related costs.
Capital Position and Liquidity
In $ millions
Third Quarter
Change
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2024
$
%
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
$
(12.0)
$
13.1
$
(25.1)
NM
Additions to property, plant and equipment and prepublication expenditures
(14.7)
(20.2)
5.5
27 %
Net borrowings (repayments) of film related obligations
(4.0)
—
(4.0)
NM
Free cash flow (use)*
$
(30.7)
$
(7.1)
$
(23.6)
NM
Net cash (debt)*
$
(189.4)
$
78.9
$
(268.3)
NM
NM – Not meaningful
* Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached
Net cash used by operating activities was $12.0 million, compared to net cash provided of $13.1 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by lower customer remittances and higher interest payments, partly offset by lower taxes. Free cash use (a non-GAAP measure of operations explained in the accompanying tables) was $30.7 million in fiscal 2025, compared to free cash use of $7.1 million in the prior period.
Net debt was $189.4 million compared to a net cash position of $78.9 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 believes its balance sheet provides significant flexibility, with modest debt and non-operating assets that could be monetized, if and when the Company chose to, market conditions permitting, in accordance with its capital allocation priorities.
The Company owns its headquarters building at 555 / 557 Broadway in Soho, New York City, with 355,000 square feet, of which 26,600 square feet is premium retail space that is currently under lease and is expected to generate $11.1 million in rental revenue in fiscal year 2026, based on currently held lease agreements. Of the remaining 328,400 square feet of Class A office space, 108,000 square feet are currently being marketed, as the Company consolidates its use of the building. Offsetting gains on any potential monetization transaction, the tax basis of the New York City headquarters reflects the purchase of 555 Broadway in 2014 for approximately $255 million and subsequent improvements, less accumulated depreciation.
In addition to the New York City headquarters building, the Company owns its distribution facilities, including three warehouses with 1,459,000 square feet of space and 162 acres of related land, situated in and around Jefferson City, MO. These facilities are approximately 70% utilized at the moment. The tax basis on this asset is low, reflecting many years of accumulated depreciation.
Consistent with its capital allocation priorities, the Company distributed $5.7 million in dividends and repurchased 1,450,274 shares of its common stock for $30.0 million in the third quarter.
The Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $53.4 million for repurchases of its common stock under the Company’s stock repurchase program increasing the authorization to $100 million. 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
$
1,117.2
$
1,114.8
$
2.4
0 %
Operating income (loss)
$
(37.7)
$
(32.7)
$
(5.0)
(15) %
Earnings (loss) before taxes
$
(50.2)
$
(31.1)
$
(19.1)
(61) %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.61)
$
(0.80)
$
0.19
24 %
Operating income (loss), ex. one-time items *
$
(27.6)
$
(22.1)
$
(5.5)
(25) %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, ex. one-time items*
$
(0.34)
$
(0.53)
$
0.19
36 %
Adjusted EBITDA *
$
54.2
$
46.2
$
8.0
17 %
* Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached
Revenues of $1,117.2 million year to date were in line with the prior year period, primarily reflecting the contribution of 9 Story Media Group, recorded in the Entertainment segment, offset by lower supplemental curriculum and collections product sales in Education Solutions.
