It’s never been harder to get a job in Hollywood. Actors, writers, directors and execs explain why https://t.co/eVq2inVd6M ...

Disney executives will meet with suspended talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel to discuss the future of his program, according to sources https://t.co/sj0qXigiaW ...

Group 1 - Major stock indexes, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq composite, reached record highs, driven by the Federal Reserve's first interest-rate cut of the year and expectations for further cuts in October and December [1][2] - The Dow finished the day up 0.3%, equivalent to a gain of 124 points, indicating positive market sentiment [1] - Notable companies such as Palantir and Spotify are highlighted as leading stocks in the current market environment, with Palantir's software purchases potentially increasing due to external factors [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues decreased by 5% to $225.6 million in the first quarter, reflecting the seasonality of the business [13] - Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $55.7 million, an improvement from a loss of $60.5 million a year ago [14] - Net loss was $63.3 million compared to $60.3 million in the prior year period, with adjusted loss per diluted share increasing to $2.52 from $2.13 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Children's Book Publishing and Distribution revenues increased by 4% to $109.4 million, with Book Fair revenue up 18% to $34.1 million [14][15] - Trade Publishing revenues were essentially flat at $73.5 million, driven by strong demand for key titles [15] - Scholastic Education segment revenues decreased to $40.1 million from $55.7 million, reflecting lower spending on supplemental curriculum products [16] - Entertainment segment revenues decreased by $3 million to $13.6 million, primarily due to fewer episodic deliveries [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment revenues increased to $59.4 million from $56.8 million, with growth driven by higher revenues in Australia, the UK, and Asia [17] - The company expects to surpass 10 million monthly views of classic Clifford content on YouTube by year-end [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building long-term opportunities as a global leader in children's publishing, media, and education [22] - Efforts include real estate monetization, cost reductions, and strengthening the organization [22][19] - The integration of Trade, Fairs, and Clubs into a new Children's Book Group aims to streamline operations and enhance data analytics [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a challenging funding environment for Scholastic Education, with delays and cancellations of federal education grants impacting sales [10][11] - The company remains optimistic about long-term growth potential despite near-term challenges [11] - Full-year guidance for revenue growth of 2% to 4% and adjusted EBITDA of $160 to $170 million has been affirmed [21] Other Important Information - The company is actively pursuing share buybacks and has $70 million remaining on its authorization [18] - Seasonal net cash used by operating activities increased to $81.8 million, driven by fluctuations in net working capital [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback on new products in Education Solutions - Management received positive feedback on new products despite a difficult selling environment due to funding uncertainties [24][25] Question: Key variables to monitor for spending trends - Management indicated that schools are still spending but are cautious due to funding uncertainties, with expectations for improvement as funding becomes more certain [26][28] Question: Timing for financial impact from the Entertainment Segment - Management expects gradual benefits from the digital model and increased revenue from YouTube, with significant growth anticipated over time [30][31] Question: Cost structure and areas for expense reduction - Management highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce costs, with $15 million to $20 million in reductions already realized [36] Question: Factors affecting fiscal year guidance - Management emphasized the importance of retail market conditions and consumer spending, with a focus on managing costs and investing in growth [37][39] Question: Outlook for fiscal Q2 - Management expressed optimism for Q2, citing strong upcoming releases and increased fair bookings [48][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues decreased by 5% to $225.6 million in the first quarter, reflecting the seasonality of the business [11] - Adjusted operating loss improved to $81.9 million from $85.6 million in the prior year [12] - Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $55.7 million, an improvement from a loss of $60.5 million a year ago [13] - Net loss was $63.3 million compared to $60.3 million in the prior year period, with adjusted loss per diluted share increasing to $2.52 from $2.13 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Children's Book Publishing and Distribution revenues increased by 4% to $109.4 million, driven by growth in School Book Fairs [14] - Book Fair revenue was $34.1 million, an increase of 18%, while Book Clubs revenue decreased to $1.8 million from $2.7 million [14] - Trade Publishing revenues were essentially flat at $73.5 million, reflecting strong demand for key titles [14] - Scholastic Education segment revenues decreased to $40.1 million from $55.7 million, impacted by lower spending on supplemental curriculum products [15] - Entertainment Segment revenues decreased by $3 million to $13.6 million, primarily due to fewer episodic deliveries [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International Segment revenues increased to $59.4 million from $56.8 million, with growth driven by higher revenues in Australia, the U.K., and Asia [16] - Excluding foreign currency impacts, segment revenues were up $2.4 million [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on real estate monetization and has significant investor interest in its properties [4] - Aiming for profitable growth through financial discipline and operational leverage while affirming full-year guidance [4] - The integration of Trade, Fairs, and Clubs into a new Children's Book Group aims to streamline operations and enhance data analytics [7] - The company is leveraging digital platforms like YouTube to expand its IP reach and create high-margin revenue streams [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging funding environment for Scholastic Education but remains confident in long-term potential [10] - The company expects a strong second quarter, benefiting from major trade releases and increased fair bookings [19] - Affirmation of fiscal year 2026 guidance for revenue growth of 2%-4% and adjusted EBITDA of $160 million-$170 million [19] Other Important Information - The company is closely monitoring tariff impacts, expecting approximately $10 million in incremental tariff expenses this fiscal year [19] - Seasonal net cash used by operating activities was $81.8 million, an increase from $41.9 million in the prior year [17] - The company has $70 million remaining on its share buyback authorization [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback on new products in Education Solutions - Management received positive feedback on new products despite a difficult selling environment due to funding uncertainties [22][23] Question: Key variables to monitor for spending trends - Management indicated that schools are