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United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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For the fiscal year ended | May 31, 2025 | | Commission File No. | 000-19860 |
Scholastic Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Delaware | | 13-3385513 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
557 Broadway | | |
New York, | New York | | 10012 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 343-6100
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| | | | | | | | |
Title of Class | Trading Symbol | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
Common Stock, $0.01 par value | SCHL | The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC |
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ý
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit). Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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ý | Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. o
󠇀
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ý
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock, par value $0.01, held by non-affiliates as of November 30, 2024, was approximately $636,700,000. As of such date, non-affiliates held no shares of the Class A Stock, $0.01 par value. There is no active market for the Class A Stock.
The number of shares outstanding of each class of the Registrant’s voting stock as of June 30, 2025 was as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Title of each class | | Number of shares outstanding as of June 30, 2025 |
Common Stock, $0.01 par value | | 24,221,581 |
Class A Stock, $0.01 par value | | 828,100 |
Documents Incorporated By Reference
Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held September 17, 2025.
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| | | | PAGE |
| | Part I | | |
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Item 1. | | Business | | 1 |
Item 1A. | | Risk Factors | | 9 |
Item 1B. | | Unresolved Staff Comments | | 17 |
Item 1C. | | Cybersecurity | | 17 |
Item 2. | | Properties | | 18 |
Item 3. | | Legal Proceedings | | 19 |
Item 4. | | Mine Safety Disclosures | | 19 |
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| | Part II | | |
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Item 5. | | Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | | 20 |
Item 6. | | [Reserved] | | 21 |
Item 7. | | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | | 21 |
Item 7A. | | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | | 33 |
Item 8. | | Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | | 35 |
| | Consolidated Statements of Operations | | 36 |
| | Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | 37 |
| | Consolidated Balance Sheets | | 38 |
| | Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity | | 39 |
| | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | | 40 |
| | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | | 42 |
| | Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | 85 |
| | Supplementary Financial Information | | 89 |
Item 9. | | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | | 90 |
Item 9A. | | Controls and Procedures | | 90 |
Item 9B. | | Other Information | | 90 |
Item 9C. | | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | | 90 |
| | | | |
| | Part III | | |
| | | | |
Item 10. | | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | | 91 |
Item 11. | | Executive Compensation | | 91 |
Item 12. | | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | | 91 |
Item 13. | | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | | 91 |
Item 14. | | Principal Accounting Fees and Services | | 91 |
| | | | |
| | Part IV | | |
| | | | |
Item 15. | | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules | | 92 |
Item 16. | | Summary | | 96 |
| | Signatures | | 97 |
| | Power of Attorney | | 98 |
| | Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves | | S-1 |
Part I
Item 1 | Business
Overview
Scholastic Corporation (the “Corporation” and together with its subsidiaries, “Scholastic” or the “Company”) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, a leading provider of print and digital instructional materials for grades pre-kindergarten ("pre-K") to grade 12 and a producer of entertaining literary and educational children’s media. The Company creates quality print, digital and audio books, learning materials and programs, classroom magazines and other products that, in combination, offer children, families and educators engaging and comprehensive solutions to support children’s learning and reading both at home and at school. Since its founding in 1920, Scholastic has emphasized quality products and a dedication to reading, learning and literacy. The Company is the leading operator of school-based book club and book fair proprietary channels. It distributes its products and services through these channels, retail stores and the internet, as well as directly to schools and libraries. The Company’s website, scholastic.com, is a leading site for teachers, classrooms and parents and an award-winning destination for children. Scholastic has operations in the United States and throughout the world including Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Asia and, through its export business, sells products in approximately 130 international locations.
Segments
The Company categorizes its businesses into four reportable segments: Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution; Education Solutions; Entertainment; and International.
The following table sets forth revenues by reportable segment for the three fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Amounts in millions) |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution | $ | 963.9 | | | $ | 953.3 | | | $ | 1,019.0 | |
Education Solutions | | 309.8 | | | | 351.2 | | | | 386.6 | |
Entertainment (1) | | 61.0 | | | | 1.9 | | | | 19.0 | |
International | | 279.6 | | | | 273.6 | | | | 279.4 | |
Overhead (2) | | 11.2 | | | | 9.7 | | | | — | |
Total | $ | 1,625.5 | | | $ | 1,589.7 | | | $ | 1,704.0 | |
(1) The Entertainment segment includes the operations of 9 Story Media Group Inc. as acquired on June 20, 2024, including its studios in Canada, Ireland and Indonesia ("9 Story"), and Scholastic Entertainment Inc. ("SEI"). SEI was reported in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior periods. The financial results for SEI for the fiscal years presented have been reclassified to Entertainment to reflect this change.
(2) Overhead includes all domestic corporate amounts not allocated to segments, including expenses and costs related to the management of corporate assets and rental income related to leased space in the Company's headquarters. Rental income of $7.1 was recognized as a reduction to Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023.
Additional financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments is included in Note 3, "Segment Information", of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” which is included herein.
CHILDREN’S BOOK PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTION
(59.3% of fiscal 2025 revenues)
General
The Company’s Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment includes the publication and distribution of children’s print, digital and audio books, media and interactive products in the United States through its school reading events business and through the trade channel.
The Company is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and is the leading operator of school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs in the United States. The Company is also a leading publisher of
children’s print books, ebooks and audiobooks distributed through the trade channel. Scholastic publishes a broad range of children’s books through its channels, many of which have received awards for excellence in children’s literature, including the Caldecott and Newbery Medals.
The Company obtains titles for sale through its distribution channels from three principal sources. The first source for titles is the Company’s publication of books created under agreements with authors, illustrators, book packagers or other media companies. Scholastic generally controls the exclusive rights to sell and distribute these titles through all channels of distribution in the United States and, to a lesser extent, internationally. Scholastic’s second source of titles is through obtaining licenses to sell books exclusively in specified channels of distribution, including reprints of books originally published by other publishers for which the Company acquires rights to sell in the school market. The third source of titles is the Company’s purchase of finished books from other publishers.
School Reading Events
The Company's school reading events business is comprised of school-based book fairs and school-based book clubs. This business focuses on distributing quality books to children through school channels.
School-Based Book Fairs
The Company entered the school-based book fairs channel in 1981 under the name Scholastic Book Fairs. The Company is the leading distributor of school-based book fairs in the United States serving schools in all 50 states. Book fairs provide children access to hundreds of popular, quality books and educational materials, increase student reading and help book fair organizers raise funds for the purchase of school library and classroom books, supplies and equipment. Book fairs have traditionally been weeklong events where children and families peruse and purchase their favorite books together. The Company typically delivers book fairs product from its warehouses to schools principally by a fleet of Company-owned and leased vehicles. Sales and customer service representatives, working from the Company’s regional offices, distribution facilities and national distribution facility in Missouri, along with local area field representatives, provide support to book fair organizers. Physical book fairs are conducted by school personnel, volunteers and parent-teacher organizations, from which the schools may receive either books, supplies and equipment or a portion of the proceeds from the book fair.
School-Based Book Clubs
Scholastic founded its first school-based book club in 1948. The Company's school-based book clubs consist of reading clubs for pre-K through grade 8. In addition to its regular reading club offerings, the Company creates special theme-based and seasonal offers targeted to different grade levels during the year.
The Company distributes promotional materials containing order forms to classrooms in pre-K to grade 8 schools in the United States. Classroom teachers who wish to participate in a school-based book club provide the promotional materials to their students, who may choose from curated selections at substantial reductions from list prices. In fiscal 2025, approximately 98% of total book club revenues were placed via the internet through the Company’s online ordering platform, which allows parents, as well as teachers, to order online, with approximately 68% of such revenues resulting from orders being placed by parents via the Company's online ordering platform. Alternatively, the teacher may manually aggregate the students’ orders and forward them to the Company. Products are typically shipped to the classroom for distribution to the students. Teachers who participate in book clubs receive bonus points and other promotional incentives, which may be redeemed from the Company for additional books and other resource materials and items for their classrooms or the school.
Trade
Scholastic is a leading publisher of children’s books sold through bookstores, online retailers and mass merchandisers primarily in the United States. Scholastic’s original publications include Harry Potter®, The Hunger Games®, The Baby-Sitters Club®, The Magic School Bus®, Captain Underpants®, Dog Man®, Wings of Fire™, Cat Kid Comic Club®, I Survived, Goosebumps® and Clifford The Big Red Dog®, and licensed properties such as Peppa Pig® and Pokemon®. In addition, Klutz® and Make Believe Ideas™ publish and create “books plus” and novelty products for children, including Klutz titles such as Mini Shake Shop, Pokemon Stained Glass, and LEGO® Miniature Photography and titles in the Never Touch® series from Make Believe Ideas.
The Company’s trade organization focuses on publishing, marketing and selling books to bookstores, online retailers, mass merchandisers, specialty sales outlets and other book retailers, and also supplies books for the Company’s
proprietary school channels. The Company maintains a talented and experienced creative staff that constantly seeks to attract, develop and retain the best children’s authors and illustrators. The Company believes that its trade publishing staff, combined with the Company’s reputation and proprietary school distribution channels, provides a significant competitive advantage, evidenced by numerous bestsellers over the past two decades. Top selling new release titles in the trade division during fiscal 2025 included the latest title in the Hunger Games series, Sunrise on the Reaping, Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling, Dog Man #13: Big Jim Begins, Wings of Fire Graphix Novel #8: Escaping Peril, The Baby-Sitter's Club #16: Kristy and the Walking Disaster, The Bad Guys® #19: The Bad Guys in the Serpent and the Beast, The Bad Guys #20: The Bad Guys in One Last Thing, Unico: Awakening (Volume 1): An Original Manga, and When We Flew Away by NYT bestselling author Alice Hoffman.
Also included in the Company's trade organization are Weston Woods Studios, Inc. ("Weston Woods") and Scholastic Audio. Weston Woods creates audiovisual adaptations of classic children's picture books distributed through the school and retail markets. Scholastic Audio provides audiobook productions of popular children's titles.
Effective June 1, 2025, the Company has reorganized its Book Fairs, Book Clubs and Trade Publishing divisions into a new combined group, called the Children’s Book Group.
EDUCATION SOLUTIONS
(19.1% of fiscal 2025 revenues)
The Education Solutions segment includes the publication and distribution to schools and libraries of children’s books, print and online reference materials, non-fiction and fiction focused products, classroom magazines and classroom materials for literacy instruction, as well as the provision of consulting services and related products supporting professional development for teachers and school and district administrators, including professional books, coaching, workshops and seminars which in combination cover grades pre-K to 12 in the United States.
Classroom Libraries and Collections
The Company is a leading provider of classroom libraries and paperback collections, including best-selling titles, to individual teachers and other educators and schools and school district customers. Scholastic helps schools build classroom and library collections with high quality, award-winning books for every grade, reading level and multicultural background, including the Company’s Rising Voices Library® offering, which meets the increasing demand for culturally responsive content and instruction. In addition, the Company provides books to students for summer reading through its Grab and Go reading packs.
Instructional Products and Programs
Scholastic serves customer needs with customized support for literacy instruction, by providing comprehensive core and supplemental literacy and reading programs which include both print and digital content as well as providing assessment tools. These materials are designed to support instruction-based teaching and learning, and are generally purchased by district and school leadership, both directly from the Company and through teacher stores and booksellers. The Company's offerings include research-based literacy solutions such as the Ready4ReadingTM phonics curriculum and the comprehensive early childhood program, PreK On My WayTM. In addition, the Company offers summer learning programs to provide students with increased access to books and learning opportunities over the summer.
Teaching Resources and Professional Learning
The Company provides a variety of resources to teachers and school leadership including lesson planning, reading management, classroom management, classroom organization, and other instructional resources. These products are available in the Company's online teacher store (www.scholastic.com/teacherstore), which provides professional books and other educational materials to teachers and educators. Professional consulting services are also provided to support academic leadership with training on a multitude of topics, ranging from product implementation to engaging with families and communities.
Literacy Initiatives
The Company provides books to community-based organizations and other groups engaged in literacy initiatives through Scholastic Family and Community Engagement (FACE)TM. The Company also partners with mission-driven organizations to support literacy by increasing children's access to books through the Scholastic Literacy Partners program.
Scholastic Magazines+
Scholastic is the leading publisher of classroom magazines, Scholastic Magazines+TM. Teachers in grades pre-K to 12 use the Company’s 31 classroom magazines, including Scholastic News®, Scholastic Scope®, Storyworks®, Let's Find
Out® and Junior Scholastic®, to supplement formal learning programs by bringing subjects of current interest into the classroom, including current events, literature, math, science, social studies and foreign languages. These offerings provide schools with substantial non-fiction material, which is required to meet new higher educational standards. Each magazine has its own website with online digital resources that supplement the print materials, as well as providing access to the magazine in a digital format. A "digital only" subscription to the magazine is also offered. Scholastic’s classroom magazine circulation in the United States in fiscal 2025 was approximately 11.3 million, with approximately 81% of the circulation in grades pre-K to 6. The majority of magazines purchased are paid for with school or district funds, with parents and teachers paying for the balance.
Sponsored Programs
The Company works with state and other partners to provide books to eligible students, generally those reading below grade level, at no cost to the student. The books are purchased with state funds and typically shipped directly to students’ homes.
ENTERTAINMENT
(3.8% of fiscal 2025 revenues)
The Entertainment segment includes the operations of 9 Story Media Group Inc. as acquired on June 20, 2024, including its studios in Canada, Ireland and Indonesia ("9 Story"), and Scholastic Entertainment Inc. ("SEI").
This segment includes the development, production, distribution and licensing of kids and family film and television content. This segment, through its creative affairs group, creates, develops, and produces award-winning branded properties using owned or licensed IP. The Company has an in-house animation studio, Brown Bag Films, which is recognized for producing high-quality and popular programs such as “Doc McStuffins®,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood®,” “Octonauts®,” “Wild Kratts®,” "Blue's Clue's & You!®," and “The Magic School Bus Rides Again".
This segment is also responsible for exploiting the Company's film and television assets, which include a large television programming library based on the Company's IP as well as third party programs. The Company distributes its animated and, to a lesser extent, live-action programming through various domestic and international channels, including subscription video on demand (SVOD), linear TV (traditional broadcast) and advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) including YouTube.
The Company has a consumer products division which builds global entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing, licensing and merchandising, working closely with the television and digital distribution teams, as well as third party IP owners, licensees and retailers, to ensure coordinated and strategic brand management.
INTERNATIONAL
(17.2% of fiscal 2025 revenues)
General
The International segment includes the publication and distribution of products and services outside the United States by the Company’s international operations, and its export and foreign rights businesses.
Scholastic has operations in Major Markets, which include Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in India, Singapore and other parts of Asia including Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. The Company has branches in the United Arab Emirates and Colombia and also sells products in approximately 130 international locations through its export business. The Company’s international operations have original trade and educational publishing programs; distribute children’s books, digital educational resources and other materials through school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs and trade channels; and produce and distribute magazines and online subscription services. Many of the Company’s international operations also have their own export and foreign rights licensing programs and are book publishing licensees for major media properties. Original books published by many of these operations have received awards for excellence in children’s literature.
Canada
Scholastic Canada, founded in 1957, is a leading publisher and distributor of English and French language children’s books in Canada. Scholastic Canada is the largest operator of school-based marketing channels in Canada and is one of the leading suppliers of original or licensed children’s books to the Canadian trade market. Since 1965, Scholastic Canada has also produced quality Canadian-authored books and educational materials, including an early reading program sold to schools for grades K to 6.
United Kingdom
Scholastic UK, founded in 1964, is the largest operator of school-based marketing channels in the United Kingdom and is a publisher and one of the leading suppliers of original or licensed children’s books to the United Kingdom trade market. Scholastic UK also publishes supplemental educational materials, including professional books for teachers. The Company also operates school-based marketing channels in Ireland.
Australia
Scholastic Australia, founded in 1968, is the largest operator of school-based marketing channels in Australia, reaching approximately 90% of the country’s primary schools. Scholastic Australia also publishes quality children’s books supplying the Australian trade market and publishes and distributes educational materials, including online subscription services. In addition, Scholastic Australia holds an equity method investment in a UK publisher and distributor of children's books.
New Zealand
Scholastic New Zealand, founded in 1962, is the largest children’s book publisher and the leading book distributor to schools in New Zealand. Through its school-based book clubs and book fairs channels, Scholastic New Zealand reaches approximately 90% of the country’s primary schools. In addition, Scholastic New Zealand publishes quality children’s books supplying the New Zealand trade market and publishes and distributes educational materials, including online subscription services.
Asia
The Company’s Asian operations consist of initiatives for educational publishing programs based out of Singapore. In addition, the Company operates school-based marketing channels throughout Asia; publishes original titles in English and Hindi languages in India, including specialized curriculum books for local schools; and conducts reading improvement programs inside local schools in the Philippines.
Foreign Rights and Export
The Company licenses the rights to select Scholastic titles in 65 languages to other publishing companies around the world. The Company’s export business sells educational materials, digital educational resources and children’s books to schools, libraries, bookstores and other book distributors in approximately 130 international locations that are not otherwise directly serviced by Scholastic subsidiaries. The Company also partners with governments and non-governmental agencies to create and distribute books to public schools in developing countries.
PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION
The Company’s books, magazines and other materials are manufactured by the Company with the assistance of third parties under contracts entered into through arms-length negotiations and competitive bidding. As appropriate, the Company enters into multi-year agreements that guarantee specified volumes in exchange for favorable pricing terms. Paper is purchased directly from paper mills and other third-party sources.
In the United States, the Company mainly processes and fulfills orders for school-based book clubs, trade, reference and non-fiction products, educational products and export orders from its primary warehouse and distribution facility in Jefferson City, Missouri. In connection with its trade business, the Company may fulfill product orders directly from printers to customers. Magazine orders are processed at the Jefferson City facility and the magazines are shipped directly from printers. School-based book fairs are fulfilled through a network of warehouses across the country, as well as from the Company's Jefferson City warehouse and distribution facility. The Company’s international school-
based book clubs, school-based book fairs, trade and educational operations use distribution systems similar to those employed in the United States.
CONTENT ACQUISITION
Access to intellectual property or content (“Content”) for the Company’s product offerings is critical to the success of the Company’s operations. The Company incurs significant costs for the acquisition and development of Content for its product offerings. These costs are often deferred and recognized as the Company generates revenues derived from the benefits of these costs. These costs include the following:
•Prepublication costs - Prepublication costs are incurred in all of the Company’s reportable segments except the Entertainment segment. Prepublication costs include costs incurred to create the art, prepress, editorial, digital conversion and other content required for the creation of the master copy of a book or other media.
•Investment in film and television programs - The Company's Entertainment segment incurs costs related to investment in film and television programs. This includes all direct production and financing costs incurred during production and minimum guarantee payments made to acquire distribution rights.
•Royalty advances - Royalty advances are incurred in all of the Company’s reportable segments except the Entertainment segment, but are most prevalent in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment and enable the Company to obtain contractual commitments from authors, illustrators, licensors and other publishers to produce Content. The Company regularly provides these content providers with advances against expected future royalty payments, often before the books are written. Upon publication and sale of the books or other media, the content providers will not receive royalty payments until the contractual royalties earned from sales of such books or other media exceed such advances. The Company values its position in the market as the largest publisher and distributor of children's books in obtaining Content, and the Company’s experienced editorial staff aggressively acquires Content from both new and established authors and illustrators.
•Acquired intangible assets - The Company may acquire fully or partially developed Content from third parties via acquisitions of entities or the purchase of the rights to Content outright.
SEASONALITY
The Company’s Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution school-based book club and book fair channels and most of its Education Solutions businesses operate on a school-year basis; therefore, the Company’s business is highly seasonal. As a result, the Company’s revenues in the first and third quarters of the fiscal year generally are lower than its revenues in the other two fiscal quarters. Typically, school-based channels and magazine revenues are minimal in the first quarter of the fiscal year as schools are not in session. Education channel revenues are generally higher in the fourth quarter. Trade channel and Entertainment segment revenues can vary throughout the year due to the timing of published titles' release dates and program production deliveries and the start dates of distribution license agreements.
COMPETITION
The markets for children’s books, educational products and entertainment materials are highly competitive. Competition is based on the quality and range of materials made available, price, promotion and customer service, as well as the nature of the distribution channels. Competitors include numerous other book, ebook, library, reference material and educational publishers, including of core and supplemental educational materials in both print and digital formats, distributors and other resellers (including over the internet) of children’s books and educational materials, national publishers of classroom and professional magazines with substantial circulation, distributors of products and services on the internet and producers of film and television content. In the United States, competitors include regional and local school-based book fair operators and other fund raising activities in schools and bookstores, as well as one other competitor operating on a national level. Competition may increase to the extent that other entities enter the market and to the extent that current competitors or new competitors develop and introduce new materials that compete directly with the products distributed by the Company or develop or expand competitive sales channels. The Company believes that its position as both a publisher and distributor are unique to certain of the markets in which it competes, principally in the context of its children’s book business.
COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS
As an international publisher and distributor of books, Scholastic aggressively utilizes the intellectual property protections of the United States and other countries in order to maintain its exclusive rights to identify and distribute many of its products. Accordingly, SCHOLASTIC is a trademark registered in the United States and in a number of countries where the Company conducts business or otherwise distributes its products. The Corporation’s principal operating subsidiary in the United States, Scholastic Inc., and the Corporation’s international subsidiaries, through Scholastic Inc., have registered and/or have pending applications to register in relevant territories trademarks for important services and programs. All of the Company’s publications, including books and magazines, are subject to copyright protection both in the United States and internationally. The Company also obtains domain name protection for its internet domains. The Company seeks to obtain the broadest possible intellectual property rights for its products, and because inadequate legal and technological protections for intellectual property and proprietary rights could adversely affect operating results, the Company vigorously defends those rights against infringement.
HUMAN CAPITAL
As of May 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 7,090 employees, of which 4,690 were located in the United States and 2,400 outside the United States. Globally, approximately 75% of its employees are employed on a full-time basis, 14% part-time, and 11% seasonal. The seasonal employees are largely associated with the school-based businesses which are dependent on the fall and spring seasons when schools are in session.
The table below represents the approximate number of employees by business channel and function:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Full-time | Part-time | Seasonal | Total |
Central Functions (1) | 670 | 25 | — | 695 |
Primary U.S. Warehouse | 675 | 130 | 5 | 810 |
Book Fairs Warehouses | 640 | 700 | 435 | 1,775 |
Scholastic Reading Events | 505 | 10 | 75 | 590 |
Trade | 205 | 5 | — | 210 |
Education Solutions | 540 | 60 | — | 600 |
Entertainment | 760 | — | — | 760 |
International | 1,005 | 70 | 15 | 1,090 |
International Warehouses | 310 | 10 | 240 | 560 |
Total | 5,310 | 1,010 | 770 | 7,090 |
(1) Includes functions such as finance, accounting, executive, information technology, human resources, legal, and inventory demand planning. |
Within the workplace, the Company’s efforts remain focused on ensuring a respectful and inclusive workplace culture and environment, with its employees being well positioned to help the Company to advance its mission of inspiring all children to become life-long readers and learners.
The Company is also committed to helping its employees and their families lead healthy productive lives. The Company's benefits packages and wellness programs help its employees succeed at work and at home. The Company offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages designed to attract and retain its employees and is committed to achieving pay equity and aligning rewards to performance. The Company's benefits program provides an array of flexible plans to meet the needs of eligible employees, which include, among other things, medical, dental and vision plans, health management and incentive programs, flexible spending arrangements, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, work/life balance programs, 401k contribution matching, an employee discount program including discounts on Scholastic products and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The ESPP provides eligible employees the opportunity to purchase Scholastic common stock at a discount. The Company also provides eligible employees paid time off, in addition to volunteer hours, to enable involvement in community affairs.
Successful execution of the Company's mission is dependent on attracting, retaining and developing its employees, including members of its management teams. The Company's learning and development program enhances organizational effectiveness by identifying skill gaps and assessing needs that can be supported by providing high quality educational and developmental programs that are measurable and serve to increase employees’ skills, knowledge, and effectiveness. In addition to required annual trainings on key topics including compliance, ethics and integrity and information security, employees have access to the Scholastic Learning Center, a learning portal that includes self-paced online courses, books, and videos, as well as virtual and live instructor-led opportunities.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following individuals have been determined by the Board of Directors to be the executive officers of the Company. Each such individual serves in their position with Scholastic until such person’s successor has been elected or appointed and qualified or until such person’s earlier resignation or removal.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Name | Age | Employed by Registrant Since | Current and Previous Position(s) Held as of July 25, 2025 |
Peter Warwick | 73 | 2021 | President and Chief Executive Officer (since 2021); Board of Directors Member (since 2014); Chief People Officer of Thomson Reuters (2012 - 2018). |
Haji L. Glover | 51 | 2024 | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (since 2024); Director of Finance, Amazon.com, Inc. (2022-2024); Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance, Scholastic, Inc. (2020-2022); Vice President, Global Financial Reporting and Analysis, Alvogen, Inc. (2012-2020). |
Chris Lick | 53 | 2008 | Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (since 2025); Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel (2024-2025); Vice President and Managing Counsel (2020-2024). |
Iole Lucchese | 58 | 1991 | Chair of the Board of Directors (since 2021); Executive Vice President (since 2016); Chief Strategy Officer (since 2014); President, Scholastic Entertainment (since 2018); President, Scholastic Canada (2016). |
Sasha Quinton | 47 | 2020 | Executive Vice President and President, Scholastic Children's Book Group (since 2025); Executive Vice President and President, School Reading Events (2023-2025); Executive Vice President and President, Scholastic Book Fairs (2020-2023); Vice President & GMM, Bookstore, Barnes and Noble, Inc. (2019); Senior Vice President, Marketing and Procurement, ReaderLink Distribution Services (2017-2019); Vice President, Marketing and Procurement, ReaderLink Distribution Services (2014-2017). |
Jeffrey Mathews | 58 | 2022 | Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer (since 2024); Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations (2022-2024); Managing Partner, Gagnier Communications (2017-2022). |
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Corporation’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are accessible at the Investor Relations portion of its website (scholastic.com) and are available, without charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company also posts the dates of its upcoming scheduled financial press releases, telephonic investor calls and investor presentations on the “Events and Presentations” portion of its website at least five days prior to the event. The Company’s investor calls are open to the public and remain available through the Company’s website for at least 45 days thereafter.
The public may also read and copy materials that the Company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information, as well as copies of the Company’s filings, from the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an internet site, at www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Item 1A | Risk Factors
Set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents that the Corporation files with the SEC are risks that should be considered in evaluating an investment in the Corporation’s common stock, as well as risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual future results of the Company to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements contained in this Report and in other public statements the Company makes. Additionally, because of the following risks and uncertainties, as well as other variables which may affect the Company’s operating results in the conduct of its business, the Company’s past financial performance should not be considered an indicator of future performance.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
If we fail to maintain strong relationships with our authors, illustrators and other creative talent, as well as to develop relationships with new creative talent, our business could be adversely affected.
The Company’s business, in particular the trade publishing and entertainment portions of the business, is highly dependent on maintaining strong relationships with the authors, illustrators, animators and other creative talent who produce the products and services that are sold to its customers. Developing new relationships with creative talent is another important enabler of our business. Any overall weakening of our existing relationships, or the failure to develop successful new relationships, could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business and financial performance.
If we fail to adapt to new purchasing patterns or trends, our business and financial results could be adversely affected.
The Company’s business is affected significantly by changes in customer purchasing patterns or trends in, as well as the underlying strength of, the trade, educational and entertainment markets for children. In particular, the Company’s educational publishing business may be adversely affected by budgetary restraints and other changes in educational funding as a result of new policies which could be implemented at the federal level or otherwise resulting from new legislation or regulatory action at the federal, state or local level, or by changes in the procurement process, to which the Company may be unable to adapt successfully. In addition, there are many competing demands for educational funds, and there can be no guarantee that the Company will be successful in continuing to obtain sales of its educational programs and materials from any available funding. Further, changes in educational practices affecting structure or content of educational materials or requiring adaption to new learning approaches, particularly in grades pre-K through 6, as well as those which may arise from new legislation or policies at the state or local level directed at content or teaching practices and materials, to which the Company is unable to successfully adapt could result in a loss of business adversely affecting the Company's business and financial performance. In addition, in a highly politicized environment, the content of some of the products being sold by the Company could become controversial, negatively impacting sales made to schools, through partnerships with government agencies or through sponsorships and funding programs. Within the children's book publishing business, the Company's financial performance could be adversely impacted if its U.S. book clubs channel is unable to adapt to internal changes and the external market. The Company has recently taken a new holistic approach to serving its customers through the reorganization of the Company’s business conducted through the Trade group and its school book fairs and book clubs businesses previously conducted through its Scholastic Reading Events group into the new Children’s Book Group as noted under Item 1 – Business. The Children’s Book Group’s ability to execute on the new customer-centric strategies and obtain the operational improvements expected to be derived from the reorganization, if not aligned with its customer purchasing behaviors, or the benefits expected to be achieved from the reorganization are not otherwise realized, could result in the Company’s results being negatively impacted.
Increases in certain operating costs and expenses that are beyond our control and can significantly affect our profitability, could adversely affect our operating performance.
The Company’s major expense categories include employee compensation, printing, paper and distribution (such as postage, shipping and fuel) costs. Compensation costs are influenced by general economic factors, including those affecting the costs of health insurance, post-retirement benefits and any trends specific to the employee skill sets that the Company requires. Potential shortages for warehouse labor, driver labor and other required skills, as well as labor supply chain issues, such as the impact of union strikes, may cause the Company's costs to increase beyond increases normally expected.
