Technology
Scholastic Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results
Published
2 years agoon
By
Company Reaffirms Fiscal 2025 Guidance
Revolving Credit Facility Upsized to $400 Million
NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children’s publishing, education and media company, today reported financial results for the Company’s fiscal second quarter ended November 30, 2024.
Peter Warwick, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Scholastic’s proprietary school-based channels continued to deliver the joy and excitement of books and reading this fall, and our publishing and entertainment divisions moved ahead with exciting plans for this fiscal year and next. As we outlined when announcing our first quarter earnings, second quarter results were lower than a year ago, primarily reflecting the timing of this year’s publishing releases. Confident in our ability to navigate a dynamic market and achieve our plan for the remainder of the year, we have reaffirmed our guidance for fiscal 2025.
“The reach and impact of Scholastic Book Fairs continue to grow, as schools booked the largest number of fall fairs since the pandemic. Our Book Clubs also experienced positive momentum on new promotions and improved engagement among children and families. Multiple new releases – including Christmas at Hogwarts and The Christmas Pig in paperback by J.K. Rowling and the final book in Aaron Blabey’s Bad Guys® series: The Bad Guys in One Last Thing – maintained Scholastic’s presence at the top of bestseller lists. We also continued to benefit from the addition of 9 Story Media Group. We executed on an integrated development and production slate, including digital-first growth opportunities, and expanded the reach and monetization of Scholastic IP on advertising-supported platforms leveraging 9 Story’s distribution capabilities.
“Looking at the remainder of the year, Scholastic published the thirteenth book in Dav Pilkey’s global bestselling series, Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, earlier this month. With millions of young readers across the globe driving the title to the number one bestselling book in the U.S. and Canada, as well as the number one bestselling children’s book in the UK and Australia, Scholastic will benefit across our channels and geographies, demonstrating our strategic advantages as a global children’s book publisher and seller. Later this fiscal year, in March 2025, we will release the highly anticipated fifth book in Suzanne Collins’ bestselling Hunger Games® series, Sunrise on the Reaping, proving again that strategy.
“Scholastic’s trusted brand, bestselling IP, global scale and differentiated business models offer multiple opportunities to drive long-term profitable growth in our core markets while expanding beyond with new models, channels and products. With a strong balance sheet, including a recently upsized, $400 million revolving credit facility, and a history of robust free cash conversion, we remain committed to continuing to invest in these growth opportunities, while returning excess cash to shareholders.”
Fiscal 2025 Q2 Review
In $ millions
Second Quarter
Change
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2024
$
%
Revenues
$
544.6
$
562.6
$
(18.0)
(3) %
Operating income (loss)
$
74.7
$
101.3
$
(26.6)
(26) %
Earnings (loss) before taxes
$
70.0
$
101.5
$
(31.5)
(31) %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
1.71
$
2.45
$
(0.74)
(30) %
Operating income (loss), ex. one-time items *
$
78.9
$
101.3
$
(22.4)
(22) %
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, ex. one-time items *
$
1.82
$
2.45
$
(0.63)
(26) %
Adjusted EBITDA *
$
108.7
$
124.0
$
(15.3)
(12) %
* Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached
Revenues decreased 3% to $544.6 million, reflecting timing-related factors in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment, including the current year’s publishing plan and fall fair bookings compared to the prior year, as well as lower supplemental curriculum and collections product sales in Education Solutions, partly offset by the contribution of 9 Story Media Group, recorded in the Entertainment segment.
Operating income decreased 26% to $74.7 million in the quarter, including $4.2 million in one-time charges, compared to $101.3 million a year ago. Excluding one-time charges in both periods, operating income decreased 22% from a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure of operations explained in the accompanying tables) decreased 12% to $108.7 million. These results reflect lower operating income in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution and Education Solutions segments, primarily due to lower revenues.
Quarterly Results
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution
In the fiscal second quarter, the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment’s revenues decreased 6% to $367.0 million.
Book Fairs revenues were $231.0 million, down 5% from the prior year period, reflecting a larger number of fall-season fairs booked in December compared to the prior year period, which contributed to lower fair count in the quarter. Slightly lower average revenue per fair, driven by the addition of smaller fairs on higher targeted fair count, also contributed to lower revenue year over year. Participation at Book Fairs is expected to remain strong in the remainder of the school year, with fair count on track to achieve 90,000 fairs in fiscal 2025.