still spending but are cautious due to funding uncertainties, expecting improvements as funding becomes more certain [24][25] Question: Timing for financial impact from the Entertainment Segment - Management noted that digital revenue from YouTube will grow over time, with no immediate financial impact expected [26][27] Question: Cost structure and expense reduction opportunities - Management highlighted ongoing cost reduction efforts, with $15 million to $20 million in reductions already realized [31][32] Question: Factors affecting fiscal year guidance - Management emphasized the importance of retail market conditions and tariff expenses in achieving guidance [34][35] Question: Expectations for fiscal Q2 - Management expressed optimism for Q2, citing strong upcoming releases and increased fair bookings [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues decreased by 5% to $225.6 million in the first quarter, reflecting the seasonality of the business [13] - Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $55.7 million, an improvement from a loss of $60.5 million a year ago [14] - Net loss was $63.3 million compared to $60.3 million in the prior year period, with adjusted loss per diluted share increasing to $2.52 from $2.13 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Children's Book Publishing and Distribution revenues increased by 4% to $109.4 million, with Book Fair revenue rising by 18% to $34.1 million [14][15] - Scholastic Education segment revenues decreased to $40.1 million from $55.7 million in the prior year, reflecting lower spending on supplemental curriculum products [15][16] - Entertainment segment revenues decreased by $3 million to $13.6 million, primarily due to fewer episodic deliveries [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment revenues increased to $59.4 million from $56.8 million, driven by higher revenues in Australia, the UK, and Asia [17] - The company expects to surpass 10 million monthly views of classic Clifford content on YouTube by year-end [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building long-term opportunities in children's publishing, media, and education, while reducing costs and optimizing capital structure [22] - The integration of Trade, Fairs, and Clubs into a new Children's Book Group aims to streamline operations and enhance data analytics [8] - The company is pursuing real estate monetization, with significant investor interest in its properties [4][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a volatile funding environment affecting the Education segment but remains confident in long-term potential [10][11] - The company affirmed its fiscal year 2026 guidance for revenue growth of 2% to 4% and adjusted EBITDA of $160 to $170 million [21] Other Important Information - The company returned $5.2 million to shareholders through regular dividends and has $70 million remaining on its share buyback authorization [18] - The company is closely monitoring tariff impacts, expecting approximately $10 million in incremental tariff expenses this fiscal year [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback on new products in Education Solutions - Management received positive feedback on new products despite a difficult selling environment due to funding uncertainties [25] Question: Key variables to watch for spending trends - Management indicated that schools are still spending but are cautious due to funding uncertainties, expecting more confidence as federal programs resume [26][28] Question: Timing for financial impact from the Entertainment segment - Management noted that digital revenue from YouTube is expected to grow over time, with no immediate financial impact [30] Question: Cost structure and expense reduction opportunities - Management highlighted ongoing cost reduction efforts, with $15 million to $20 million in cost savings already realized [36] Question: Factors affecting fiscal year guidance - Management emphasized the importance of retail market conditions and tariff impacts on the business [37][38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues decreased by 5% to $225.6 million in Q1 2026, reflecting the seasonality of the business [11] - Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $55.7 million, an improvement from a loss of $60.5 million a year ago [12] - Net loss was $63.3 million compared to $60.3 million in the prior year period, with adjusted loss per diluted share increasing to $2.52 from $2.13 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Children's Book Publishing and Distribution revenues increased by 4% to $109.4 million, with Book Fair revenue rising 18% to $34.1 million [13][14] - Trade Publishing revenues were essentially flat at $73.5 million, driven by strong demand for key titles [14] - Scholastic Education segment revenues decreased to $40.1 million from $55.7 million, reflecting lower spending on supplemental curriculum products [15] - Entertainment segment revenues decreased by $3 million to $13.6 million, primarily due to fewer episodic deliveries [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International segment revenues increased to $59.4 million from $56.8 million, with growth driven by higher revenues in Australia, the UK, and Asia [16] - The company expects to see growth opportunities in expanding English as a second language programs in markets like India and the Philippines [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on building long-term opportunities as a global leader in children's publishing, media, and education [20] - Ongoing real estate monetization efforts are generating significant investor interest, with processes expected to conclude in the fall [18] - The integration of Trade, Fairs, and Clubs into a new Children's Book Group aims to streamline operations and enhance data analytics [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the long-term potential of the Education segment despite current funding uncertainties [10] - The company is affirming its fiscal year 2026 guidance for revenue growth of 2% to 4% and adjusted EBITDA of $160 to $170 million [19] - Management highlighted the importance of aligning spending with long-term goals to drive favorable operating margins [19] Other Important Information - The company had borrowings of $325 million under its unsecured revolving credit facility, with net debt increasing to $242.8 million [17] - Free cash use in Q1 was $100.2 million compared to $68.7 million in the prior year, reflecting lower cash flow from operations [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback on new products in Education Solutions business - Management received positive feedback on new products, particularly Knowledge Library, despite a difficult selling environment due to funding uncertainties [22][23] Question: Key variables to monitor for spending trends - Management indicated that schools continue to spend, but uncertainty in future funding may lead to cautious purchasing [24] Question: Timing for financial impact from YouTube content - Management expects gradual benefits from the digital model and advertising revenue, with significant growth anticipated over time [28] Question: Cost structure and expense reduction opportunities - Management is actively identifying areas for cost reduction, with an expected $15 million to $20 million in savings [33] Question: Guidance affirmation and potential performance variables - Management expressed confidence in their guidance, noting that retail market conditions and tariff impacts are key factors to monitor [34][35]

