Scholastic Reports Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Results

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                    Fiscal
                                                                        2025                      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                   Fiscal
                                                                           2025                     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                              Excluding                    Reported                          One-time                Excluding
                                                                                                          items                     One-time                                          items                   One-time
                                                                                                                                      items                                                                     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                             $
            102.1        
              $                             $
             102.1        $
            111.6    
           $                              $
             111.6
    Distribution (3)



              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                              Excluding                    Reported                          One-time                Excluding
                                                                                                          items                     One-time                                          items                   One-time
                                                                                                                                      items                                                                     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)                            EDUC (1)                    ENT (1)                        INTL
                                                                                                              (2)                                                               (2)                           (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                                 102.1                                  (0.5)                        (4.9)                          6.6                            (29.1)                          74.2
    items



         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)                            EDUC (1)                    ENT (1)                        INTL
                                                                                                              (2)                                                               (2)                           (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                                 111.6                                    5.8                         (0.8)                          7.6                            (22.7)                         101.5
    items



         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)                            EDUC (1)                    ENT (1)                        INTL
                                                                                                              (2)                                                               (2)                           (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                                  65.5                                 (17.5)                        (4.3)                        (2.1)                           (56.3)                        (14.7)
    items



         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)                            EDUC (1)                    ENT (1)                        INTL
                                                                                                              (2)                                                               (2)                           (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                                  70.5                                 (12.9)                        (1.3)                          0.3                            (46.8)                           9.8
    items



         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.

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SOURCE Scholastic Corporation