Paper prices fluctuate based on worldwide demand and supply for paper in general, as well as for the specific types of paper used by the Company. The Company is also subject to inflationary pressures on printing, paper, transportation and labor costs. While the Company has taken steps to manage and budget for certain expected operating cost increases, if there is a significant disruption in the supply of paper or a significant increase in paper costs, or in its shipping or fuel costs, beyond those currently anticipated, which would generally be beyond the control of the
Company, or if the Company’s strategies to try to manage these costs, including additional cost savings initiatives, are ineffective, the Company’s results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, the bankruptcy of a supplier may result in unanticipated price increases for the Company.
We maintain an experienced and dedicated employee base that executes the Company’s strategies. Failure to attract, retain and develop this employee base could result in difficulty with executing our strategy.
The Company’s employees, notably its senior executives, editorial staff members, and creative talent, have substantial experience in the publishing, education and entertainment markets. In addition, the Company continues to implement a strategic information technology transformation process, requiring diverse levels of relevant expertise and experience. If the Company were unable to continue to adequately maintain and develop a workforce of this nature meeting the foregoing needs, including the development of new skills in the context of a rapidly changing business environment created by technology, involving new business processes and increased access to data and data analytics, it could negatively impact the Company’s operations and growth prospects. In order to develop and maintain its workforce, the Company must provide competitive salaries and benefits and the costs of such salaries and benefits are driven by employment market conditions over which the Company has no control. Additionally, high industry-wide demand for truck drivers may impact the Company's ability to hire and retain adequate staffing levels to deliver book fairs in the number anticipated. Further, the Company's entertainment business is dependent on writers, animators and other talent, who are essential to the development and production of its film and television programs. Any labor dispute, work stoppage, work slowdown, strike by, or a lockout of, one or more of these groups that provide personnel essential to the production of film and television content could delay or halt the Company’s ongoing production activities, or could cause a delay or interruption in the release of new film and television content.
The Company has also been engaged in a significant cost management exercise, which has included a reduction in its employee base. If the Company fails to maintain an appropriate employee base to meet the requirements of servicing its business units, including the ability to take advantage of growth opportunities which may present themselves, this could adversely affect the Company’s ability to meet its growth expectations as disclosed from time to time.
The failure of third-party providers to provide contracted outsourcing of business processes and information technology services could cause business interruptions and could increase the costs of these services to the Company.
The Company outsources certain business processes to reduce complexity and increase efficiency for activities such as distribution, manufacturing, product development, transactional processing, information technologies and various administrative functions. Increasingly, the Company is engaging third parties to provide software as a service ("SaaS"), which can reduce the Company’s internal execution risk, but increases the Company’s dependency upon third parties to execute business critical information technology tasks. If outsourced providers (including SaaS providers) are unable to provide these services, fail to execute their contracted functionality, or experience a substantial data breach, the Company could experience damage to its reputation and disruptions to its distribution and other business activities and may incur higher costs.
Failure to realize anticipated cost savings and benefits from the Company's continuous improvement efforts, or business disruptions as a result of these efforts, could adversely affect our business and financial performance.
The Company continues to explore opportunities to enhance the efficiency of its cost and organizational structure, which includes actions to restructure its cost base. The rapidly changing environment in which the Company operates increases the risk that not all of the Company's strategic initiatives will deliver the expected benefits within the anticipated timeframes. The Company's ability to achieve certain of the anticipated cost savings could be dependent on the use of AI and other technologies and the Company may not be successful implementing such technologies. In addition, these efforts may disrupt business activities or the ability of the Company to take advantage of potential growth opportunities, which could adversely affect the Company's business prospects, financial condition, and performance.
The Company's entertainment business depends on key relationships with buyers of film and television content and uncertainty with buyers or changes in demand for film and television content may impact the financial performance of the entertainment business.
The media and content industry in which the Company's entertainment business operates is rapidly evolving, including the market and demand for film and television content, with the entrance of new major streaming platforms and consolidation of traditional platforms, as well as the changing viewing habits of children and youth. While the Company believes that the demand for high-quality content will continue, industry trends may continue to change and the Company's entertainment business may be adversely affected by such changing industry trends, including potential impacts of mergers and acquisitions in the industry. There can be no certainty that demand for content will be sustained over the long term, that consumers will have an appetite for the programming produced by the
Company's entertainment business or that the Company will be able to identify and be responsive to new content trends.
The Company may not be able to sustain, manage or effectively execute on its strategy with respect to its acquisition of 9 Story, which may impact the Company's financial performance.
The expected financial benefits of the Company's acquisition of 9 Story depend, among other things, on its ability to realize synergies with 9 Story and develop new programming utilizing Scholastic's current and future intellectual property that achieves market and audience acceptance. If the Company is unable to do this, the Company's business, financial condition, and performance could be materially and adversely affected.
A significant amount of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets have been recorded as a result of acquisitions and the Company may never realize the full carrying value of these assets.
The Company has recorded a significant amount of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets as a result of acquisitions. At May 31, 2025, there was $198.9 million of goodwill and $87.9 million of intangible assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The intangible assets are principally composed of customer lists, customer contracts/relationships, intellectual property, trade names and internally developed software. Failure to achieve business objectives and financial projections could result in asset impairments, which would result in noncash charges to the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment on an annual basis and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Intangible assets with definite lives, which were $85.8 million at May 31, 2025, are tested for impairment only when events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may have occurred. Determining whether an impairment exists can be difficult as a result of increased uncertainty and requires management to make significant estimates and judgments. A noncash intangible asset impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations. See Note 12, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further information related to goodwill and intangible assets.
Risks Related to Competition
If we cannot anticipate technology trends and develop new products or adapt to new technologies responding to changing customer preferences, this could adversely affect our revenues or profitability.
The Company operates in highly competitive markets that are subject to rapid change, including, in particular, changes in customer preferences and changes and advances in relevant technologies, including rapid advances in artificial intelligence (“AI”). There are substantial uncertainties associated with the Company’s efforts to develop successful trade publishing, educational, and media products and services, including digital products and services, for its customers, as well as to adapt its print and other materials to new digital technologies, such as the internet cloud technologies, tablets, mobile and other devices and school-based technologies and uncertainties involving the use of AI in connection with the foregoing. The Company makes significant investments in new products and services that may not be profitable, or whose profitability may be significantly lower than the Company anticipates or has experienced historically. In particular, in the context of the Company’s current focus on key digital opportunities, the markets are continuing to develop and the Company may be unsuccessful in establishing itself as a significant factor in any relevant market segment which does develop. Many aspects of markets which could develop for children and schools, such as the nature of the relevant software and devices or hardware, the size of the market, relevant methods of delivery and relevant content, as well as pricing models, are still evolving and will, most likely, be subject to change on a recurring basis until a pattern develops and becomes more defined. This could specifically impact the Company's ability to execute on a digital and print literacy solution, which requires a multi-year investment, through internal development, third party providers and/or acquisitions. In addition, the Company faces market risks associated with systems development and service delivery in its evolving school ordering and ecommerce businesses, as well as in responding to changes in how schools plan to utilize technology for virtual or remote learning and the potential impact on the demand for printed materials in schools.
If we cannot develop new products or services that are accepted by the market as quickly or as efficiently as our competitors, we may experience a material adverse impact on our operating results.
Our financial results would suffer if we fail to successfully differentiate our offerings and meet market needs in school-based book fairs and book clubs, two of our core businesses.
The Company’s school-based book fairs and book clubs businesses, which comprise the Company's reading events business, produce a substantial amount of the Company’s revenues. The Company is subject to the risks that it will not successfully continue to develop and execute new promotional strategies for the school-based book fairs and book
clubs components of the reading events business in response to future customer trends or technological changes or that it will not otherwise meet market needs in this newly combined business in a timely or cost-effective fashion. The book clubs component also relies on attracting and retaining new sponsor-teachers to promote and support the distribution of its offerings. If the Company cannot attract new millennial and younger teachers and meet the changing preferences and demands of these teachers, its revenues and cash flows could be negatively impacted.
The Company has differentiated itself from competitors by providing curated offerings in both of the book clubs and book fairs components of the reading events business designed to make reading attractive for children, in furtherance of its mission as a champion of literacy. Competition from mass market and online distributors using customer-specific curation tools could reduce this differentiation, posing a risk to the Company's results.
The competitive pressures we face in our businesses could adversely affect our financial performance and growth prospects.
The Company is subject to significant competition, including from other trade and educational publishers and media, entertainment and internet companies, as well as retail and internet distributors, many of which are substantially larger than the Company and have much greater resources. To the extent the Company cannot meet challenges from existing or new competitors and develop new product offerings at attractive price points to meet customer preferences or needs, the Company’s revenues and profitability could be adversely affected.
In its educational publishing business, the Company invests in various literacy program solutions, including both digital and print products, covering grades pre-K through 6 which can be in direct competition with traditional basal textbook offerings, as well as new digital instruction offerings with associated assessment tools, to meet the perceived needs of the modern curriculum. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in having school districts adopt the Company's literacy program solutions in preference to basal textbooks or new digital instruction products offered by others or be successful in state adoptions, nor, in the case of basal textbook publishers, that such publishers will not successfully adapt their business models to the development of new forms of core curriculum, which could have an adverse effect on the return on the Company’s investments in this area, as well as on its financial performance and growth prospects. Traditional basal textbook publishers also generally maintain larger sales forces than the Company, and sell across several academic disciplines, allowing them a larger presence than the Company. Additionally, demand for many of the Company’s product offerings, particularly books sold through school channels, is subject to price sensitivity. Failure to maintain a competitive pricing model could reduce revenues and profitability.
Changes in the mix of our major customers in our trade distribution channel or in their purchasing patterns may affect the profitability of our trade publishing business.
The Company’s distribution channels include online retailers and ecommerce sites, digital delivery platforms and expanding social media and other marketing platforms. An increased concentration of retailer power has also resulted in the increased importance of mass merchandisers as well as of publishing best sellers to meet consumer demand. Currently, the Company’s top five trade customers make up approximately 75% of the Company’s U.S. trade business and 16% of the Company’s total revenues. Adverse changes in the mix of the major customers of the trade business, including the type of customer, which may also be engaged in a competitive business, or in their purchasing patterns or financial condition or the nature of their distribution arrangements with the trade business including any requirements related to environmental sustainability with which the Company must comply could negatively affect the profitability of the Company’s trade business and the Company’s financial performance.
The inability to obtain and publish best-selling new titles could cause our future results to decline in comparison to historical results.
The Company invests in authors and illustrators for its trade publication business, and has a history of publishing hit titles. The inability to publish best-selling new titles in future years could negatively impact the Company.
In addition, competition among electronic and print book retailers, including the decrease in the number of independent booksellers, could decrease prices for new title releases, as well as the number of outlets for book sales. The growing use of self-publishing technologies by authors also increases competition and could result in the decreased use of traditional publishing services. The effects of any of the foregoing factors could have an adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition or results of operation.
Risks Related to Information Technology and Systems
Privacy breaches and other cyber security risks related to our business could negatively affect our reputation, credibility and business.
Like many businesses, the Company faces cybersecurity risks that include attempts to deploy malicious software to intrude on the Company’s networks to steal private information of the Company and its customers and other parties, to commence denial of service attacks or to cause other disruption. We have experienced cyberattacks in the past and it is possible that we or third-party service providers on whom we rely may experience such attacks in the future. None of the breaches we have suffered to date have resulted in any material adverse impact on our business. Notwithstanding the investments we have made in cybersecurity products, training and services, we cannot be assured that our cybersecurity measures will always be effective in preventing unauthorized access to our systems and other illegal intrusions or other cyberattacks. A successful cyberattack on the Company could have a material adverse affect on our operations and operating results.
In certain of its businesses the Company holds or has access to personal data, including that of customers or received from schools. Adverse publicity stemming from a data breach, whether or not valid, could reduce demand for the Company’s products or adversely affect its relationship with teachers or educators, impacting participation in the book fairs or book clubs components of the Company's reading events business or decisions to purchase educational materials or programs produced by the Company's Education Solutions segment. Further, a failure to adequately protect personal data, including that of customers or children, or other data security failure, such as cyber-attacks from third parties, could lead to legal actions, fines and penalties, significant remediation costs and reputational damage, including loss of future business.
Failure of one or more of our information technology platforms could affect our ability to execute our operating strategy.
The Company relies on a variety of information technology platforms to execute its operations, including human resources, payroll, finance, order-to-cash, procurement, vendor payment, inventory management, distribution and content management systems as well as its internal operating systems. Many of these systems are integrated via internally developed interfaces and modifications. Failure of one or more systems could lead to operating inefficiencies or disruptions and a resulting decline in revenue or profitability. As the Company continues the implementation of its enterprise-wide customer and content management systems and the migration to SaaS and cloud-based technology solutions, in its initiatives to integrate its separate legacy platforms into a cohesive enterprise-wide system, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in its efforts or that the implementation of the remaining stages of these initiatives in the Company's global operations will not involve disruptions in its systems or processes having a short term adverse impact on its operations and ability to service its customers.
While we have developed policies and controls to minimize the risks to our information technology platform, including the formulation of disaster recovery plans and business continuity plans, there can be no assurance that a failure of our information technology platform, in whole or in part, any disruption or any data security breach would not adversely affect our business and have an adverse impact on our operations and financial results.
Risks Related to Laws and Regulations
Our reputation is one of our most important assets, and any adverse publicity or adverse events, such as a violation of privacy laws or regulations, could cause significant reputational damage and financial loss.
The businesses of the Company focus on children’s reading, learning and education, and its key relationships are with educators, teachers, parents and children. In particular, the Company believes that, in selecting its products, teachers, educators and parents rely on the Company’s reputation for quality books and educational materials and programs appropriate for children. Negative publicity, either through traditional media or through social media, could tarnish this relationship.
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store in our internal and external data centers, cloud services and networks sensitive data, including but not limited to personal information of our customers, including information received from children. The Company is subject to privacy laws and regulations in the conduct of its business in the United States and in other jurisdictions in which it conducts its international operations, many of which vary significantly, relating to the collection and use of personal information, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, which became enforceable on May 25, 2018, and the California Consumer Privacy Act, which became effective in January 2020. Following California’s lead, similar consumer data privacy laws have been passed, and either are in effect or will become effective within the next 12 months in 17 other states.
In addition, the Company is also subject to the regulatory requirements of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") in the United States relating to access to, and the use of information received from, children in respect to the Company’s online offerings. Since the businesses of the Company are primarily centered on children, failures of the Company to comply with the requirements of COPPA and similar laws in particular, as well as failures to comply generally with applicable privacy laws and regulations, as referred to above, could lead to significant reputational damage, legal claims, fines and other penalties and costs, including loss of future business.
Failure to meet the demands of regulators, and the associated high cost of compliance with regulations, as well as failure to enforce compliance with our Code of Ethics and other policies, could negatively impact us.
The Company operates in multiple countries and is subject to different regulations throughout the world. In the United States, the Company is regulated by the Internal Revenue Service, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and other regulating bodies. Failure to comply with these regulators, including providing these regulators with accurate financial and statistical information that often is subject to estimates and assumptions, or the high cost of complying with relevant regulations, including a significant increase in new regulations resulting from changes in the regulatory environment, could negatively impact the Company. The Company is also subject to the risk that it is unable to comply with the unstandardized, rapidly-changing environmental requirements imposed internationally by local governments, including those related to measuring and reporting on the impact its business has on the environment, which could negatively impact the Company's ability to conduct business in the related country if not met.
In addition, the decentralized and global nature of the Company’s operations makes it more difficult to communicate and monitor compliance with the Company’s Code of Ethics and other material Company policies and to assure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, some of which have global applicability, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in the United States and the UK Bribery Act in the United Kingdom. Failures to comply with the Company’s Code of Ethics and violations of such laws or regulations, including through employee misconduct, could result in significant liabilities for the Company, including criminal liability, fines and civil litigation risk, and result in damage to the reputation of the Company.
Changes in tax laws or a change in tax status may result in a loss of government tax credits in the Company's entertainment business.
The Company, through its economic control of 9 Story, presently benefits from significant Canadian government tax credits at both the federal and provincial level. The Company's entertainment business finances a significant portion of its production budgets from such government tax credits and certain anticipated government tax credits are used as collateral for the production loans. Pursuant to an opinion issued by the Minister of Canadian Heritage with respect to the Company’s investment in 9 Story, the Company anticipates that 9 Story will continue to be eligible for such tax credits. The Company could lose its Canadian government tax credits and incentives if the Canadian regulated business into which the Company has invested (9 Story) ceases to be controlled by Canadian nationals. In order to preserve the benefits, the Company's voting equity ownership of 9 Story is limited to 25% of the total voting equity shares outstanding. Further, 9 Story’s business is managed by a board of directors, a majority of whose members are Canadian nationals who are not otherwise affiliated with the Company, consistent with the Company’s representations to the Canadian Ministry of Heritage. There can be no assurance that the individual tax incentive programs currently available to the Company will not be reduced, amended, or eliminated or that the Company or any specific production will continue to qualify for them, any of which may have an adverse effect on the Company’s entertainment business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
The loss of or failure to obtain rights to intellectual property material to our businesses would adversely affect our financial results.
The Company’s products generally comprise intellectual property delivered through a variety of media. The ability to achieve anticipated results depends in part on the Company’s ability to defend its intellectual property against infringement, as well as the breadth of rights obtained. The Company’s ability to do so is subject to the legal protections available under intellectual property laws in the U.S. and other applicable jurisdictions. Unauthorized parties may attempt to illegally use the Company’s intellectual property and the measures that are available for us to enforce our proprietary rights may not be sufficient to fully address or prevent all third-party infringement. Further, it is possible that AI and other advanced technologies will make unauthorized use of the Company’s intellectual property more feasible and enforcement of our intellectual property rights more difficult as intellectual property becomes easier to replicate or use without authorization.
The Company’s operating results could be adversely affected by inadequate legal and technological protections for its intellectual property and proprietary rights in some jurisdictions, markets and media, as well as by the costs of dealing with claims alleging infringement of the intellectual property rights of others, including claims involving business method patents in the ecommerce and internet areas and the licensing of photographs in the trade and educational publishing areas.
The Company’s revenues could be constrained by limitations on the rights that the Company is able to secure to exploit its intellectual property in different media and distribution channels, as well as geographic limitations on the exploitation of such rights.
Risks Related to External Factors
Because we procure products and sell our products and services in foreign countries, changes in currency exchange rates, changes in applicable laws and regulations as well as other risks and uncertainties, could adversely affect our operations and financial results.
The Company has various operating subsidiaries domiciled in foreign countries. In addition, the Company sells products and services to customers located in foreign countries where it does not have operating subsidiaries, and a significant portion of the Company’s revenues are generated from outside of the United States. The Company’s business processes, including distribution, sales, sourcing of content, marketing and advertising, are, accordingly, subject to multiple national, regional and local laws, regulations and policies. The Company could be adversely affected by noncompliance with existing foreign laws, regulations and policies, including those pertaining to foreign rights and exportation. In addition, changes in foreign laws, regulations, or government policies, including tax regulations and accounting standards, may adversely affect our operations and financial results. The Company is also exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and to business disruption caused by political, financial or economic instability or the occurrence of war or natural disasters or pandemics in foreign countries. In addition, the Company and its foreign operations could be adversely impacted by a downturn in general economic conditions on a more global basis caused by general political instability or unrest or changes in global economic affiliations or conditions, such as inflation.
Since the beginning of 2025 there have been significant increases in tariffs on certain goods imported into or exported from the U.S., and adverse responses by foreign governments arising from these tariffs. Depending upon the course of future negotiations among the United States and certain of its major trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, the EU and China, more tariffs may be added in the future. These tariffs (existing or future) could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and if we are not able to pass the price increases resulting from such tariffs through to our customers, our cost of sales will likely rise, decreasing our margins, operating income, and net income.
Certain of our activities are subject to weather and natural disaster risks as well as other events outside our control, which could disrupt our operations or otherwise adversely affect our financial performance.
The Company conducts certain of its businesses and maintains warehouse and office facilities in locations that are at risk of being negatively affected by severe weather and natural disaster events, including those caused by climate change, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, snowstorms, heat waves or earthquakes. Notably, much of the Company’s domestic distribution facilities are located in central Missouri. A disruption of these or other facilities could impact the Company’s school-based reading events business, as well as its trade and education businesses. Additionally, disruptions due to weather, natural disaster, epidemics or pandemics could result in school closures, resulting in reduced demand for the Company’s products in its school channels during the affected periods. Further, the Company may not be able to achieve its book fair count goals and may be materially impacted if widespread pandemic-related closures occur this coming school year. Increases in school security associated with high profile school shootings and other tragic incidents could impact the accessibility to schools for the school book fairs component of the Company's reading events business.
We own certain significant real estate assets which are subject to various risks related to conditions affecting the real estate market.
The Company has direct ownership of certain significant real estate assets, in particular the Company’s headquarters location in New York City, its primary distribution center in Jefferson City, Missouri and the UK facility in Warwickshire. The New York headquarters location serves a dual purpose as it also contains premium retail space that is or will be leased to retail tenants in order to generate rental income and cash flow. Accordingly, the Company is sensitive to various risk factors such as changes to real estate values and property taxes, pricing and demand for high end retail spaces in Soho, New York City, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, supply and demand, and the
credit worthiness of any retail tenants. There is also no guarantee that investment objectives for the retail component of the Company’s real estate will be achieved.
Risks Related to Stock Ownership
Control of the Company resides in the Estate of our former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer through The Estate's ownership of Class A Stock, and the holders of the Common Stock generally have no voting rights with respect to transactions requiring stockholder approval.
The voting power of the Corporation's capital stock is vested exclusively in the holders of Class A Stock, except for the right of the holders of Common Stock to elect one-fifth of the Board of Directors and except as otherwise provided by law or as may be established in favor of any series of preferred stock that may be issued. The Estate of Richard Robinson, the former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, beneficially owns a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Stock and is able to elect up to four-fifths of the Corporation's Board of Directors and, without the approval of the Corporation's other stockholders, to effect or block other actions or transactions requiring stockholder approval, such as a merger, sale of substantially all assets or similar transaction. Iole Lucchese, Chair of the Board of Directors, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the Company and President of Scholastic Entertainment, in her capacity as Scholastic special executor of the Estate under Mr. Robinson's will and revocable trust, controls the voting of the Estate's Class A Stock.
The Company's common stock price may be subject to significant fluctuations.
The Company's stock price may be subject to significant fluctuations, which could have an adverse effect on its business and the value of an investment in its common stock. The trading price of the Company's common stock has been and may continue to be subject to significant fluctuations and volatility in response to a variety of factors, including general economic and market conditions, changes in the Company's operating performance and financial results, industry trends and competitive pressures, and changes in analyst recommendations and perceptions.
Note
The risk factors listed above should not be construed as exhaustive of all possible risks that the Company may face. Additional risks not currently known to the Company or that the Company does not consider to be significant at the present time could also impact the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements relating to future periods. Additional written and oral forward-looking statements may be made by the Company from time to time in SEC filings and otherwise. The Company cautions readers that results or expectations expressed by forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to the Company’s future business prospects and strategic plans, ecommerce and digital initiatives, new product introductions, strategies, new education standards and policies, goals, revenues, improved efficiencies, general costs, manufacturing costs, medical costs, potential cost savings, merit pay, operating margins, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, the cost and timing of capital projects, interest costs, cash flows and income, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, due to factors including those noted in this Annual Report and other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Item 1B | Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 1C | Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
The Company is dedicated to upholding strong cybersecurity measures to protect its operations, data, and stakeholders' interests. By keeping a close eye on the cybersecurity landscape, the Company is able to adjust its strategies and governance practices to minimize risks in this rapidly changing area.
The Company has embraced the NIST-CSF as a blueprint for its cybersecurity program since 2018. This framework's key domains guide the establishment and continuous improvement of processes to identify, assess, and manage cyber risks and threats. The Company's controls are routinely monitored by its Security Operations Center. Its cybersecurity program, security posture, incident response, and security awareness training are tested by an external party to evaluate their effectiveness and maturity rating.
The Company maintains a comprehensive cybersecurity risk management program designed to identify, assess, manage, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. This program provides a framework for addressing threats and incidents, including those associated with third-party service providers. To secure its technology environment, the Company leverages the latest software and security capabilities, employing a defense-in-depth and layered strategy. This includes deploying next-gen endpoint detection and response, network anomaly detection, and multi-factor authentication across most of its environment. Additionally, the Company engages with third-party consultants and utilizes threat intelligence services to assist in its oversight and risk identification efforts. Furthermore, all employees and consultants with access to the Company's information systems are required to complete annual data protection and cybersecurity training, as well as ongoing phishing simulation exercises, as part of a broader training. Based on the information known as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company does not believe that any cybersecurity incident experienced has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For additional information about cybersecurity risks, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”
Governance
The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall oversight of the Company's enterprise risk management. The Board of Directors has delegated oversight of cybersecurity risks to the Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee. The Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee receives quarterly cybersecurity updates from the Company’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), which include updates on the Company’s cybersecurity policies and strategies, cyber risk posture, improvements and threats, the status of projects designed to continuously improve the Company’s information security systems, assessments of the Company’s security program, employee training and awareness programs, emerging threat landscape and engagement with external cybersecurity experts and advisors, as needed.
Management’s Role
Management is responsible for day-to-day risk management activities, including identifying and assessing cybersecurity risks, establishing processes to ensure that potential cybersecurity risk exposures are monitored, implementing appropriate mitigation or remediation measures and maintaining cybersecurity programs. Risk mitigation strategies and key performance indicators are defined, and tracked, as part of the quarterly internal reporting. The Information Security & Compliance team consists of subject matter experts in the field on Information Security, Risk Management, Compliance and Data Protection. The Information Security & Compliance team monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents through a variety of technical and operational measures, and regularly report to the CISO. The CISO is part of the senior management team and regularly updates the Technology, Data and Supply Chain Committee on the Company’s cybersecurity program, including cybersecurity risks, incidents, and mitigation strategies.
The Information Security & Compliance team is led by the Executive Director, Information Security and Compliance, who has 27 years of experience in IT and Security, including business risk management and cybersecurity, and reports to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), who has over 26 years in information technology and security roles. The Information Security & Compliance team has established processes and procedures that guide and enable
continuous monitoring, detection, prevention, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents. These processes are carried out using various security platforms tools, capabilities and strategies including tests of the Company's information security program, tabletop exercises, penetration and vulnerability testing, disaster recovery (DR) simulations, and other exercises to evaluate the effectiveness of the information security program and improve the security measures and planning. The Incident Response team utilizes procedures that identify escalation paths when security events are identified. Incident priorities dictate the escalation of events and how an Incident manager reports them to the executive leadership team within the Company and to the Board of Directors.
Cybersecurity risks remain a persistent challenge, as the threat landscape continues to evolve alongside technological advancements. While diligent efforts are made, complete risk elimination or incident assurances are not feasible.
Item 2 | Properties
As of May 31, 2025, the Company operated the following facilities: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Location | Primary Purpose | Owned Square Footage | Leased Square Footage |
Metropolitan NY Area | Principal offices | 355,000 | | 19,000 | |
U.S. Various Locations (1) | Book Fairs warehouses | — | | 2,302,000 | |
Jefferson City, MO Area | Primary warehouse and distribution facility | 1,459,000 | | — | |
International (2) | Warehouse and office space | 236,000 | | 1,022,000 | |
(1) Consists of approximately 40 book fairs warehouses.
(2) Consists of approximately 60 facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
In fiscal 2025, the Company ceased use of certain leased office space in the U.S., Canada and Ireland as part of the Company's efforts to rightsize its real estate footprint to reduce occupancy costs.
In regards to the Jefferson City, MO facility located at 6336 Algoa Road, the Company owns the warehouse, including office space, and related land of approximately 86 acres, in addition to two smaller warehouses in the vicinity, including office space, and related land of approximately 76 acres. In regards to the Company's headquarters in SoHo, New York City, the Company owns the land and buildings located at 555/557 Broadway with entrances facing Broadway and Mercer Street. There is leasable space within the Company's headquarters which is detailed in the table below.
| | | | | | | | |
Floor | Primary Use | Square Footage |
1 | Available for lease (1) | 23,600 | |
2 | Available for lease (2) | 36,100 | |
3 | Occupied by Scholastic; available for lease | 37,800 | |
4 | Occupied by Scholastic; available for lease | 37,100 | |
5 to 12 (3) | Occupied by Scholastic | 220,400 | |
(1) The first floor is comprised of three rentable spaces with square footage of approximately 13,400, 7,500 and 2,700. All rentable space was leased to tenants as of May 31, 2025. |
(2) Approximately 3,000 sq ft is leased to a tenant as of May 31, 2025. |
(3) Includes the first floor lobby and sub-floors consisting of an auditorium, wellness and fitness center, mail room, storage, etc. |
During fiscal 2025, the Company incurred capital expenditures of $7.2 million directly related to its headquarters location, which represents approximately 14% of total capital expenditures. During fiscal 2025, the Company recognized rental income of $11.2 million. The lease terms with the Company's tenants typically range from 10 to 15 years.
Subsequent to May 31, 2025, the Company entered into a 15-year lease for the remaining portion of the second floor. The Company expects annualized straight-line rental income of approximately $2 million related to this lease.
The Company considers its properties adequate for its current needs. With respect to the Company’s leased properties, no difficulties are anticipated in negotiating renewals as leases expire or in finding other satisfactory space, if current premises become unavailable. For further information concerning the Company’s obligations under its leases, see Note 1, "Description of the Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,"
and Note 10, "Leases," of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Item 3 | Legal Proceedings
Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of such liability can be reasonably estimated. When only a range can be estimated, the most probable amount in the range is accrued unless no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, in which case the minimum amount in the range is accrued. Legal costs associated with litigation loss contingencies are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. The Company does not expect, in the case of those claims and lawsuits where a loss is considered probable or reasonably possible, after taking into account any amounts currently accrued, that the reasonably possible losses from such claims and lawsuits would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. See Note 6, "Commitments and Contingencies," of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, "Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further discussion.