Sep 18, 2025 5:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time Parents Whose Children Watch Disney Videos on YouTube Have Opportunity to Join The Walt Disney Company Child Privacy Investigation with the Schall Law Firm Share LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of parents of children who watched Disney videos on YouTube. The Walt Disney Company ("Disney†or "the Company†) (NYSE: DIS) allegedly violated COPPA ("Chil ...

Group 1: Federal Reserve and Market Reactions - The Federal Reserve has initiated a rate-cutting cycle, starting with a 25 basis point cut, and signaled the possibility of two more cuts later this year [2][4][107] - Following the Fed's decision, major stock indices have shown positive movements, with the NASDAQ leading gains, largely driven by tech stocks [4][6][107] - The bond market has experienced volatility, with yields rising despite the Fed's cut, indicating mixed investor sentiment [5][9] Group 2: Nvidia and Intel Partnership - Nvidia announced a $5 billion investment in Intel to develop new PC chips and data center products, resulting in a significant rise in Intel's stock price by approximately 25% [6][52][66] - This partnership is viewed as a product collaboration rather than a manufacturing agreement, which was unexpected by analysts [54][56] - The investment is seen as a positive development for Intel, potentially improving its market competitiveness and product offerings [66][70] Group 3: Darden Restaurants and Consumer Trends - Darden, the parent company of Olive Garden, reported first-quarter earnings that missed Wall Street estimates, leading to a decline in its stock price [31][36] - The company is shifting focus towards offering smaller, lower-priced portions at Olive Garden, reflecting a trend towards value dining [32][34] - Despite a 5.9% increase in comparable sales at Olive Garden, the results were below expectations, contributing to market disappointment [36][38] Group 4: Broader Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The restaurant industry is experiencing a shift, with casual dining outperforming fast food chains, despite economic pressures [45][46] - Higher-income consumers are showing resilience, while fine dining concepts are underperforming, indicating a potential shift in consumer preferences [41][42] - Analysts suggest that Darden's strategy to offer more value-oriented options may help it navigate current market challenges [40][48]

Market Overview - Wall Street is experiencing a rally, with the S&P 500 rising 0.5% and approaching its all-time high, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 88 points (0.2%) and the Nasdaq composite rose by 1% [3] - Encouraging economic reports have contributed to rising Treasury yields in the bond market, with manufacturing growth in the mid-Atlantic region exceeding expectations and a decrease in unemployment benefit applications [5][6] Company Highlights - Intel's stock surged by 29.3%, marking its best day since 1973, following Nvidia's announcement of a $5 billion investment in Intel's stock as part of a collaboration to develop products for data centers and personal computers [4] - Nvidia's stock increased by 3.4%, significantly contributing to the S&P 500's performance as it remains Wall Street's most valuable company [4] - Novo Nordisk's stock rose by 5.8% after a study indicated that its once-a-day pill version of Wegovy significantly aids weight loss and its Ozempic product reduces health risks for type 2 diabetes patients [10] Cryptocurrency Market - Stocks in the cryptocurrency sector saw substantial gains, with Coinbase Global rising by 7.8%, Bullish by 11.3%, and Circle Internet Group by 6.1%, as Bitcoin surpassed $117,500 following the Fed's interest rate cut [11] Underperforming Companies - Darden Restaurants, which operates Olive Garden, saw its stock decline by 9.5% after reporting a profit below analysts' expectations, despite raising its revenue growth forecast [12] - Cracker Barrel's stock fell by 4.8% due to weaker-than-expected profit results and a revenue forecast that did not meet analysts' expectations [13] - The Walt Disney Co. experienced a 1.5% drop in stock price after its ABC division suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely due to controversial comments [14]