Core Insights - Scholastic reported quarterly earnings of $0.87 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.85 per share, but down from $1.73 per share a year ago, indicating an earnings surprise of +2.35% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $508.3 million for the quarter ended May 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.77% and up from $474.9 million year-over-year [2] - Scholastic has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times over the last four quarters and topped revenue estimates twice in the same period [2] Earnings Outlook - The sustainability of Scholastic's stock price movement will depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and future earnings expectations [3][4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$2.09 on revenues of $244.84 million, while for the current fiscal year, it is $2.13 on revenues of $1.7 billion [7] Industry Context - The Publishing - Books industry, to which Scholastic belongs, is currently ranked in the top 39% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8]

Core Insights - Scholastic Corp. reported strong second-quarter results, with adjusted earnings of 87 cents per share, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of 85 cents [1] - Quarterly revenue reached $508.3 million, exceeding the Street estimate of $494.58 million [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved solid financial results in fiscal 2025, with strong Adjusted EBITDA aligning with original guidance [2] - Continued strength in Children's Book Publishing and Distribution, along with disciplined cost management, helped mitigate macroeconomic pressures on school spending affecting the Education division [3] Future Outlook - Scholastic anticipates "significant growth" in fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA, projecting it to be between $160 million and $170 million, driven by core business strength and cost savings, despite ongoing challenges in school spending [4] - Revenue growth is expected to be between 2% to 4% in fiscal 2026 [4] Stock Performance - Following the earnings report, Scholastic stock rose by 12.39%, reaching $24.22 in extended trading [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 7% to $508.3 million in Q4 and up 2% to $1.6255 billion for the fiscal year [28] - Adjusted operating income decreased to $63.4 million in Q4 from $66.8 million in the prior year, with full year adjusted operating income at $35.8 million compared to $44.7 million [29] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 1% to $91.2 million in Q4 and up 6% to $145.4 million for the fiscal year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Children's book publishing and distribution revenue increased by 9% to $288.2 million in Q4, driven by strong performance in book fairs and trade publishing [29] - Education segment revenue decreased by 7% in Q4 to $125.7 million and down 12% for the full year to $309.8 million, reflecting continued headwinds in the supplemental curriculum market [31] - Entertainment segment revenue increased to $14.8 million in Q4 compared to $0.6 million in the prior year, with full year revenue at $61 million compared to $1.9 million [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment revenue increased by 8% to $76.8 million in Q4 and up 2% to $279.6 million for the fiscal year, driven by strong trade channel performance [34] - Foreign exchange had an unfavorable impact of $600,000 in Q4 and $1.6 million for the full year [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its core businesses and unlock value from its iconic intellectual property while positioning for long-term profitable growth [7][8] - Strategic integration of trade publishing, book fairs, and book clubs is expected to drive long-term revenue growth and increase profitability [19][20] - The company is exploring monetization opportunities for its real estate assets to unlock value for shareholders [38][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted continued pressure on consumer and school spending but expects modest revenue growth in fiscal 2026 [14][15] - The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA growth of approximately 20% in fiscal 2026, excluding expected tariff expenses [14][40] - Management expressed optimism about the education segment's potential for growth through state-sponsored programs and literacy partnerships [25][60] Other Important Information - The company returned over $92 million to shareholders in fiscal 2025, including $35 million in Q4 [37] - The company appointed two new independent directors to support business transformation and growth strategies [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the sources of cost savings going forward? - Cost actions are primarily from non-discretionary functions, focusing on areas that are not revenue-driven [51][52] Question: What are the driving factors behind flat revenue expectations in the Education Solutions business? - Parts of the education business are performing well, particularly state-sponsored work, but overall market conditions remain cyclically difficult [54][55] Question: Is there a shift towards science-based reading approaches in literacy instruction? - There is a growing importance of science-based reading, and the company has materials aligned with this approach [57] Question: What is the pipeline for additional state partnerships in literacy programs? - The company is optimistic about expanding partnerships with state governments, although sales cycles are long [60][61] Question: What is the expectation for profitability in the entertainment business for fiscal 2026? - Profitability is expected to be slightly lower but in line with the current year, impacted by inflation [64] Question: What is the timing for potential sale leaseback transactions of real estate assets? - The company is working towards having something within the next 90 to 120 days regarding real estate monetization [66]

Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Call Presentation Thursday, July 24, 2025 Forward-Looking Statements / Regulation G This presentation contains certain statements made today which will be forward-looking. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. 2 Peter Warwick President and Chief Executive Officer Fourth Quarter & Fiscal 2025 Results Today's comments include references to certain ...

