Technology
Scholastic Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results
Published
1 year 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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Qmulos Now Available on Cisco Global Price List (GPL), Accelerating Continuous Compliance Solutions for Joint Customers
Published
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April 22, 2026By
CHANTILLY, Va., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Qmulos, a leader in Continuous Compliance, today announced that its flagship products, Q-Compliance (Q-C) and Q-Behavior Analytics and Audit (Q-BA2), are now available on the Cisco® Global Price List (GPL) via the SolutionsPlus Partner Program. This strategic integration allows Cisco partners and customers to seamlessly purchase Q-C and Q-BA2 directly through Cisco’s sales organization, simplifying procurement and accelerating the deployment of automated compliance solutions.
By joining the Cisco GPL, Qmulos deepens its pre-existing partnership with Splunk, now a Cisco company, empowering organizations to address complex automated compliance challenges with integrated, validated technologies. The collaboration enables a unified buying experience for customers looking to combine Cisco’s industry-leading infrastructure with Qmulos’ specialized capabilities.
“Becoming a SolutionsPlus partner and getting on the Cisco GPL is a major milestone in our commitment to fostering a stronger, more secure digital ecosystem alongside Cisco,” said Matt Coose, CEO and Founder at Qmulos. “This enables us to meet the growing demand for our solutions while providing Cisco customers with a streamlined path to simplify technical evidence collection, streamline workflows, and strengthen cyber posture.”
Key Benefits of Q-Compliance (Q-C) and Q-Behavior Analytics and Audit (Q-BA2) on Cisco GPL:
Simplified Procurement: Customers can now acquire Qmulos through their existing Cisco sales representative, reducing vendor onboarding time.
Validated Integration: Q-C and Q-BA2 work seamlessly within Cisco’s (Splunk’s) architecture, ensuring reliability and performance.
Enhanced Security & Visibility: Continuously monitor control status and effectiveness across numerous compliance frameworks and environments in near-real time.
For more information on the combined solution, visit www.qmulos.com or contact your Cisco account manager.
About Qmulos
Qmulos is a premier Splunk-based cybersecurity and compliance company founded in 2012 that automates risk management, security compliance, and auditing. They provide real-time compliance solutions for complex environments, helping government and commercial clients adhere to standards like NIST, CMMC, and FedRAMP through actionable, evidence-based insights.
Media Contact:
Danielle Schiffman
danielle.schiffman@qmulos.com
1-844-476-8567
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qmulos-now-available-on-cisco-global-price-list-gpl-accelerating-continuous-compliance-solutions-for-joint-customers-302750681.html
SOURCE Qmulos
Technology
New Study Reveals Retail Security Measures Are Driving Customers Away
Published
10 minutes agoon
April 22, 2026By
DALBAR and Competitor IQ survey of 500 North American shoppers uncovers a costly tension between loss prevention and the customer experience
MARLBOROUGH, Mass., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DALBAR, Inc. and its division Competitor IQ today released the 2026 Retail Security and Loss Prevention Study, a survey of 500 U.S. and Canadian consumers on how loss prevention strategies affect the retail shopping experience. The findings reveal a significant tension between security and convenience — one that is already costing retailers sales.
38%
of shoppers have abandoned a purchase due to in-store security measures
Key Findings
Security Measures Are Pushing Shoppers Out the Door
A significant share of respondents report abandoning purchases due to security-related friction. Locked merchandise cabinets and access restrictions are the leading causes — and the full study breaks down exactly which measures are driving customers away.
Locked Merchandise Is the Biggest Pain Point
Many customers say locked displays negatively impact their shopping experience. Many feel mistrusted and will leave rather than wait — and the data shows a clear link to lost revenue that retailers cannot afford to ignore.
Safety Matters, But Rarely Drives Store Choice
Most shoppers already feel a baseline level of security when they enter a store. The study reveals which measures build customer confidence — and which ones backfire by sending shoppers online instead.
Customers Want Technology, Not Barriers
A strong majority believe AI and surveillance technology can better balance loss prevention with convenience. The full study includes detailed breakdowns of customer preferences by age, income, and retail category.