Book Clubs revenues were $33.2 million, up 2% from the prior year period, primarily reflecting an increase in revenue per sponsor. After strategically transitioning Book Clubs to a smaller, more profitable core business in fiscal 2024, the Company continues to adapt and implement new strategies to reengage customers.
Consolidated Trade revenues were $102.8 million, down 13% from the prior year period, primarily reflecting lower frontlist sales compared to the prior year period when the Company benefited from the release of multiple new titles in major franchises and series. Fiscal 2025 revenues are expected to benefit from new releases in the second half of the fiscal year, including the release earlier this month of Big Jim Begins, the newest book in Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man® series, and the March 2025 release of Sunrise on the Reaping, the fifth book in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games® series.
Segment operating income was $102.1 million, compared to $111.6 million a year ago. The year-over-year decline was primarily driven by lower timing-related sales in Trade and Book Fairs on relatively consistent operating expenses.
Education Solutions
Education Solutions revenues decreased 12% to $71.2 million, related to lower spending on supplemental curriculum products, as school districts adopt and implement new core programs. Segment operating loss was $0.5 million, compared to segment operating income of $5.8 million in the prior period, primarily reflecting lower segment revenues.
Entertainment
Segment revenues were $16.8 million, primarily reflecting the addition of 9 Story Media Group revenues. Segment operating loss was $4.7 million, which included one-time charges of $0.8 million. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted segment operating loss was $3.9 million reflecting the contribution from 9 Story Media Group. As part of the acquisition, the Company incurred $2.4 million of intangible amortization during the quarter. Excluding the amortization, operating loss was $1.5 million.
International
Excluding favorable foreign currency exchange of $1.9 million, International revenues decreased 2% to $86.7 million, reflecting lower revenues in Australia in a soft retail market. Segment operating income was $5.7 million, which includes one-time charges of $1.4 million, compared to $8.0 million in the prior year period. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted operating income decreased $0.9 million, driven by lower revenues.
Overhead
Overhead costs were $27.9 million, which included one-time charges of $2.0 million, compared to $23.3 million in the prior year period. Excluding one-time charges, adjusted overhead costs increased $2.6 million driven by the impact of higher employee benefit costs.
Capital Position and Liquidity
In $ millions
Second Quarter
Change
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2024
$
%
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
$
71.2
$
109.7
$
(38.5)
(35) %
Additions to property, plant and equipment and prepublication expenditures
(16.6)
(21.1)
4.5
21 %
Net borrowings (repayments) of film related obligations
(12.2)
—
(12.2)
NM
Free cash flow (use)*
$
42.4
$
88.6
$
(46.2)
(52) %
Net cash (debt)*
$
(120.8)
$
143.2
$
(264.0)
NM
* Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached
Net cash provided by operating activities was $71.2 million, compared to $109.7 million in the prior year period, primarily driven by higher inventory spend, higher interest payments and lower customer remittances. Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure of operations explained in the accompanying tables) was $42.4 million in fiscal 2025, compared to $88.6 million in the prior period.
Net debt was $120.8 million compared to a net cash position of $143.2 million in the prior year period, reflecting the Company’s borrowings under its recently upsized revolving credit facility to fund the acquisition of 9 Story Media Group.
The Company distributed $5.6 million in dividends and repurchased 185,378 shares of its common stock for $5.0 million in the second quarter. The Company expects to continue purchasing shares, from time to time as conditions allow, on the open market or in negotiated private transactions for the foreseeable future.
Fiscal Year-To-Date 2025 Review
In $ millions (except per share data)
Year-To-Date
Change
Fiscal 2025
Fiscal 2024
$
%
Revenues
$
781.8
$
791.1
$
(9.3)
(1) %
Operating income (loss)
$
(13.8)
$
2.2
$
(16.0)
NM
Earnings (loss) before taxes
$
(21.8)
$
3.5
$
(25.3)
NM
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.48)
$
0.09
$
(0.57)
NM
Operating income (loss), ex. one-time items *
$
(6.7)
$
8.5
$
(15.2)
NM
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, ex. one-time items*
$
(0.29)
$
0.23
$
(0.52)
NM
Adjusted EBITDA *
$
48.2
$
53.4
$
(5.2)
(10) %
* Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached
Revenues decreased 1% to $781.8 million year to date, primarily due to timing-related revenue declines in Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution in the second quarter, and lower supplemental curriculum and collections product sales in Education Solutions, partly offset by the contribution of 9 Story Media Group, recorded in the Entertainment segment.