[Executive Summary and Outlook](index=1&type=section&id=Executive%20Summary%20and%20Outlook) Scholastic achieved solid fiscal 2025 Adjusted EBITDA, driven by Children's Book Publishing, and is advancing its IP strategy while focusing on cost management and strategic initiatives for fiscal 2026 earnings growth [CEO Remarks and Strategic Overview](index=1&type=section&id=CEO%20Remarks%20and%20Strategic%20Overview) Scholastic achieved solid fiscal 2025 Adjusted EBITDA, driven by Children's Book Publishing, and is advancing its IP strategy while focusing on cost management and strategic initiatives for fiscal 2026 earnings growth - Delivered strong **Adjusted EBITDA** in line with original guidance for fiscal 2025, with strength in Children's Book Publishing offsetting weakness in the Education division[2](index=2&type=chunk) - The company is progressing on its **360-degree IP strategy**, highlighted by the global success of the new Hunger Games book and the integration of 9 Story Media Group to expand IP monetization[3](index=3&type=chunk) - The Education division is being repositioned under new leadership to better align with market needs amid challenges in school funding and the supplemental curriculum market[3](index=3&type=chunk) - Key strategic initiatives for fiscal 2026 include a strategic reorganization, cost reductions, and evaluating options to optimize real estate assets to drive long-term growth and shareholder value[4](index=4&type=chunk) [Fiscal 2026 Outlook](index=1&type=section&id=Fiscal%202026%20Outlook) Scholastic projects fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA of **$160 million to $170 million** and **2% to 4% revenue growth**, despite anticipated school spending headwinds and **$10 million** in higher tariff costs Fiscal 2026 Guidance | Metric | Target | | :--- | :--- | | **Adjusted EBITDA** | $160 million to $170 million | | **Revenue Growth** | 2% to 4% | - Guidance includes approximately **$10 million** of expected incremental expense related to higher tariff rates[5](index=5&type=chunk) - The company anticipates a seasonal loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, approximately in line with the prior year[5](index=5&type=chunk) [Financial Performance](index=2&type=section&id=Financial%20Performance) Scholastic reported a 7% revenue increase in Q4 and 2% for the full fiscal year 2025, driven by Children's Book Publishing and the 9 Story Media Group acquisition, despite declines in Education Solutions [Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025 Review](index=2&type=section&id=Fourth%20Quarter%20Fiscal%202025%20Review) Q4 fiscal 2025 revenues grew **7% to $508.3 million**, driven by Children's Book Publishing and 9 Story Media Group, offsetting Education Solutions' decline, with operating income up **13%** and Adjusted EBITDA stable at **$91.2 million** Q4 Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights (in millions, except per share data) | Metric | Q4 FY2025 | Q4 FY2024 | Change (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Revenues** | $508.3 | $474.9 | 7% | | **Operating Income** | $53.5 | $47.2 | 13% | | **Diluted EPS** | $0.59 | $1.23 | (52)% | | **Adjusted EBITDA** | $91.2 | $90.7 | 1% | - Revenue growth was primarily driven by higher revenues in Children's Book Publishing and Distribution and the contribution of 9 Story Media Group, partly offset by lower sales in Education Solutions[6](index=6&type=chunk) [Children's Book Publishing and Distribution](index=2&type=section&id=Q4%20Children's%20Book%20Publishing%20and%20Distribution) Segment revenue grew **9% to $288.2 million**, driven by **19%** Consolidated Trade growth from the new Hunger Games book and **5%** Book Fairs increase, despite a **9%** decline in Book Clubs Q4 Segment Revenue Breakdown (in millions) | Sub-segment | Revenue | YoY Change (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Book Fairs | $177.8 | 5% | | Book Clubs | $13.1 | (9)% | | Consolidated Trade | $97.3 | 19% | | **Total Segment Revenue** | **$288.2** | **9%** | - The strong performance in Consolidated Trade was driven by the fifth book in Suzanne Collins' global best-selling Hunger Games series, *Sunrise on the Reaping*[10](index=10&type=chunk) [Education Solutions](index=2&type=section&id=Q4%20Education%20Solutions) Education Solutions segment revenues decreased **7% to $125.7 million** due to supplemental curriculum market headwinds, leading to a **$4.3 million** adjusted operating income decline - Segment revenues decreased **7% to $125.7 million** due to continuing headwinds in the supplemental curriculum market[12](index=12&type=chunk) - The company is actively repositioning the segment to optimize for long-term growth and improved profitability[13](index=13&type=chunk) [Entertainment](index=3&type=section&id=Q4%20Entertainment) Entertainment segment revenue surged to **$14.8 million** from **$0.6 million**, primarily