MAIN NEWS HEADLINES

May 15-31, 2005 Edition

Houghton Mifflin

Reports Sales

Increase for Q1

BOSTON, MA/05/10/05—Houghton Mifflin Company reported $27 million in sales for the first quarter of 2005 in its trade and reference unit–a 4% increase over the year-ago period. The increase was attributed to strong sales of several new book releases.

CEO Tony Lucki said in a conference call to analysts that he anticipates a “good year in trade.”

Company-wide sales increased to $146.4 million, a 5% boost, and the school segment grew by 5% to $85.4 million. Overall operating losses increased 6% to $121.0 million.

About Houghton Mifflin Company

Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States, with over $1 billion in sales. Houghton Mifflin Company publishes textbooks, instructional technology, assessments and other educational materials for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. Houghton Mifflin Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and non-fiction for adults and young readers. Houghton Mifflin offers computer-administered testing programs and services for the professional and certification markets. With its origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin Company today combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. The Company’s website can be found at www.hmco.com. Houghton Mifflin’s parent company, HM Publishing Corp., conducts all of its operating activities through Houghton Mifflin Company.