Operating loss was $13.8 million in the first half of fiscal 2025, compared to operating income of $2.2 million a year ago, including $7.1 million and $6.3 million in one-time charges related to restructuring and cost-savings activities in each period, respectively. Excluding one-time charges, operating income decreased $15.2 million from a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $5.2 million to $48.2 million. These results primarily reflect lower revenues in the second quarter and the impact of the 9 Story Media Group acquisition. As part of the acquisition, the Company incurred $4.2 million of intangible amortization during the period. Excluding the amortization, operating loss was $9.6 million.
Additional Information
To supplement our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, we include certain non-GAAP calculations and presentations including, as noted above, “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Free Cash Flow”. Please refer to the non-GAAP financial tables attached to this press release for supporting details on the impact of one-time items on operating income, net income and diluted EPS, and the use of non-GAAP financial measures included in this release. This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Conference Call
The Company will hold a conference call to discuss its results at 4:30 p.m. ET today, December 19, 2024. Peter Warwick, Scholastic President and Chief Executive Officer, and Haji Glover, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, will moderate the call.
A live webcast of the call can be accessed at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/m98wgyws/. To access the conference call by phone, please go to https://register.vevent.com/register/BIba13029c72e1414fa441a92404a14a4d, which will provide dial-in details. To avoid delays, participants are encouraged to dial into the conference call five minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. Shortly following the call, an archived webcast and accompanying slides from the conference call will be posted at investor.scholastic.com.
About Scholastic
For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children’s books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children’s media. As the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to future periods. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the conditions of the children’s book and educational materials markets generally and acceptance of the Company’s products within those markets, and other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated.
SCHL: Financial
Table 1
Scholastic Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions, except shares and per share data)
Three months ended
Six months ended
11/30/24
11/30/23
11/30/24
11/30/23
Revenues (1)
$
544.6
$
562.6
$
781.8
$
791.1
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold
228.6
234.1
356.9
364.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses (2)
224.9
213.1
407.0
397.3
Depreciation and amortization
16.3
14.1
31.6
27.5
Asset impairments and write downs (2)
0.1
—
0.1
—
Total operating costs and expenses
469.9
461.3
795.6
788.9
Operating income (loss)
74.7
101.3
(13.8)
2.2
Interest income (expense), net
(4.4)
0.4
(7.4)
1.8
Other components of net periodic benefit (cost)
(0.3)
(0.2)
(0.6)
(0.5)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
70.0
101.5
(21.8)
3.5
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (3)
21.2
24.6
(8.1)
0.8
Net income (loss) (1)
48.8
76.9
(13.7)
2.7
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share of Class A and Common Stock (4)
Basic
$
1.73
$
2.51
$
(0.48)
$
0.09
Diluted
$
1.71
$
2.45
$
(0.48)
$
0.09
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
28,234
30,653
28,309
31,159
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
28,586
31,442
28,757
32,038
(1)
The financial results of 9 Story Media Group from the date of acquisition on June 20, 2024 through November 30, 2024 are
included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations as of November 30, 2024. The unaudited pro-forma
consolidated results of operations as if the acquisition had occurred on June 1, 2023, the beginning of fiscal 2024,
includes revenues of $544.6 and $787.5 and net income of $48.8 and net loss of $15.5 for the three and six months ended
November 30, 2024, respectively, and revenues of $578.8 and $827.1 and net income of $73.9 and net loss of $4.9 for the
three and six months ended November 30, 2023, respectively.
(2)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized pretax severance of $3.8 and $5.0,
respectively, related to cost-savings initiatives and pretax costs of $0.4 and $2.1, respectively, related to the acquisition of 9
Story Media Group. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized pretax severance of $6.3 related
to cost-savings initiatives.
(3)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized a benefit of $1.0 and $1.7, respectively, for
income taxes in respect to one-time pretax items. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized a
benefit of $1.6 for income taxes in respect to one-time pretax items.
(4)
Earnings (loss) per share are calculated on non-rounded net income (loss) and shares outstanding. Recalculating earnings
per share based on numbers rounded to millions may not yield the results as presented.