due to the 9 Story Media Group acquisition, resulting in a **$3.0 million** operating loss including **$2.7 million** intangible amortization - Segment revenues surged to **$14.8 million**, mainly reflecting the addition of 9 Story Media Group[14](index=14&type=chunk) - The segment incurred a **$3.0 million** operating loss, which included **$0.9 million** in one-time charges and **$2.7 million** of intangible amortization from the acquisition[14](index=14&type=chunk) [International](index=3&type=section&id=Q4%20International) International revenues increased **9%** on a constant currency basis to **$76.8 million**, driven by strong trade channel performance from the latest Hunger Games release, improving adjusted operating income by **$4.3 million** - Excluding a **$0.6 million** unfavorable currency impact, revenues increased **9% to $76.8 million**[15](index=15&type=chunk) - Growth was primarily driven by strong performance in trade channels across major markets following the latest Hunger Games release[15](index=15&type=chunk) [Overhead](index=3&type=section&id=Q4%20Overhead) Adjusted overhead costs, excluding one-time charges, increased by **$9.6 million** to **$35.5 million**, primarily due to the timing of employee-related expenses - Excluding one-time charges, adjusted overhead costs increased by **$9.6 million**, primarily attributable to the timing of employee-related expenses[16](index=16&type=chunk) [Full Year Fiscal 2025 Review](index=3&type=section&id=Full%20Year%20Fiscal%202025%20Review) Full fiscal year 2025 revenues grew **2% to $1.63 billion**, driven by the 9 Story Media Group acquisition and strong Book Fairs, while Adjusted EBITDA increased **6% to $145.4 million** Full Year Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights (in millions, except per share data) | Metric | FY2025 | FY2024 | Change (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Revenues** | $1,625.5 | $1,589.7 | 2% | | **Operating Income** | $15.8 | $14.5 | 9% | | **Diluted EPS** | $(0.07) | $0.40 | (118)% | | **Adjusted EBITDA** | $145.4 | $136.9 | 6% | - Revenue growth was primarily driven by the contribution of 9 Story Media Group, higher revenues from new releases in Trade Publishing, and strong performance in Book Fairs[17](index=17&type=chunk) - Adjusted EBITDA increased by **6% to $145.4 million**, reflecting the benefit of the 9 Story Media Group acquisition and strong performance in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution and International segments[19](index=19&type=chunk) [Capital Position and Shareholder Returns](index=4&type=section&id=Capital%20Position%20and%20Shareholder%20Returns) Scholastic's fiscal 2025 free cash flow decreased by 60%, shifting to a net debt position of $136.6 million after the 9 Story Media Group acquisition, while returning over $90 million to shareholders [Liquidity and Cash Flow](index=4&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Cash%20Flow) Fiscal 2025 free cash flow decreased **60% to $29.2 million**, shifting the balance sheet from a **$107.7 million** net cash position to a **$136.6 million** net debt position post-acquisition Fiscal 2025 Cash Flow and Capital Position (in millions) | Metric | FY2025 | FY2024 | Change ($) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net cash provided by operating activities** | $124.2 | $154.6 | $(30.4) | | **Free cash flow (use)** | $29.2 | $73.4 | $(44.2) | | **Net cash (debt)** | $(136.6) | $107.7 | $(244.3) | - The shift to a net debt position reflects borrowings under the company's revolving credit facility to fund the acquisition of 9 Story Media Group[21](index=21&type=chunk) [Shareholder Returns and Strategic Initiatives](index=4&type=section&id=Shareholder%20Returns%20and%20Strategic%20Initiatives) Scholastic returned over **$90 million** to shareholders in fiscal 2025 through **$22.6 million** in dividends and **$70.0 million** in share repurchases, while exploring real estate sale-leaseback transactions for liquidity - In fiscal 2025, the company returned capital to shareholders through[22](index=22&type=chunk) - **$22.6 million** in dividends[22](index=22&type=chunk) - **$70.0 million** in share repurchases (3,482,280 shares)[22](index=22&type=chunk) - The company is exploring sale-leaseback transactions for its New York City real estate and Missouri distribution centers to provide significant liquidity for debt reduction and share repurchases[23](index=23&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Supplemental Data](index=6&type=section&id=Financial%20Statements%20and%20Supplemental%20Data) This section provides unaudited consolidated financial statements, detailed segment results, key balance sheet and cash flow items, and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures for fiscal year 2025 [Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=6&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) This