“Retailers are caught in a difficult position: theft is rising, but the measures used to combat it are alienating the honest shoppers they need to retain. The path forward lies in smarter, less intrusive security — and the data shows exactly what that looks like.”
— DALBAR / Competitor IQ Research Team
When Customers See Theft Happen In-Store…
Most say they would shop there less often or stop visiting entirely.
Only a small share reports no change in behavior. The reputational cost of visible theft is significant — and quantified in the full report.
About the Study
The 2026 Retail Security and Loss Prevention Study was conducted by DALBAR, Inc. and Competitor IQ in April 2026, surveying 500 consumers across the United States and Canada. The full report includes detailed findings by demographic, retail category, and security measure type — with actionable recommendations for loss prevention teams.
Request the Full Report
www.dalbar.com | www.ciqdata.com | press@dalbar.com
About DALBAR, Inc.
About Competitor IQ
DALBAR, Inc. has set the standard for measuring and improving investment advice and financial services quality since 1976. DALBAR awards are recognized as a symbol of excellence in the financial community.
Competitor IQ is a division of DALBAR, Inc. specializing in competitive intelligence and customer experience research, helping organizations make data-driven improvements to service quality and retention.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Worthy
compete@ciqdata.com
www.ciqdata.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-reveals-retail-security-measures-are-driving-customers-away-302750685.html
SOURCE DALBAR, Inc.
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MILLROCK TECHNOLOGY APPOINTS NEIL A. GOLDMAN AS CFO
Published
10 minutes agoon
April 22, 2026By
KINGSTON, N.Y., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Millrock Technology (“Millrock”), a provider of lyophilization and advanced freeze-drying solutions for the life sciences and biopharmaceutical industries, today announced the appointment of Neil A. Goldman, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Goldman is a veteran executive who brings a distinguished track record as CFO of both private equity-backed and public companies across the MedTech, advanced manufacturing, and professional services industries. Throughout his career, he has consistently transformed mid-market and entrepreneur-led businesses into high-performing platforms through a combination of strategic M&A, operational discipline, rigorous execution, and strong financial leadership.
Most recently, Mr. Goldman served as CFO of Life Science Outsourcing, Inc., a national medical device contract manufacturer, where he implemented operational improvements and upgraded enterprise systems to scale the platform. Prior CFO roles include BioPorto A/S, a Copenhagen-listed in-vitro diagnostics company, Chembio Diagnostics, Inc. and Unwired Technology LLC, a high-tech manufacturer. Mr. Goldman began his career at Ernst & Young and holds a B.S. in Business from Miami University. At Millrock, Mr. Goldman will play a critical role in enhancing the company’s financial foundation, supporting strategic growth initiatives, and enabling continued expansion.
“We are thrilled to welcome Neil to the Millrock team,” said Tom Hochuli, Chief Executive Officer of Millrock Technology. “His depth of experience across both public and private environments, combined with a proven ability to scale businesses and drive value creation, makes him an ideal fit for this next phase of growth. Neil’s leadership will be instrumental as we continue to build a world-class organization.”
“I am excited to join Millrock Technology at such a pivotal time for the company and the lyophilization market,” said Mr. Goldman. “Millrock has a strong reputation for innovation, service, and quality, and I look forward to partnering with the entire team to accelerate our strategic roadmap.”
About Millrock Technology
Millrock Technology Inc. is an innovator of freeze-drying (lyophilization) instrumentation and process development solutions for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and diagnostics industries. Millrock specializes in laboratory, pilot, and production-scale lyophilizers with advanced process control technologies that optimize efficiency, compliance, and scalability. To learn more, please visit www.millrocktech.com.
About Artemis
Headquartered in Boston, MA, Artemis is a specialized private equity firm focused on partnering with differentiated Industrial Tech companies, whose people and products enable a healthier, safer, more connected, and productive world. For more information on Artemis, please visit www.artemislp.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/millrock-technology-appoints-neil-a-goldman-as-cfo-302750689.html
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