Table 2
Scholastic Corporation
Segment Results
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Three months ended
Change
Six months ended
Change
11/30/24
11/30/23
$
%
11/30/24
11/30/23
$
%
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution (1)
Revenues
Books Clubs
$
33.2
$
32.4
$
0.8
2 %
$
35.9
$
35.0
$
0.9
3 %
Book Fairs
231.0
242.1
(11.1)
(5) %
259.8
269.4
(9.6)
(4) %
School Reading Events
264.2
274.5
(10.3)
(4) %
295.7
304.4
(8.7)
(3) %
Consolidated Trade
102.8
117.9
(15.1)
(13) %
176.7
190.4
(13.7)
(7) %
Total Revenues
367.0
392.4
(25.4)
(6) %
472.4
494.8
(22.4)
(5) %
Operating income (loss)
102.1
111.6
(9.5)
(9) %
65.5
70.6
(5.1)
(7) %
Operating margin
27.8 %
28.4 %
13.9 %
14.3 %
Education Solutions
Revenues
71.2
81.0
(9.8)
(12) %
126.9
147.0
(20.1)
(14) %
Operating income (loss)
(0.5)
5.8
(6.3)
(109) %
(17.5)
(12.9)
(4.6)
(36) %
Operating margin
NM
7.2 %
NM
NM
Entertainment (1)
Revenues
16.8
0.4
16.4
NM
33.4
0.8
32.6
NM
Operating income (loss)
(4.7)
(0.8)
(3.9)
NM
(5.2)
(1.3)
(3.9)
NM
Operating margin
NM
NM
NM
NM
International
Revenues
86.7
86.5
0.2
0 %
143.5
143.7
(0.2)
(0) %
Operating income (loss)
5.7
8.0
(2.3)
(29) %
(2.6)
(0.2)
(2.4)
NM
Operating margin
6.6 %
9.2 %
NM
NM
Overhead
Revenues
2.9
2.3
0.6
26 %
5.6
4.8
0.8
17 %
Operating income (loss)
(27.9)
(23.3)
(4.6)
(20) %
(54.0)
(54.0)
0.0
NM
Operating income (loss)
$
74.7
$
101.3
$
(26.6)
(26) %
$
(13.8)
$
2.2
$
(16.0)
NM
NM – Not meaningful
(1)
The newly formed Entertainment segment includes the operations of Scholastic Entertainment Inc. (SEI),
which were included in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior periods, and 9 Story
Media Group. The financial results for SEI for the three and six months ended November 30, 2023 have been
reclassified to Entertainment to reflect this change.
Table 3
Scholastic Corporation
Supplemental Information
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Selected Balance Sheet Items
11/30/24
11/30/23
Cash and cash equivalents
$
139.6
$
149.5
Accounts receivable, net
293.0
311.8
Inventories, net
282.0
302.3
Accounts payable
157.2
159.5
Deferred revenue
225.0
225.0
Accrued royalties
67.3
57.5
Film related obligations
21.6
—
Lines of credit and long-term debt
256.2
6.3
Net cash (debt) (1)
(120.8)
143.2
Total stockholders’ equity
986.0
1,079.1
Selected Cash Flow Items
Three months ended
Six months ended
11/30/24
11/30/23
11/30/24
11/30/23
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
71.2
$
109.7
$
29.3
$
71.6
Property, plant and equipment additions
(10.9)
(14.8)
(30.9)
(29.1)
Prepublication expenditures
(5.7)
(6.3)
(10.1)
(11.7)
Net borrowings (repayments) of film related obligations
(12.2)
—
(14.6)
—
Free cash flow (use) (2)
$
42.4
$
88.6
$
(26.3)
$
30.8
(1)
Net cash (debt) is defined by the Company as cash and cash equivalents less production
cash of $4.2 as of November 30, 2024, net of lines of credit, short-term and long-term debt.
Film related obligations are not included. The Company utilizes this non-GAAP financial
measure, and believes it is useful to investors, as an indicator of the Company’s effective
leverage and financing needs.
(2)
Free cash flow (use) is defined by the Company as net cash provided by or used in
operating activities (which includes royalty advances) and cash acquired through acquisitions
and from sale of assets, reduced by spending on property, plant and equipment and
prepublication costs and adjusted for net cash flows from film related obligations. The
Company believes that this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors as an
indicator of cash flow available for debt repayment and other investing activities, such as
acquisitions. The Company utilizes free cash flow as a further indicator of operating
performance and for planning investing activities.