section presents unaudited consolidated income statements for the three and twelve months ended May 31, 2025, detailing revenues, operating income, pre-tax earnings, net income, and earnings per share Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited, in millions) | | Three months ended | Twelve months ended | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | **05/31/25** | **05/31/24** | **05/31/25** | **05/31/24** | | **Revenues** | $508.3 | $474.9 | $1,625.5 | $1,589.7 | | **Operating income (loss)** | $53.5 | $47.2 | $15.8 | $14.5 | | **Earnings (loss) before income taxes** | $48.9 | $47.3 | $(1.3) | $16.2 | | **Net income (loss)** | $15.4 | $35.9 | $(1.9) | $12.1 | | **Diluted earnings (loss) per share** | $0.59 | $1.23 | $(0.07) | $0.40 | [Segment Results](index=7&type=section&id=Segment%20Results) This section details revenues and operating income by business segment for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025, including Children's Book Publishing, Education Solutions, Entertainment, and International Full Year Fiscal 2025 Segment Revenues (in millions) | Segment | FY2025 Revenue | FY2024 Revenue | Change (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Children's Book Publishing & Dist.** | $963.9 | $953.3 | 1% | | **Education Solutions** | $309.8 | $351.2 | (12)% | | **Entertainment** | $61.0 | $1.9 | NM | | **International** | $279.6 | $273.6 | 2% | Full Year Fiscal 2025 Segment Operating Income (in millions) | Segment | FY2025 Op. Income | FY2024 Op. Income | Change (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Children's Book Publishing & Dist.** | $130.7 | $123.3 | 6% | | **Education Solutions** | $6.3 | $15.8 | (60)% | | **Entertainment** | $(12.1) | $(11.2) | (8)% | | **International** | $(1.0) | $(6.9) | 86% | [Supplemental Financial Information](index=8&type=section&id=Supplemental%20Financial%20Information) This section provides a snapshot of key balance sheet and cash flow items as of May 31, 2025, including cash, receivables, debt, and Free Cash Flow calculations Selected Balance Sheet Items (in millions) | Item | 05/31/25 | 05/31/24 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $124.0 | $113.7 | | Inventories, net | $250.2 | $264.2 | | Lines of credit and long-term debt | $256.2 | $6.0 | | Net cash (debt) | $(136.6) | $107.7 | | Total stockholders' equity | $946.5 | $1,018.1 | Selected Cash Flow Items (in millions) | Item | Twelve months ended 05/31/25 | Twelve months ended 05/31/24 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $124.2 | $154.6 | | Free cash flow (use) | $29.2 | $73.4 | [Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures](index=9&type=section&id=Reconciliation%20of%20Non-GAAP%20Measures) This section provides detailed reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP measures, including adjustments to operating income, net income, EPS, and a full reconciliation of pre-tax earnings to Adjusted EBITDA Full Year Fiscal 2025 GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (in millions, except per share) | Metric | Reported (GAAP) | One-time Items | Excluding One-time Items (Non-GAAP) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Operating Income** | $15.8 | $20.0 | $35.8 | | **Earnings Before Taxes** | $(1.3) | $20.0 | $18.7 | | **Net Income** | $(1.9) | $15.2 | $13.3 | | **Diluted EPS** | $(0.07) | $0.55 | $0.48 | Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation - Full Year (in millions) | | FY2025 | FY2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Earnings (loss) before income taxes as reported** | $(1.3) | $16.2 | | One-time items before income taxes | $20.0 | $30.2 | | Interest (income) expense | $16.4 | $(2.7) | | Depreciation and amortization | $110.3 | $93.2 | | **Adjusted EBITDA** | **$145.4** | **$136.9** |

Core Insights - Scholastic Corporation reported solid financial results for fiscal 2025, with Adjusted EBITDA in line with original guidance and a focus on cost management and profit growth for fiscal 2026 [1][2][6] - The company returned over $90 million to shareholders during the fiscal year, including dividends and share repurchases [21][22] Financial Performance - In Q4 of fiscal 2025, revenues increased by 7% to $508.3 million, driven by strong performance in Children's Book Publishing and Distribution, and the contribution from 9 Story Media Group [7][17] - Operating income rose 13% to $53.5 million, while Adjusted EBITDA increased by 1% to $91.2 million [8][17] - For the full year, revenues reached $1,625.5 million, a 2% increase from the previous year, with Adjusted EBITDA growing by 6% to $145.4 million [17][18] Segment Performance - The Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment saw revenues rise by 9% to $288.2 million in Q4, while Education Solutions revenues decreased by 7% to $125.7 million due to market headwinds [9][13] - The Entertainment segment's revenues surged to $14.8 