Item 4 | Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
Part II
Item 5 | Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information: Scholastic Corporation’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (the "NASDAQ") under the symbol SCHL. Scholastic Corporation’s Class A Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Class A Stock”), is convertible, at any time, into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis. There is no public trading market for the Class A Stock.
Holders: The number of holders of record of Class A Stock and Common Stock as of July 16, 2025 were 3 and approximately 22,065, respectively.
Dividends: On a quarterly basis, the Board of Directors considers the payment of cash dividends based upon its review of Company earnings, cash position and other relevant factors. On July 16, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.20 per Class A and Common share in respect of the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The dividend is payable on September 15, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 29, 2025. All dividends have been in compliance with the Company’s debt covenants.
Share Purchases: During fiscal 2025, the Company repurchased 3,482,280 of its Common shares at an average price paid per share of $20.10 for a total cost of approximately $70.9 million, inclusive of excise tax. During fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 3,993,576 of its Common shares at an average price paid per share of $39.00 for a total cost of approximately $156.8 million, inclusive of excise tax. This included a privately negotiated transaction with a related party for 400,000 Common shares at a 3.8% discount to market prices. See Note 22, "Related Party Transactions," of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further details regarding this transaction. As of May 31, 2025, approximately $70.0 million remains available for future purchases of Common shares, which represents the amount remaining under the Board authorization for Common share repurchases on March 20, 2024 and the current $53.4 million Board authorization for Common share repurchases announced on March 19, 2025, which is available for further repurchases, from time to time as conditions allow, on the open market or through negotiated private transactions.
The following table provides information with respect to repurchases of shares of Common Stock by the Corporation during the three months ended May 31, 2025:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Date | | Total number of shares purchased | | Average price paid per share | | Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs | | Maximum number of shares (or approximate dollar value in millions) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (i) |
March 1, 2025 through March 31, 2025 | | 26,544 | | | $ | 18.82 | | | 26,544 | | | $ | 99.5 | |
April 1, 2025 through April 30, 2025 | | 1,022,033 | | | $ | 17.10 | | | 1,022,033 | | | | 82.0 | |
May 1, 2025 through May 31, 2025 | | 634,857 | | | $ | 18.89 | | | 634,857 | | | | 70.0 | |
Total | | 1,683,434 | | | | | 1,683,434 | | | $ | 70.0 | |
(i) Total represents the amount remaining under the Board authorization for Common share repurchases on March 20, 2024 and the current $53.4 million additional Board authorization for Common share repurchases announced on March 19, 2025, which is available for further repurchases, from time to time as conditions allow, on the open market or through negotiated private transactions.
Stock Price Performance Graph
The graph below matches the Corporation’s cumulative 5-year total shareholder return on Common Stock with the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite index and a customized peer group of three companies that includes Pearson PLC, John Wiley & Sons Inc. and Stride, Inc. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in the Corporation’s Common Stock, in the index and in the peer group (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2025.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Scholastic Corporation, the NASDAQ Composite Index
and a Peer Group
*$100 invested on 5/31/20 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fiscal year ending May 31, |
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
Scholastic Corporation | $ | 100.00 | | $ | 117.45 | | $ | 133.08 | | $ | 153.57 | | $ | 132.86 | | $ | 66.04 | |
NASDAQ Composite Index | 100.00 | | 144.88 | | 127.31 | | 136.31 | | 176.35 | | 201.41 | |
Peer Group | 100.00 | | 182.15 | | 163.55 | | 157.02 | | 203.93 | | 306.90 | |
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Item 6 | [Reserved]
Item 7 | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
The Company categorizes its businesses into four reportable segments: Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution; Education Solutions; Entertainment; and International.
The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial position and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes included in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Overview and Outlook
Overview
Revenues from operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 increased by $35.8 million, or 2.3%, to $1,625.5 million, compared to $1,589.7 million in the prior fiscal year. The Company reported net loss per basic and diluted share of Class A and Common Stock of $0.07 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, compared to net income per basic and diluted share of Class A and Common Stock of $0.41 and $0.40, respectively, in the prior fiscal year.
During fiscal 2025, the Company successfully integrated 9 Story into its Entertainment segment, which significantly contributed to the Company's revenue growth year over year. Fiscal 2025 results also reflected new releases in the Company's bestselling series, including Sunrise on the Reaping, the latest installment in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series and Dav Pilkey's Dog Man #13: Big Jim Begins, which benefited the Company's trade channels globally and helped to offset softness in the overall retail market. Education Solutions continued to be negatively impacted by the continuing headwinds in the supplemental curriculum market and the Company is repositioning the business focused on long-term growth and improved profitability under its new leadership. Operating income in fiscal 2025 was $15.8 million compared to $14.5 million in the prior fiscal year, representing an increase of $1.3 million, as the Company successfully executed on a cost management strategy.
Outlook
During fiscal 2026, the Company expects to continue to expand the reach and monetization of Scholastic’s intellectual property, which includes the release of the next title in the best-selling Dog Man series and a growing slate of content development and production commitments. While there continues to be significant near-term uncertainty about school funding, the Company is focusing its product development and go-to-market strategies in Education Solutions to better align with the evolving needs of educators, schools, and families. The Company has also made progress on its strategic and operational initiatives, which include streamlining the Company's organizational structure, strengthening leadership, reducing costs and evaluating options to optimize its real estate assets, all of which are intended to enhance the Company's ability to drive long-term growth and deliver greater value to shareholders.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
General:
The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations is based upon its Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements involves the use of estimates and assumptions by management, which affects the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current business factors, future expectations and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, all of which are necessary in order to form a basis for determining the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the adequacy of its reserves and the estimates used in calculations, including, but not limited to: collectability of accounts receivable; variable consideration related to anticipated returns; allocation of transaction price to contractual performance obligations; amortization periods; stock-based compensation expense; pension and other postretirement obligations; tax rates; recoverability of inventories; deferred income taxes and tax reserves; the timing and amount of future income taxes and related deductions; recoverability of prepublication costs; recoverability of investment in film and television programs; royalty advance reserves; customer reward programs; and the impairment assessment of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangibles. For a complete description of the Company’s significant accounting policies, see Note 1, "Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The following policies and account descriptions include all those identified by the Company as critical to its business operations and the understanding of its results of operations:
Revenue recognition:
The Company has identified the allocation of the transaction price to contractual performance obligations related to revenues within the school-based book fairs channel, as described below, as a critical accounting estimate.
Revenues associated with school-based book fairs relate to the sale of children's books and other products to book fair sponsors. In addition, the Company employs an incentive program to encourage the sponsorship of book fairs and increase the number of fairs held each school year. The Company identifies two potential performance obligations within its school-based book fair contracts, which include the fulfillment of book fairs product and the fulfillment of product upon the redemption of incentive program credits by customers. The Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation and recognizes revenue at a point in time. The Company utilizes certain estimates based on historical experience, redemption patterns and future expectations related to the participation in the incentive program to determine the relative fair value of each performance obligation when allocating the transaction price. Changes in these estimates could impact the timing of the recognition of revenue. Revenue allocated to the book fairs product is recognized at the point at which product is delivered to the customer and control is transferred. The revenue allocated to the incentive program credits is recognized upon redemption of incentive credits and the transfer of control of the redeemed product. Incentive credits are generally redeemed within 12 months of issuance. Payment for school-based book fairs product is due at the completion of a customer's fair. Revenues associated with virtual fairs are recognized upon shipment of the products and related incentive program credits are expensed upon issuance.
Estimated returns:
For sales that include a right of return, the Company estimates the transaction price and records revenues as variable consideration based on the amounts the Company expects to ultimately be entitled. In order to determine estimated returns, the Company utilizes historical return rates, sales patterns, types of products and expectations and recognizes a corresponding reduction to Revenues and Cost of goods sold. Management also considers patterns of sales and returns in the months preceding the fiscal year, as well as actual returns received subsequent to the fiscal year, available customer and market specific data and other return rate information that management believes is relevant. In addition, a refund liability is recorded within Other accrued expenses for the consideration to which the Company believes it will not ultimately be entitled and a return asset is recorded within Prepaid expenses and other current assets for the expected inventory to be returned. Actual returns could differ from the Company's estimate. A one percentage point change in the estimated reserve for returns rate would have resulted in an increase or decrease in operating income for the year ended May 31, 2025 of approximately $5.0 million.
Inventories:
Inventories, consisting principally of books, are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. The Company records a reserve for excess and obsolete inventory based upon a calculation using the expected future sales of existing inventory driven by estimates around forecasted purchases, inventory consumption costs, and the sell-through rate of current fiscal year purchases. In accordance with the Company's inventory retention policy, expected future sales of existing inventory are compared against historical usage by channel for reasonableness and any specifically identified excess or obsolete inventory, due to an anticipated lack of demand, will also be reserved. The impact of a one percentage point change in the obsolescence reserve rate would have resulted in an increase or decrease in operating income for the year ended May 31, 2025 of approximately $3.5 million.
Royalty advances:
Royalty advances are initially capitalized and subsequently expensed as related revenues are earned or when the Company determines future recovery through earndowns is not probable. The Company has a long history of providing authors, illustrators, licensors and other publishers with royalty advances, and it tracks each advance earned with respect to the sale of the related publication. Historically, the longer the unearned portion of the advance remains outstanding, the less likely it is that the Company will recover the advance through the sale of the publication, as the related royalties earned are applied first against the remaining unearned portion of the advance. The Company applies this historical experience to its existing outstanding royalty advances to estimate the likelihood of recovery. Additionally, the Company’s editorial staff regularly reviews its portfolio of royalty advances to determine if individual royalty advances are not recoverable through earndowns for discrete reasons, such as the death of an author prior to completion of a title or titles, a Company decision to not publish a title, poor market demand or other relevant factors that could impact recoverability.
Business combinations:
The Company allocates the purchase price in a business combination to the underlying tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values, with any excess recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash flows, discount rates, estimated useful lives and market multiples, among other items.
With respect to the 9 Story acquisition, the Company was required to make significant judgments and estimates, particularly in the identification and valuation of identifiable intangible assets. The Company utilized a third-party valuation specialist in determining the fair values. The assets acquired primarily include intellectual property ("IP") related to 9 Story's existing and recognized program titles, customer contracts/relationships related to licensing, distribution and service arrangements, and the trade names associated with 9 Story and Brown Bag Films, its animation studio. The intellectual property and customer contracts/relationships were valued using the multi-period excess earnings valuation method and the tradename was valued using the relief-from-royalty valuation method. The significant underlying assumptions used in these methods included the projected revenue and revenue attributable to the individual intangible assets, as well as the discount and royalty rate. These assumptions are inherently subjective and sensitive to changes in market conditions and the future performance of the acquired business. Refer to Note 11, "Acquisitions," of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further details regarding this acquisition.
Evaluation of Goodwill impairment:
Goodwill is not amortized and is reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.
The Company compares the estimated fair values of its identified reporting units to the carrying values of their net assets. The Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of its identified reporting units are less than their carrying values. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company measures goodwill impairment by the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit. For each of the reporting units, the estimated fair value is determined utilizing the expected present value of the projected future cash flows of the reporting unit, in addition to comparisons to similar companies. The Company reviews its definition of reporting units annually or more frequently if conditions indicate that the reporting units may change. The Company evaluates its operating segments to determine if there are components one level below the operating segment level. A component is present if discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of the business. If an operating segment only contains a single
component, that component is determined to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. If an operating segment contains multiple components, the Company evaluates the economic characteristics of these components. Any components within an operating segment that share similar economic characteristics are aggregated and deemed to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. Components within the same operating segment that do not share similar economic characteristics are deemed to be individual reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes.
The Company has seven reporting units with goodwill subject to impairment testing. The determination of the fair value of the Company’s reporting units involves a number of assumptions, including the estimates of future cash flows, discount rates and market-based multiples, among others, each of which is subject to change. Accordingly, it is possible that changes in assumptions and the performance of certain reporting units could lead to impairments in future periods, which may be material.
Income taxes:
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, for purposes of determining taxable income, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax basis of such assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to be realized.
The Company believes that its taxable earnings, during the periods when the temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets become deductible or when tax benefit carryforwards may be utilized, should be sufficient to realize the related future income tax benefits. For those jurisdictions where the expiration date of the tax benefit carryforwards or the projected taxable earnings indicate that realization is not likely, the Company establishes a valuation allowance.
In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company estimates future taxable earnings, with consideration for the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and the realizability of tax benefit carryforwards, to determine which deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in the future. Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets can be impacted by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates and future taxable earnings. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates in future periods, the Company may need to adjust the valuation allowance.
Results of Operations - Consolidated
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Amounts in millions, except per share data) For fiscal years ended May 31, |
| 2025 | | 2024 |
| $ | | % (1) | | $ | | % (1) |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | |
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution | $ | 963.9 | | | 59.3 | | | $ | 953.3 | | | 60.0 | |
Education Solutions | | 309.8 | | | 19.1 | | | | 351.2 | | | 22.1 | |
Entertainment (2) | | 61.0 | | | 3.8 | | | | 1.9 | | | 0.1 | |
International | | 279.6 | | | 17.2 | | | | 273.6 | | | 17.2 | |
Other (3) | | 11.2 | | | 0.6 | | | | 9.7 | | | 0.6 | |
Total revenues | | 1,625.5 | | | 100.0 | | | | 1,589.7 | | | 100.0 | |
Cost of goods sold | | 718.8 | | | 44.2 | | | | 705.1 | | | 44.4 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 822.3 | | | 50.6 | | | | 803.0 | | | 50.5 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 65.7 | | | 4.0 | | | | 57.1 | | | 3.6 | |
Asset impairments and write downs | | 2.9 | | | 0.2 | | | | 10.0 | | | 0.6 | |
Operating income (loss) | | 15.8 | | | 1.0 | | | | 14.5 | | | 0.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | 2.2 | | | 0.1 | | | | 4.6 | | | 0.3 | |
Interest expense | | (18.2) | | | (1.1) | | | | (1.9) | | | (0.1) | |
Other components of net periodic benefit (cost) | | (1.1) | | | (0.1) | | | | (1.0) | | | (0.1) | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | | (1.3) | | | (0.1) | | | | 16.2 | | | 1.0 | |
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | | 0.6 | | | 0.0 | | | | 4.1 | | | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | $ | (1.9) | | | (0.1) | | | $ | 12.1 | | | 0.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share of Class A and Common Stock | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Basic | $ | (0.07) | | | | | $ | 0.41 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Diluted | $ | (0.07) | | | | | $ | 0.40 | | | |
(1) Represents percentage of total revenues.
(2) The 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, as acquired on June 20, 2024. The financial results for SEI for the prior fiscal year presented have been reclassified to Entertainment to reflect this change.
(3) Represents rental income related to leased space in the Company's headquarters which was not allocated to a segment.
Results of Operations – Consolidated
The section below is a discussion of the Company's fiscal year 2025 results compared to fiscal year 2024. A discussion of the Company's fiscal year 2024 results compared to fiscal year 2023 is not included in this Form 10-K and can be found in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for the year ended May 31, 2024, filed as part of the Company's Form 10-K dated July 19, 2024.
Fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024
Revenues from operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 increased by $35.8 million, or 2.3%, to $1,625.5 million, compared to $1,589.7 million in the prior fiscal year. Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution, Entertainment and International segment revenues increased $10.6 million, $59.1 million and $6.0 million, respectively, partially offset by lower revenues from the Education Solutions segment of $41.4 million.
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment revenues increased $10.6 million, primarily driven by the school reading events business on higher fair count in the book fairs channel and higher revenue per sponsor in the book clubs channel. Trade channel revenues were relatively consistent with the prior year as increased sales from the Hunger Games and Dog Man series, driven by the latest releases, Sunrise on the Reaping and Dog Man #13: Big Jim Begins, respectively, were largely offset by lower sales of backlist titles reflecting continued softness in the retail book market.
Education Solutions segment revenues decreased $41.4 million, primarily driven by the continued impact of market conditions as school districts focus on adopting and implementing new evidence-based core programs and decrease spending on supplemental materials.
Entertainment segment revenues increased $59.1 million, reflecting the addition of 9 Story.
International segment revenues increased $6.0 million, primarily driven by increased revenues from the Company's Major Markets, which benefited from the new releases in the Hunger Games and Dog Man series. International segment revenues were also impacted by unfavorable foreign currency exchange of $1.6 million.
Components of Cost of goods sold for fiscal years 2025 and 2024 are as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| ($ amounts in millions) |
| 2025 | % of revenue | | 2024 | % of revenue |
Product, service and production costs and inventory reserves | $ | 419.1 | | 25.8 | % | | $ | 417.2 | | 26.3 | % |
Royalty costs | | 129.4 | | 8.0 | | | | 118.9 | | 7.5 | |
Prepublication amortization | | 31.9 | | 2.0 | | | | 27.3 | | 1.7 | |
Postage, freight, shipping, fulfillment and all other costs | | 138.4 | | 8.4 | | | | 141.7 | | 8.9 | |
Total cost of goods sold | $ | 718.8 | | 44.2 | % | | $ | 705.1 | | 44.4 | % |
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was 44.2%, compared to 44.4% in the prior fiscal year. Cost of goods sold benefited from favorable product mix in the trade channels, driven in particular by the higher priced hardcover sales of Sunrise on the Reaping. This was largely offset by higher royalty costs as a result of an increase in the mix of higher-royalty bearing titles sold in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 and the addition of production costs as a result of the 9 Story acquisition. The Company expects cost of good sold to increase in fiscal 2026 due to the newly imposed tariffs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 were $822.3 million, compared to $803.0 million in the prior fiscal year. The $19.3 million increase was primarily attributable to the addition of 9 Story, which resulted in higher operating expenses in the period ended May 31, 2025, partially offset by lower commission expense and external labor costs within Education Solutions. In addition, amortization expense related to cloud computing arrangements for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 increased by $2.5 million compared to the prior fiscal year as a result of new assets placed into service.
Depreciation and amortization expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 were $65.7 million, compared to $57.1 million in the prior fiscal year. The $8.6 million increase in Depreciation and amortization was primarily driven by the intangible assets acquired as a result of the 9 Story acquisition. The Company also continues to shift spending to cloud
computing arrangements in which the amortization expense is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses rather than Depreciation and amortization.
Asset impairments and write downs for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 were $2.9 million, compared to $10.0 million in the prior year. In fiscal 2025, the Company recognized asset impairments of $1.2 million related to certain digital products in Children's Book Publishing and Distribution and Education Solutions, $1.1 million related to certain inventory and other assets in Asia, and $0.6 million related to the early exit of leased office space in the U.S., Canada and Ireland. In fiscal 2024, the Company recognized asset impairments of $6.1 million related to certain education products as a result of the shift to evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction in the education market and $3.9 million related to the early exit of leased office space in the U.S. and Canada.
Interest income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $2.2 million, compared to $4.6 million in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in interest income was attributable to lower average short term investment balances as compared to the prior fiscal year. The Company invests excess cash in short term investments which earn competitive interest rates that change directionally in relation to the Federal Funds rate.
Interest expense for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $18.2 million, compared to $1.9 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase in interest expense was due to borrowings under the U.S. Credit Agreement incurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2025 to fund the 9 Story acquisition. The Company expects to maintain these borrowings into the next fiscal year resulting in comparable to slightly higher interest expense in fiscal 2026. Any potential asset monetization strategies executed by the Company could result in repayments of the outstanding borrowings and reduce interest expense.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was (46.2)%, compared to 25.3% in the prior fiscal year. The effective tax rate varies from the statutory rate primarily due to expected state and local income taxes and non-deductible compensation for covered executive employees. The tax provision on the global consolidated loss before income taxes was due to the Company's domestic taxable income generating tax expense.
Net loss for fiscal 2025 was $1.9 million compared to net income of $12.1 million in fiscal 2024, a decrease of $14.0 million. The basic and diluted loss per share of Class A Stock and Common Stock was $0.07 in fiscal 2025, compared to basic and diluted income per share of Class A Stock and Common Stock of $0.41 and $0.40, respectively, in fiscal 2024. Outstanding shares decreased 11% from 28.2 million to 25.0 million as of May 31, 2025 which is expected to benefit earnings per share calculations in fiscal 2026.
Results of Operations – Segments
CHILDREN’S BOOK PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTION
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ amounts in millions) | 2025 compared to 2024 |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | $ change | | % change |
Revenues | $ | 963.9 | | | $ | 953.3 | | | $ | 10.6 | | | 1.1 | % |
Cost of goods sold | | 410.2 | | | | 412.0 | | | | (1.8) | | | (0.4) | |
Other operating expenses * | | 422.4 | | | | 417.5 | | | | 4.9 | | | 1.2 | |
Asset impairments and write downs | | 0.6 | | | | 0.5 | | | | 0.1 | | | 20.0 |
Operating income (loss) | $ | 130.7 | | | $ | 123.3 | | | $ | 7.4 | | | 6.0 | % |
Operating margin | | 13.6 | % | | | 12.9 | % | | | | | |
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization.
Fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 increased by $10.6 million to $963.9 million, compared to $953.3 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase in segment revenues was primarily driven by increased revenues from School Reading Events of $8.2 million. Book fairs channel revenues increased $6.7 million, driven by higher fair count, partially offset by slightly lower revenue per fair as compared to the prior year. Book clubs channel revenues increased $1.5 million as a result of higher revenue per sponsor and an increase in events. Trade channel revenues were relatively consistent with the prior year, increasing $2.4 million, or 1%, as increased sales from the Hunger Games and Dog Man series, driven by the latest releases, Sunrise on the Reaping and Dog Man #13: Big Jim Begins, respectively, were largely offset by lower sales of backlist titles reflecting continued softness in the retail book market. The retail book
market is expected to remain soft in fiscal 2026 and, similar to fiscal 2025, the Company is anticipating its proprietary school market channels to outpace this softness.
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $410.2 million, or 42.6% of revenues, compared to $412.0 million, or 43.2% of revenues, in the prior fiscal year. The improvement in Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was primarily attributable to the mix of product sold in the trade channel in fiscal 2025, driven in particular by the higher priced hardcover sales of Sunrise on the Reaping, partially offset by higher royalty costs as a result of an increase in the mix of higher-royalty bearing titles sold in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. In addition, the book fairs channel had lower excess inventory reserves as a result of better inventory utilization. The Company expects an increase in cost of product as a result of increased tariffs, especially in the book fairs channel beginning in the peak selling season in the upcoming second fiscal quarter.
Other operating expenses were $422.4 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, compared to $417.5 million in the prior fiscal year. The $4.9 million increase in Other operating expenses was primarily attributable to the book fairs channel to support the increased fair count, in addition to inflationary pressures.
Asset impairments were $0.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, compared to $0.5 million in the prior fiscal year. In fiscal 2025, the Company recognized an asset impairment of $0.6 million related to certain digital products. In fiscal 2024, the Company early exited leased office space, as a result of which the Company recognized an impairment expense of $0.5 million, primarily related to the right-of-use asset associated with the operating lease.
Segment operating income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $130.7 million, compared to $123.3 million in the prior fiscal year. The $7.4 million increase in operating income was attributable to higher revenues, primarily from School Reading Events, driven by higher fair count in the book fairs channel, coupled with favorable cost of product in the trade channel driven by higher margins on Sunrise on the Reaping. This was partially offset by increased operating costs in the book fairs channel to support the increased fair count.
EDUCATION SOLUTIONS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ amounts in millions) | 2025 compared to 2024 |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | $ change | | % change |
Revenues | $ | 309.8 | | | $ | 351.2 | | | $ | (41.4) | | (11.8) | % |
Cost of goods sold | | 122.8 | | | | 137.6 | | | | (14.8) | | (10.8) | |
Other operating expenses * | | 180.1 | | | | 191.7 | | | | (11.6) | | (6.1) | |
Asset impairments | | 0.6 | | | | 6.1 | | | | (5.5) | | (90.2) |
Operating income (loss) | $ | 6.3 | | | $ | 15.8 | | | $ | (9.5) | | (60.1) | % |
Operating margin | | 2.0 | % | | | 4.5 | % | | | | | |
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization.
Fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 decreased by $41.4 million to $309.8 million, compared to $351.2 million in the prior fiscal year. The decrease in segment revenues was primarily driven by the continued impact of market conditions as school districts focus on adopting and implementing new evidence-based core programs and decrease spending on supplemental materials. In addition, subscription revenues from Magazines+ and revenues from community literacy programs decreased from the prior fiscal year. Partially offsetting the decline, the segment benefited from increased revenues from sponsored programs as a result of an increase in participants and increased sales of the Company's Ready4ReadingTM phonics curriculum. The Company expects the revenues to remain consistent in fiscal 2026 due to the on-going headwinds in the education market.
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $122.8 million, or 39.6% of revenue, compared to $137.6 million, or 39.2% of revenue, in the prior fiscal year. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues was impacted by higher outbound freight costs related to sponsored programs, which was largely offset by lower prepublication amortization as a result of the impairment of certain education products in fiscal 2024.
Other operating expenses were $180.1 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, compared to $191.7 million in the prior fiscal year. The $11.6 million decrease in Other operating expenses was primarily attributable to lower commission expense driven by the lower revenues, in addition to lower external labor and marketing costs.
Asset impairments were $0.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, compared to $6.1 million in the prior fiscal year. In fiscal 2025, the Company recognized an asset impairment of $0.6 million related to certain digital products. In fiscal 2024, the Company recognized an asset impairment of $6.1 million related to certain education products that were not aligned with evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction.
Segment operating income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $6.3 million, compared to $15.8 million in the prior fiscal year. The $9.5 million decrease in operating income was attributable to lower revenues, primarily due to continued market conditions which resulted in decreased spending on supplemental materials. This was partially offset by lower external labor and marketing costs and lower impairment expense in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025.
ENTERTAINMENT
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ amounts in millions) | 2025 compared to 2024 |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | $ change | | % change |
Revenues | $ | 61.0 | | | $ | 1.9 | | | $ | 59.1 | | NM |
Cost of goods sold | | 33.4 | | | | 0.1 | | | | 33.3 | | NM |
Other operating expenses * | | 39.2 | | | | 13.0 | | | | 26.2 | | NM |
Asset impairments and write downs | | 0.5 | | | | — | | | | 0.5 | | NM |
Operating income (loss) | $ | (12.1) | | | $ | (11.2) | | | $ | (0.9) | | (8.0)% |
Operating margin | | NM | | | NM | | | | | |
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization.
NM Not meaningful The Entertainment segment includes the operations of 9 Story, as acquired on June 20, 2024, and Scholastic Entertainment Inc. ("SEI"). SEI was reported in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior periods. The financial results for SEI for fiscal 2024 have been reclassified to Entertainment to reflect this change. Refer to Note 11, "Acquisitions," of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, "Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further details regarding the acquisition of 9 Story.
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 were $61.0 million compared to $1.9 million in the prior fiscal year period. The increase reflected the addition of 9 Story from the date of acquisition on June 20, 2024 through May 31, 2025 in which a majority of the revenues were driven by production revenue related to episodic deliveries, production services provided to third parties and, to a lesser extent, revenues from royalties and distribution. Entertainment revenues have been negatively impacted by delays in production greenlights from major platforms which are expected to improve in fiscal 2026.
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $33.4 million, or 54.8% of revenues. Cost of goods sold primarily consists of production costs and amortization, participation expenses and interest on film related obligations.
Other operating expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 were $39.2 million, which included costs of $3.0 million related to the 9 Story acquisition and severance expense of $1.4 million related to cost-saving initiatives. Other operating expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024 were $13.0 million, which included transaction costs of $9.3 million related to the 9 Story acquisition.
Asset impairments for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 were $0.5 million. The Company early exited certain leased office space as a result of which the Company recognized an impairment expense of $0.5 million in fiscal 2025, primarily related to the right-of-use asset associated with the operating leases.
Segment operating loss for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $12.1 million compared to $11.2 million in the prior fiscal year.
INTERNATIONAL
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
($ amounts in millions) | 2025 compared to 2024 |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | $ change | | % change |
Revenues | $ | 279.6 | | | $ | 273.6 | | | $ | 6.0 | | 2.2 | % |
Cost of goods sold | | 159.3 | | | | 162.2 | | | | (2.9) | | (1.8) | |
Other operating expenses * | | 120.2 | | | | 117.2 | | | | 3.0 | | 2.6 | |
Asset impairments and write downs | | 1.1 | | | | 1.1 | | | | — | | — |
Operating income (loss) | $ | (1.0) | | | $ | (6.9) | | | $ | 5.9 | | 85.5% |
Operating margin | | NM | | | NM | | | | | |
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization.
NM Not meaningfulFiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 increased by $6.0 million to $279.6 million compared to $273.6 million in the prior fiscal year. Local currency revenues in the Company's ongoing foreign operations increased $7.6 million when compared to the prior fiscal year, excluding unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $1.6 million. In the UK, local currency revenues increased $8.4 million, driven by higher trade channel sales which benefited from several current year releases including the latest Hunger Games title, Sunrise of the Reaping, Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and Dog Man #13: Big Jim Begins by Dav Pilkey, in addition to higher book fairs channel sales driven by higher fair count. In Canada, local currency revenues increased $4.2 million, primarily driven by higher sales from the trade channel, which benefited from the new releases in the Hunger Games and Dog Man series and lower sales returns from its major customers, coupled with higher sales from the book clubs channel. In Australia and New Zealand, local currency revenues increased $1.9 million, driven by increased sales of education products in New Zealand and higher trade channel sales in both markets, partially offset by lower school channel revenues in Australia. The increase in revenues from the Major Markets was partly offset by lower local currency revenues in Asia of $5.5 million. This was primarily attributable to lower sales within the trade and education channels, partially offset by growth in India. Export channel sales also decreased $1.4 million as compared to the prior fiscal year.