Table 4
Scholastic Corporation
Supplemental Results
Excluding One-Time Items
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions, except per share data)
Three months ended
11/30/2024
11/30/2023
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)
$
1.71
$
0.11
$
1.82
$
2.45
$
—
$
2.45
Net income (loss) (2)
$
48.8
$
3.2
$
52.0
$
76.9
$
—
$
76.9
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
$
70.0
$
4.2
$
74.2
$
101.5
$
—
$
101.5
Children’s Book Publishing and
Distribution (3)
$
102.1
$
—
$
102.1
$
111.6
$
—
$
111.6
Education Solutions
(0.5)
—
(0.5)
5.8
—
5.8
Entertainment (3) (4)
(4.7)
0.8
(3.9)
(0.8)
—
(0.8)
International (5)
5.7
1.4
7.1
8.0
—
8.0
Overhead (6)
(27.9)
2.0
(25.9)
(23.3)
—
(23.3)
Operating income (loss)
$
74.7
$
4.2
$
78.9
$
101.3
$
—
$
101.3
Six months ended
11/30/2024
11/30/2023
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Reported
One-time
items
Excluding
One-time
items
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)
$
(0.48)
$
0.19
$
(0.29)
$
0.09
$
0.15
$
0.23
Net income (loss) (2)
$
(13.7)
$
5.4
$
(8.3)
$
2.7
$
4.7
$
7.4
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
$
(21.8)
$
7.1
$
(14.7)
$
3.5
$
6.3
$
9.8
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution (3)
$
65.5
$
—
$
65.5
$
70.6
$
—
$
70.6
Education Solutions
(17.5)
—
(17.5)
(12.9)
—
(12.9)
Entertainment (3) (4)
(5.2)
2.5
(2.7)
(1.3)
—
(1.3)
International (5)
(2.6)
1.4
(1.2)
(0.2)
1.2
1.0
Overhead (6)
(54.0)
3.2
(50.8)
(54.0)
5.1
(48.9)
Operating income (loss)
$
(13.8)
$
7.1
$
(6.7)
$
2.2
$
6.3
$
8.5
(1)
Earnings (loss) per share are calculated on non-rounded net income (loss) and shares outstanding. Recalculating
earnings per share based on rounded numbers may not yield the results as presented.
(2)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized a benefit of $1.0 and $1.7,
respectively, for income taxes in respect to one-time pretax items. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the
Company recognized a benefit of $1.6 for income taxes in respect to one-time pretax items.
(3)
The newly formed Entertainment segment includes the operations of Scholastic Entertainment Inc. (SEI), which were
included in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior periods, and 9 Story Media Group. The
financial results for SEI for the three and six months ended November 30, 2023 have been reclassified to Entertainment
to reflect this change.
(4)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized pretax severance of $0.4 related to
cost-savings initiatives and pretax costs of $0.4 and $2.1, respectively, related to the acquisition of 9 Story Media Group.
(5)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized pretax severance of $1.4 related to
cost-savings initiatives. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized pretax severance of
$1.2 related to cost-savings initiatives.
(6)
In the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, the Company recognized pretax severance of $2.0 and $3.2,
respectively, related to cost-savings initiatives. In the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Company recognized
pretax severance of $5.1 related to restructuring and cost-savings initiatives.
Table 5
Scholastic Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Supplemental
Adjusted EBITDA
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Three months ended
11/30/24
11/30/23
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
70.0
$
101.5
One-time items before income taxes
4.2
—
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
74.2
101.5
Interest (income) expense (1)
4.2
(0.4)
Depreciation and amortization (2)
30.3
22.9
Adjusted EBITDA (3)
$
108.7
$
124.0
Six months ended
11/30/24
11/30/23
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
(21.8)
$
3.5
One-time items before income taxes
7.1
6.3
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time items
(14.7)
9.8
Interest (income) expense (1)
7.6
(1.8)
Depreciation and amortization (2)
55.3
45.4
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
$
48.2
$
53.4
(1)
For the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, amounts include
production loan interest amortized into cost of goods sold.
(2)
For the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, amounts include
prepublication and production cost amortization of $10.7 and $17.4, respectively,
and depreciation of $0.8 and $1.5, respectively, recognized in cost of goods sold,
amortization of deferred financing costs of less than $0.1 and $0.1, respectively,
and amortization of capitalized cloud software of $2.5 and $4.7, respectively,
recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses. For the three and
six months ended November 30, 2023, amounts include prepublication
amortization of $6.6 and $13.3, respectively, and depreciation of $0.6 and
$1.2, respectively, recognized in cost of goods sold, amortization of
deferred financing costs of less than $0.1 and $0.1, respectively, and
amortization of capitalized cloud software of $1.6 and $3.3, respectively,
recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses.