Operating loss was $37.7 million year to date, compared to operating loss of $32.7 million a year ago, including $10.1 million and $10.6 million in one-time charges related to restructuring and cost-savings activities in each period, respectively. Excluding one-time charges, operating loss increased $5.5 million from a year ago. This primarily reflects the impact of lower sales in Education Solutions and the impact of the 9 Story Media Group acquisition. Adjusted EBITDA increased $8.0 million to $54.2 million, primarily reflecting the impact of the 9 Story Media Group acquisition. As part of the acquisition, the Company incurred $6.5 million of intangible amortization during the period. Excluding the amortization, operating loss was $31.2 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, March 20, 2025. 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
Nine months ended
02/28/25
02/29/24
02/28/25
02/29/24
Revenues (1)
$
335.4
$
323.7
$
1,117.2
$
1,114.8
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold
154.6
148.7
511.5
512.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses (2)
187.5
194.8
594.5
592.1
Depreciation and amortization
16.9
14.6
48.5
42.1
Asset impairments and write downs (3)
0.3
0.5
0.4
0.5
Total operating costs and expenses
359.3
358.6
1,154.9
1,147.5
Operating income (loss)
(23.9)
(34.9)
(37.7)
(32.7)
Interest income (expense), net
(4.3)
0.6
(11.7)
2.4
Other components of net periodic benefit (cost)
(0.2)
(0.3)
(0.8)
(0.8)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
(28.4)
(34.6)
(50.2)
(31.1)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (4)
(24.8)
(8.1)
(32.9)
(7.3)
Net income (loss) (1)
(3.6)
(26.5)
(17.3)
(23.8)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share of Class A and Common Stock (5)
Basic
$
(0.13)
$
(0.91)
$
(0.61)
$
(0.80)
Diluted
$
(0.13)
$
(0.91)
$
(0.61)
$
(0.80)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
27,778
29,052
28,135
29,906
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
27,876
29,815
28,490
30,747
(1)
The financial results of 9 Story Media Group from the date of acquisition on June 20, 2024 through February 28, 2025 are included in
the Company’s consolidated results of operations as of February 28, 2025. 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 $335.4 and $1,122.9 and net loss
of $3.6 and $19.1 for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2025, respectively, and revenues of $341.9 and $1,169.0 and net
loss of $29.3 and $34.2 for the three and nine months ended February 29, 2024, respectively.
(2)
In the three and nine months ended February 28, 2025, the Company recognized pretax severance of $1.8 and $6.8, respectively, related
to cost-savings initiatives and pretax costs of $0.9 and $3.0, respectively, related to the acquisition of 9 Story Media Group and other costs.
In the three and nine months ended February 29, 2024, the Company recognized pretax costs related to its planned investment in 9 Story
Media Group of $3.0 and pretax severance of $0.8 and $7.1, respectively, related to restructuring and cost-savings initiatives.
(3)
In the three and nine months ended February 28, 2025, the Company recognized pretax asset impairment of $0.3 related to an early exit
of an office lease. In the three and nine months ended February 29, 2024, the Company recognized pretax asset impairment of $0.5 related
to an early exit of a sales office lease.
(4)
In the three and nine months ended February 28, 2025, the Company recognized a benefit of $0.7 and $2.4, respectively, for income taxes
in respect to one-time pretax items. In the three and nine months ended February 29, 2024, the Company recognized a benefit of $1.1 and
$2.7, respectively, for income taxes in respect to one-time pretax items.
(5)
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
Nine months ended
Change
02/28/25
02/29/24
$
%
02/28/25
02/29/24
$
%
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution (1)
Revenues
Books Clubs
$
15.2
$
13.3
$
1.9
14 %
$
51.1
$
48.3
$
2.8
6 %
Book Fairs
110.7
102.7
8.0
8 %
370.5
372.1
(1.6)
(0) %
School Reading Events
125.9
116.0
9.9
9 %
421.6
420.4
1.2
0 %
Consolidated Trade
77.4
77.1
0.3
0 %
254.1
267.5
(13.4)
(5) %
Total Revenues
203.3
193.1
10.2
5 %
675.7
687.9
(12.2)
(2) %
Operating income (loss)
7.6
2.3
5.3
NM
73.1
72.9
0.2
0 %
Operating margin
3.7 %
1.2 %
10.8 %
10.6 %
Education Solutions
Revenues
57.2
68.5
(11.3)
(16) %
184.1
215.5
(31.4)
(15) %
Operating income (loss)
(6.9)
(0.8)
(6.1)
NM
(24.4)
(13.7)
(10.7)
(78) %
Operating margin
NM
NM
NM
NM
Entertainment (1)
Revenues
12.8
0.5
12.3
NM
46.2
1.3
44.9
NM
Operating income (loss)
(3.9)
(3.1)
(0.8)
(26) %
(9.1)
(4.4)
(4.7)
(107) %
Operating margin
NM
NM
NM
NM
International
Revenues
59.3
59.1
0.2
0 %
202.8
202.8
0.0
0 %
Operating income (loss)
(2.1)
(5.9)
3.8
64 %
(4.7)
(6.1)
1.4
23 %
Operating margin
NM
NM
NM
NM
Overhead
Revenues
2.8
2.5
0.3
12 %
8.4
7.3
1.1
15 %
Operating income (loss)
(18.6)
(27.4)
8.8
32 %
(72.6)
(81.4)
8.8
11 %
Operating income (loss)
$
(23.9)
$
(34.9)
$
11.0
32 %
$
(37.7)
$
(32.7)
$
(5.0)
(15) %
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 nine months ended February 29, 2024 have been reclassified to Entertainment to reflect this change.