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $159.3 million, or 57.0% of revenues, compared to $162.2 million, or 59.3% of revenues, in the prior fiscal year. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues decreased as a result of the mix of product sold in Canada and the U.K. in fiscal 2025, driven in particular by the higher priced hardcover sales of Sunrise on the Reaping. This was partially offset by increased fulfillment costs in Australia on lower revenues.
Other operating expenses were $120.2 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, compared to $117.2 million in the prior fiscal year. Other operating expenses increased $3.0 million primarily due to higher general overhead costs in the Major Markets, partially offset by lower costs in Asia driven by operational efficiencies as a result of the Company's reorganization efforts. In the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, the Company incurred severance expense from its cost-saving initiatives and reorganization efforts in Asia, Canada and Australia of $2.8 million, compared to $2.7 million in the prior fiscal year related to reorganization efforts in Canada and its exit from the franchise business in China.
Asset impairments and write downs were $1.1 million for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024. In fiscal 2025, the Company recognized an asset impairment of $1.1 million related to certain inventory and other assets that were not recoverable as a result of the reorganization in China. In fiscal 2024, the Company early exited certain leased office space in Canada as part of the Company's efforts to rightsize its real estate footprint to reduce occupancy costs, resulting in an impairment expense of $1.1 million related to the right-of-use assets associated with the operating leases.
Segment operating loss for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 was $1.0 million, compared to $6.9 million in the prior fiscal year. The $5.9 million improvement was primarily attributable to higher revenues in the Major Markets, coupled with favorable cost of product in the trade channels driven by higher margins on Sunrise on the Reaping. In addition, operating efficiencies in Canada and Asia drove improved profitability, coupled with lower trade sales returns in Canada. This improvement was partially offset by increased general overhead costs in the Major Markets in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025.
Overhead
Fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024
Unallocated overhead expense for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 increased by $1.6 million to $108.1 million, compared to $106.5 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase was primarily attributable to higher employee-related expenses driven by higher medical costs. This was partly offset by lower severance expense of $0.6 million related to the Company's cost-savings initiatives and lower impairment expense of $2.2 million. The Company early exited certain leased office space as part of the Company's efforts to rightsize office space in fiscal years 2025 and 2024, resulting in an impairment expense of $0.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively, related to the right-of-use assets associated with the operating leases. In addition, the Company recognized higher rental income of $1.5 million as a result of a new tenant leasing space in the Company's headquarters.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024
Cash provided by operating activities was $124.2 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $154.6 million for the prior fiscal year, representing a decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $30.4 million. The decrease in cash provided was primarily driven by lower customer remittances, increased inventory purchases and royalty advance payments, as well as increased medical claim payments, interest payments related to the Company's borrowings and higher spending in Entertainment due to the acquisition of 9 Story in fiscal 2025. This was partially offset by lower tax payments and lower discretionary spending in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025.
Cash used in investing activities was $252.9 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, compared to cash used in investing activities of $89.7 million for the prior fiscal year, representing an increase in cash used in investing activities of $163.2 million. The increase in cash used was driven by the cash paid for the 9 Story acquisition of $176.2 million, net of cash acquired, during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, as compared to the prior fiscal year in which the Company acquired certain amortizable intangible assets related to educational programs and a U.S.-based children's book publishing business for $6.0 million and purchased the remaining noncontrolling interest related to Make Believe Ideas Limited for $2.1 million. This was partially offset by lower capital expenditures of $6.2 million.
Cash provided by financing activities was $137.3 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, compared to cash used in financing activities of $176.1 million for the prior fiscal year, representing an increase in cash provided by financing activities of $313.4 million. The increase in cash provided was primarily attributable to net borrowings of $250 million under the U.S. Credit Agreement incurred during fiscal 2025 to fund the 9 Story acquisition. In addition, the Company repurchased common stock of $70.0 million, compared to repurchases of $158.2 million in the prior fiscal year, which also resulted in lower dividends of $2.1 million. This was partially offset by $18.3 million of net repayments of film related obligations in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025.
Cash Position
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $124.0 million at May 31, 2025 and $113.7 million at May 31, 2024. Cash and cash equivalents held by the Company’s U.S. operations totaled $48.7 million at May 31, 2025 and $54.9 million at May 31, 2024.
The Company’s operating philosophy is to use cash provided by operating activities to create value by paying down debt, reinvesting in existing businesses and, from time to time, making acquisitions that will complement its portfolio of businesses or acquiring other strategic assets, as well as engaging in shareholder enhancement initiatives, such as share repurchases or dividend declarations. During fiscal 2025, the Company repurchased $70.0 million of its common stock on the open market. See Note 15, "Treasury Stock," of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, "Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further details. Under the Company's open-market buy-back program, $70.0 million remained available for future purchases of common shares as of May 31, 2025.
The Company has maintained, and expects to maintain for the foreseeable future, sufficient liquidity to fund ongoing operations, including working capital requirements, pension contributions, postretirement benefits, debt service, planned capital expenditures and other investments, as well as dividends and share repurchases. As of May 31, 2025, the Company’s primary sources of liquidity consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $124.0 million, cash from
operations and the Company's U.S. Credit Agreement. The Company expects the U.S. Credit Agreement to provide it with an appropriate level of flexibility to strategically manage its business operations. The U.S. Credit Agreement has a borrowing limit of $400 million and a maturity date of November 26, 2029. See Note 5, "Debt," of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, "Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for more information regarding the U.S. Credit Agreement. As of May 31, 2025, the Company's U.S. Credit Agreement, less borrowings of $250.0 million and commitments of $0.4 million, had $149.6 million of availability. Additionally, the Company has short-term credit facilities of $32.0 million, less current borrowings of $6.2 million and commitments of $3.6 million, resulting in $22.2 million of current availability under these facilities at May 31, 2025. Accordingly, the Company believes these sources of liquidity are sufficient to finance its currently anticipated ongoing operating needs, as well as its financing and investing activities.
The following table summarizes, as of May 31, 2025, the Company’s contractual cash obligations by future period (see Notes 5, 6, 10 and 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | $ amounts in millions |
| Payments Due By Period |
Contractual Obligations | 1 Year or Less | | Years 2-3 | | Years 4-5 | | After Year 5 | | Total |
Minimum print quantities | $ | 0.4 | | | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | 0.3 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1.3 | |
Royalty advances | | 13.0 | | | | 11.0 | | | | 1.7 | | | | 0.2 | | | | 25.9 | |
Lines of credit and short-term debt | | 6.2 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 6.2 | |
Long-term debt | | — | | | | — | | | | 250.0 | | | | — | | | | 250.0 | |
Film related obligations (1) | | 6.1 | | | | 10.0 | | | | 2.2 | | | | — | | | | 18.3 | |
Finance leases (2) | | 2.1 | | | | 3.2 | | | | 1.6 | | | | 0.5 | | | | 7.4 | |
Operating leases | | 32.4 | | | | 53.7 | | | | 26.3 | | | | 25.3 | | | | 137.7 | |
Pension and postretirement plans (3) | | 2.4 | | | | 4.6 | | | | 4.6 | | | | 11.3 | | | | 22.9 | |
Total | $ | 62.6 | | | $ | 83.1 | | | $ | 286.7 | | | $ | 37.3 | | | $ | 469.7 | |
(1) Film related obligations are due on demand. Outstanding borrowings are presented by fiscal year maturity based on expected repayment dates per loan agreements.
(2) Includes principal and interest.
(3) Excludes expected Medicare Part D subsidy receipts.
Financing
Loan Agreement
The Company is party to the U.S. Credit Agreement and certain credit lines with various banks, including those related to film related obligations. For a more complete description of the U.S. Credit Agreement, as well as the Company's other debt obligations, reference is made to Note 5, "Debt," of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Acquisitions
In the ordinary course of business, the Company explores domestic and international expansion opportunities, including potential niche and strategic acquisitions. As part of this process, the Company engages with interested parties in discussions concerning possible transactions. The Company will continue to evaluate such expansion opportunities and prospects. See Note 11, "Acquisitions," of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Item 7A | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company conducts its business in various foreign countries, and as such, its cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company sells products from its domestic operations to its foreign subsidiaries, creating additional currency risk. The Company manages its exposures to this market risk through internally established procedures and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of short-term forward exchange contracts which were not significant as of May 31, 2025. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions or use other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The Company is subject to the risk that market interest rates and its cost of borrowing will increase and thereby increase the interest charged under its variable-rate debt.
Additional information relating to the Company’s derivative transactions and outstanding financial instruments is included in Note 20, "Derivatives and Hedging," and Note 5, "Debt," respectively, of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” which is included herein.
The following table sets forth information about the Company’s debt instruments as of May 31, 2025:
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ amounts in millions |
| | Fiscal Year Maturity | | | | Fair Value |
| | 2026 | | 2027 | | 2028 | | 2029 | | 2030 | | Thereafter | | Total | | 2025 |
Debt Obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lines of credit and current portion of long-term debt | | $ | 6.2 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 6.2 | | | $ | 6.2 | |
Average interest rate | | 4.5 | % | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | |
Long-term debt | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 250.0 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 250.0 | | | $ | 250.0 | |
Average interest rate | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 6.1 | % | | — | | | | | |
Film related obligations (1) | | $ | 6.1 | | | $ | 9.3 | | | $ | 0.7 | | | $ | 2.2 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 18.3 | | | $ | 18.3 | |
Average interest rate | | 5.7 | % | | 6.6 | % | | 5.7 | % | | 5.5 | % | | — | | | — | | | | | |
(1) Film related obligations are due on demand. Outstanding borrowings are presented by fiscal year maturity based on expected repayment dates per loan agreements.
Item 8 | Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
| | | | | | | | |
| | Page |
| | |
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | | 36 |
| | |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | | 37 |
| | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2025 and 2024 | | 38 |
| | |
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | | 39 |
| | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 | | 40 |
| | |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | | 42 |
| | |
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42) | | 85 |
| | |
Supplementary Financial Information - Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations | | 89 |
| | |
The following consolidated financial statement schedule for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 is filed with this annual report on Form 10-K: | | |
| | |
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves | | S-1 |
All other schedules have been omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Amounts in millions, except per share data) For fiscal years ended May 31, |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Revenues | $ | 1,625.5 | | | $ | 1,589.7 | | | $ | 1,704.0 | |
Operating costs and expenses | | | | | | | | |
Cost of goods sold | | 718.8 | | | | 705.1 | | | | 786.4 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 822.3 | | | | 803.0 | | | | 756.6 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 65.7 | | | | 57.1 | | | | 54.7 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Asset impairments and write downs | | 2.9 | | | | 10.0 | | | | — | |
Total operating costs and expenses | | 1,609.7 | | | | 1,575.2 | | | | 1,597.7 | |
Operating income (loss) | | 15.8 | | | | 14.5 | | | | 106.3 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | 2.2 | | | | 4.6 | | | | 7.2 | |
Interest expense | | (18.2) | | | | (1.9) | | | | (1.4) | |
Other components of net periodic benefit (cost) | | (1.1) | | | | (1.0) | | | | 0.3 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | | (1.3) | | | | 16.2 | | | | 112.4 | |
Provision (benefit) for income taxes | | 0.6 | | | | 4.1 | | | | 25.9 | |
Net income (loss) | $ | (1.9) | | | $ | 12.1 | | | $ | 86.5 | |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.2 | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Scholastic Corporation | $ | (1.9) | | | $ | 12.1 | | | $ | 86.3 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share of Class A and Common Stock | | | | | | | | |
Basic: | | | | | | | | |
Net Income (loss) attributable to Scholastic Corporation | $ | (0.07) | | | $ | 0.41 | | | $ | 2.56 | |
Diluted: | | | | | | | | |
Net Income (loss) attributable to Scholastic Corporation | $ | (0.07) | | | $ | 0.40 | | | $ | 2.49 | |
Dividends declared per share of Class A and Common Stock | $ | 0.80 | | | $ | 0.80 | | | $ | 0.80 | |
See accompanying notes
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Amounts in millions) For fiscal years ended May 31, |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Net income (loss) | $ | (1.9) | | | $ | 12.1 | | | $ | 86.5 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net: | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | 10.9 | | | | 3.1 | | | | (5.4) | |
Pension and postretirement adjustments, net of tax | | 0.1 | | | | 0.2 | | | | (5.0) | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 11.0 | | | $ | 3.3 | | | $ | (10.4) | |
Comprehensive income (loss) | | 9.1 | | | | 15.4 | | | | 76.1 | |
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.2 | |
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Scholastic Corporation | $ | 9.1 | | | $ | 15.4 | | | $ | 75.9 | |
See accompanying notes
Consolidated Balance Sheets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Amounts in millions) Balances at May 31, |
ASSETS | 2025 | | 2024 |
Current Assets: | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 124.0 | | | $ | 113.7 | |
| | | | | |
Accounts receivable, net | | 273.4 | | | | 235.0 | |
Inventories, net | | 250.2 | | | | 264.2 | |
Income tax receivable | | 8.8 | | | | 15.2 | |
Tax credit receivable | | 21.0 | | | | — | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | 47.9 | | | | 48.8 | |
| | | | | |
Total current assets | | 725.3 | | | | 676.9 | |
Noncurrent Assets: | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | | 516.3 | | | | 511.9 | |
Prepublication costs, net | | 49.7 | | | | 49.5 | |
Investment in film and television programs, net | | 42.1 | | | | — | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | | 103.9 | | | | 99.1 | |
Royalty advances, net | | 78.1 | | | | 57.8 | |
| | | | | |
Goodwill | | 198.9 | | | | 132.8 | |
Other intangible assets, net | | 87.9 | | | | 10.3 | |
Noncurrent deferred income taxes | | 34.7 | | | | 23.1 | |
Other assets and deferred charges | | 113.2 | | | | 109.8 | |
| | | | | |
Total noncurrent assets | | 1,224.8 | | | | 994.3 | |
Total assets | $ | 1,950.1 | | | $ | 1,671.2 | |
| | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | |
Current Liabilities: | | | | | |
Lines of credit and current portion of long-term debt | $ | 6.2 | | | $ | 6.0 | |
Film related obligations | | 18.3 | | | | — | |
| | | | | |
Accounts payable | | 157.3 | | | | 138.5 | |
Accrued royalties | | 69.1 | | | | 48.5 | |
Deferred revenue | | 178.8 | | | | 161.1 | |
Other accrued expenses | | 166.2 | | | | 156.3 | |
Accrued income taxes | | 3.7 | | | | 1.9 | |
Operating lease liabilities | | 26.8 | | | | 22.4 | |
| | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | 626.4 | | | | 534.7 | |
Noncurrent Liabilities: | | | | | |
Long-term debt | | 250.0 | | | | — | |
Operating lease liabilities | | 91.5 | | | | 89.2 | |
Other noncurrent liabilities | | 35.7 | | | | 29.2 | |
Total noncurrent liabilities | | 377.2 | | | | 118.4 | |
Commitments and Contingencies: | | — | | | | — | |
Stockholders’ Equity: | | | | | |
Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value: Authorized, 2.0 shares; Issued and Outstanding, none | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Class A Stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized, 3.2 and 3.2 shares, respectively; Issued and Outstanding, 0.8 and 0.8 shares, respectively | | 0.0 | | | | 0.0 | |
Common Stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized, 70.0 shares; Issued, 42.9 shares; Outstanding, 24.2 and 27.4 shares, respectively | | 0.4 | | | | 0.4 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | 607.1 | | | | 604.6 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | | (41.5) | | | | (52.5) | |
Retained earnings | | 999.7 | | | | 1,023.7 | |
Treasury stock at cost: 18.7 and 15.5 shares, respectively | | (619.2) | | | | (558.1) | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Total stockholders’ equity | | 946.5 | | | | 1,018.1 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,950.1 | | | $ | 1,671.2 | |
See accompanying notes
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | (Amounts in millions) |
| Class A Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Retained Earnings | Treasury Stock At Cost | Total Stockholders' Equity of Scholastic Corporation | Noncontrolling Interest | Total Stockholders' Equity |
| Shares | | Amount | Shares | | Amount |
Balance at May 31, 2022 | 1.7 | | | $ | 0.0 | | 32.5 | | | $ | 0.4 | | | $ | 627.0 | | | $ | (45.4) | | | $ | 976.5 | | | $ | (341.5) | | | $ | 1,217.0 | | $ | 1.4 | | $ | 1,218.4 | |
Net Income (loss) | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 86.3 | | | — | | | 86.3 | | 0.2 | | 86.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (5.4) | | | — | | | — | | | (5.4) | | — | | (5.4) | |
Pension and post-retirement adjustments (net of tax of $0.0) | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (5.0) | | | — | | | — | | | (5.0) | | — | | (5.0) | |
Stock-based compensation | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | 10.5 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 10.5 | | — | | 10.5 | |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock pursuant to stock-based compensation plans | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | 18.4 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 18.4 | | — | | 18.4 | |
Purchases of treasury stock at cost | — | | | — | | (3.3) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (135.1) | | | (135.1) | | — | | (135.1) | |
Treasury stock issued pursuant to stock purchase plans | — | | | — | | 0.8 | | | — | | | (23.7) | | | — | | | — | | | 27.1 | | | 3.4 | | — | | 3.4 | |
Dividends | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (27.2) | | | — | | | (27.2) | | — | | (27.2) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at May 31, 2023 | 1.7 | | | $ | 0.0 | | 30.0 | | | $ | 0.4 | | | $ | 632.2 | | | $ | (55.8) | | | $ | 1,035.6 | | | $ | (449.5) | | | $ | 1,162.9 | | $ | 1.6 | | $ | 1,164.5 | |
Net Income (loss) | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 12.1 | | | — | | | 12.1 | | — | | 12.1 | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 3.1 | | | — | | | — | | | 3.1 | | — | | 3.1 | |
Pension and post-retirement adjustments (net of tax of $0.2) | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 0.2 | | | — | | | — | | | 0.2 | | — | | 0.2 | |
Stock-based compensation | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | 11.0 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 11.0 | | — | | 11.0 | |
Proceeds pursuant to stock-based compensation plans | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | 6.5 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 6.5 | | — | | 6.5 | |
Purchases of treasury stock at cost | — | | | — | | (4.0) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (156.8) | | | (156.8) | | — | | (156.8) | |
Treasury stock issued pursuant to equity-based plans | — | | | — | | 0.5 | | | — | | | (16.0) | | | — | | | — | | | 19.6 | | | 3.6 | | — | | 3.6 | |
Dividends | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (24.0) | | | — | | | (24.0) | | — | | (24.0) | |
Other (share conversion) | (0.9) | | | — | | 0.9 | | | — | | | (28.6) | | | — | | | — | | | 28.6 | | | — | | — | | — | |
Other (noncontrolling interest) | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | (0.5) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (0.5) | | (1.6) | | (2.1) | |
Balance at May 31, 2024 | 0.8 | | | $ | 0.0 | | 27.4 | | | 0.4 | | | 604.6 | | | (52.5) | | | 1,023.7 | | | (558.1) | | | 1,018.1 | | — | | 1,018.1 | |
Net Income (loss) | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1.9) | | | — | | | (1.9) | | — | | (1.9) | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 10.9 | | | — | | | — | | | 10.9 | | — | | 10.9 | |
Pension and post-retirement adjustments (net of tax of $0.2) | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 0.1 | | | — | | | — | | | 0.1 | | — | | 0.1 | |
Stock-based compensation | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | 9.3 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 9.3 | | — | | 9.3 | |
Proceeds pursuant to stock-based compensation plans | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | (0.4) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (0.4) | | — | | (0.4) | |
Purchases of treasury stock at cost | — | | | — | | (3.5) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (70.9) | | | (70.9) | | — | | (70.9) | |
Treasury stock issued pursuant to equity-based plans | — | | | — | | 0.3 | | | — | | | (6.4) | | | — | | | — | | | 9.8 | | | 3.4 | | — | | 3.4 | |
Dividends | — | | | — | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (22.1) | | | — | | | (22.1) | | — | | (22.1) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at May 31, 2025 | 0.8 | | | $ | 0.0 | | 24.2 | | | $ | 0.4 | | | $ | 607.1 | | | $ | (41.5) | | | $ | 999.7 | | | $ | (619.2) | | | $ | 946.5 | | $ | — | | $ | 946.5 | |
See accompanying notes
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Amounts in millions) Years ended May 31, |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Cash flows - operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Scholastic Corporation | $ | (1.9) | | | $ | 12.1 | | | $ | 86.3 | |
Adjustments to reconcile Net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Provision for losses on accounts receivable | | 5.0 | | | | 5.2 | | | | 3.3 | |
Provision for losses on inventory | | 16.1 | | | | 20.4 | | | | 26.5 | |
Provision for losses on royalty advances | | 5.7 | | | | 2.7 | | | | 4.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Amortization of prepublication costs | | 21.9 | | | | 26.2 | | | | 25.1 | |
Amortization of film and television programs | | 9.9 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 78.5 | | | | 67.0 | | | | 64.6 | |
Amortization of pension and postretirement plans | | 0.5 | | | | 0.4 | | | | (0.4) | |
Deferred income taxes | | (19.7) | | | | (1.9) | | | | (0.7) | |
Stock-based compensation | | 9.3 | | | | 11.0 | | | | 10.5 | |
Income from equity method investments | | (0.5) | | | | (0.5) | | | | (0.9) | |
Non cash write off related to asset impairments and write downs | | 2.9 | | | | 10.0 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | (26.7) | | | | 38.2 | | | | 15.0 | |
Inventories | | (2.8) | | | | 50.9 | | | | (83.6) | |
Income tax receivable | | 6.8 | | | | (6.3) | | | | 17.7 | |
Tax credit receivable | | 10.6 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | 4.1 | | | | (1.7) | | | | 21.5 | |
Investment in film and television programs | | (12.5) | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Royalty advances | | (25.8) | | | | (3.4) | | | | (12.0) | |
Accounts payable | | 15.5 | | | | (32.5) | | | | 9.4 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Accrued royalties | | 13.3 | | | | (4.5) | | | | (7.6) | |
Deferred revenue | | 7.5 | | | | (8.1) | | | | (2.9) | |
Other accrued expenses | | (1.5) | | | | (10.3) | | | | (15.3) | |
Accrued income taxes | | 1.7 | | | | (11.5) | | | | 10.9 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other, net | | 6.3 | | | | (8.8) | | | | (22.7) | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | 124.2 | | | | 154.6 | | | | 148.9 | |
Cash flows - investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Prepublication expenditures | | (24.5) | | | | (22.8) | | | | (26.9) | |
Additions to property, plant and equipment | | (52.2) | | | | (58.4) | | | | (62.0) | |
Acquisition-related payments | | (176.2) | | | | (6.4) | | | | (10.7) | |
Purchase of noncontrolling interests | | — | | | | (2.1) | | | | — | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | (252.9) | | | | (89.7) | | | | (99.6) | |
See accompanying notes
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | (Amounts in millions) Years ended May 31, |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Cash flows - financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Borrowings under lines of credit, credit agreement and revolving loan | | 305.9 | | | | 54.1 | | | | 3.5 | |
Repayments of lines of credit, credit agreement and revolving loan | | (57.4) | | | | (54.1) | | | | (3.7) | |
Borrowings under film related obligations | | 16.5 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Repayments of film related obligations (including interests) | | (34.8) | | | | — | | | | — | |
Repayment of capital lease obligations | | (1.7) | | | | (2.3) | | | | (2.3) | |
Reacquisition of common stock | | (70.0) | | | | (158.2) | | | | (132.1) | |
Proceeds pursuant to stock-based compensation plans | | 1.2 | | | | 9.1 | | | | 20.7 | |
Payment of dividends | | (22.6) | | | | (24.7) | | | | (25.6) | |
Other, net | | 0.2 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | 137.3 | | | | (176.1) | | | | (139.5) | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | 1.7 | | | | 0.4 | | | | (1.9) | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | 10.3 | | | | (110.8) | | | | (92.1) | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | 113.7 | | | | 224.5 | | | | 316.6 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 124.0 | | | $ | 113.7 | | | $ | 224.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Supplemental Information: | | | | | | | | |
Income tax payments (refunds) | $ | 2.0 | | | $ | 23.7 | | | $ | 2.5 | |
Interest paid | | 18.3 | | | | 2.2 | | | | 1.5 | |
See accompanying notes
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Amounts in millions, except share and per share data)
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Description of the business
Scholastic Corporation (the “Corporation” and together with its subsidiaries, “Scholastic” or the “Company”) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, a leading provider of print and digital instructional materials for grades pre-kindergarten ("pre-K") to grade 12 and a producer of entertaining literary and educational children’s media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, classroom magazines and other products that, in combination, offer schools, as well as parents and children, customized and comprehensive solutions to support children’s learning and reading both at school and at home. Since its founding in 1920, Scholastic has emphasized quality products and a dedication to reading, learning and literacy. The Company is the leading operator of school-based book club and book fair proprietary channels. It distributes its products and services through these channels, as well as directly to schools and libraries, through retail stores and through the internet. The Company’s website, scholastic.com, is a leading site for teachers, classrooms and parents and an award-winning destination for children. Scholastic has operations in the United States and throughout the world including Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Asia and, through its export business, sells products in approximately 130 international locations.
Basis of presentation
Principles of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Scholastic Corporation (the “Corporation”) and all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Scholastic” or the “Company”). The Company reviews its relationships with other entities to identify whether it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). If the determination is made that the Company is the primary beneficiary, then the entity is consolidated. Intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
The Company’s fiscal year is not a calendar year. Accordingly, references in this document to fiscal 2025 relate to the twelve-month period ending May 31, 2025. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.
Noncontrolling Interest
On June 1, 2023, the Company acquired the remaining shares of Make Believe Ideas Limited ("MBI"), a UK-based children's book publishing company, which represented a 5.0% noncontrolling interest, increasing the Company's total ownership from 95.0% to 100%.
Prior to June 1, 2023, the founder and chief executive officer of MBI retained a 5.0% noncontrolling ownership interest in MBI. The Company fully consolidated MBI as of the acquisition date and the 5.0% noncontrolling interest was classified within stockholder's equity.
Use of estimates
The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements involves the use of estimates and assumptions by management, which affects the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current business factors and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, all of which are necessary in order to form a basis for determining the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the adequacy of its reserves and the estimates used in calculations, including, but not limited to:
•Accounts receivable allowance for credit losses
•Pension and postretirement benefit plans
•Uncertain tax positions
•The timing and amount of future income taxes and related deductions
•Inventory reserves
•Cost of goods sold from book fair operations during interim periods based on estimated gross profit rates
•Sales tax contingencies
•Royalty advance reserves and royalty expense accruals
•Expected economic useful life and recoverability of film and television program assets
•Impairment testing for goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets and investments
•Assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations
•Variable consideration related to anticipated returns
•Allocation of transaction price to contractual performance obligations
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue recognition
The Company’s revenue recognition policies for its principal businesses are as follows:
School-Based Book Clubs – Revenue from school-based book clubs is recognized upon shipment of the products.
School-Based Book Fairs – Revenues associated with school-based book fairs relate to the sale of children's books and other products to book fair sponsors. In addition, the Company employs an incentive program to encourage the sponsorship of book fairs and increase the number of fairs held each school year. The Company identifies two potential performance obligations within its school-based book fair contracts, which include the fulfillment of book fairs product and the fulfillment of product upon the redemption of incentive program credits by customers. The Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation and recognizes revenue at a point in time. The Company utilizes certain estimates based on historical experience, redemption patterns and future expectations related to the participation in the incentive program to determine the relative fair value of each performance obligation when allocating the transaction price. Changes in these estimates could impact the timing of the recognition of revenue. Revenue allocated to the book fairs product is recognized at the point at which product is delivered to the customer and control is transferred. The revenue allocated to the incentive program credits is recognized upon redemption of incentive credits and the transfer of control of the redeemed product. Incentive credits are generally redeemed within 12 months of issuance. Payment for school-based book fairs product is due at the completion of a customer's fair. Revenues associated with virtual fairs are recognized upon shipment of the products and related incentive program credits are expensed upon issuance.
Trade – Revenue from the sale of children’s books for distribution in the retail channel is primarily recognized when performance obligations are satisfied and control is transferred to the customer, or when the product is on sale and available to the public. For newly published titles, the Company, on occasion, contractually agrees with its customers when the publication may be first offered for sale to the public, or an agreed upon “Strict Laydown Date." For such titles, the control of the product is not deemed to be transferred to the customer until such time that the publication can contractually be sold to the public, and the Company defers revenue on sales of such titles until such time as the customer is permitted to sell the product to the public. Revenue for ebooks, which is generally the net amount received from the retailer, is recognized upon electronic delivery to the customer by the retailer. The sale of trade product generally includes a right of return.
Education – Revenue from the sale of educational materials is recognized upon shipment of the products, or upon acceptance of product by the customer, depending on individual contractual terms. Revenue from digital products is deferred and recognized ratably over the subscription period. Revenue from professional development services is recognized when the services have been provided to the customer. Revenue from contracts with multiple deliverables are recognized as each performance obligation is satisfied in which the transaction price is allocated on a relative standalone selling price basis.
Magazines – Revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the subscription period, as the magazines are delivered.
Film and TV production – Revenue is deferred during production and recognized at a point in time when the film or episodes have been delivered and are available for showing or exploitation.
Production services – Revenue is recognized over time using the percentage-of-completion method based on the proportion of costs incurred in the current period to total expected costs as this depicts the transfer of control of the promised services or goods to the customer.
Licensing and royalty income – Revenue from the sale or granting of broadcast license rights to third parties is recognized when the licensed content is available to the customer and the customer has the contractual right to broadcast or stream the content. Revenue from sales and usage-based royalties related to licenses is generally recognized when the subsequent sale or usage occurs.
Export – Revenue from the export channel is recognized upon acceptance of the physical product by the customer.
The Company has elected to present sales and other related taxes on a net basis, excluded from revenues, and as such, these are included within Other accrued expenses until remitted to taxing authorities.