(3)
Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings (loss), excluding
one-time items, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The
Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of
operating profitability and useful for measuring returns on capital
investments over time as it is not distorted by unusual gains, losses, or
other items.
Table 6
Scholastic Corporation
Consolidated Statements of Operations – Supplemental
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
(Unaudited)
(In $ Millions)
Three months ended
11/30/24
CBPD (1) (2)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1) (2)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
102.1
$
(0.5)
$
(5.7)
$
5.2
$
(31.1)
$
70.0
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
0.8
1.4
2.0
4.2
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time
items
102.1
(0.5)
(4.9)
6.6
(29.1)
74.2
Interest (income) expense (3)
0.1
0.0
0.7
0.0
3.4
4.2
Depreciation and amortization (4)
7.8
6.2
8.0
2.1
6.2
30.3
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
$
110.0
$
5.7
$
3.8
$
8.7
$
(19.5)
$
108.7
Three months ended
11/30/23
CBPD (1) (2)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1) (2)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
111.6
$
5.8
$
(0.8)
$
7.6
$
(22.7)
$
101.5
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
—
—
—
—
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time
items
111.6
5.8
(0.8)
7.6
(22.7)
101.5
Interest (income) expense (3)
0.1
0.0
—
0.0
(0.5)
(0.4)
Depreciation and amortization (4)
8.0
7.8
0.1
1.6
5.4
22.9
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
$
119.7
$
13.6
$
(0.7)
$
9.2
$
(17.8)
$
124.0
Six months ended
11/30/24
CBPD (1) (2)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1) (2)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
65.5
$
(17.5)
$
(6.8)
$
(3.5)
$
(59.5)
$
(21.8)
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
2.5
1.4
3.2
7.1
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time
items
65.5
(17.5)
(4.3)
(2.1)
(56.3)
(14.7)
Interest (income) expense (3)
0.1
0.0
1.8
0.0
5.7
7.6
Depreciation and amortization (4)
15.3
12.4
11.5
4.0
12.1
55.3
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
$
80.9
$
(5.1)
$
9.0
$
1.9
$
(38.5)
$
48.2
Six months ended
11/30/23
CBPD (1) (2)
EDUC (1)
ENT (1) (2)
INTL (1)
OVH (1)
Total
Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported
$
70.5
$
(12.9)
$
(1.3)
$
(0.9)
$
(51.9)
$
3.5
One-time items before income taxes
—
—
—
1.2
5.1
6.3
Earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding one-time
items
70.5
(12.9)
(1.3)
0.3
(46.8)
9.8
Interest (income) expense (3)
0.1
0.0
—
(0.1)
(1.8)
(1.8)
Depreciation and amortization (4)
15.7
15.6
0.2
3.5
10.4
45.4
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
$
86.3
$
2.7
$
(1.1)
$
3.7
$
(38.2)
$
53.4
(1)
The Company’s segments are defined as the following: CBPD – Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment;
EDUC – Education Solutions segment; ENT – Entertainment segment; INTL – International segment; OVH – unallocated
overhead.
(2)
The newly formed Entertainment segment includes the operations of Scholastic Entertainment Inc. (SEI), which were
included in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior periods, and 9 Story Media Group. The
financial results for SEI for the three and six months ended November 30, 2023 have been reclassified to Entertainment
to reflect this change.
(3)
For the three and six months ended November 30, 2024, amounts include production loan interest amortized into cost
of goods sold.
(4)
Depreciation and amortization in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution, Education Solutions and International
segments includes amounts allocated from overhead.
(5)
Adjusted EBITDA is defined by the Company as earnings (loss), excluding one-time items, before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is a meaningful measure of operating
profitability and useful for measuring returns on capital investments over time as it is not distorted by unusual gains,
losses, or other items.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scholastic-reports-fiscal-2025-second-quarter-results-302336593.html
SOURCE Scholastic Corporation
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Never forget breakfast again with the new UNCLE TOBYS Oat Ring
Published
37 minutes agoon
October 9, 2026By
UNCLE TOBYS is giving Australians the chance to get their hands on the world’s least advanced wearable, because breakfast shouldn’t need biometrics T&Cs apply.