Table 3
Scholastic Corporation
Supplemental Information
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Selected Balance Sheet Items
02/28/25
02/29/24
Cash and cash equivalents
$
94.7
$
110.4
Accounts receivable, net
255.9
253.0
Inventories, net
270.8
282.5
Accounts payable
133.5
126.1
Deferred revenue
205.2
193.8
Accrued royalties
85.1
75.1
Film related obligations
18.8
—
Lines of credit and long-term debt
280.8
31.5
Net cash (debt) (1)
(189.4)
78.9
Total stockholders’ equity
941.3
997.6
Selected Cash Flow Items
Three months ended
Nine months ended
02/28/25
02/29/24
02/28/25
02/29/24
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(12.0)
$
13.1
$
17.3
$
84.7
Property, plant and equipment additions
(9.0)
(14.7)
(39.9)
(43.8)
Prepublication expenditures
(5.7)
(5.5)
(15.8)
(17.2)
Net borrowings (repayments) of film related obligations
(4.0)
—
(18.6)
—
Free cash flow (use) (2)
$
(30.7)
$
(7.1)
$
(57.0)
$
23.7
(1)
Net cash (debt) is defined by the Company as cash and cash equivalents less production cash of $3.3
as of February 28, 2025, net of lines of credit and 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 the 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
02/28/2025
02/29/2024
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)
$
(0.13)
$
0.08
$
(0.05)
$
(0.91)
$
0.11
$
(0.80)
Net income (loss)
$
(3.6)
$
2.3
$
(1.3)
$
(26.5)
$
3.2
$
(23.3)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
$
(28.4)
$
3.0
$
(25.4)
$
(34.6)
$
4.3
$
(30.3)
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution (2)
$
7.6
$
—
$
7.6
$
2.3
$
0.5
$
2.8
Education Solutions
(6.9)
—
(6.9)
(0.8)
—
(0.8)
Entertainment (3)
(3.9)
1.5
(2.4)
(3.1)
3.0
(0.1)
International (4)
(2.1)
0.1
(2.0)
(5.9)
—
(5.9)
Overhead (5)
(18.6)
1.4
(17.2)
(27.4)
0.8
(26.6)
Operating income (loss)
$
(23.9)
$
3.0
$
(20.9)
$
(34.9)
$
4.3
$
(30.6)
Nine months ended
02/28/2025
02/29/2024
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)
$
(0.61)
$
0.27
$
(0.34)
$
(0.80)
$
0.26
$
(0.53)
Net income (loss)
$
(17.3)
$
7.7
$
(9.6)
$
(23.8)
$
7.9
$
(15.9)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
$
(50.2)
$
10.1
$
(40.1)
$
(31.1)
$
10.6
$
(20.5)
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution (2)
$
73.1
$
—
$
73.1
$
72.9
$
0.5
$
73.4
Education Solutions
(24.4)
—
(24.4)
(13.7)
—
(13.7)
Entertainment (3)
(9.1)
4.0
(5.1)
(4.4)
3.0
(1.4)
International (4)
(4.7)
1.5
(3.2)
(6.1)
1.2
(4.9)
Overhead (5)
(72.6)
4.6
(68.0)
(81.4)
5.9
(75.5)
Operating income (loss)
$
(37.7)
$
10.1
$
(27.6)
$
(32.7)
$
10.6
$
(22.1)
(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 nine months ended February 29, 2024, the Company recognized pretax asset impairment of $0.5 related to an
early exit of a sales office lease.