Cash equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are recognized net of an allowance for credit losses. In the normal course of business, the Company extends credit to customers that satisfy predefined credit criteria. The Company recognizes an allowance for credit losses on trade receivables that are expected to be incurred over the lifetime of the receivable. Reserves for estimated credit losses are established at the time of sale and are based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and supportable forecasts impacting its ultimate collectability, including specific reserves on a customer-by-customer basis, creditworthiness of the Company’s customers and prior collection experience. At the time the Company determines that a receivable balance, or any portion thereof, is deemed to be permanently uncollectible, the balance is then written off. Accounts receivable allowance for credit losses was $11.0 and $14.9 as of May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Estimated returns
For sales that include a right of return, the Company estimates the transaction price and records revenues as variable consideration based on the amounts the Company expects to ultimately be entitled. In order to determine estimated returns, the Company utilizes historical return rates, sales patterns, types of products and expectations and recognizes a corresponding reduction to Revenues and Cost of goods sold. Management also considers patterns of sales and returns in the months preceding the fiscal year, as well as actual returns received subsequent to the fiscal year, available customer and market specific data and other return rate information that management believes is relevant. In addition, a refund liability is recorded within Other accrued expenses for the consideration to which the Company believes it will not ultimately be entitled and a return asset is recorded within Prepaid expenses and other current assets for the expected inventory to be returned. Actual returns could differ from the Company's estimate.
Inventories
Inventories, consisting principally of books, are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, or net realizable value. The Company records a reserve for excess and obsolete inventory based upon a calculation using the expected future sales of existing inventory driven by estimates around forecasted purchases, inventory consumption costs, and the sell-through rate of current fiscal year purchases. In accordance with the Company's inventory retention policy, expected future sales of existing inventory are compared against historical usage by channel for reasonableness and any specifically identified excess or obsolete inventory, due to an anticipated lack of demand, will also be reserved.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings have an estimated useful life, for purposes of depreciation, of forty years. Building improvements are depreciated over the life of the improvement which typically does not exceed twenty-five years. Capitalized software, net of accumulated amortization, was $51.8 and $54.6 at May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Capitalized software is amortized over a period of three to ten years. Amortization expense for capitalized software was $23.0, $25.1 and $25.3 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated over periods not exceeding ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the life of the assets, whichever is shorter. The Company evaluates the depreciation periods of property, plant and equipment to determine whether events or circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying value is not recoverable or warrant revised estimates of useful lives.
Cloud Computing Arrangements
The Company incurs costs to implement cloud computing arrangements that are hosted by a third party vendor. Implementation costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement on a straight-line basis. The Company capitalized $9.8 and $14.4 of costs incurred in fiscal 2025 and 2024, respectively, to implement cloud computing arrangements, primarily related to digital and consumer data platforms. These amounts are included within Other assets and deferred charges on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Leases
The Company's lease arrangements primarily relate to corporate offices and warehouse facilities, and to a lesser
extent, certain equipment and other assets. The Company's leases generally have initial terms ranging from 3 to 10 years and certain leases include renewal or early-termination options, rent escalation clauses, and/or lease incentives. Lease renewal rent payment terms generally reflect adjustments for market rates prevailing at the time of renewal. The Company's leases require fixed minimum rent payments and also often require the payment of certain other costs that do not relate specifically to its right to use an underlying leased asset, but are associated with the asset, such as real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance fees and/or certain other costs (referred to collectively herein as "non-lease components"), which may be fixed or variable in amount depending on the terms of the respective lease agreement. The Company's leases do not contain significant residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.
The Company determines whether an arrangement contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement. If a lease is determined to exist, the term of such lease is assessed based on the date on which the underlying asset is made available for the Company's use by the lessor. The Company's assessment of the lease term reflects the non-cancelable term of the lease, inclusive of any rent-free periods and/or periods covered by early-termination options which the Company is reasonably certain of not exercising, as well as periods covered by renewal options which the Company is reasonably certain of exercising. The Company also determines lease classification as either operating or finance at lease commencement, which governs the pattern of expense recognition and the presentation reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the lease term.
For leases with a term exceeding 12 months, a lease liability is recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at lease commencement reflecting the present value of its fixed minimum payment obligations over the lease term. A corresponding right-of-use ("ROU") asset equal to the initial lease liability is also recorded, adjusted for any prepaid rent and/or initial direct costs incurred in connection with execution of the lease and reduced by any lease incentives received. The Company includes fixed payment obligations related to non-lease components in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities, as it elects to account for lease and non-lease components together as a single lease component. ROU assets associated with finance leases are presented separate from ROU assets associated with operating leases and are included within Property, plant and equipment, net on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. For purposes of measuring the present value of its fixed payment obligations for a given lease, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, determined based on information available at lease commencement, as rates implicit in its leasing arrangements are typically not readily determinable. The Company's incremental borrowing rate reflects the rate it would pay to borrow on a secured basis, and incorporates the term and economic environment of the associated lease.
For operating leases, fixed lease payments are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, the initial ROU asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term, along with recognition of interest expense associated with accretion of the lease liability, which is ultimately reduced by the related fixed payments. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, any fixed lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, and are not recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Variable lease costs for both operating and finance leases, if any, are recognized as incurred.
Sublease rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the duration of each lease term. To the extent expected sublease income is less than expected rental payments, the Company recognizes a loss on the difference based on the present value of the minimum lease payments under each lease.
Lease payments received are presented as Revenues for fiscal 2025 and 2024 and as a reduction to rent expense in Selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal year 2023 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Prepublication costs
Prepublication costs are incurred in all of the Company’s reportable segments. Prepublication costs include costs incurred to create the art, prepress, editorial, digital conversion and other content required for the creation of the master copy of a book or other media. Prepublication costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a two-to-five-
year period based on expected future revenues. The Company regularly reviews the recoverability of these capitalized costs based on expected future cash flows.
Investment in film and television programs
Investments in film and television programs are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Investment in film and television programs includes all direct production and financing costs incurred during production and minimum guarantee payments made to acquire distribution rights. Interest costs are capitalized to the cost of the film or television program until substantially all of the activities required for delivery are complete. Investments in film and television programs are amortized using the declining-balance method with rates ranging from 50% to 90% at the time of initial episodic delivery and at rates ranging from 10% to 25% annually thereafter. The determination of the rates is based on the expected economic useful life of the film or television program and includes factors such as rights retained by the Company, the availability of rights to renew licenses for episodic television programs in various territories, and the availability of secondary market revenue. The Company regularly reviews the recoverability of these capitalized costs based on expected future cash flows for an individual film or television program.
Government financing and assistance
The Company has access to government programs and tax credits that are designed to assist film, television and digital media production and distribution. Amounts received and amounts receivable which relate to the Company's film and television program assets are recorded as a reduction in the production costs of the related asset.
Long-lived assets
Long-lived assets, including operating lease right-of-use assets, property, plant, and equipment, prepublication costs and definite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of any such asset may not be recoverable. For the purposes of impairment testing, long-lived assets are grouped at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If impairment indicators are present, the Company performs a recoverability test by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset to its carrying amount. If it is determined that a long-lived asset is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset. The fair values determined by the Company require significant judgment and include certain assumptions regarding future sales and expenses, discount rates and real estate market conditions.
Royalty advances
Royalty advances are incurred in all of the Company’s reportable segments except the Entertainment segment, but are most prevalent in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment and enable the Company to obtain contractual commitments from authors, illustrators, licensors and other publishers to produce content. The Company regularly provides these content providers advances against expected future royalty payments, often before the books are written. Upon publication and sale of the books or other media, the content providers will not receive further royalty payments until the contractual royalties earned from sales of such books or other media exceed such advances.
Royalty advances are initially capitalized and subsequently expensed as related revenues are earned or when the Company determines future recovery through earndowns is not probable. The Company has a long history of providing authors, illustrators, licensors and other publishers with royalty advances and it tracks each advance earned with respect to the sale of the related publication. The royalties earned are applied first against the remaining unearned portion of the advance. Historically, the longer the unearned portion of the advance remains outstanding, the less likely it is that the Company will recover the advance through the sale of the publication. The Company applies this historical experience to its existing outstanding royalty advances to estimate the likelihood of recoveries through earndowns. Additionally, the Company’s editorial staff regularly reviews its portfolio of royalty advances to determine if individual royalty advances are not recoverable through earndowns for discrete reasons, such as the death of an author prior to completion of a title or titles, a Company decision to not publish a title, poor market demand or other relevant factors that could impact recoverability. The reserve for royalty advances was $86.9 and $83.2 as of May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Business combinations
The Company allocates the purchase price in a business combination to the underlying tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values, with any excess recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash flows, discount rates, estimated useful lives and market multiples, among other items.
With respect to the 9 Story acquisition, the Company was required to make significant judgments and estimates, particularly in the identification and valuation of identifiable intangible assets. The Company utilized a third-party valuation specialist in determining the fair values. The assets acquired primarily include intellectual property ("IP") related to 9 Story's existing and recognized program titles, customer contracts/relationships related to licensing, distribution and service arrangements, and the trade names associated with 9 Story and Brown Bag Films, its animation studio. The intellectual property and customer contracts/relationships were valued using the multi-period excess earnings valuation method and the tradename was valued using the relief-from-royalty valuation method. The significant underlying assumptions used in these methods included the projected revenue and revenue attributable to the individual intangible assets, as well as the discount and royalty rate. These assumptions are inherently subjective and sensitive to changes in market conditions and the future performance of the acquired business. Refer to Note 11, "Acquisitions," for further details regarding this acquisition.
Goodwill and intangible assets
The Company records intangible assets based on their fair value on the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded as the difference between the fair value of the purchase consideration and the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired.
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized and are reviewed for impairment annually as of May 31 or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.
With regard to goodwill, the Company compares the estimated fair values of its identified reporting units to the carrying values of their net assets. The Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair values of its identified reporting units are less than their carrying values. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The Company measures goodwill impairment by the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit. For each of the reporting units, the estimated fair value is determined utilizing the expected present value of the projected future cash flows of the reporting unit, in addition to comparisons to similar companies. The Company reviews its definition of reporting units annually or more frequently if conditions indicate that the reporting units may change. The Company evaluates its operating segments to determine if there are components one level below the operating segment level. A component is present if discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of the business. If an operating segment only contains a single component, that component is determined to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. If an operating segment contains multiple components, the Company evaluates the economic characteristics of these components. Any components within an operating segment that share similar economic characteristics are aggregated and deemed to be a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. Components within the same operating segment that do not share similar economic characteristics are deemed to be individual reporting units for goodwill impairment testing purposes. The Company has seven reporting units with goodwill subject to impairment testing.
With regard to other intangibles with indefinite lives, the Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the identified asset is less than its carrying value. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs a quantitative test. The estimated fair value is determined utilizing the expected present value of the projected future cash flows of the asset.
Intangible assets with definite lives consist principally of customer lists, customer contracts/relationships, intellectual property, and trade names and are amortized over their expected useful lives. Customer lists, customer contracts/relationships, intellectual property and trade names are typically amortized on a straight-line basis over five to ten years.
Income taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, for purposes of determining taxable income, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of such assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to be realized.
The Company believes that its taxable earnings, during the periods when the temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets become deductible or when tax benefit carryforwards may be utilized, should be sufficient to realize the related future income tax benefits. For those jurisdictions where the expiration date of the tax benefit carryforwards or the projected taxable earnings indicates that realization is not likely, the Company establishes a valuation allowance.
In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company estimates future taxable earnings, with consideration for the feasibility of ongoing tax planning strategies and the realizability of tax benefit carryforwards, to determine which deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in the future. Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets can be impacted by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates and future taxable earnings. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates in future periods, the Company may need to adjust the valuation allowance.
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions using a two-step method. Recognition occurs when an entity concludes that a tax position, based solely on technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. If a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, the amount recognized is the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, which is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement. The Company assesses all income tax positions and adjusts its reserves against these positions periodically based upon these criteria. The Company also assesses potential penalties and interest associated with these tax positions, and includes these amounts as a component of income tax expense.
The Company assesses foreign investment levels periodically to determine if all or a portion of the Company’s investments in foreign subsidiaries are indefinitely invested. Any required adjustment to the income tax provision would be reflected in the period that the Company changes this assessment. The Company elects to recognize the tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by foreign subsidiaries as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred.
Non-income Taxes
The Company is subject to tax examinations for sales-based taxes. A number of these examinations are ongoing and, in certain cases, have resulted in assessments from taxing authorities. Where a sales tax liability with respect to a jurisdiction is probable and can be reliably estimated, the Company has made accruals for these matters which are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. These amounts are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Future developments relating to the foregoing could result in adjustments being made to these accruals.
Employee Benefit Plan Obligations
The rate assumptions discussed below impact the Company’s calculations of its UK pension and U.S. postretirement obligations. The rates applied by the Company are based on the UK pension plan asset portfolio's past average rates of return, discount rates and actuarial information. Any change in market performance, interest rate performance, assumed health care cost trend rate and compensation rates could result in significant changes in the Company’s UK pension plan and U.S. postretirement obligations.
Pension obligations – Scholastic Corporation's UK subsidiary has a defined benefit pension plan covering the majority of its employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The Company’s pension plan and other postretirement benefits are accounted for using actuarial valuations.
The Company’s UK Pension Plan calculations are based on three primary actuarial assumptions: the discount rate, the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets and the anticipated rate of compensation increases. The discount rate is used in the measurement of the projected, accumulated and vested benefit obligations and interest cost component of net periodic pension costs. The long-term expected return on plan assets is used to calculate the expected earnings from the investment or reinvestment of plan assets. The anticipated rate of compensation increase is used to estimate the increase in compensation for participants of the plan from their current age to their assumed retirement age. The estimated compensation amounts are used to determine the benefit obligations.
Other postretirement benefits – The Company provides postretirement benefits, consisting of healthcare and life insurance benefits, to eligible retired United State-based employees. The postretirement medical plan benefits are funded on a pay-as-you-go basis, with the employee paying a portion of the premium and the Company paying the remainder. The existing benefit obligation is based on the discount rate and the assumed health care cost trend rate. The discount rate is used in the measurement of the projected and accumulated benefit obligations and the interest cost component of net periodic postretirement benefit cost. The assumed health care cost trend rate is used in the measurement of the long-term expected increase in medical claims.
Foreign currency translation
The Company’s non-United States dollar-denominated assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at prevailing rates at the balance sheet date and the revenues, costs and expenses are translated at the weighted average
rates prevailing during each reporting period. Net gains or losses resulting from the translation of the foreign financial statements and the effect of exchange rate changes on long-term intercompany balances are accumulated and charged directly to the foreign currency translation adjustment component of stockholders’ equity until such time as the operations are substantially liquidated or sold. The Company assesses foreign investment levels periodically to determine if all or a portion of the Company’s investments in foreign subsidiaries are indefinitely invested.
Shipping and handling costs
Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are classified as revenue. Costs incurred in shipping and handling are recognized in Cost of goods sold.
Advertising costs
Advertising costs are expensed by the Company as incurred. Total advertising expense was $61.4, $61.7 and $76.9 for the twelve months ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Stock-based compensation
The Company recognizes the cost of services received in exchange for any stock-based awards. The Company recognizes the cost on a straight-line basis over an award’s requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, except for the grants to retirement-eligible employees, based on the award’s fair value at the date of grant.
The fair values of stock options granted by the Company are estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company’s determination of the fair value of stock-based payment awards using this option-pricing model is affected by the price of the Common Stock as well as by assumptions regarding highly complex and subjective variables, including, but not limited to, the expected price volatility of the Common Stock over the terms of the awards, the risk-free interest rate, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value that may ultimately be realized by those who receive these awards.
Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates, in order to derive the Company’s best estimate of awards ultimately expected to vest. In determining the estimated forfeiture rates for stock-based awards, the Company annually conducts an assessment of the actual number of equity awards that have been forfeited previously. When estimating expected forfeitures, the Company considers factors such as the type of award, the employee class and historical experience. The estimate of stock-based awards that will ultimately be forfeited requires significant judgment and, to the extent that actual results or updated estimates differ from current estimates, such amounts will be recognized as a cumulative adjustment in the period such estimates are revised.
The table set forth below provides the estimated fair value of options granted by the Company during fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023 and the significant weighted average assumptions used in determining such fair value under the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The average expected life represents an estimate of the period of time stock options are expected to remain outstanding based on the historical exercise behavior of the option grantees. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve corresponding to the expected life in effect at the time of the grant. The volatility was estimated based on historical volatility corresponding to the expected life.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Estimated fair value of stock options granted | $ | 11.92 | | | $ | 11.53 | | | $ | 11.62 | |
Assumptions: | | | | | |
Expected dividend yield | 2.2 | % | | 2.2 | % | | 1.9 | % |
Expected stock price volatility | 38.8 | % | | 37.4 | % | | 32.8 | % |
Risk-free interest rate | 4.3 | % | | 4.7 | % | | 3.8 | % |
Average expected life of options | 5 years | | 4 years | | 5 years |
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” This ASU improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss. The amendments in this ASU have been applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented
in the financial statements. Refer to Note 3, "Segment Information," for the Company's disclosures related to this update.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740)." The amendments in this update enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures to provide information to better assess how an entity’s operations and related tax risks and tax planning and operational opportunities affect its tax rate and prospects for future cash flows. The amendments in this ASU require more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This ASU will be effective for the Company's annual disclosures for fiscal year 2026. The amendments are to be applied prospectively, but may be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the disclosure requirements on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, "Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) - Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses." This ASU improves financial reporting by requiring that public business entities disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements at interim and annual reporting periods. In January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01,""Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40) - Clarifying the Effective Date" to clarify the effective date of ASU 2024-03 for non-calendar year-end entities. ASU 2024-03 is effective for the Company's fiscal year 2028, and interim periods starting in fiscal year 2029. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this ASU are to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the disclosure requirements on its consolidated financial statements.
2. REVENUES
Disaggregated Revenue Data
The following table presents the Company’s segment revenues disaggregated by region and domestic channel during the year ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Book Clubs - U.S. | $ | 64.2 | | | $ | 62.7 | | | $ | 117.8 | |
Book Fairs - U.S. | | 548.3 | | | | 541.6 | | | | 553.1 | |
Trade - U.S. (1) | | 304.7 | | | | 298.7 | | | | 306.8 | |
Trade - International (2) | | 46.7 | | | | 50.3 | | | | 41.3 | |
Total Children's Book Publishing and Distribution | | 963.9 | | | | 953.3 | | | | 1,019.0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Education Solutions - U.S. | | 309.8 | | | | 351.2 | | | | 386.6 | |
Total Education Solutions | | 309.8 | | | | 351.2 | | | | 386.6 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Entertainment - U.S. (1) | | 5.2 | | | | 1.9 | | | | 19.0 | |
Entertainment - International | | 55.8 | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total Entertainment | | 61.0 | | | | 1.9 | | | | 19.0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
International - Major Markets (3) | | 241.6 | | | | 228.6 | | | | 229.7 | |
International - Other Markets (4) | | 38.0 | | | | 45.0 | | | | 49.7 | |
Total International | | 279.6 | | | | 273.6 | | | | 279.4 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Overhead (5) | | 11.2 | | | | 9.7 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Revenues | $ | 1,625.5 | | | $ | 1,589.7 | | | $ | 1,704.0 | |
(1) The Entertainment segment includes the operations of SEI, which were included in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior periods, and 9 Story. The financial results for SEI for the fiscal years presented have been reclassified to Entertainment to reflect this change.
(2) Primarily includes foreign rights and certain product sales in the UK.
(3) Includes Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
(4) Primarily includes markets in Asia.
(5) Overhead includes rental income related to leased space in the Company's headquarters. Rental income of $7.1 was recognized as a reduction to Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2023.
Estimated Returns
A liability for expected returns of $34.4 and $33.1 was recorded within Other accrued expenses on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. In addition, a return asset of $3.7 and $4.2 was recorded within Prepaid expenses and other current assets as of May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, for the recoverable cost of product estimated to be returned by customers.
Contract Liabilities
The following table presents further detail regarding the Company's contract liabilities balance for the years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | 2024 |
Book fairs incentive credits | $ | 122.1 | | | $ | 114.2 | | |
Magazines+ subscriptions | | 3.9 | | | | 4.6 | | |
U.S. digital subscriptions | | 11.1 | | | | 15.6 | | |
U.S. education-related (1) | | 7.5 | | | | 10.1 | | |
Entertainment-related (2) | | 8.2 | | | | 0.1 | | |
Stored value programs | | 22.4 | | | | 16.7 | | |
Other (3) | | 7.8 | | | | 6.3 | | |
Total contract liabilities | $ | 183.0 | | | $ | 167.6 | | |
(1) Primarily relates to contracts with school districts and professional services.
(2) Primarily relates to contracts for film and TV productions and production services.
(3) Primarily relates to contracts for various international products and services.
The Company's contract liabilities consist of advance billings and payments received from customers in excess of revenue recognized and revenue allocated to outstanding book fairs incentive credits. Contract liabilities of $178.8 and $161.1 as of May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, are recorded within Deferred revenue on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and are classified as short term, as substantially all of the associated performance obligations are expected to be satisfied, and related revenue recognized, within one year. The remaining $4.2 and $6.5 of contract liabilities as of May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, are recorded within Other noncurrent liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as the associated performance obligations are expected to be satisfied, and related revenue recognized, in excess of one year. The amount of revenue recognized during the years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024 included within the opening Deferred revenue balance was $136.8 and $138.0, respectively.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table presents the change in the allowance for credit losses, which is included in Accounts Receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Allowance for Credit Losses | |
Balance as of June 1, 2024 | $ | 14.9 | | |
Current period provision | | 5.0 | | |
Write-offs and other | | (8.9) | | |
Balance as of May 31, 2025 | $ | 11.0 | | |
3. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company categorizes its businesses into four reportable segments: Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution, Education Solutions, Entertainment and International.
•Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution operates as an integrated business which includes the publication and distribution of children’s books, ebooks, media and interactive products in the United States through its school reading events business, which includes the book clubs and book fairs channels and through the trade channel. This segment is comprised of two operating segments.
•Education Solutions includes the publication and distribution to schools and libraries of children’s books, classroom magazines, print and digital supplemental and core classroom materials and programs and related support services, and print and online reference and non-fiction products for grades pre-kindergarten to 12 in the United States. This segment is comprised of one operating segment.
•Entertainment includes the development, production, distribution and licensing of children and family film and television content. This segment is comprised of one operating segment.
•International includes the publication and distribution of products and services outside the United States by the Company’s international operations and its export and foreign rights businesses. This segment is comprised of four operating segments.
The Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is the President and Chief Executive Officer. The CODM uses operating income (loss) as the profit measure to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources to the segments. The CODM considers variances of actual performance to forecasts and prior year when making decisions.
The following tables present the Company’s revenue, significant expenses, and operating income (loss) by segment for the three fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 |
| Children's Book Publishing and Distribution | Education Solutions | Entertainment (1) | International | Overhead (2) | Consolidated |
Revenues | $ | 963.9 | | $ | 309.8 | | $ | 61.0 | | $ | 279.6 | | $ | 11.2 | | $ | 1,625.5 | |
Cost of goods sold (3) | 410.2 | | 122.8 | | 33.4 | | 159.3 | | (6.9) | | 718.8 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses (3)(4) | 399.7 | | 169.5 | | 27.6 | | 114.2 | | 111.3 | | 822.3 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 22.7 | | 10.6 | | 11.6 | | 6.0 | | 14.8 | | 65.7 | |
Other segment items (5) | 0.6 | | 0.6 | | 0.5 | | 1.1 | | 0.1 | | 2.9 | |
Operating income (Loss) | $ | 130.7 | | $ | 6.3 | | $ | (12.1) | | $ | (1.0) | | $ | (108.1) | | $ | 15.8 | |
Interest income (expense), net | | | | | | (16.0) | |
Other components of net periodic benefit (cost) | | | | | | (1.1) | |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | | | | | | $ | (1.3) | |
| | | | | | |
Other segment disclosures: | | | | | | |
Segment assets | $ | 604.5 | | $ | 245.8 | | $ | 256.6 | | $ | 269.1 | | $ | 574.1 | | $ | 1,950.1 | |
Long-lived asset additions | 12.3 | | 0.9 | | 0.3 | | 3.9 | | 14.7 | | 32.1 | |
(1) The Entertainment segment includes the operations of 9 Story Media Group Inc. as acquired on June 20, 2024 ("9 Story"), and Scholastic Entertainment Inc. ("SEI"). (2) Overhead includes all domestic corporate amounts not allocated to segments, including expenses and costs related to the management of corporate assets and rental income related to leased space in the Company's headquarters. (3) The significant expense categories and amounts align with the segment-level information that is regularly provided to the CODM. (4) Selling, general and administrative expenses includes equity in the net income of investees accounted for by the equity method of $0.2 within the Entertainment segment and $0.3 within the International segment. (5) Other segment items include asset impairments and write downs. |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2024 |
| Children's Book Publishing and Distribution | Education Solutions | Entertainment (1) | International | Overhead (2) | Consolidated |
Revenues | $ | 953.3 | | $ | 351.2 | | $ | 1.9 | | $ | 273.6 | | $ | 9.7 | | $ | 1,589.7 | |
Cost of goods sold (3) | 412.0 | | 137.6 | | 0.1 | | 162.2 | | (6.8) | | 705.1 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses (3)(4) | 393.2 | | 179.0 | | 12.7 | | 111.7 | | 106.4 | | 803.0 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 24.3 | | 12.7 | | 0.3 | | 5.5 | | 14.3 | | 57.1 | |
Other segment items (5) | 0.5 | | 6.1 | | — | | 1.1 | | 2.3 | | 10.0 | |
Operating income (Loss) | $ | 123.3 | | $ | 15.8 | | $ | (11.2) | | $ | (6.9) | | $ | (106.5) | | $ | 14.5 | |
Interest income (expense), net | | | | | | 2.7 | |
Other components of net periodic benefit (cost) | | | | | | (1.0) | |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | | | | | | $ | 16.2 | |
| | | | | | |
Other segment disclosures: | | | | | | |
Segment assets | $ | 555.7 | | $ | 242.0 | | $ | 9.4 | | $ | 256.0 | | $ | 608.1 | | $ | 1,671.2 | |
Long-lived asset additions | 18.2 | | 0.0 | | — | | 2.6 | | 14.9 | | 35.7 | |
(1) The Entertainment segment includes the operations of 9 Story Media Group Inc. as acquired on June 20, 2024 ("9 Story"), and Scholastic Entertainment Inc. ("SEI"). SEI was reported in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior years. The financial results for SEI for fiscal 2024 have been reclassified to Entertainment to reflect this change. (2) Overhead includes all domestic corporate amounts not allocated to segments, including expenses and costs related to the management of corporate assets and rental income related to leased space in the Company's headquarters. (3) The significant expense categories and amounts align with the segment-level information that is regularly provided to the CODM. (4) Selling, general and administrative expenses includes equity in the net income of investees accounted for by the equity method of $0.5 within the International segment. (5) Other segment items include asset impairments and write downs. |
| | | | | | |
| 2023 |
| Children's Book Publishing and Distribution | Education Solutions | Entertainment (1) | International | Overhead (2) | Consolidated |
Revenues | $ | 1,019.0 | | $ | 386.6 | | $ | 19.0 | | $ | 279.4 | | $ | — | | $ | 1,704.0 | |
Cost of goods sold (3) | 467.3 | | 143.0 | | 14.4 | | 169.7 | | (8.0) | | 786.4 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses (3)(4) | 383.1 | | 172.4 | | 3.1 | | 107.6 | | 90.4 | | 756.6 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 26.4 | | 12.8 | | 0.3 | | 5.7 | | 9.5 | | 54.7 | |
| | | | | | |
Operating income (Loss) | $ | 142.2 | | $ | 58.4 | | $ | 1.2 | | $ | (3.6) | | $ | (91.9) | | $ | 106.3 | |
Interest income (expense), net | | | | | | 5.8 | |
Other components of net periodic benefit (cost) | | | | | | 0.3 | |
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | | | | | | $ | 112.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Other segment disclosures: | | | | | | |
Segment assets | $ | 587.0 | | $ | 290.8 | | $ | 12.9 | | $ | 260.0 | | $ | 716.0 | | $ | 1,866.7 | |
Long-lived asset additions | 10.6 | | 0.3 | | — | | 3.3 | | 22.3 | | 36.5 | |
(1) The Entertainment segment includes the operations of 9 Story Media Group Inc. as acquired on June 20, 2024 ("9 Story"), and Scholastic Entertainment Inc. ("SEI"). SEI was reported in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment in prior years. The financial results for SEI for fiscal 2023 have been reclassified to Entertainment to reflect this change. (2) Overhead includes all domestic corporate amounts not allocated to segments, including expenses and costs related to the management of corporate assets and rental income related to leased space in the Company's headquarters. (3) The significant expense categories and amounts align with the segment-level information that is regularly provided to the CODM. (4) Selling, general and administrative expenses includes equity in the net income of investees accounted for by the equity method of $0.9 within the International segment. |
The following table presents geographic information for revenues for the three fiscal years ended May 31. Revenues are attributed to locations based on the origin of sale.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
United States | $ | 1,243.4 | | | $ | 1,265.8 | | | $ | 1,383.3 | |
International | | 382.1 | | | | 323.9 | | | | 320.7 | |
Total Revenues | $ | 1,625.5 | | | $ | 1,589.7 | | | $ | 1,704.0 | |
The following table presents geographic information for long-lived assets for the three fiscal years ended May 31. Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, net, excluding capitalized software.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
United States | $ | 431.7 | | | $ | 430.5 | | | $ | 432.8 | |
International | | 32.8 | | | | 26.8 | | | | 25.9 | |
Total Long-lived assets | $ | 464.5 | | | $ | 457.3 | | | $ | 458.7 | |
4. ASSET WRITE DOWN
During fiscal 2025, the Company identified certain digital products that were not recoverable. The estimated future cash flows related to these assets were impacted by the Company's decision to no longer sell the related products. The assets consisted of prepublication costs of which $0.6 were included within the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment and $0.6 were included within the Education Solutions segment. The Company also identified assets of $1.1 that were not recoverable as a result of the reorganization in China. These assets consisted primarily of inventory and were included within the International segment. In addition, the Company ceased use of certain leased office space in the U.S., Canada and Ireland as part of the Company's efforts to rightsize its real estate footprint to reduce occupancy costs. The Company recognized an impairment expense related to the right-of-use (ROU) assets associated with the operating leases of which $0.5 was included within the Entertainment segment and $0.1 was included in Overhead. Accordingly, the Company recognized a total impairment charge of $2.9 which was included in Asset impairments and write downs within the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. The related impact of the impairments was a loss per basic and diluted share of Class A and Common Stock of $0.08 in the twelve months ended May 31, 2025.