SYDNEY, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a world where everything from sleep to stress levels and recovery can be optimised, UNCLE TOBYS has identified the next frontier: remembering breakfast. Enter the Oat Ring – a wearable with one job of reminding you to put your overnight oats in the fridge for tomorrow’s breakfast.
The UNCLE TOBYS Oat Ring features:
Milk-proof technologyIndustry-leading non-charging capabilities Zero health trackingZero sleep data Fully wearable designA reminder to put oats in the fridge
No app. No dashboard. No sleep score. No biometrics. Just a simple reminder that breakfast does not need to be optimised.
The launch comes as nearly a third of Australians aged 18+ spend more than $3,300 a year on wellness products and services, while over half (55%) say they feel fatigued and overwhelmed by wellness content – from sleep scores, 4:30 am alarms and ice baths, to mouth tape, vagus nerve stimulation and the latest cottage cheese trend.
Developed in response to over one in two (56%) Australians skipping breakfast at least once a week, the UNCLE TOBYS team is launching the Oat Ring as part of its Oatimisation Protocol — a no-fuss routine for making breakfast happen:
POURCHILLEAT REPEAT
To champion the Oatimisation Protocol, UNCLE TOBYS has appointed Liam Stapleton as its first C-OAT-O (Chief Oat Officer). His extensive lack of experience running a multinational tech company made him uniquely qualified to launch a tech ring that tracks absolutely nothing. He says: “The wellness industry keeps telling us we need more data, more tracking and more optimisation. We had a different idea. What if people just needed a reminder to make breakfast?”
UNCLE TOBYS Head of Marketing, Kimberley Finsten, said: “The Oat Ring is probably the least advanced wearable ever created, and that’s exactly the point. It doesn’t measure, monitor, or optimise a thing. It just reminds you to put your Overnight Oats in the fridge before bed. In a world obsessed with tracking everything, we’re celebrating something much simpler: making it easier to start the day with a nutritious breakfast.”
Limited Edition UNCLE TOBYS Oat Ring
A limited number of Oat Rings are up for grabs. To be in the running, visit the pinned Instagram post on UNCLE TOBYS social channels and comment on the pinned promotional post, providing an answer to the question: “What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve done to “optimise” your life?” (in 25 words or less). Competition Period: The competition commences at 6:00 am AEST on 28 September 2026 and closes at 11:59 pm AEDT on 11 October 2026. T&Cs apply.*
UNCLE TOBYS Overnight Oats are available in a range of flavours at major supermarkets nationwide. For more information about the Oatimise Your Life campaign, visit www.uncletobys.com.au/oatimise.
END
Research methodology
The UNCLE TOBYS Oatimise Your Life research was conducted among a nationally representative sample of n=1,019 Australians aged 18+, across all states and territories, in September 2026 by Pureprofile.
Abbreviated competition T&Cs
*Starts 6:00am AEST 28/9/26. Ends 11:59pm AEDT 11/10/26. Aus. res. 18+. Limit 1 entry/person. Prize: engraved UNCLE TOBYS ‘oat’ silver ring (6mm wide) with synthetic Ruby stone & 1 x sachet of UNCLE TOBYS Overnight Oats (prize valued at up to $350.70 ea) (30 to be won). Judging occurs 10am AEDT 14/10/26 at 1 Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes NSW 2138. Prize winners notified via Instagram DM, and published at www.nestle.com.au/productnews/winners by 20/10/26. Claim prize by 11:59pm AEDT 17/11/26. Re-judging occurs 12pm AEDT 19/11/26. Promoter: Nestlé Australia Ltd, ABN 77 000 011 316, 1 Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes NSW 2138. See https://www.uncletobys.com.au/oatimise for Terms and Conditions.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/never-forget-breakfast-again-with-the-new-uncle-tobys-oat-ring-302903251.html
SOURCE UNCLE TOBYS
Technology
Singapore’s Space SME OculloSpace Successfully Flies First Rocket, AZAD “The Dreamer”, from Oman
Published
37 minutes agoon
October 9, 2026By
Self-funded maiden flight achieves an apogee altitude of 10 km, marking a milestone in OculloSpace’s space technology development, six months after its first satellite launch, as the company advances towards its 100 km ambition.