million, primarily due to the acquisition of 9 Story Media Group [14] - International revenues increased by 9% to $76.8 million, reflecting strong performance in trade channels [15] Strategic Initiatives - The company is implementing a strategic reorganization to enhance long-term growth and profitability, including a focus on product development aligned with educators' needs [4][5] - Scholastic is targeting Adjusted EBITDA of $160 million to $170 million for fiscal 2026, with revenue growth expected between 2% to 4% [6][17] Capital Position and Shareholder Returns - Scholastic distributed $22.6 million in dividends and repurchased shares worth $70 million during fiscal 2025 [21] - The company is exploring sale-leaseback transactions for its real estate assets to enhance liquidity for capital allocation priorities [22]

Core Insights - Scholastic has appointed Milena Alberti and Anne Clarke Wolff as independent directors to its board, effective July 16, 2025, while directors John L. Davies and David J. Young have stepped down immediately to facilitate this transition [1][2][3] Board Composition and Changes - The board has undergone significant refreshment, with seven new independent directors appointed over the past four years, reflecting a commitment to adapt to the business's evolving needs [2] - Alix Guerrier has been reappointed to the board as a representative of Class A Stockholders, indicating ongoing efforts to ensure diverse representation [2] Directors' Backgrounds - Milena Alberti brings over 30 years of experience in publishing and finance, having held key roles at Penguin Random House and Getty Images, and currently chairs the board of Pitney-Bowes Inc. [4][5][6] - Anne Clarke Wolff has 30 years of experience in financial services, having founded Independence Point Advisors and previously held senior positions at Bank of America and JP Morgan [7][8][9][10] Strategic Focus - The new directors are expected to support the board's focus on business transformation, growth strategies, and capital allocation, aimed at maximizing shareholder value during a pivotal time for Scholastic [3]

Group 1 - Scholastic Corporation declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, payable on September 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 29, 2025 [1] - The company has over 100 years of experience in creating quality content and experiences focused on literacy for children [2] - Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, reaching over 135 countries [2]

Company Overview - Scholastic Corporation has been a leader in children's publishing for over 100 years, focusing on literacy and educational content [1] - The company is the largest publisher and distributor of children's books globally, reaching over 135 countries [1] Earnings Announcement - Scholastic will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 earnings on July 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET [2] - A conference call will follow at 4:30 PM ET, hosted by the President and CEO, Peter Warwick, and CFO, Haji Glover [2] - Participants are encouraged to join the call five minutes early to avoid delays [2] Access Information - The earnings release will be available on the company's investor relations website [2] - A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed online, with archived materials available shortly after the call [2]

Core Insights - Scholastic Corporation is focused on enhancing shareholder value through strategic and operational initiatives aimed at increasing profitability and long-term growth [1][2] - The company expects fiscal 2025 Adjusted EBITDA to be between $140 million and $150 million, aligning with its original guidance due to effective cost management and execution in Q4 [1][8] Strategic Initiatives - The Board of Directors is actively searching for two new independent directors to replace retiring members, with the assistance of Korn Ferry, to enhance board expertise in business transformation and capital allocation [3] - Scholastic has reorganized its Children's Book and Education Solutions businesses, appointing new leaders to refine strategies and improve financial results for fiscal 2026 and beyond [7] Capital Allocation - The company is exploring options to leverage its real estate assets, including a potential sale-leaseback transaction for its office and retail properties in New York City, to support debt reduction and share repurchases [7] - Scholastic is also evaluating financial advisors for similar transactions involving its distribution centers in Jefferson City, Missouri [7] Company Overview - Scholastic has over 100 years of experience in children's publishing and education, providing quality content and experiences that promote literacy and lifelong learning [4] - The company operates as the largest publisher and distributor of children's books globally, reaching over 135 countries [4]