During fiscal 2024, the Company identified certain education products that were not recoverable. The estimated future cash flows related to these assets were impacted by the shift to evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction within the education market. The assets consisted primarily of prepublication costs and amortizable intangible assets and were included within the Education Solutions segment. Accordingly, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $6.1 which was included in Asset impairments and write downs within the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024. In addition, during fiscal 2024, the Company ceased use of certain leased office space in the U.S. and Canada as part of the Company's efforts to rightsize its real estate footprint to reduce occupancy costs. A total impairment expense of $3.9 was recognized during fiscal 2024 which was included in Asset impairments and write downs within the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024. A right-of-use (ROU) asset of $2.3 was related to leased office space in New York City and included in Overhead, $1.1 was related to leased office space in Canada and included in the International segment, and $0.5 was related to leased office space used by the U.S. book fairs business and included in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment. The related impact of the impairments was a loss per basic and diluted share of Class A and Common Stock of $0.25 in the twelve months ended May 31, 2024.
5. DEBT
The following table summarizes the Company's debt, excluding film related obligations, as of May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Carrying Value | | Fair Value | | Carrying Value | | Fair Value |
| | 2025 | | | 2024 |
Loan Agreement: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revolving loan | $ | 250.0 | | | $ | 250.0 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Unsecured lines of credit (weighted average interest rates of 4.5% and 4.5%, respectively) | | 6.2 | | | | 6.2 | | | | 6.0 | | | | 6.0 | |
Total debt | $ | 256.2 | | | $ | 256.2 | | | $ | 6.0 | | | $ | 6.0 | |
Less: lines of credit and current portion of long-term debt | | (6.2) | | | | (6.2) | | | | (6.0) | | | | (6.0) | |
Total long-term debt | $ | 250.0 | | | $ | 250.0 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
The following table sets forth the maturities of the carrying values of the Company's debt obligations, excluding film related obligations, as of May 31, 2025 for the twelve month periods ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2026 | | | | | | | | | $ | 6.2 | |
2027 | | | | | | | | | — | |
2028 | | | | | | | | | — | |
2029 | | | | | | | | | — | |
2030 | | | | | | | | | 250.0 | |
Thereafter | | | | | | | | | — | |
Total Debt | | | | | | | | | $ | 256.2 | |
U.S. Credit Agreement
On November 26, 2024, Scholastic Corporation and its principal operating subsidiary, Scholastic Inc., entered
into a Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”) with a syndicate of
banks and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and Truist Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as co-syndication agents (as amended by the Third Amendment, the “Credit Agreement”). The
arrangement was accounted for as a debt modification. The revised terms of the amended Credit Agreement
include the following:
•an increase in borrowing limits to $400.0 from $300.0, as amended on October 27, 2021;
•an increase in the interest pricing margins for SOFR loans to a range of 1.625% to 1.875% from a range of 1.35% to 1.75% and for Base Rate loans to a range of 0.625% to 0.875% from a range of 0.35% to 0.75%;
•the elimination of the credit spread adjustment of 0.10% applicable to Term SOFR loans; and
•the extension of the maturity date to November 26, 2029.
The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $1.6 in connection with the Amendment which are amortized over the term of the Credit Agreement. The current portion of these costs is recorded within Prepaid expenses and other current assets and the noncurrent portion is recorded within Other assets and deferred charges on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Credit Agreement provides for a $400.0 unsecured revolving credit facility and allows the Company to borrow, repay or prepay and reborrow at any time prior to the November 26, 2029 maturity date. The Credit Agreement also provides an unlimited basket for permitted payments of dividends and other distributions in respect of capital stock so long as the Corporation’s pro forma Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, is not in excess of 2.75:1.
Under the Credit Agreement, interest on (i) Base Rate Advances (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is due and payable in arrears quarterly on the last day of each February, May, August and November, and (ii) Term SOFR Advances (as defined in the Credit Agreement) is due and payable in arrears on the last day of the interest period (defined as the period commencing on the date of the advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrowers at
the time each advance is made). The interest pricing under the Credit Agreement is dependent upon the Company’s election of a rate that is either:
•a Base Rate Advance equal to the higher of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the prevailing Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% or (iii) the Term SOFR Rate plus 1.00% plus, in each case, an applicable margin ranging from 0.625% to 0.875%, as determined by the Company’s prevailing Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement);
-or-
•a Term SOFR Advance equal to the Term SOFR rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.625% to 1.875%, as determined by the Company’s prevailing Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement).
As of May 31, 2025, the applicable margin on Base Rate Advances was 0.75% and the applicable margin on SOFR Advances was 1.75%.
The Credit Agreement provides for payment of a commitment fee in respect of the aggregate unused amount of revolving credit commitments ranging from 0.20% to 0.30% per annum based upon the Corporation’s then prevailing Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio. As of May 31, 2025, the commitment fee rate was 0.25%.
A portion of the revolving credit facility, up to a maximum of $50.0, is available for the issuance of letters of credit. In addition, a portion of the revolving credit facility, up to a maximum of $15.0, is available for swingline loans. The Credit Agreement has an accordion feature which permits the Company, provided certain conditions are satisfied, to increase the facility by up to an additional $150.0.
As of May 31, 2025, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $250.0 under the Credit Agreement at a weighted average interest rate of 6.1%. While this obligation is not due until the November 26, 2029 maturity date, the Company may, from time to time, make payments to reduce this obligation when cash from operations becomes available for this purpose. As of May 31, 2024, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
The Credit Agreement contains certain financial covenants related to leverage and interest coverage ratios (as defined in the Credit Agreement), limitations on the amount of dividends and other distributions, and other limitations on fundamental changes to the Company or its business. The Company was in compliance with required covenants for all periods presented.
At May 31, 2025, the Company had open standby letters of credit totaling $4.0 issued under certain credit lines, including $0.4 under the Credit Agreement and $3.6 under the domestic credit lines discussed below.
Unsecured Lines of Credit
As of May 31, 2025, the Company’s domestic credit lines available under unsecured money market bid rate credit lines totaled $10.0. There were no outstanding borrowings under these credit lines as of May 31, 2025 and May 31, 2024. As of May 31, 2025, availability under these unsecured money market bid rate credit lines totaled $6.4, excluding commitments of $3.6. All loans made under these credit lines are at the sole discretion of the lender and at an interest rate and term agreed to at the time each loan is made, but not to exceed 365 days. These credit lines may be renewed, if requested by the Company, at the option of the lender.
As of May 31, 2025, the Company had various local currency international credit lines totaling $22.0, underwritten by banks primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. Outstanding borrowings under these facilities were $6.2 at May 31, 2025 at a weighted average interest rate of 4.5%, compared to outstanding borrowings of $6.0 at May 31, 2024 at a weighted average interest rate of 4.5%. As of May 31, 2025, the amounts available under these facilities totaled $15.8. These credit lines are typically available for overdraft borrowings or loans up to 364 days and may be renewed, if requested by the Company, at the sole option of the lender.
Film Related Obligations
The Company's entertainment business enters into credit facilities with third-party banks to obtain interim financing for certain productions. The interim production credit facilities are secured by an assignment and direction of specific production financing including tax credits and license contract receivables and are due on demand. As of May 31, 2025, interest is charged at the following rates:
•the bank prime rate plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 0.75% for Canadian dollar loans; and
•SOFR plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 3.00% for U.S. dollar loans.
As of May 31, 2025, outstanding borrowings under these facilities were $18.3 at a weighted average interest rate of 6.2%.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Contractual Commitments
The following table sets forth the aggregate minimum future contractual commitments at May 31, 2025 relating to royalty advances and minimum print quantities for the fiscal years ending May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Royalty Advances | | Minimum Print Quantities |
2026 | $ | 13.0 | | | $ | 0.4 | |
2027 | | 6.2 | | | | 0.3 | |
2028 | | 4.8 | | | | 0.3 | |
2029 | | 1.2 | | | | 0.3 | |
2030 | | 0.5 | | | | — | |
Thereafter | | 0.2 | | | | — | |
Total commitments | $ | 25.9 | | | $ | 1.3 | |
The Company had open standby letters of credit of $4.0 issued under certain credit lines as of May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, in support of its insurance programs. These letters of credit are scheduled to expire within one year; however, the Company expects that substantially all of these letters of credit will be renewed, at similar terms, prior to their expiration.
Contingencies
Legal Matters
Various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business are pending against the Company. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when it is probable that a liability has occurred and the amount of such liability can be reasonably estimated. When only a range can be estimated, the most probable amount in the range is accrued unless no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, in which case the minimum amount in the range is accrued. Legal costs associated with litigation are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. The Company does not expect, in the case of those various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business where a loss is considered probable or reasonably possible, that the reasonably possible losses from such claims and lawsuits (either individually or in the aggregate) would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The Company expects to receive additional recoveries from its insurance programs related to an intellectual property legal settlement accrued during fiscal 2021, however, it is premature to determine with any level of probability or accuracy the amount of those recoveries at this time.
During fiscal 2023, the Company received $5.0 in recoveries from its insurance programs related to photo litigation settlements accrued and paid in prior periods. The recoveries were recognized as an offset to the legal settlements and reflected in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended May 31, 2023.
7. INVESTMENT IN FILM AND TELEVISION PROGRAMS
The Company predominantly monetizes film and television programs on an individual film basis. The following table summarizes investment in film and television programs at May 31:
| | | | | | | | |
| 2025 |
Released, net of accumulated amortization | $ | 26.2 | |
Completed and not released | | — | |
In production | | 6.8 | |
In development | | 5.2 | |
Acquired library content (1) | | 3.6 | |
Other (2) | | 0.3 | |
Investment in Film and Television Programs, net (3) | $ | 42.1 | |
(1) Acquired library content is monetized individually and amortized on a straight-line basis. At May 31, 2025, the weighted-average remaining amortization period was approximately 7 years.
(2) Other primarily consists of third party distribution rights.
(3) Production tax credits reduced total investment in films and television programs by $5.8 as of May 31, 2025 and resulted in a reduction of Cost of goods sold related to the amortization of investment in films and television programs of approximately $9.5 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025.
Amortization of film and television programs was $9.9 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 which was included in Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The following table summarizes estimated future amortization expense for the Company’s investment in film and television programs as of May 31, 2025:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fiscal year ending May 31, |
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
Estimated future amortization expense: | | | | | | |
Released, net of accumulated amortization | $ | 4.1 | | $ | 3.3 | | $ | 2.7 | |
Acquired library content | | 0.7 | | | 0.5 | | | 0.5 | |
Investment in film and television programs, net includes write-downs to fair value which are included in Cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, the Company recognized write-downs of $0.2 related to programs in development.
Participation costs represent amounts payable to parties associated with the film or television program and are based on the performance of the film or television program. The Company estimates participation costs based on the contractual participation percentage on the revenue recognized to date, less participation payments made to date. As of May 31, 2025, accrued participation costs were $7.0 and were included in Accrued royalties on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
8. INVESTMENTS
Investments are included in Other assets and deferred charges on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table summarizes the Company’s investments for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | Segment |
Equity method investments | $ | 33.6 | | | $ | 31.5 | | | International |
Equity method and other investments | | 6.4 | | | | 6.0 | | | Entertainment |
Total investments | $ | 40.0 | | | $ | 37.5 | | | |
The Company’s 26.2% equity interest in a children’s book publishing business located in the UK is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Equity method income from this investment is reported in the International segment.
The Company has a 4.6% ownership interest in a financing and production company that makes film, television, and digital programming designed for the youth market. This equity investment does not have a readily determinable fair value and the Company has elected to apply the measurement alternative, and report this investment at cost, less impairment, on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. There have been no impairments or adjustments to the carrying value of this investment. This investment is included in the Entertainment segment.
The Company acquired investments of $0.9 as part of the 9 Story acquisition which are included in the Entertainment segment. These acquired investments include a 50% ownership interest in certain animated television production companies. These joint venture investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The acquired investments also include a 12% ownership interest in a children's book publishing business located in the UK. This investment is accounted for at cost, less impairment on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. There have been no impairments or adjustments to the carrying value of the investment.
Income from equity investments reported in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled $0.5 for the year ended May 31, 2025, $0.5 for the year ended May 31, 2024 and $0.9 for the year ended May 31, 2023. No dividends were received in the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and May 31, 2023. The Company received dividends of $1.3 for the year ended May 31, 2024.
9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The following table summarizes the major classes of assets at cost and accumulated depreciation for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 |
Land | $ | 81.4 | | | $ | 79.6 | |
Buildings | | 233.3 | | | | 232.0 | |
Capitalized software | | 273.8 | | | | 251.6 | |
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | | 244.5 | | | | 220.7 | |
Building and leasehold improvements | | 239.6 | | | | 223.2 | |
Construction in progress | | 30.8 | | | | 28.5 | |
Total at cost | $ | 1,103.4 | | | $ | 1,035.6 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization | | (587.1) | | | | (523.7) | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 516.3 | | | $ | 511.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Included in Other assets and deferred charges | 2025 | | 2024 |
Capitalized Cloud Computing Arrangements | $ | 51.4 | | | $ | 51.6 | |
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant, and equipment was $54.5, $54.5 and $52.5 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Amortization expense related to cloud computing arrangements was $9.9, $7.4 and $6.3 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
10. LEASES
The following table summarizes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and May 31, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| May 31, 2025 | May 31, 2024 | | Location within Consolidated Balance Sheet |
Operating leases | $ | 103.9 | | $ | 99.1 | | | Operating lease right-of-use assets, net |
Finance leases | | 6.0 | | | 5.6 | | | Property, plant and equipment, net |
Total lease assets | $ | 109.9 | | $ | 104.7 | | | |
| | | | | | |
Operating leases: | | | | | | |
Current portion | $ | 26.8 | | $ | 22.4 | | | Operating lease liabilities, current |
Noncurrent portion | | 91.5 | | | 89.2 | | | Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent |
Total operating lease liabilities | $ | 118.3 | | $ | 111.6 | | | |
| | | | | | |
Finance leases: | | | | | | |
Current portion | $ | 1.7 | | $ | 1.7 | | | Other accrued expenses |
Noncurrent portion | | 4.9 | | | 4.5 | | | Other noncurrent liabilities |
Total finance lease liabilities | $ | 6.6 | | $ | 6.2 | | | |
Total lease liabilities | $ | 124.9 | | $ | 117.8 | | | |
As part of the Company's efforts to rightsize its real estate footprint to reduce occupancy costs, the Company recognized a pretax impairment charge of $0.6 and $3.9 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, related to operating lease right-of-use assets in connection with the early exit of certain leased office space. Refer to Note 4, "Asset Write Down", for further discussion regarding the impairment.
The following table summarizes the lease expense activity for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Location within Consolidated Statements of Operations |
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
Operating lease expense | $ | 31.7 | | $ | 29.7 | | $ | 26.6 | | Selling, general and administrative expenses |
Finance lease costs : | | | | | | | |
Depreciation of leased assets | | 1.4 | | | 2.1 | | | 2.1 | | Depreciation and amortization |
Accretion of lease liabilities | | 0.6 | | | 0.3 | | | 0.3 | | Interest expense |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Total lease expense | $ | 33.7 | | $ | 32.1 | | $ | 29.0 | | |
The following table summarizes certain cash flows information related to the Company's leases for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | | | | | | |
Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 28.6 | | $ | 30.2 | | $ | 25.9 | |
Operating cash flows from finance leases | | 0.6 | | | 0.3 | | | 0.4 | |
Financing cash flows from finance leases | | 1.7 | | | 2.3 | | | 2.3 | |
Noncash transactions: | | | | | | |
Lease assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities | $ | 25.0 | | $ | 40.4 | | $ | 27.4 | |
The following table provides the maturities of the Company's lease liabilities recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Operating Leases | | Finance Leases |
Fiscal 2026 | $ | 32.4 | | | $ | 2.1 | |
Fiscal 2027 | | 30.0 | | | | 1.8 | |
Fiscal 2028 | | 23.7 | | | | 1.4 | |
Fiscal 2029 | | 15.8 | | | | 0.9 | |
Fiscal 2030 | | 10.5 | | | | 0.7 | |
Thereafter | | 25.3 | | | | 0.5 | |
Total lease payments | $ | 137.7 | | | $ | 7.4 | |
Less: interest | | (19.4) | | | | (0.8) | |
Total lease liabilities | $ | 118.3 | | | $ | 6.6 | |
The following table summarizes the weighted-average remaining lease terms and weighted-average discount rates related to the Company's leases recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and May 31, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | |
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years): | | | | |
Operating Leases | 5.3 | | 6.0 | |
Finance Leases | 4.5 | | 4.5 | |
Weighted-average discount rate: | | | | |
Operating Leases | 5.6 | % | | 5.6 | % | |
Finance Leases | 5.0 | % | | 4.5 | % | |
The Company has leasable space in its headquarters in SoHo, New York City. The lease terms with the Company's tenants typically range from 10 to 15 years. The Company recognized rental income of $11.2, $9.7 and $7.1 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
The following table summarizes the future rental payments to be received by the Company on an annual basis at May 31, 2025: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amount | |
Fiscal 2026 | $ | 11.6 | | |
Fiscal 2027 | | 12.3 | | |
Fiscal 2028 | | 12.5 | | |
Fiscal 2029 | | 12.8 | | |
Fiscal 2030 | | 13.5 | | |
Thereafter | | 45.0 | | |
Total | $ | 107.7 | | |
11. ACQUISITIONS
9 Story Acquisition
On June 20, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the economic interest in the form of non-voting shares and 25% of the voting shares of 9 Story, a leading independent creator, producer and distributor of premium children’s content based in Toronto, Canada, with studios or offices in New York, United States, Dublin, Ireland and Bali, Indonesia. The aggregate purchase price was $193.7 and was funded through borrowings under the U.S. Credit Agreement incurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The acquisition of 9 Story further enhances the Company's development, production and licensing interests, expanding opportunities to leverage its brand and best-selling publishing and global children's franchises across print, screen and merchandising.
Pursuant to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, 9 Story was determined to be a variable interest entity (VIE) and the Company was determined to be its primary beneficiary and therefore obtained a controlling financial interest over 9 Story. Accordingly, 9 Story has been consolidated into the Company's financial results.
9 Story met the definition of a business pursuant to ASC 805, Business Combinations, and the acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. The Company estimated the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition based on currently available information. Refer to Note 12, Goodwill and Other Intangibles, for details regarding measurement period adjustments recorded during the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition, inclusive of measurement period adjustments:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 17.5 | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | 14.8 | | | | | | | | |
Investment in film and television programs | | 42.9 | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment | | 6.1 | | | | | | | | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | | 6.1 | | | | | | | | |
Other Intangible assets: | | | | | | | | | |
Existing content/IP | | 16.0 | | | | | | | | |
Customer contracts/relationships (1) | | 51.5 | | | | | | | | |
Trade names | | 16.5 | | | | | | | | |
Internally developed software | | 1.3 | | | | | | | | |
Tax credit receivable | | 31.9 | | | | | | | | |
Other assets | | 3.9 | | | | | | | | |
Total assets acquired | | 208.5 | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | 2.3 | | | | | | | | |
Accrued expenses | | 16.3 | | | | | | | | |
Deferred revenue | | 9.8 | | | | | | | | |
Film related obligations | | 34.9 | | | | | | | | |
Operating lease liabilities | | 7.7 | | | | | | | | |
Other liabilities | | 8.0 | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities assumed | | 79.0 | | | | | | | | |
Fair value of net assets acquired | | 129.5 | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill | | 64.2 | | | | | | | | |
Purchase price consideration | $ | 193.7 | | | | | | | | |
(1) Includes $36.7 related to distribution contracts and relationships.
The assets acquired include intellectual property ("IP") related to 9 Story's existing and recognized program titles (including Investment in film and television programs), customer contracts/relationships related to licensing, distribution and service arrangements, the trade names associated with 9 Story and Brown Bag Films, its animation studio, and internally developed software. The intellectual property and customer contracts/relationships were valued using the multi-period excess earnings valuation method and are being amortized over 10 years, with the exception of contracts/relationships for service arrangements which are being amortized over 5 years. The trade names were valued using the relief-from-royalty valuation method and are being amortized over 10 years. The internally developed software was valued using the replacement cost method and is being amortized over 3 years. The Company classified these fair value measurements as Level 3 due to the significant unobservable inputs used in the analyses, such as internally-developed discounted cash flow forecasts. The difference between the purchase price over the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired was allocated to goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill balance is primarily attributable to the expected synergies from the business combination and acquired workforce. The goodwill and intangible assets acquired were allocated to the Entertainment segment.
The financial results of 9 Story, since the date of acquisition, were included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements as of May 31, 2025. 9 Story contributed total revenue of $58.0 and net loss of $8.5 from the date of acquisition on June 20, 2024 through May 31, 2025. The operations of 9 Story are reported in the Entertainment segment.
The following table summarizes the unaudited pro-forma consolidated results of operations for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024 as if the acquisition had occurred on June 1, 2023, the beginning of fiscal 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | 2025 | 2024 | | |
Revenues | | | | | | | $ | 1,631.2 | | | $ | 1,671.4 | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | | | (3.1) | | | | 1.9 | | | | | | | | |
The unaudited pro-forma consolidated results above are based on the historical financial statements of the Company and 9 Story and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition was completed at the beginning of fiscal 2024 and are not indicative of the future operating results of the combined entities. The financial information for 9 Story prior to the acquisition includes certain adjustments to 9 Story's historical consolidated financial statements to align with U.S. GAAP and the Company's accounting policies. The pro-forma consolidated results of operations also include the effects of purchase accounting adjustments, including amortization charges related to the finite-lived intangible assets acquired, fair value adjustments relating to leases and fixed assets, and the related tax effects assuming that the business combination occurred on June 1, 2023.
The Company incurred acquisition‑related costs of $3.0 and $9.3 during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024, which were included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Purchase of Noncontrolling Interest
On June 1, 2023, the Company acquired the remaining shares of Make Believe Ideas Limited, a UK-based children's book publishing company, for $2.1, increasing the Company's total ownership from 95.0% to 100%. The acquisition was accounted for as an equity transaction as there was no change in control. The carrying value of the noncontrolling interest at the acquisition date was $1.6. The difference between the fair value of consideration paid and the carrying value was recognized as an adjustment to Additional paid-in capital of $0.5.
Other Acquisitions
On September 1, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the share capital of Learning Ovations, Inc., a U.S.-based education technology business and developer of a literacy assessment and instructional system, for $11.1, net of cash acquired. The Company accounted for the acquisition as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting. Fair values were assigned to the assets and liabilities acquired, including cash, receivables, and technology/know-how. The receivables acquired had a fair value of $0.1 and were collected as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2024. The Company utilized internally-developed discounted cash flow forecasts to determine the fair value of the technology/know-how using a discount rate of 17.5% to account for the relative risks of the estimated future cash flows. The Company classified this as a Level 3 fair value measurement due to the use of these significant unobservable inputs. The fair values of the net assets were $3.6, which included $4.1 of amortizable intangible assets attributable to the technology/know-how and a $0.6 deferred tax liability. This acquisition resulted in $7.6 of goodwill that was assigned to the Company's Education Solutions segment and was not deductible for tax purposes. The results of operations of this business subsequent to the acquisition are included in the Education Solutions segment. The transaction was not determined to be material to the Company's results and therefore pro forma financial information has not been presented. During fiscal 2024, the Company assessed the recoverability of the amortizable intangible assets which were impacted by the shift to evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction within the education market. Refer to Note 4, "Asset Write Down," for further details.
12. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
The Company assesses goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators arise. The Company monitors impairment indicators in light of changes in market conditions, near and long-term demand for the Company’s products and other relevant factors.
The following table summarizes the activity in Goodwill for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 |
Gross beginning balance | $ | 172.4 | | | $ | 172.3 | |
Accumulated impairment | | (39.6) | | | | (39.6) | |
Beginning balance | $ | 132.8 | | | $ | 132.7 | |
Additions (1) | | 64.2 | | | | — | |
| | | | | |
Foreign currency translation | | 1.9 | | | | 0.1 | |
| | | | | |
Gross ending balance | | 238.5 | | | | 172.4 | |
Accumulated impairment | | (39.6) | | | | (39.6) | |
Ending balance | $ | 198.9 | | | $ | 132.8 | |
(1) Includes measurement period adjustments for the 9 Story acquisition which reflect a decrease to goodwill of $5.9 resulting from a net increase in the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired. The increase in the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired consisted of a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $5.3, an increase to operating lease right-of-use assets of $0.3, a decrease to lease liabilities of $0.1, an increase to the property, plant and equipment of $0.1 and a decrease to the purchase price as a result of a working capital adjustment of $0.1.
In fiscal 2025, the Company completed the 9 Story acquisition which resulted in the recognition of $64.2 of Goodwill, net of measurement period adjustments, included in the Entertainment segment. Refer to Note 11, "Acquisitions", for further details regarding the acquisition.
There were no impairment charges related to Goodwill in any of the periods presented.
The following table presents Goodwill by segment as of May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | 2024 |
Children's Book Publishing and Distribution | $ | 47.4 | | | $ | 47.1 | | |
Education Solutions | | 75.7 | | | | 75.7 | | |
Entertainment | | 65.7 | | | — | |
International | | 10.1 | | | 10.0 | |
Total | $ | 198.9 | | $ | 132.8 | |
The following table summarizes the activity in other intangibles included in Other intangible assets, net on the Company’s Financial Statements for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 |
Other intangibles subject to amortization - beginning balance | $ | 8.2 | | | $ | 7.8 | |
Additions | | 85.3 | | | | 6.0 | |
| | | | | |
Amortization expense | | (11.2) | | | | (2.6) | |
Foreign currency translation | | 3.5 | | | | 0.1 | |
Impairments | | — | | | | (3.1) | |
| | | | | |
Total other intangibles subject to amortization, net of accumulated amortization of $50.3 and $39.1, respectively | $ | 85.8 | | | $ | 8.2 | |
| | | | | |
Total other intangibles not subject to amortization | | 2.1 | | | | 2.1 | |
Total other intangibles | $ | 87.9 | | | $ | 10.3 | |
During fiscal 2025, the Company completed the 9 Story acquisition which resulted in the recognition of $85.3 of amortizable intangible assets. Refer to Note 11, "Acquisitions", for further details regarding the acquisition.
During fiscal 2024, the Company acquired certain amortizable intangible assets related to educational programs for $5.8 and certain amortizable intangible assets of a U.S.- based children's book publishing business for $0.2. These intangible assets are amortized over the estimated useful life of 8 years and 5 years, respectively.
During fiscal 2024, the Company recognized an asset impairment of $3.1 related to certain education products that were not aligned with evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction. Refer to Note 4, "Asset Write Down," for further details.
Amortization expense for Other intangibles totaled $11.2, $2.6 and $2.2 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following table reflects the estimated amortization expense for intangibles for future fiscal years ending May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
2026 | $ | 11.2 | | |
2027 | | 11.2 | | |
2028 | | 10.7 | | |
2029 | | 10.7 | | |
2030 | | 8.8 | | |
Thereafter | | 33.2 | | |
Intangible assets with indefinite lives consist principally of trademark and trade name rights. Intangible assets with definite lives consist principally of customer lists, customer contracts/relationships, intellectual property, trade names and internally developed software. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The weighted-average remaining useful lives of all amortizable intangible assets is approximately 8.4 years.
13. TAXES
The components of Earnings (loss) before income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 31 were:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
United States | $ | 1.0 | | | $ | 17.3 | | | $ | 106.3 | |
Non-United States | | (2.3) | | | | (1.1) | | | | 6.1 | |
Total | $ | (1.3) | | | $ | 16.2 | | | $ | 112.4 | |
The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 31 consisted of the following components:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Current | | | | | | | | |
Federal | $ | 6.3 | | | $ | 3.4 | | | $ | 26.4 | |
State and local | | 1.3 | | | | 1.2 | | | | 1.6 | |
Non-United States | | 2.7 | | | | 1.5 | | | | 1.6 | |
Total Current | $ | 10.3 | | | $ | 6.1 | | | $ | 29.6 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deferred | | | | | | | | |
Federal | $ | (9.1) | | | $ | 0.5 | | | $ | (6.6) | |
State and local | | (0.4) | | | | (1.3) | | | | 3.9 | |
Non-United States | | (0.2) | | | | (1.2) | | | | (1.0) | |
Total Deferred | $ | (9.7) | | | $ | (2.0) | | | $ | (3.7) | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total Current and Deferred | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | 4.1 | | | $ | 25.9 | |
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
A reconciliation of the significant differences between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate on Earnings (loss) before income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 31 was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Computed federal statutory provision | | 21.0 | % | | | 21.0 | % | | | 21.0 | % |
State income tax provision, net of federal income tax benefit | | (66.5) | | | | (3.0) | | | | 4.6 | |
Difference in effective tax rates on earnings of foreign subsidiaries | | (61.4) | | | | (0.1) | | | | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
GILTI inclusion | | — | | | | 0.1 | | | | 0.4 | |
Foreign derived intangible income deduction | | — | | | | — | | | | (1.7) | |
| | | | | | | | |
Various tax credits | | 62.1 | | | | (6.6) | | | | (1.5) | |
Valuation allowances, excluding state | | 93.8 | | | | 2.9 | | | | — | |
Uncertain positions | | 40.7 | | | | 0.4 | | | | (0.8) | |
Transaction costs | | — | | | | 12.0 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Equity and other compensation | | 51.6 | | | | (3.7) | | | | 1.9 | |
Section 162(m) limitation | | (83.5) | | | | 6.0 | | | | 1.0 | |
Return to provision and other adjustments | | (132.8) | | | | (5.1) | | | | (1.3) | |
Permanent differences | | 29.0 | | | | 1.3 | | | | (0.6) | |
Other, net | | (0.2) | | | | 0.1 | | | | (0.2) | |
Effective tax rates | | (46.2) | % | | | 25.3 | % | | | 23.0 | % |
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes | $ | 0.6 | | | $ | 4.1 | | | $ | 25.9 | |
Unremitted Earnings
The Company assesses foreign investment levels periodically to determine if all or a portion of the Company’s investments in foreign subsidiaries are indefinitely invested. The Company is permanently reinvested in certain foreign subsidiaries representing a portion of the Company's investments in foreign subsidiaries. Any required adjustment to the income tax provision would be reflected in the period that the Company changes this assessment. As of May 31, 2025, there have been no adjustments to the income tax provision related to unremitted earnings.