SINGAPORE, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore-based space technology company OculloSpace has successfully completed the maiden flight of AZAD “The Dreamer”, its first experimental sounding rocket, making a significant milestone in the company’s development of launch and space technology capabilities. The rocket achieved an apogee altitude of 10 km during its maiden flight from Etlaq Spaceport, Oman.
The mission, designed Karman X1, was conducted in collaboration with Oman-based aerospace company Stellar Kinetics MCT, with support from international partners across Singapore, Oman and Australia.
The two-stage rocket, measuring 4.3 metres and weighing 26 kg, successfully lifted off from Etlaq on October 1st, 2026, reaching an apogee altitude of 10 km. Both stages completed their burns, with telemetry received throughout the flight. While the upper-stage parachute did not deploy, launch operator Stellar Kinetics reported that the majority of the mission objectives were achieved, providing valuable flight data for future development.
A Singapore-Owned Space Technology Programme
Initiated by Dr Franco Gan, Founder and CEO of OculloSpace, the AZADRocket programme represents approximately two years of development and was self-funded by the company.
OculloSpace owns and leads the AZADRocket programme, retaining ownership of its programme intellectual property. The mission brought together international space industry expertise, with Stellar Kinetics serving as an engineering, manufacturing and launch partner in Oman.
“Six months ago, we sent our first satellite to orbit, and now we have flown our own rocket. I’ve always looked at the sky and wondered whether I could build something that reaches it. The Dreamer represents about two years of work by our team to take an idea from the drawing board to an actual flight,” said Dr Franco Gan.
The mission also involved Orbit2Orbit (Australia), which supplied the 1kg Snowball experimental payload, and WWG Engineering Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), which contributed coated material samples for in-flight evaluation. Etlaq Spaceport provided launch infrastructure and range safety support.
Two Space Milestones in Six Months
The flight follows OculloSpace’s flight satellite mission, DECIMALSAT-1, a PocketQube satellite deployed into orbit through Alba Orbital aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-16 rideshare mission on 30 March 2026.
Within approximately six months, OculloSpace has achieved two important milestones: deploying its first satellite into orbit and completing the maiden flight of its first experimental rocket, achieving an apogee altitude of 10 km.
These achievements strengthen the company’s experience in satellite systems, experimental rocket development, flight operations and international space missions, laying the foundation for future space technology and commercial opportunities.
Next Ambition: Reaching 100 km
Building on the Karman X1 mission, OculloSpace is developing AZAD-2, its next-generation experimental sounding rocket targeting an altitude of 100 km, the Kármán line widely recognised as the boundary of space.
The company plans to apply lessons and flight data from The Dreamer towards AZAD-2, with future opportunities for suborbital research, space technology demonstrations and commercial payload services.
OculloSpace is exploring up to 5 kg of research payload capacity aboard AZAD-2, subject to further engineering validation, testing and regulatory approvals.
“Our next goal is AZAD-2 and a 100 km flight. We are now looking to work with partners who share our ambition to develop more accessible launch and space capabilities from the region, and to take what we have demonstrated with The Dreamer to the next level,” said Dr Franco Gan.
OculloSpace welcomes discussions with strategic investors, space industry partners, research institutions and prospective payload customers interested in participating in its next phase of development.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/singapores-space-sme-ocullospace-successfully-flies-first-rocket-azad-the-dreamer-from-oman-302903258.html
SOURCE OculloSpace
Technology
‘Kung fu tea’: US journalist Douglas’ journey into the art of Wuyi rock tea
Published
2 hours agoon
October 9, 2026By
BEIJING, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:
Three hundred years ago, a British man stole the seeds of Wuyi rock tea to plant them elsewhere. Three centuries later, US journalist Douglas travels to Xiamei village at the foot of Wuyi Mountain in Fujian province to learn the age-old craft.
After the entire experience, he understands why people call it “kung fu tea”. For him, picking tea requires “eagle claw skills” and shaking the leaves demands “tai chi hands”. Every step is filled with a sense of mastery and dedication.
Why did Douglas travel all the way to Xiamei village to learn the art of tea-making? What are his insights on the 13,000 km Tea Road? Watch the video to find out.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kung-fu-tea-us-journalist-douglas-journey-into-the-art-of-wuyi-rock-tea-302903196.html
SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
Never forget breakfast again with the new UNCLE TOBYS Oat Ring
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‘Kung fu tea’: US journalist Douglas’ journey into the art of Wuyi rock tea
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