(3)
In the three and nine months ended February 28, 2025, the Company recognized pretax severance of $0.7 and $1.1, respectively,
related to cost-savings initiatives, pretax costs of $0.5 and $2.6, respectively, related to the acquisition of 9 Story Media Group and
pretax asset impairment of $0.3 related to an early exit of an office lease. In the three and nine months ended February 29, 2024,
the Company recognized pretax costs associated with its planned investment in 9 Story Media Group of $3.0.
(4)
In the three and nine months ended February 28, 2025, the Company recognized pretax severance of $0.1 and $1.5, respectively,
related to cost-savings initiatives. In the nine months ended February 29, 2024, the Company recognized pretax severance of $1.2
related to cost-savings initiatives.
(5)
In the three and nine months ended February 28, 2025, the Company recognized pretax severance of $1.0 and $4.2, respectively,
related to cost-savings initiatives and other pretax expenses of $0.4. In the three and nine months ended February 29, 2024, the
Company recognized pretax severance of $0.8 and $5.9, respectively, related to restructuring and cost-savings initiatives.
Table 5
Scholastic Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Supplemental
Adjusted EBITDA
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Three months ended
02/28/25
02/29/24
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
(28.4)
$
(34.6)
One-time items before income taxes
3.0
4.3
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
(25.4)
(30.3)
Interest (income) expense (1)
4.3
(0.6)
Depreciation and amortization
27.1
23.7
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
$
6.0
$
(7.2)
Nine months ended
02/28/25
02/29/24
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
(50.2)
$
(31.1)
One-time items before income taxes
10.1
10.6
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
(40.1)
(20.5)
Interest (income) expense (1)
11.9
(2.4)
Depreciation and amortization
82.4
69.1
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
$
54.2
$
46.2
(1)
For the three and nine months ended February 28, 2025, amounts include production loan
interest amortized into cost of goods sold.
(2)
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
02/28/25
CBPD (1)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
7.5
$
(6.9)
$
(4.6)
$
(2.5)
$
(21.9)
$
(28.4)
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
1.5
0.1
1.4
3.0
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
7.5
(6.9)
(3.1)
(2.4)
(20.5)
(25.4)
Interest (income) expense (2)
0.0
0.0
0.7
0.0
3.6
4.3
Depreciation and amortization (3)
7.8
6.2
5.0
1.9
6.2
27.1
Adjusted EBITDA
$
15.3
$
(0.7)
$
2.6
$
(0.5)
$
(10.7)
$
6.0
Three months ended
02/29/24
CBPD (1)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
2.3
$
(0.8)
$
(3.1)
$
(6.3)
$
(26.7)
$
(34.6)
One-time items before income taxes
0.5
—
3.0
—
0.8
4.3
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
2.8
(0.8)
(0.1)
(6.3)
(25.9)
(30.3)
Interest (income) expense (2)
0.0
0.0
—
(0.0)
(0.6)
(0.6)
Depreciation and amortization (3)
8.3
7.7
0.0
2.0
5.7
23.7
Adjusted EBITDA
$
11.1
$
6.9
$
(0.1)
$
(4.3)
$
(20.8)
$
(7.2)
Nine months ended
02/28/25
CBPD (1)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
73.0
$
(24.4)
$
(11.4)
$
(6.0)
$
(81.4)
$
(50.2)
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
4.0
1.5
4.6
10.1
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
73.0
(24.4)
(7.4)
(4.5)
(76.8)
(40.1)
Interest (income) expense (2)
0.1
0.0
2.5
0.0
9.3
11.9
Depreciation and amortization (3)
23.1
18.6
16.5
5.9
18.3
82.4
Adjusted EBITDA
$
96.2
$
(5.8)
$
11.6
$
1.4
$
(49.2)
$
54.2
Nine months ended
02/29/24
CBPD (1)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
72.8
$
(13.7)
$
(4.4)
$
(7.2)
$
(78.6)
$
(31.1)
One-time items before income taxes
0.5
—
3.0
1.2
5.9
10.6
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
73.3
(13.7)
(1.4)
(6.0)
(72.7)
(20.5)
Interest (income) expense (2)
0.1
0.0
—
(0.1)
(2.4)
(2.4)
Depreciation and amortization (3)
24.0
23.3
0.2
5.5
16.1
69.1
Adjusted EBITDA
$
97.4
$
9.6
$
(1.2)
$
(0.6)
$
(59.0)
$
46.2
(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)
For the three and nine months ended February 28, 2025, amounts include production loan interest amortized into cost of goods sold.
