NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2025 /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, 2025. Peter Warwick, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Scholastic delivered strong performance in the second quarter and successfully executed on key strategic and financial initiatives. Book Fairs delivered a successful back-to-school season, with higher fair count ...

Financial Performance - Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 decreased by $11.6 million, a 5% decrease, to $225.6 million compared to $237.2 million in fiscal year 2025 [8] - Operating loss for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 was $(92.2) million, compared to $(88.5) million in fiscal year 2025, a decrease of 4% [8] - Excluding one-time items, the operating loss was $(81.9) million in fiscal year 2026, compared to $(85.6) million in fiscal year 2025, reflecting a 4% improvement [8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 was $(55.7) million, compared to $(60.5) million in fiscal year 2025, an increase of 8% [8] - Free cash flow use for the three-month period ending August 31, 2025, was $(100.2) million, compared to $(68.7) million for the same period in 2024 [10] Segment Performance (excluding one-time items) - Children's Book Publishing and Distribution saw total revenues increase by 4% to $109.4 million, with School Reading Events up 14% to $35.9 million [9] - Education Solutions revenues decreased by 28% to $40.1 million [9] - Entertainment revenues decreased by 18% to $13.6 million [9] - International revenues increased by 5% to $59.4 million [9] Outlook - The company is affirming fiscal year 2026 guidance, expecting revenue growth of 2% to 4%, Adjusted EBITDA of $160 million to $170 million, and free cash flow of $30 million to $40 million [11]

Core Insights - Scholastic Corporation reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended August 31, 2025, affirming its fiscal 2026 guidance despite a seasonal operating loss [1][2][6] - The company experienced a decrease in revenues by 5% to $225.6 million, primarily due to lower sales in the Education Solutions segment [6][7] - Adjusted EBITDA improved by 8% to a loss of $55.7 million, reflecting a reduction in discretionary overhead expenses and higher revenues in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment [7][8] Financial Performance - Revenues decreased from $237.2 million in fiscal 2025 to $225.6 million in fiscal 2026, a decline of $11.6 million or 5% [6][7] - Operating loss increased to $92.2 million from $88.5 million year-over-year, with one-time charges impacting both periods [7][8] - Diluted earnings per share fell to $(2.83) from $(2.21), a decrease of 28% [6][7] Segment Analysis - Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment revenues increased by 4% to $109.4 million, driven by strong performances in book fairs and franchises like Hunger Games [9][11] - Education Solutions revenues decreased by 28% to $40.1 million due to funding uncertainties affecting school purchases [12][13] - Entertainment segment revenues fell by 18% to $13.6 million, primarily due to anticipated production delays [13][14] Capital Position and Liquidity - Net cash used by operating activities was $81.8 million, compared to $41.9 million in the prior year, reflecting lower net income and seasonal working capital needs [16][18] - Free cash flow usage increased to $100.2 million from $68.7 million year-over-year, driven by higher operating cash use [16][18] - Net debt rose to $242.8 million from $152.1 million, influenced by working capital requirements and dividends [18][19] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on optimizing capital allocation and strengthening its balance sheet, including evaluating potential sale-leaseback transactions for key real estate assets [6][20] - Scholastic is expanding its digital and licensing revenue streams through new initiatives, including a Scholastic-branded streaming app and tie-in products for new IP [4][6] - The company aims to enhance its Education division by refining its product portfolio and aligning marketing strategies to better meet educators' needs [5][12]