Deferred Taxes
The significant components for deferred income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 31 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 |
Deferred tax assets: | | | | | |
Tax uniform capitalization | $ | 12.2 | | | $ | 8.9 | |
Prepublication expenses | | 3.0 | | | | 2.0 | |
Inventory reserves | | 21.8 | | | | 22.7 | |
Allowance for credit losses | | 1.8 | | | | 1.8 | |
Deferred revenue | | 6.2 | | | | 5.7 | |
Stock based compensation | | 5.9 | | | | 4.8 | |
Other reserves | | 4.4 | | | | 5.4 | |
Postretirement, post employment and pension obligations | | 1.6 | | | | 1.9 | |
Tax carryforwards | | 32.4 | | | | 30.1 | |
Lease liabilities | | 27.7 | | | | 28.7 | |
Other | | 15.0 | | | | 15.9 | |
Gross deferred tax assets | $ | 132.0 | | | $ | 127.9 | |
Valuation allowance | | (17.1) | | | | (19.9) | |
Total deferred tax assets | $ | 114.9 | | | $ | 108.0 | |
Deferred tax liabilities: | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | (53.9) | | | | (41.1) | |
Lease right-of-use assets | | (24.4) | | | | (25.5) | |
Research and development costs capitalized | | (8.3) | | | | (14.2) | |
Other | | (3.7) | | | | (4.1) | |
Total deferred tax liability | $ | (90.3) | | | $ | (84.9) | |
Total net deferred tax assets (1) | $ | 24.6 | | | $ | 23.1 | |
(1) Total net deferred tax assets includes $10.1 of deferred tax liabilities that were recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet primarily due to foreign jurisdictions that cannot be netted.
The Company regularly assesses the realizability of deferred tax assets considering all available evidence including, to the extent applicable, the nature, frequency and severity of prior cumulative losses, forecasts of future taxable income, tax filing status, duration of statutory carryforward periods, tax planning strategies and historical experience. For the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024, the valuation allowance decreased by $2.8 and increased by $1.8, respectively.
The Company has gross federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $1.6, $60.8 and $103.1, respectively, and tax effected federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $0.4, $3.4 and $25.2, respectively, for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. In addition, the Company has certain tax carryforwards related to tax credits of $3.2, which have various expiration dates between 2029 and 2035, and charitable contributions of $0.3 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. The federal net operating loss can be carried forward indefinitely, however the deduction is limited to 80% of taxable income in the carryforward year. Certain state net operating loss carryforwards, if not utilized, expire at various times, primarily between fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2044. Certain foreign net operating loss carryforwards, if not utilized, also expire at various times. Approximately half of the foreign net operating loss carryforwards expire between fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2044 and the remaining carryforwards do not have an expiration date.
Unrecognized tax benefits
The benefits of uncertain tax positions are recorded in the financial statements only after determining a more likely-than-not probability that the uncertain tax positions will withstand challenge, if any, from taxing authorities, in which case such benefits are included in long-term income taxes payable and reduced by the associated federal deduction for state taxes and non-U.S. tax credits. The interest and penalties related to these uncertain tax positions are recorded as part of the Company’s income tax expense and constitute part of Other noncurrent liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at May 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were $1.2, excluding $0.3 accrued for interest and penalties, $1.8, excluding $0.3 accrued for interest and penalties, and $2.0, excluding $0.1 accrued for interest and penalties, respectively. Of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at May 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, $1.2, $1.8 and $2.0, respectively, would impact the Company’s effective tax rate.
During the years presented, the Company recognized interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for taxes in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company recognized a benefit of less than $0.1, an expense of $0.1, and a benefit of $0.1 for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
The table below presents a reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for the fiscal years indicated:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross unrecognized benefits at May 31, 2022 | $ | 3.1 | | |
Decreases related to prior year tax positions | | (1.7) | | |
Increase related to prior year tax positions | | 0.1 | | |
Increases related to current year tax positions | | 0.5 | | |
Settlements during the period | | — | | |
Lapse of statute of limitation | | — | | |
Gross unrecognized benefits at May 31, 2023 | $ | 2.0 | | |
Decreases related to prior year tax positions | | (0.8) | | |
Increase related to prior year tax positions | | 0.7 | | |
Increases related to current year tax positions | | 0.1 | | |
Settlements during the period | | (0.2) | | |
Lapse of statute of limitation | | — | | |
Gross unrecognized benefits at May 31, 2024 | $ | 1.8 | | |
Decreases related to prior year tax positions | | — | | |
Increase related to prior year tax positions | | 0.1 | | |
Increases related to current year tax positions | | 0.1 | | |
Settlements during the period | | — | | |
Lapse of statute of limitation | | (0.8) | | |
Gross unrecognized benefits at May 31, 2025 | $ | 1.2 | | |
Income Tax Returns
The Company, including its domestic subsidiaries, files a consolidated U.S. income tax return, and also files tax returns in various states and other local jurisdictions. Also, certain subsidiaries of the Company file income tax returns in foreign jurisdictions. The Company is routinely audited by various tax authorities. The Company was previously under audit for the fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2020 tax years and the examination was completed in fiscal 2023 with no impact to the financial results. The fiscal 2021 through 2024 tax years remain subject to audit.
Tax Legislation Updates
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has issued Pillar Two model rules introducing a new global minimum tax of 15% on foreign profits of large multinational corporations intended to be effective in 2024. The United States has not yet adopted Pillar Two rules, however, many countries and jurisdictions have agreed to the proposal by the OECD. As part of the Company's ongoing assessment of the OECD's Pillar Two global minimum tax framework, a comprehensive review was conducted of the Company's global tax position to evaluate the potential impact on its effective tax rate. Based on this analysis, the Company determined the impact of Pillar Two to be immaterial to its financial statements.
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) was enacted in the U.S. The OBBBA makes key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, including 100% bonus depreciation, domestic research cost expensing and the business interest expense limitation. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with no provisions effective for the Company's fiscal year ended May 31, 2025. The Company is currently assessing the impact on its consolidated financial statements for future periods.
Non-income Taxes
The Company is subject to tax examinations for sales-based taxes. A number of these examinations are ongoing and, in certain cases, have resulted in assessments from taxing authorities. The Company assesses sales tax contingencies for each jurisdiction in which it operates, considering all relevant facts including statutes, regulations, case law and experience. Where a sales tax liability in respect to a jurisdiction is probable and can be reliably estimated for such jurisdiction, the Company has made accruals for these matters which are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. These amounts are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Future developments relating to the foregoing could result in adjustments being made to these accruals. During fiscal 2023, the Company recognized a benefit of $1.8 related to a favorable settlement of certain legacy sales tax matters.
14. CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK-BASED AWARDS
Class A Stock and Common Stock
Capital stock consisted of the following as of May 31, 2025:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class A Stock | | Common Stock | | Preferred Stock |
Authorized | 3,171,900 | | | 70,000,000 | | | 2,000,000 | |
Reserved for Issuance | — | | | 5,139,487 | | | — | |
Outstanding | 828,100 | | | 24,214,908 | | | — | |
The only voting rights vested in the holders of Common Stock, except as required by law, are the election of such number of directors as shall equal at least one-fifth of the members of the Board. The Class A Stockholders are entitled to elect all other directors and to vote on all other matters. The Class A Stockholders and the holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on matters on which they are entitled to vote. The Class A Stockholders have the right, at their option, to convert shares of Class A Stock into shares of Common Stock on a share-for-share basis. With the exception of voting rights and conversion rights, and as to any rights of holders of Preferred Stock if issued, the Class A Stock and the Common Stock are equal in rank and are entitled on the same basis to dividends and distributions when and if declared by the Board.
During fiscal 2024, Class A Stockholders surrendered 828,100 shares of Class A Stock for conversion into shares of Common Stock. The surrendered Class A shares were cancelled and cannot be reissued, resulting in 3,171,900 shares authorized and 828,100 shares outstanding as of May 31, 2024 and May 31, 2025.
The Company issues shares of Common Stock from its Treasury stock upon conversion of Class A stock and to meet its share-based payment requirements, net of shares required to be withheld to cover the recipient's tax obligations.
Preferred Stock
The Company's Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series, with the rights of each series, including voting rights, to be determined by the Board before each issuance. To date, no shares of Preferred Stock have been issued.
Stock-based awards
At May 31, 2025, the Company maintained four stockholder-approved stock-based compensation plans with regard to the Common Stock:
•Scholastic Corporation 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2021 Plan");
•Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”), under which no further grants can be made;
•Scholastic Corporation 2017 Outside Directors Stock Incentive Plan (the “2017 Directors Plan”); and
•Scholastic Corporation 2007 Outside Directors Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Directors Plan”), under which no further grants can be made.
In September 2021, the Class A Stockholders approved the 2021 Plan which provides for the issuance of certain equity awards, including non-qualified stock options, time-vested restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock
units, incentive stock options and other equity awards. There are 2,500,000 shares available for issuance pursuant to awards granted or to be granted under the 2021 Plan.
The 2011 Plan was approved by the Class A Stockholders in September 2011 initially providing for 2,100,000 shares available for issuance for certain equity awards, including non-qualified stock options, time-vested restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, incentive stock options and other equity awards. In September 2014, the Class A Stockholders approved the second amendment to the 2011 Plan increasing the shares available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2011 Plan by 2,475,000 shares. In September 2018, the Class A Stockholders approved the third amendment to the 2011 Plan increasing the shares available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2011 Plan by 2,540,000 shares, for a total of 7,115,000 shares available for issuance under the 2011 Plan. No further awards can be granted under the 2011 Plan.
The Company’s stock-based awards vest over periods not to exceed four years and the Company's equity plans permit the acceleration of vesting upon retirement for certain eligible employees, as well as for certain other events.
At May 31, 2025, non-qualified stock options to purchase 793,287 and 1,687,656 shares of Common Stock were outstanding under the 2021 Plan and the 2011 Plan, respectively. During fiscal 2025, 16,773 options were granted under the 2021 Plan at a weighted average exercise price of $36.40.
At May 31, 2025, 1,002,900 shares of Common Stock were available for issuance under the 2021 Plan.
In September 2017, the Class A Stockholders approved the 2017 Directors Plan which has 400,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance and provides for the automatic grant to each non-employee director, on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders, of stock options and/or restricted stock units with a value equal to a fixed dollar amount. The total dollar amount, as well as the relative percentage of stock options and restricted stock units, is determined annually by the Board (or Committee designated by the Board) in advance of the grant date. In July 2024, the Board approved the fiscal 2025 grant to each non-employee director, on the date of the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, having a value, as determined by the Board, of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000), (based on the fair market value on the date of grant), with 100% of such award to be awarded as restricted stock units, such grant to vest in its entirety on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant or the date of the next annual meeting of stockholders following the date of grant.
In September 2007, the Class A Stockholders approved the 2007 Directors Plan. From September 2007 through September 2011, the 2007 Directors Plan provided for the automatic grant to each non-employee director, on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders, of non-qualified stock options to purchase 3,000 shares of Common Stock at a purchase price per share equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant and 1,200 restricted stock units. In September 2012, the Class A Stockholders approved an amendment and restatement of the 2007 Directors Plan (the “Amended 2007 Directors Plan”), which provided for the automatic grant to each non-employee director, on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders, of stock options and restricted stock units with a value equal to a fixed dollar amount. The total amount, as well as the relative percentage of stock options and restricted stock units, were to be determined annually by the Board (or committee designated by the Board) in advance of the grant date. The value of the stock options was determined based on the Black-Scholes option pricing method, with the exercise price being the fair market value of the Common Stock on the grant date, and the value of the restricted stock unit portion is the fair market value of the Common Stock on the grant date. In December 2015, the Board approved amendment number 2 to the Amended 2007 Directors Plan to provide that a non-employee director elected between annual meetings of stockholders would receive a grant at the time of such election equal to a pro rata portion of the most recent annual grant of stock options and restricted stock units, based on the number of regular Board meetings remaining to be held for the annual period during which such election occurred.
During fiscal 2025, 35,280 restricted stock units were granted to the non-employee directors under the 2017 Directors Plan, such grant to vest in its entirety on the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant or the date of the next annual meeting of Stockholders following the date of grant. During fiscal 2025, there were 14,683 shares of Common Stock issued upon the vesting of restricted stock units under the 2017 Directors Plan. As of May 31, 2025, non-qualified stock options to purchase 160,124 and 22,731 shares were outstanding under the 2017 Directors Plan and 2007 Directors Plan, respectively. At May 31, 2025, 96,894 shares of Common Stock were available for issuance under the 2017 Directors Plan.
Stock Options - Generally, stock options granted under the Company's equity plans may not be exercised for a minimum of one year after the date of grant and expire seven to ten years after the date of grant. The intrinsic value of certain stock options is tax deductible by the Company upon exercise, if compliant with current tax law. The Company
amortizes the fair value of stock options as stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis, or sooner if the employee effectively vests upon termination of employment for certain retirement-eligible employees, as well as in certain other events.
The following table sets forth the intrinsic value of stock options exercised, pretax stock-based compensation cost and related tax benefits for the Company's equity plans for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised | $ | 0.5 | | | $ | 6.4 | | | $ | 8.2 | |
Total stock-based compensation cost (pretax) | | 9.3 | | | | 11.0 | | | | 10.5 | |
Tax benefits (shortfalls) related to stock-based compensation cost | | (2.5) | | | | 5.0 | | | | (7.8) | |
Weighted average grant date fair value per option | $ | 11.92 | | | $ | 11.53 | | | $ | 11.62 | |
Pretax stock-based compensation cost is recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses. As of May 31, 2025, the total pretax compensation cost not yet recognized by the Company with regard to outstanding unvested stock options was $0.7. The weighted average period over which this compensation cost is expected to be recognized is 1.2 years.
The following table sets forth the stock option activity under the Company's equity plans for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Options | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) |
Outstanding at May 31, 2024 | | 2,942,293 | | | $ | 30.99 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Granted | | 16,773 | | | | 36.40 | | | | | | | |
Exercised | | (64,050) | | | | 21.21 | | | | | | | |
Expired, canceled and forfeited | | (231,218) | | | | 35.16 | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at May 31, 2025 | | 2,663,798 | | | $ | 30.90 | | | | 3.1 | | $ | — | |
Exercisable at May 31, 2025 | | 2,398,086 | | | $ | 30.05 | | | | 2.8 | | $ | — | |
Restricted Stock Units – In addition to stock options, the Company has issued restricted stock units to certain officers and senior management under the 2021 Plan and the 2011 Plan. During fiscal 2025, 375,112 restricted stock units were granted under the 2021 Plan. The restricted stock units convert to shares of Common Stock on a one-for-one basis upon vesting. For time-vested restricted stock units, vesting is typically in three or four equal annual installments beginning with the first anniversary of the date of grant. For performance-based restricted stock units, vesting is contingent upon attainment of pre-established performance goals. During fiscal 2025, there were 140,935 and 12,519 shares of Common Stock issued upon the vesting of restricted stock units under the 2021 Plan and 2011 Plan, respectively. The Company measures the value of restricted stock units at fair value based on the number of units granted and the price of the underlying Common Stock on the grant date, in addition to the expected attainment of pre-established performance goals in the case of performance-based restricted stock units. The Company amortizes the fair value of outstanding restricted stock units as stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis, or sooner if the employee effectively vests upon termination of employment under certain circumstances.
The following table sets forth the restricted stock unit award activity for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2025 | | | 2024 | | | 2023 |
Granted | | 410,392 | | | | 177,867 | | | | 139,111 | |
Weighted average grant date price per unit | $ | 31.04 | | | $ | 37.81 | | | $ | 41.99 | |
As of May 31, 2025, the total pretax compensation cost not yet recognized by the Company with regard to unvested restricted stock units was $6.6. The weighted average period over which this compensation cost is expected to be recognized is 1.5 years.
Management Stock Purchase Plan - The Company maintains the Scholastic Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan (the “MSPP”), which permits certain members of senior management to defer up to 100% of his or her annual
cash bonus payments in the form of restricted stock units (the "MSPP RSUs”) which are purchased by the employee at a 25% discount from the lowest closing price of the Common Stock on NASDAQ on any day during the fiscal quarter in which such bonuses are awarded. The MSPP RSUs are converted into shares of Common Stock on a one-for-one basis at the end of the applicable deferral period, which must be a minimum of three years. The Company measures the value of MSPP RSUs based on the number of awards granted and the price of the underlying Common Stock on the grant date, giving effect to the 25% discount. The Company amortizes this discount as stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term on a straight-line basis, or sooner if the employee effectively vests upon termination of employment under certain circumstances. During fiscal 2025, there were 9,187 shares of Common Stock issued upon the vesting of restricted stock units under the MSPP Plan.
The following table sets forth the MSPP RSUs activity for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2025 | | | 2024 | | | 2023 |
MSPP RSUs allocated | | 7,250 | | | | 15,149 | | | | 37,865 | |
Purchase price per unit | $ | 21.49 | | | $ | 27.86 | | | $ | 25.51 | |
At May 31, 2025, there were 87,742 shares of Common Stock remaining authorized for issuance under the MSPP.
As of May 31, 2025, the total pretax compensation cost not yet recognized by the Company with regard to unvested MSPP RSUs was less than $0.1. The weighted average period over which this compensation cost is expected to be recognized is 0.3 years.
The following table sets forth the restricted stock unit and MSPP RSUs activity for the year ended May 31, 2025:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Restricted stock units and MSPP RSUs | | | | Weighted Average grant date fair value |
Nonvested as of May 31, 2024 | 371,091 | | | | $ | 34.55 | |
| | | | | |
Granted | 417,642 | | | | | 20.62 | |
Vested | (177,324) | | | | | 36.48 | |
Forfeited | (22,183) | | | | | 35.70 | |
Nonvested as of May 31, 2025 | 589,226 | | | | $ | 31.14 | |
The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $6.5, $5.8 and $4.9, respectively.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan - The Company maintains the Scholastic Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), which is offered to eligible United States employees. The ESPP permits participating employees to purchase Common Stock, with after-tax payroll deductions, on a quarterly basis at a 15% discount from the closing price of the Common Stock on NASDAQ on the last business day of the calendar quarter. The Company recognizes the discount on the Common Stock issued under the ESPP as stock-based compensation expense in the quarter in which the employees began participating in the ESPP.
The following table sets forth the ESPP share activity for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2025 | | | 2024 | | | 2023 |
Shares issued | | 109,015 | | | | 79,458 | | | | 80,897 | |
Weighted average purchase price per share | $ | 21.84 | | | $ | 32.38 | | | $ | 29.07 | |
In September 2024, the Class A Stockholders authorized an additional 500,000 shares for issuance under the ESPP. At May 31, 2025, there were 460,053 shares of Common Stock remaining authorized for issuance under the ESPP.
15. TREASURY STOCK
The Company has authorizations from the Board of Directors to repurchase Common Stock, from time to time as conditions allow, on the open market or through negotiated private transactions, as summarized in the table below:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Authorizations | Amount | |
December 2023 | $ | 66.2 | | |
March 2024 | | 54.6 | | |
March 2025 | | 53.4 | | |
Total current Board authorizations | $ | 174.2 | | |
Less repurchases made under the authorizations as of May 31, 2025 | $ | (104.2) | | |
Remaining Board authorization at May 31, 2025 | $ | 70.0 | | |
Remaining Board authorization at May 31, 2025 represents the amount remaining under the Board authorization for Common share repurchases on March 20, 2024 and the current $53.4 Board authorization for Common share repurchases announced on March 19, 2025, which is available for further repurchases, from time to time as conditions allow, on the open market or through negotiated private transactions.
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, repurchases of the Company's Common Stock were $70.9, which included $0.9 of excise tax on share repurchases. The Company's repurchase program may be suspended at any time without prior notice.
16. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Pension Plans
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan (the “UK Pension Plan”) that covers certain employees located in the United Kingdom who meet various eligibility requirements. Benefits are based on years of service and on a percentage of compensation near retirement. The UK Pension Plan is funded by contributions from the Company. The Company’s UK Pension Plan has a measurement date of May 31.
Postretirement Benefits
The Company provides postretirement benefits to eligible retired United States-based employees (the “US Postretirement Benefits”) consisting of certain healthcare and life insurance benefits. Employees became eligible for these benefits after completing certain minimum age and service requirements. Effective June 1, 2009, the Company modified the terms of the Postretirement Benefits, effectively excluding a large percentage of employees from the plan. The Company’s postretirement benefit plan has a measurement date of May 31.
The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (the “Medicare Act”) introduced a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (“Medicare Part D”) as well as a Federal subsidy of 28% to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans providing a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. The Company has determined that the US Postretirement benefits provided to its retiree population are in aggregate the actuarial equivalent of the benefits under Medicare Part D. As a result, in fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized a cumulative reduction of its accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of $0.1 due to the Federal subsidy under the Medicare Act.
The following table sets forth the weighted average actuarial assumptions utilized to determine the benefit obligations for the UK Pension Plan and the US Postretirement Benefits at May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits |
| | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate | | 5.8 | % | | 5.2 | % | | 5.4 | % | | 5.4 | % | | 5.5 | % | | 5.3 | % |
Rate of compensation increase | | 3.8 | % | | 4.1 | % | | 4.0 | % | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Discount rate | | 5.1 | % | | 5.5 | % | | 1.9 | % | | 5.4 | % | | 5.2 | % | | 3.9 | % |
Expected long-term return on plan assets | | 4.9 | % | | 5.6 | % | | 4.4 | % | | — | | | — | | | — | |
Rate of compensation increase | | 4.1 | % | | 4.0 | % | | 4.1 | % | | — | | | — | | | — | |
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption for the UK Pension Plan, the Company considers historical returns and future expectations. Considering this information and the potential for lower future returns due to a generally lower interest rate environment, the Company selected an assumed weighted average long-term rate of return on plan assets of 4.9% for the UK Pension Plan.
The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligation for the UK Pension Plan and the US Postretirement Benefits at May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits |
| | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Change in benefit obligation: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefit obligation at beginning of year | | $ | 26.7 | | | $ | 25.1 | | | $ | 7.2 | | | $ | 8.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest cost | | | 1.3 | | | | 1.3 | | | | 0.3 | | | | 0.3 | |
Plan participants’ contributions | | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.0 | | | 0.1 |
Actuarial losses (gains) | | | (2.6) | | | | 0.9 | | | | (0.0) | | | | (0.3) | |
Foreign currency translation | | | 1.5 | | | | 0.7 | | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Benefits paid, including expenses | | | (1.6) | | | | (1.3) | | | | (1.0) | | | | (0.9) | |
Benefit obligation at end of year | | $ | 25.3 | | | $ | 26.7 | | | $ | 6.5 | | | $ | 7.2 | |
The net actuarial gain included in the projected benefit obligation for the UK Pension Plan in fiscal 2025 was primarily due to the increase in discount rate and impact of inflation. The net actuarial loss included in the projected benefit obligation for the UK Pension Plan in fiscal 2024 was primarily due to the decrease in discount rate and impact of inflation.
There was no net actuarial gain or loss included in the projected benefit obligation for the US Postretirement Benefits in fiscal 2025 as the gain attributable to the updated census data was offset by the loss attributable to the decrease in discount rate. The net actuarial gain included in the projected benefit obligation for the US Postretirement Benefits in fiscal 2024 was primarily attributable to the increase in discount rate and updated census data.
The following table sets forth the change in plan assets for the UK Pension Plan at May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | UK Pension Plan |
| | 2025 | | 2024 |
Change in plan assets: | | | | | | |
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | | $ | 21.4 | | | $ | 19.6 | |
Actual return on plan assets | | | (2.2) | | | | 1.4 | |
Employer contributions | | | 1.3 | | | | 1.2 | |
| | | | | | |
Benefits paid, including expenses | | | (1.6) | | | | (1.3) | |
| | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation | | | 1.2 | | | | 0.5 | |
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | | $ | 20.1 | | | $ | 21.4 | |
The following table sets forth the net funded status of the UK Pension Plan and the US Postretirement Benefits and the related amounts recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (0.9) | | | $ | (1.0) | |
Noncurrent liabilities | | (5.2) | | | | (5.3) | | | | (5.6) | | | | (6.2) | |
Net funded balance | $ | (5.2) | | | $ | (5.3) | | | $ | (6.5) | | | $ | (7.2) | |
The following amounts were recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the UK Pension Plan and the US Postretirement Benefits on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 |
| | UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits | | Total | | UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits | | Total |
Actuarial gain (loss) | | $ | (11.0) | | | $ | 1.4 | | | $ | (9.6) | | | $ | (11.8) | | | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | (10.3) | |
Prior service credit (cost) | | | 0.0 | | | | 5.9 | | | | 5.9 | | | | 0.0 | | | | 6.7 | | | | 6.7 | |
Amount recognized in Accumulated comprehensive income (loss) net of tax | | | (11.0) | | | | 5.5 | | | | (5.5) | | | | (11.8) | | | | 6.2 | | | | (5.6) | |
Income tax expense of $1.8, $2.0 and $2.2 were recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss at May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following table sets forth the projected benefit obligations, accumulated benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets with respect to the UK Pension Plan as of May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | UK Pension Plan |
| | 2025 | | 2024 |
Projected benefit obligations | | $ | 25.3 | | | $ | 26.7 | |
Accumulated benefit obligations | | | 25.2 | | | | 26.7 | |
| | | | | | |
Fair value of plan assets | | | 20.1 | | | | 21.4 | |
The following table sets forth the net periodic benefit (cost) for the UK Pension Plan and the US Postretirement Benefits for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits |
| | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 | | 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Components of net (benefit) cost: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest cost | | $ | 1.3 | | | $ | 1.3 | | | $ | 1.0 | | | $ | 0.3 | | | $ | 0.3 | | | $ | 0.3 | |
Expected return on assets | | | (1.0) | | | | (1.1) | | | | (1.3) | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Amortization of prior service (credit) loss | | | 0.0 | | | | 0.0 | | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.8) | | | | (0.8) | | | | (0.8) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss | | | 1.4 | | | | 1.3 | | | | 0.5 | | | | (0.1) | | | | 0.0 | | | | — | |
Net periodic (benefit) cost | | $ | 1.7 | | | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | 0.2 | | | $ | (0.6) | | | $ | (0.5) | | | $ | (0.5) | |
Actuarial gains and losses are amortized using a corridor approach. The gain or loss corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation and the market-related value of assets. Gains and losses in excess of the corridor are amortized over the future working lifetime.
Plan Assets
The Company’s investment policy with regard to the assets in the UK Pension Plan is to actively manage, within acceptable risk parameters, certain asset classes where the potential exists to outperform the broader market.
The following table sets forth the total weighted average asset allocations for the UK Pension Plan by asset category at May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | UK Pension Plan |
| | 2025 | | 2024 |
| | | | |
Debt securities | | 42.7 | % | | 37.3 | % |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 4.2 | % | | 4.1 | % |
Liability-driven instruments | | 37.8 | % | | 43.5 | % |
| | | | |
Other | | 15.3 | % | | 15.1 | % |
| | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
The following table sets forth the targeted weighted average asset allocations for the UK Pension Plan included in the Company’s investment policy:
| | | | | | | | |
| | UK Pension Plan |
Debt securities | | 45 | % |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 0 | % |
Liability-driven instruments | | 45 | % |
| | |
Other | | 10 | % |
Total | | 100 | % |
The fair values of the Company’s Pension Plan assets are measured using Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements.
The following table sets forth the measurement of the Company’s Pension Plan assets at fair value by asset category at the respective dates:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assets at Fair Value as of May 31, 2025 |
| UK Pension Plan |
| Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 0.8 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Pooled, Common and Collective Funds (1) (2) | | — | | | | 7.6 | | | | — | | | | 7.6 | |
Fixed Income (3) | | — | | | | 8.6 | | | | — | | | | 8.6 | |
Annuities | | — | | | | — | | | | 3.1 | | | | 3.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | $ | 0.8 | | | $ | 16.2 | | | $ | 3.1 | | | $ | 20.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Assets at Fair Value as of May 31, 2024 |
| UK Pension Plan |
| Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 0.9 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 0.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Pooled, Common and Collective Funds (1) (2) | | — | | | | 9.3 | | | | — | | | | 9.3 | |
Fixed Income (3) | | — | | | | 8.0 | | | | — | | | | 8.0 | |
Annuities | | — | | | | — | | | | 3.2 | | | | 3.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | $ | 0.9 | | | $ | 17.3 | | | $ | 3.2 | | | $ | 21.4 | |
(1) Funds which invest in UK government bonds and bond index-linked investments and interest rate and inflation swaps. There are no restrictions on these investments.