(3)
Depreciation and amortization in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution, Education Solutions and International segments includes
amounts allocated from overhead.
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SOURCE Scholastic Corporation
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Karma Automotive Announces Eximius, the Bespoke Vehicle Program for Elite Clients Seeking Singular Expressions of Extreme Performance and Bold Craftsmanship
Published
4 hours agoon
October 31, 2026By
The First Eximius Creation, “Eximius 1,” is a Menacing Four-Seater Built for the Track which Makes its World Premiere at the 2026 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Karma Automotive builds vehicles in the hundreds rather than the thousands, attracting a highly individualistic clientele seeking a unique statement. For those who wish to go further still, and explore new possibilities beyond the extensive options for personalization available through the Studio program, Karma has created the Eximius bespoke vehicle program. Eximius clients may modify the vehicle’s body, performance and powertrain, collaborating with Karma’s design and engineering teams to build a One-of-One statement which will never be repeated.
The first vehicle from Karma Eximius debuts today at the 2026 Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. A menacing four-seater purpose-built for the track, “Eximius 1” is in ongoing development with its commissioning client, who is not revealed at this time. Upon delivery in 2027, “Eximius 1” will be fitted with an extreme-performance Plug-in Series Hybrid utilizing a 6.2 Liter V8 producing nearly 1200hp (550hp ICE, 645hp battery), delivering acceleration from 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph (estimated). As these parameters would demand, “Eximius 1” will be equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes and two-piece slotted brake rotors, and Ohlins semi-active suspension.
“‘Eximius 1’ began as a conversation with an elite client who loves their Karma Revero, but wanted something more extreme and unexpected, which was music to our ears,” says Marques McCammon, President and Chief Executive, Karma Automotive. “The Eximius program effectively deletes the word ‘no’ from conversations about what’s possible,” he continues, “and as a four-seat track weapon packing what’ll be the most powerful Plug-in Series Hybrid powertrain and vehicle ever developed, ‘Eximius 1’ shatters expectations and further establishes Karma as a manufacturer of exotic, uniquely American vehicles.”
Exterior Design
“Eximius 1” is an imposing vehicle to behold, exhibiting the muscularity and eyepopping strength of a superhero. Every panel – excluding the body surface outer – is constructed of pre-impregnated carbon fiber, and the vehicle is 50mm wider due to its wheel arch extensions. The front doors and hood have a unique technical fade from glossy, exposed regular carbon fiber to signature Borealis Blue paint.
The front carbon splitter sets an aggressive tone and is flanked by massive side air intakes incorporating Karma’s Target Acquisition Lighting, rotated 45º to create a distinctive ‘><‘ DRL graphic identity. On the hood, the dramatic arc of the Comet Line – which is inspired by Halley’s Comet is it streaks across the evening sky – widens from its apex towards the base of the windshield; vents above the front fenders release air pressure from the wheel housings and add further visual intrigue. Moving to the side of the vehicle, the front fenders aft of the wheels feature Karma’s signature “Backslash” bearing the number “5,” which is of particular significance to the commissioning client. 21″ Magnesium wheels with center-locks reduce rotating and unsprung mass, and are finished in satin black. Aft of the driver’s side front wheel, twin exhaust tips announce the fearsome new powertrain.
The full-width rear GT wing maximizes stability and downforce at high speeds, and continues the distinctive ‘><‘ DRL graphic identity established at the front of “Eximius 1.” The rear fascia also boasts large side air intakes which are connected by a dominant diffuser to manage underbody airflow.
