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Feb 29, 2024

Scholastic Q3 2024 Earnings Report

Scholastic's Q3 2024 results reflected level revenues and increased operating loss, with trade sales growth offset by declines in U.S. Book Clubs and higher spending on growth initiatives.

Key Takeaways

Scholastic reported approximately level revenues of $323.7 million, a slight decrease from the prior year. The operating loss increased to $34.9 million, impacted by higher spending on growth initiatives. The company returned over $60 million to shareholders through repurchases and dividends and affirmed its fiscal 2024 guidance.

Consolidated trade sales increased by 7%, driven by strong performance in the U.S., Canada, and the UK.

Scholastic announced an agreement to invest in 9 Story Media Group, expanding its content creation strategy.

The company experienced modest revenue declines in School Reading Events and Education divisions due to a complex environment in U.S. schools.

Over $60 million was returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter.

Total Revenue
$324M
Previous year: $325M
-0.4%
EPS
-$0.8
Previous year: -$0.57
+40.4%
Adjusted EBITDA
-$7.2M
Gross Profit
$160M
Previous year: $164M
-2.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$110M
Previous year: $199M
-44.5%
Free Cash Flow
-$7.1M
Total Assets
$1.72B
Previous year: $1.88B
-8.6%

Scholastic

Scholastic

Scholastic Revenue by Segment

Scholastic Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

Scholastic affirmed its revised fiscal 2024 guidance, expecting strong performance in the largest and most profitable quarter.

Positive Outlook

  • Strong expectations for the largest and most profitable quarter of the year
  • Continued successes in children’s book publishing and entertainment
  • Multiple new releases expanding Scholastic’s presence on bestseller lists
  • Greenlighting of a second season of the Goosebumps® TV series
  • Strategic investment in 9 Story Media Group to broaden content creation

Challenges Ahead

  • Modest revenue declines in School Reading Events and Education divisions
  • Impact of the complex environment in U.S. schools
  • Lower U.S. Book Clubs revenues due to strategic repositioning
  • Increased operating loss due to higher spending on growth initiatives
  • Shift in the overall seasonality of the Education Solutions segment sales

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income