(2) Funds which invest in bond index funds available to certain qualified retirement plans but not traded openly on any public exchanges. There are no restrictions on these investments.
(3) Funds which invest in a diversified portfolio of publicly traded government bonds, corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities. There are no restrictions on these investments.
The Company has purchased annuities to service fixed payments to certain retired plan participants in the UK. These annuities are purchased from investment grade counterparties. These annuities are not traded on open markets and are therefore valued based upon the actuarial determined valuation, and related assumptions, of the underlying projected benefit obligation, a Level 3 valuation technique. The fair value of these assets was $3.1 and $3.2 at May 31, 2025 and May 31, 2024, respectively.
The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of these Level 3 assets for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2025 and 2024:
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Balance at May 31, 2023 | $ | 3.3 | |
Actual Return on Plan Assets: | | |
Relating to assets held at May 31, 2023 | | (0.1) | |
Relating to assets sold during the year | | — | |
Purchases, sales and settlements, net | | — | |
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | — | |
Foreign currency translation | | 0.0 | |
| | |
Balance at May 31, 2024 | $ | 3.2 | |
| | |
Actual Return on Plan Assets: | | |
Relating to assets held at May 31, 2024 | | (0.3) | |
Relating to assets sold during the year | | — | |
Purchases, sales and settlements, net | | — | |
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | | — | |
Foreign currency translation | | 0.2 | |
Balance at May 31, 2025 | $ | 3.1 | |
Contributions
In Fiscal 2026, the Company expects to make contributions of $0.8 to the UK Pension Plan.
Estimated future benefit payments
The following table sets forth the expected future benefit payments under the UK Pension Plan and the US Postretirement Benefits by fiscal year:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits |
| Pension benefits | | Benefit payments | | Medicare subsidy receipts |
2026 | $ | 1.5 | | | $ | 0.9 | | | $ | 0.0 | |
2027 | | 1.5 | | | | 0.8 | | | | 0.0 | |
2028 | | 1.5 | | | | 0.8 | | | | 0.0 | |
2029 | | 1.6 | | | | 0.7 | | | | 0.0 | |
2030 | | 1.6 | | | | 0.7 | | | | 0.0 | |
2031 - 2035 | | 8.7 | | | | 2.6 | | | | 0.1 | |
Assumed health care cost trend rates at May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 |
Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next fiscal year | 6.3 | % | | 6.3 | % |
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) | 5.0 | % | | 5.0 | % |
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate | 2031 | | 2030 |
Defined contribution plans
The Company also provides defined contribution plans for certain eligible employees. In the United States, the Company sponsors a 401(k) retirement plan and has contributed $8.4, $8.7 and $8.1 for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
17. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table presents the impact on earnings of reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits | | UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits | | UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits |
Amortization of prior service (credit) loss | $ | 0.0 | | | $ | (0.8) | | | $ | 0.0 | | | $ | (0.8) | | | $ | 0.0 | | | $ | (0.8) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) | | 1.4 | | | | (0.1) | | | | 1.3 | | | | 0.0 | | | | 0.5 | | | | — | |
Tax (benefit) expense | | — | | | | 0.2 | | | | — | | | | 0.2 | | | | — | | | | 0.2 | |
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 1.4 | | | $ | (0.7) | | | $ | 1.3 | | | $ | (0.6) | | | $ | 0.5 | | | $ | (0.6) | |
The amounts reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were recognized in Other components of net periodic benefit (cost) for all periods presented.
The following tables summarize the activity in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, by component for the periods indicated:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | | UK Pension Plan | | US Postretirement Benefits | | Total |
Balance at May 31, 2023 (1) | $ | (50.0) | | | $ | (12.4) | | | $ | 6.6 | | | $ | (55.8) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | $ | 3.1 | | | $ | (0.7) | | | $ | 0.2 | | | $ | 2.6 | |
Less: amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net of taxes) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of net actuarial loss | $ | — | | | $ | 1.3 | | | $ | 0.0 | | | $ | 1.3 | |
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost | | — | | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.6) | | | | (0.6) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | 3.1 | | | | 0.6 | | | | (0.4) | | | | 3.3 | |
Balance at May 31, 2024 (1) | $ | (46.9) | | | $ | (11.8) | | | $ | 6.2 | | | $ | (52.5) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | $ | 10.9 | | | $ | (0.6) | | | $ | 0.0 | | | $ | 10.3 | |
Less: amount reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net of taxes) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Amortization of net actuarial loss | $ | — | | | $ | 1.4 | | | $ | (0.1) | | | $ | 1.3 | |
Amortization of prior service (credit) cost | | — | | | | 0.0 | | | | (0.6) | | | | (0.6) | |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | 10.9 | | | | 0.8 | | | | (0.7) | | | | 11.0 | |
Balance at May 31, 2025 (1) | $ | (36.0) | | | $ | (11.0) | | | $ | 5.5 | | | $ | (41.5) | |
(1) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to the UK Pension Plan and the US Postretirement Benefits are reported net of taxes of $1.8, $2.0 and $2.2 at May 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.
18. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following table summarizes the reconciliation of the numerators and denominators for the Basic and Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) attributable to Class A and Common Shares | $ | (1.9) | | | $ | 12.1 | | | $ | 86.3 | |
Weighted average Shares of Class A Stock and Common Stock outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share (in millions) | | 27.6 | | | | 29.6 | | | | 33.8 | |
Dilutive effect of Class A Stock and Common Stock potentially issuable pursuant to stock-based compensation plans (in millions)* | | — | | | | 0.8 | | | | 0.9 | |
Adjusted weighted average Shares of Class A Stock and Common Stock outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions) | | 27.6 | | | | 30.4 | | | | 34.7 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Earnings (loss) per share of Class A Stock and Common Stock | | | | | | | | |
Basic earnings (loss) per share | $ | (0.07) | | | $ | 0.41 | | | $ | 2.56 | |
Diluted earnings (loss) per share | $ | (0.07) | | | $ | 0.40 | | | $ | 2.49 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Anti-dilutive shares pursuant to stock-based compensation plans | | 0.4 | | | | 0.9 | | | | 0.6 | |
* The Company experienced a net loss for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025 and therefore did not report any dilutive share impact. The following potential common shares were excluded from the loss per diluted share computation: outstanding options and restricted stock units of $2.7 and $0.5, respectively.
The Company measures diluted earnings per share using the Treasury Stock method.
The following table sets forth Options outstanding pursuant to stock-based compensation plans for the fiscal years ended May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2025 | | 2024 |
Options outstanding pursuant to stock-based compensation plans (in millions) | 2.7 | | 2.9 |
As of May 31, 2025, $70.0 remains available for future purchases of common shares under the current repurchase authorization of the Board of Directors. See Note 15, “Treasury Stock,” for a more complete description of the Company’s share buy-back program.
19. OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES
Other accrued expenses consisted of the following at May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2025 | | | 2024 |
| | | | | |
Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and benefits | $ | 35.2 | | | $ | 32.9 | |
Accrued bonus and commissions | | 26.6 | | | | 21.6 | |
Accrued other taxes | | 22.2 | | | | 23.0 | |
Returns liability | | 34.4 | | | | 33.1 | |
Accrued advertising and promotions | | 5.1 | | | | 5.7 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Other accrued expenses | | 42.7 | | | | 40.0 | |
Total accrued expenses | $ | 166.2 | | | $ | 156.3 | |
The table below provides information regarding Accrued severance which is included in Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and benefits on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2025 | | | 2024 |
Beginning balance | $ | 3.9 | | | $ | 0.3 | |
Accruals | | 13.0 | | | | 12.9 | |
Payments | | (12.6) | | | | (9.3) | |
Ending balance | $ | 4.3 | | | $ | 3.9 | |
During fiscal 2025, the Company recognized $11.8 of severance expense related to cost-saving initiatives.
20. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING
The Company enters into foreign currency derivative contracts to economically hedge the exposure to foreign currency fluctuations associated with the forecasted purchase of inventory, the foreign exchange risk associated with certain receivables denominated in foreign currencies and certain future commitments for foreign expenditures. These derivative contracts are economic hedges and are not designated as cash flow hedges.
The Company marks-to-market these instruments and records the changes in the fair value of these items in Selling, general and administrative expenses, and recognizes the unrealized gain or loss in other current assets or other current liabilities. The notional values of the contracts were $22.8 as of May 31, 2025 and 2024. A net unrealized loss of $0.1 and a net unrealized gain of $0.2 was recognized at May 31, 2025 and May 31, 2024, respectively.
21. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company determines the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy for each fair value measurement of assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the Company’s financial statements. The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs, which refer to assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, based upon the highest and best use, into three levels as follows:
•Level 1 Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
•Level 2 Observable inputs other than unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities such as:
◦Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets
◦Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets
◦Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
◦Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means
•Level 3 Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which are significant to the fair value measurement and require the Company to develop its own assumptions.
The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value consisted of cash and cash equivalents, debt and foreign currency forward contracts. Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of bank deposits and short-term investments, such as money market funds, the fair value of which is based on quoted market prices, a Level 1 fair value measure. The Company employs Level 2 fair value measurements for the disclosure of the fair value of its various lines of credit and long term debt. The fair value of the Company's debt approximates the carrying value for all periods presented. The fair values of foreign currency forward contracts, used by the Company to manage the impact of foreign exchange rate changes to the financial statements, are based on quotations from financial institutions, a Level 2 fair value measure.
Non-financial assets and liabilities for which the Company employs fair value measures on a non-recurring basis include:
•Long-lived assets
•Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets
•Investments
•Assets acquired in a business combination
•Impairment assessment of goodwill and intangible assets
•Long-lived assets held for sale
Level 2 and Level 3 inputs are employed by the Company in the fair value measurement of these assets and liabilities. For a more detailed description of the fair value measurements employed by the Company, see Note 1, “Description of the Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." The Company employs fair value measurements for certain property, plant and equipment, production assets, investments and prepublication assets and the Company assesses future expected cash flows attributable to these assets. For investments, see Note 8, "Investments," for a more complete description of the fair value measurements employed.
During fiscal 2025, the Company completed the acquisition of 9 Story. Refer to Note 11, "Acquisitions", for details regarding this acquisition and a description of the fair value measurements employed. In addition, certain inventory, operating lease ROU assets and prepublication costs were recorded at fair value in connection with an impairment and fair value was determined using the discounted cash flow method. See Note 4, "Asset Write Down," for a more complete description of the impairments recognized in 2025.
During fiscal 2024, certain operating lease ROU assets, prepublication costs and intangible assets were recorded at fair value in connection with an impairment and fair value was determined using the discounted cash flow method. See Note 4, "Asset Write Down," for a more complete description of the impairments recognized in 2024. In addition, during fiscal 2024, the Company acquired certain amortizable intangible assets and the fair value was determined using the discounted cash flow method. See Note 12, "Goodwill and Intangibles," for a more complete description of the intangibles acquired.
During fiscal 2023, the Company acquired certain intangible assets and goodwill in connection with a business combination. See Note 11, "Acquisitions," for a more complete description of the assets acquired and the fair value measurements employed.
The following tables present non-financial assets that were measured and recognized at fair value on a non-recurring basis and the total impairment losses and additions recognized on those assets:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net carrying value as of | | Fair value measured and recognized using | | Impairment losses for fiscal year ended | | Additions due to acquisitions |
| May 31, 2025 | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | May 31, 2025 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Inventory | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1.1 | | | $ | 1.1 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prepublication assets | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1.2 | | | | 1.2 | | | | — | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 0.6 | | | | 0.6 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net carrying value as of | | Fair value measured and recognized using | | Impairment losses for fiscal year ended | | Additions due to acquisitions |
| May 31, 2024 | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | May 31, 2024 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Prepublication assets | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3.0 | | | $ | 3.0 | | | $ | — | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 3.9 | | | | 3.9 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Intangible assets | | 5.5 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 6.0 | | | | 3.1 | | | | 6.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net carrying value as of | | Fair value measured and recognized using | | Impairment losses for fiscal year ended | | Additions due to acquisitions |
| May 31, 2023 | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | May 31, 2023 | |
Goodwill | $ | 7.6 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7.6 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 7.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Intangible assets | | 3.6 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4.1 | | | | — | | | | 4.1 | |
22. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
On April 18, 2024, the Company entered into a share repurchase agreement to purchase shares of its common stock from the Estate of M. Richard Robinson, Jr. in a privately negotiated transaction. Pursuant to the repurchase agreement, the Company purchased 400,000 shares of common stock on April 18, 2024 at a price of $33.51 per share, representing an aggregate purchase price of $13.4. The price per share paid represented a 3.8% discount to the closing price of the stock, $34.83, on the date of execution of the repurchase agreement. The repurchase was made pursuant to the Company’s current share repurchase program as previously approved by the Board. The aforementioned transaction was approved by the Board upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee.
23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On July 16, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on the Company's Class A and Common Stock for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The dividend is payable on September 15, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 29, 2025.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Scholastic Corporation
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Scholastic Corporation (the Company) as of May 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended May 31, 2025, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(c) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at May 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended May 31, 2025, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated July 25, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
| | | | | | | | |
| Revenue Recognition - allocation of contract transaction price to identified performance obligations |
Description of the Matter | | As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company identifies two performance obligations within its school-based book fair contracts, which include (i) the fulfillment of book fairs product and (ii) the fulfillment of product upon the redemption of incentive program credits by customers. The Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation based on a relative standalone selling price. Changes in the allocation of the transaction price could impact the timing of the recognition of revenue.
Considering the nature and volume of school-based book fair transactions, we identified the allocation of the transaction price to the identified performance obligations within school-based book fair contracts as a critical audit matter because the estimation of standalone selling price for the incentive program credits required especially challenging auditor effort and judgment in evaluating the methodology used to establish standalone selling price. Estimating standalone selling price for the incentive program credits utilizes estimates of a standardized value per credit. The standardized value per credit is based on historical experience of issuance and redemption patterns related to the incentive program, adjusted to normalize the data and to align with expectations of future redemptions. Changes in those assumptions can have a material effect on the amount of revenue recognized in the current or future periods.
|
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit | | We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s allocation of transaction price to the two performance obligations. We tested management’s review controls over the significant assumptions, such as adjustments made to historical experience and redemption patterns, and completeness and accuracy of the data used in the calculation.
To test the allocation of revenue recognized in current and future periods, our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the methodology used and analyzing the historical experience and redemption patterns, particularly the adjustments made to normalize the data and to align with expectations of future redemptions. We tested the accuracy and completeness of the underlying historical incentive credit program data used in management’s calculation. To test the accuracy and completeness of historical incentive program issuance and redemption data used in the analysis, we agreed the total incentive program activity to the source system and for a sample of transactions performed transactional testing to source documents. We also evaluated the appropriateness of management’s adjustments to historical data by gaining an understanding of the nature of the adjustments, performing a sensitivity analysis and tracing the adjustments to the historical data to source documents. |
| | | | | | | | |
| Fair value of investment in film and television programs and distribution contracts and relationships in the 9 Story Media Group business combination |
Description of the Matter | | As disclosed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company completed the acquisition of 9 Story Media Group (“9 Story”) during 2025 for total consideration of $193.7 million in cash. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination.
Auditing the Company's accounting for its acquisition of 9 Story was complex due to the estimation required by management in determining the fair value of certain assets including investment in film and television programs of $42.9 million and distribution contracts and relationships of $36.7 million. The Company used the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach to value these assets. The significant underlying assumptions under this method included, for both assets, the projected revenue and revenue attributable to the individual assets, as well as the discount rate specifically for the distribution contracts and relationships asset. These assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.
|
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit | | We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of relevant controls over the Company’s process for estimating the fair value of investment in film and television programs and distribution contracts and relationships, including controls over management's review of the significant assumptions used in the valuation of the assets (as described above) and review of the valuation model.
To test the estimated fair value of the investment in film and television programs and distribution contracts and relationships, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, evaluating the Company's valuation methodology and testing the significant assumptions discussed above utilized by management in the valuation model. We compared the significant assumptions used to the historical results of the acquired business and to other guideline companies within the same industry. We also performed sensitivity analyses of the significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the fair value of the assets resulting from changes in these assumptions. In performing our testing, we involved our valuation specialists to assist with our evaluation of the methodology used by the Company and significant assumptions used in the calculation of fair value. |
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since at least 1938, but we are unable to determine the specific year.
New York, New York
July 25, 2025
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Scholastic Corporation
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Scholastic Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Scholastic Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2025, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of May 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended May 31, 2025, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(c) and our report dated July 25, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
July 25, 2025
| | | | | |
Supplementary Financial Information |
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| Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited, amounts in millions except per share data) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| First Quarter | | Second Quarter | | Third Quarter | | Fourth Quarter | | Fiscal Year Ended May 31, |
2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | $ | 237.2 | | | $ | 544.6 | | | $ | 335.4 | | | $ | 508.3 | | | $ | 1,625.5 | |
Cost of goods sold | | 128.3 | | | | 228.6 | | | | 154.6 | | | | 207.3 | | | | 718.8 | |
Net income (loss) | | (62.5) | | | | 48.8 | | | | (3.6) | | | | 15.4 | | | | (1.9) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) per share of Class A and Common Stock: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic (1) | $ | (2.21) | | | $ | 1.73 | | | $ | (0.13) | | | $ | 0.59 | | | $ | (0.07) | |
Diluted (1) | $ | (2.21) | | | $ | 1.71 | | | $ | (0.13) | | | $ | 0.59 | | | $ | (0.07) | |
2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | $ | 228.5 | | | $ | 562.6 | | | $ | 323.7 | | | $ | 474.9 | | | $ | 1,589.7 | |
Cost of goods sold | | 130.0 | | | | 234.1 | | | | 148.7 | | | | 192.3 | | | | 705.1 | |
Net income (loss) | | (74.2) | | | | 76.9 | | | | (26.5) | | | | 35.9 | | | | 12.1 | |
Net income (loss) per share of Class A and Common Stock: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic (1) | $ | (2.35) | | | $ | 2.51 | | | $ | (0.91) | | | $ | 1.26 | | | $ | 0.41 | |
Diluted (1) | $ | (2.35) | | | $ | 2.45 | | | $ | (0.91) | | | $ | 1.23 | | | $ | 0.40 | |
(1) The sum of the quarters may not equal the full year basic and diluted earnings per share since each quarter is calculated separately.
Item 9 | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A | Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, after conducting an evaluation, together with other members of the Company’s management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as of May 31, 2025, have concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in its reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and accumulated and communicated to members of the Corporation’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The management of the Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Corporation. A corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Company’s management (with the participation of the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer), after conducting an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), concluded that the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 31, 2025.
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2025, which is included herein. There was no change in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended May 31, 2025 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B | Other Information
During the quarterly period ended May 31, 2025, no director or officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 9C | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
Part III
Item 10 | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held September 17, 2025 to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. Certain information regarding the Corporation’s Executive Officers is set forth in Part I - Item 1 - Business.
Item 11 | Executive Compensation
Incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held September 17, 2025 to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
Item 12 | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held September 17, 2025 to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
Item 13 | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held September 17, 2025 to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
Item 14 | Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Incorporated herein by reference from the Corporation’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held September 17, 2025 to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
Part IV
Item 15 | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
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(a)(1) | Financial Statements: |
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| The following Consolidated Financial Statements are included in Part II, Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”: |
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| Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023; |
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| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023; |
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| Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2025 and 2024; |
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| Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023; |
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| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended May 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023; and |
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| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
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(a)(2) | Supplementary Financial Information - Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations Financial Statement Schedule. |
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and (c) | |
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| The following consolidated financial statement schedule is included with this report: Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves. |
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| All other schedules have been omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto. |
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(a)(3) and (b) |
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| Exhibits: |
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3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended to date (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on October 6, 2006, SEC File No. 000-19860). |
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3.2 | Bylaws of the Corporation, amended and restated as of May 15, 2024 (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on May 15, 2024, SEC File No. 000-19860). |
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4.1 | Description of the Company’s securities, as filed herewith. |
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10.1 | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 27, 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”) among Scholastic Corporation and Scholastic Inc., as Borrowers, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Truist Bank as Co-Syndication Agents, Fifth Third Bank, National Association, HSBC Bank USA, National Association, and Citibank, N.A. as Co-Agents and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023, SEC File No. 000-19860 (the "February 28, 2023 10-Q"). | |
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10.2 | First Amendment, dated as of February 28, 2023, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 27, 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”) by and between Scholastic Corporation and Scholastic Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023, SEC File No. 000-19860 (the "February 28, 2023 10-Q"). | |
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10.3 | Second Amendment, dated as of February 28,2023, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 27, 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”) by and between Scholastic Corporation and Scholastic Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to the February 28, 2023 10-Q). | |
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10.4 | Third Amendment, dated as of November 26, 2024, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 27, 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”) by and between Scholastic Corporation and Scholastic Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed December 3, 2024). | |
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10.5* | Scholastic Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, amended and restated effective as of September 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on July 30, 2009, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the “2009 10-K”), together with Amendment No. 1 to the Scholastic Corporation Management Stock Purchase Plan, effective as of September 21, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement as filed with the SEC on August 9, 2011, SEC File No. 000-19860). | |
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10.6* | Scholastic Corporation Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan, amended and restated effective as of September 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference to the 2009 10-K). | |
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10.7* | Scholastic Corporation 2007 Outside Directors Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Directors’ Plan”) effective as of September 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference to the 2009 10-K) and the Amended and Restated Scholastic Corporation 2007 Outside Directors Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on January 2, 2013, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the "November 30, 2012 10-Q”), and Amendment No. 1, effective as of May 21, 2013 (incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on July 25, 2013, SEC file No. 000-19860 (the "2013 10-K”)), and Amendment No. 2, effective as of December 16, 2015 (incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on December 18, 2015, SEC File No. 000-19860). | |
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10.8* | Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2007 Directors’ Plan (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on January 9, 2008, SEC File No. 000-19860) and the Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2007 Directors’ Plan, effective as of September 19, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2012 10-Q). | |
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10.9* | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2007 Directors’ Plan (incorporated by reference to the 2009 10-K) and the Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2007 Directors' Plan, effective July 18, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2012 10-Q). | |
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10.10* | Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2011, SEC File No. 000-19860 (the "November 30, 2011 10-Q")). Amendment No. 1 to the Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the 2013 10-K), Amendment No. 2 to the Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2014, SEC File No. 000-19860), and Amendment No. 3 to the Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on December 20, 2018, SEC file No. 000-19860). | |
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10.11* | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2011 10-Q). | |
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10.12* | Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2011 10-Q). | |
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10.13* | Scholastic Corporation 2017 Outside Directors Stock Incentive Plan, as Amended and Restated (incorporated by reference to the May 31, 2024 10-K). | |
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10.14* | Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Scholastic Corporation 2017 Outside Directors Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the August 31, 2017 10-Q). | |
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10.15* | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Scholastic Corporation 2017 Outside Directors Stock Incentive Plan as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2023 10-Q). | |
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10.16* | Scholastic Corporation 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the August 31, 2022 10-Q). | |
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10.17* | Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Scholastic Corporation 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2021 10-Q). | |
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10.18* | Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Scholastic Corporation 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2021 10-Q). | |
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10.19* | Form of Performance Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Scholastic Corporation 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2024 10-Q). | |
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10.20* | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and Peter Warwick, effective August 1, 2021 (incorporated by reference to the August 31, 2022 10-Q). | |
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10.21* | Stock Option Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and Peter Warwick, dated August 1, 2021 (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2021 10-Q). | |
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10.22* | Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and Peter Warwick, dated August 1, 2021 (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2021 10-Q). | |
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10.23* | Performance Stock Unit Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and Peter Warwick, dated August 1, 2021 (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2021 10-Q). | |
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10.24* | Share Repurchase Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and the Preliminary co-Executors of the Estate of M. Richard Robinson, Jr., effective January 12, 2022, (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on March 18, 2022, SEC file No. 000-19860)(“the February 28, 2022 10-Q”). | |
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10.25* | Performance Stock Unit Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and Peter Warwick, dated July 19, 2022, (incorporated by reference to the August 31, 2022 10-Q). | |
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10.26* | Performance Stock Unit Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and Peter Warwick, dated July 18, 2023, (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2023 10-Q). | |
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10.27 | Securities Purchase Agreement between the Purchaser, each of the Sellers and the Sellers’ Representative dated March 11, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed March 12, 2024).** | |
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10.28 | Guarantee Agreement dated March 11, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed March 12, 2024). | |
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10.29* | Employment Agreement dated October 3, 2023 between Kenneth Cleary and Scholastic Inc. (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed October 3, 2023). | |
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10.30* | First Amendment to Amended And Restated Employment Agreement dated October 4, 2023 between Peter Warwick and Scholastic Inc. (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed October 4, 2023). | |
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10.31* | Letter Agreement dated January 25, 2024 between Peter Warwick and the Company (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed January 25, 2024). | |
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10.32* | Offer Letter dated December 5, 2023 between Haji Glover and Scholastic Inc. (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed January 8, 2024). | |
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10.33 | Share Repurchase Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and the Preliminary co-Executors of the Estate of M. Richard Robinson, Jr., effective April 18, 2024 (incorporated by reference to the May 31, 2024 10-K). | |
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10.34* | Offer Letter dated July 11, 2022 between Jeffrey N. Matthews and Scholastic Inc. (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2024 10-Q). | |
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10.35* | Performance Stock Unit Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and Peter Warwick, dated July 16, 2024 (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2024 10-Q). | |
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10.36* | Performance Stock Unit Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and Jeffrey N. Mathews, dated October 1, 2024 (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2024 10-Q). | |
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10.37* | Restricted Stock Unit Agreement between Scholastic Corporation and Jeffrey N. Mathews, dated October 1, 2024 (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2024 10-Q). | |
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10.38* | Letter Agreement dated January 30, 2025 between Peter Warwick and the Company (incorporated by reference to the February 28, 2025 10-Q). | |
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19 | Insider Trading Policy (incorporated by reference to the May 31, 2024 10-K/A). | |
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21 | Subsidiaries of the Corporation, as of May 31, 2025. | |
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23 | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. | |
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31.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
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31.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
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32 | Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
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97 | Clawback Policy (incorporated by reference to the May 31, 2024 10-K). | |
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101.INS | XBRL Instance Document *** | |
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101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document *** | |
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101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document *** | |
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101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document *** | |
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101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document *** | |
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101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document *** | |
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* | The referenced exhibit is a management contract or compensation plan or arrangement described in Item 601(b) (10) (iii) of Regulation S-K. | |
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** | The Company has filed a redacted version of the Securities Purchase Agreement, omitting the portions of the Agreement (indicated by asterisks) which the Company desires to keep confidential. | |
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*** | In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall be deemed to be “furnished” and not “filed.” | |
Item 16 | Summary
None.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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Dated: | July 25, 2025 | SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION |
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| | By: /s/ Peter Warwick |
| | President and Chief Executive Officer |
Power of Attorney
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Peter Warwick his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary and requisite to be done, as fully and to all the intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Signature | | Title | | Date |
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/s/ Peter Warwick | | President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (principal executive officer) | | July 25, 2025 |
Peter Warwick | | |
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/s/ Haji L. Glover | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) | | July 25, 2025 |
Haji L. Glover | | |
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/s/ Paul Hukkanen | | Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer) | | July 25, 2025 |
Paul Hukkanen | | |
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/s/ Andrés Alonso | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
Andrés Alonso | | |
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/s/ James W. Barge | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
James W. Barge | | |
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/s/ John L. Davies | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
John L. Davies | | |
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/s/ Robert L. Dumont | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
Robert L. Dumont | | |
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/s/ Alix Guerrier | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
Alix Guerrier | | |
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/s/ Kaya Henderson | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
Kaya Henderson | | |
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/s/ Linda Li | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
Linda Li | | |
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/s/ Iole Lucchese | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
Iole Lucchese | | |
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/s/ Verdell Walker | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
Verdell Walker | | |
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/s/ David J. Young | | Director | | July 25, 2025 |
David J. Young | | |
Scholastic Corporation
Financial Statement Schedule
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
YEAR ENDED May 31, 2025
ITEM 15(c)
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
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| | | | | | | | | (Amounts in millions) |
| | | | | | | | | Years ended May 31, |
| Balance at Beginning of Year | | Expensed | | Write-Offs and Other | | Balance at End of Year |
2025 | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for credit losses | $ | 14.9 | | | $ | 5.0 | | | $ | 8.9 | | | $ | 11.0 | |
Returns liability | | 33.1 | | | | 51.8 | | | | 50.5 | | (1) | | 34.4 | |
Reserves for obsolescence | | 105.6 | | | | 16.1 | | | | 14.6 | | | | 107.1 | |
Reserve for royalty advances | | 83.2 | | | | 5.7 | | | | 2.0 | | | | 86.9 | |
2024 | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for credit losses | $ | 16.7 | | | $ | 5.2 | | | $ | 7.0 | | | $ | 14.9 | |
Returns liability | | 34.9 | | | | 59.4 | | | | 61.2 | | (1) | | 33.1 | |
Reserves for obsolescence | | 100.9 | | | | 20.4 | | | | 15.7 | | | | 105.6 | |
Reserve for royalty advances | | 79.1 | | | | 2.7 | | | | (1.4) | | | | 83.2 | |
2023 | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for credit losses | $ | 25.9 | | | $ | 3.3 | | | $ | 12.5 | | | $ | 16.7 | |
Returns liability | | 42.2 | | | | 60.2 | | | | 67.5 | | (1) | | 34.9 | |
Reserves for obsolescence | | 106.6 | | | | 26.5 | | | | 32.2 | | | | 100.9 | |
Reserve for royalty advances | | 76.0 | | | | 4.2 | | | | 1.1 | | | | 79.1 | |
(1)Represents actual returns charged to the reserve.