Interior Design
An aura of intensity continues to the interior of “Eximius 1.” In concert with the exterior, blue-tinted carbon-fiber adorns the seats, flat-bottom steering wheel and doors; for aesthetics and weight-savings, all four doors are manufactured in exposed carbon fiber with one purposeful arm pad on each door. The seats, which are Recaro carbon fiber buckets up front, are trimmed with blue Alcantara and blue Italian leather with Moondust Alcantara upper sections, creating an articulated, form-fitted feel. To support high-speed driving and intense braking force, the accelerator, brake pedal and dead pedal are billet machined aluminum.
The instrument panel is reimagined in glossy carbon fiber and incorporates anodized billet aluminum HVAC vents. The carbon fiber center console is simplified to include the essentials only: the PRND gear selector, window switches, key fob holder, and Emergency kill switch. This console extends through to the rear compartment, to which the client’s custom-fitted carbon fiber racing helmet is held in place by a center-latched strap matching the blue seat belts.
About Karma Automotive
Karma Automotive is America’s only full-line ultra-luxury vehicle manufacturer, and a pioneer of Plug-in Series Hybrid vehicles which it manufactures at its Karma Innovation and Customization Center (KICC) in Moreno Valley, CA. Its Executive, Product Development, and Design headquarters are located in nearby Irvine, CA. The Karma portfolio embodies California’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial boldness, reflected by the signature Comet Line which is the central hallmark of Karma’s new design language. The Gyesera Grand Coupe, a Plug-in Series Hybrid four-seater, arrives at dealerships in December 2026; and the Amaris GT 2-Door Plug-in Series Hybrid arrives in Q4 2027. The Karma Kaveya Super Coupe, with over 1,000HP and butterfly-doors, will arrive in Q1 2028, to be followed by the Karma Ivara GT-UV: both EVs will incorporate SDVA (Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture) developed with leading technology partners. For more information, visit www.karmaautomotive.com)
Media Contact:
Joe Richardson, (917) 716-6617
Joe@BeautifulNoisePR.com
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SOURCE Karma Automotive
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ModelBest and OpenBMB Open-Source MiniCPM-OCR Series, Delivering High-Performance Document Parsing and AI-Powered Quality Control
Published
6 hours agoon
October 31, 2026By
BEIJING, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ModelBest and OpenBMB jointly announced the release and open-source availability of the MiniCPM-OCR series, a family of models for efficient document parsing and parsing-quality assessment. The launch includes two models: MiniCPM-OCR 1.0 (1.3B) and MiniCPM-OCR Jev (2B).
As the first OCR-focused model in the MiniCPM family, MiniCPM-OCR 1.0 brings top-tier parsing accuracy to a compact 1.3-billion-parameter architecture optimized for edge deployment, pushing forward the balance between efficiency and performance for open-source OCR models. Built for real-world conditions, it accurately parses scanned, photographed, curved, tilted and screen-captured documents without cumbersome image pre-correction, lowering the barrier to large-scale document digitization.
The model handles dense bilingual Chinese-English content, complex mathematical formulas, and multi-level or borderless tables, consistently performing at a leading level across a broad range of mainstream industry evaluations. Beyond full-page reconstruction, it supports key information extraction (KIE), pulling specified fields from invoices, IDs and financial statements according to business instructions.
Powered by DSpark decoding acceleration, MiniCPM-OCR 1.0 significantly increases end-to-end throughput while lowering per-page latency. For enterprises processing millions of pages—such as financial contract archives, academic libraries and government records—this means processing far more documents with the same hardware and time budget, at a substantially lower computing cost.
To address the long-standing need for page-by-page manual review, ModelBest and OpenBMB also introduced MiniCPM-OCR Jev, the first OCR result decision model that acts as an “AI quality inspector.” Rather than performing OCR itself, Jev compares the source image with OCR output and rapidly assigns confidence scores to text, LaTeX formulas and tables, detecting missing characters, errors and formatting misalignments. Despite its compact 2B-parameter size, Jev delivers judgment accuracy typically associated with far larger models.
Jev supports cross-model deployment and can be integrated into existing OCR workflows without replacing the underlying OCR engine. It can automatically identify reliable results for direct processing, flag potentially inaccurate outputs for human review and select the best result from multiple OCR systems. This enables enterprises to move from full manual inspection toward risk-based, automated quality control.
The MiniCPM-OCR series is available on GitHub, Hugging Face and ModelScope, and supports vLLM, SGLang, llama.cpp and Ollama, along with SDKs, APIs, Agent Skill plugins and open-source fine-tuning code. Day-0 hardware adaptation covers AMD, Arm, Houmo AI, Intel and NVIDIA. Through the FlagOS software stack, it also has Day-0 support for AI and edge chips from CIX Technology, Huawei Ascend, Hygon, Iluvatar CoreX, Kunlunxin, MetaX, Moore Threads, Sunrise, T-Head, TsingMicro, NVIDIA and Apple Mac (Arm).
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/modelbest-and-openbmb-open-source-minicpm-ocr-series-delivering-high-performance-document-parsing-and-ai-powered-quality-control-302925594.html
SOURCE ModelBest
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Wulcea Elevates Consumer Trust in Heated Apparel Through Multi-National Safety Certifications and Rigorous Technical Testing
Published
9 hours agoon
October 31, 2026By
NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As smart heated clothing gains broader adoption, consumers are paying closer attention to the safety and reliability of the technology behind these products. Wulcea, a brand specializing in graphene-powered heated apparel, combines its flexible GrapheneNano™ heating technology with documented safety compliance and durability testing for its heating components and battery systems.
“Trust in smart heated apparel goes beyond warmth—it comes down to confidence in battery safety and heating element reliability,” said John C, Founder of Wulcea. “Our goal is to give users peace of mind through certified technical standards.”
Advanced Graphene Heating Elements Supported by Global Standards
At the core of Wulcea’s thermal architecture is its GrapheneNano™ heating technology. Engineered to eliminate garment stiffness, Wulcea integrates flexible graphene elements that deliver balanced warmth across key upper-body zones while preserving natural garment drape and full freedom of movement.
Wulcea supports its heating components with applicable compliance documentation for major markets. These include CE and FCC compliance documentation addressing relevant electrical and electromagnetic compatibility requirements, as well as PSE compliance for applicable products in Japan. RoHS compliance further addresses restrictions on specified hazardous substances in applicable electrical and electronic components.
Multi-Certified Battery System for Dependable Power
To power its heating elements, Wulcea pairs its heated apparel with rechargeable battery systems designed for convenient everyday use. Featuring a compact design and housed in dedicated interior pockets, the batteries provide portable power while maintaining a streamlined garment profile and comfortable fit.
Wulcea backs its battery options with comprehensive third-party accreditations. UL certification demonstrates that the battery system has been evaluated against recognized power bank safety requirements, covering key areas such as overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and thermal safety. The battery systems are also supported by applicable CE and FCC compliance documentation, addressing relevant regulatory requirements for electrical and electromagnetic compatibility.
For daily handling and travel, RoHS compliance validates that the battery system meets stringent global standards for material safety. The battery models have also undergone applicable UN 38.3 testing, supporting compliance with international requirements for lithium battery transportation.
Real-World Durability and Practical Usability
Component compliance forms Wulcea’s foundation, but reliability is defined by real-world performance. Built for high-flex endurance, Wulcea’s flexible graphene heating elements are tested through 10,000 active flexing cycles to maintain steady thermal output through repeated bending and everyday body movement.
Everyday convenience is equally essential. Built for hassle-free care, Wulcea’s heating elements withstand 100 machine-wash cycles under standard care guidelines, maintaining internal conductivity and structural stability under repeated laundering.
Integrated NTC temperature sensors provide thermal monitoring and are designed to stop heating if temperatures exceed 131°F (55°C). Combined with runtime of up to 10 hours on the low setting and a discreet interior control button, these features support practical everyday use in cold-weather conditions.
Aligning Technical Standards with Everyday Warmth
By combining graphene-based heating technology with documented battery safety compliance and durability testing, Wulcea continues to focus on the technical foundations of dependable heated apparel. This approach reflects the brand’s emphasis on bringing together safety considerations, practical functionality, and everyday comfort for cold-weather use.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wulcea-elevates-consumer-trust-in-heated-apparel-through-multi-national-safety-certifications-and-rigorous-technical-testing-302925554.html
SOURCE Wulcea
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