MAIN NEWS HEADLINES
January 3 – January 10, 2008 Edition
Scholastic Reports
Q2 Solid Results, Plans
To Sell Home Unit
NEW YORK, NY/12/20/07–Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) today reported results for the fiscal second quarter ended November 30, 2007. The Company also announced that it intends to divest the Direct-to-Home Continuities business, as part of its strategy to increase profits and improve margins.
Revenue in the second quarter was $746.2 million compared to $735.5 million in the prior year period, and net profit was $75.6 million versus $75.1 million. Earnings per diluted share rose to $1.93 from $1.75 in the prior year period, primarily reflecting accretion from the previously announced $200 million accelerated share repurchase. In the quarter, Direct-to-Home Continuities contributed revenue of $33.2 million and resulted in a pro forma net loss of $6.1 million or $0.16 per diluted share, based on the Companys normal effective tax rate of 37.0%; this is compared to revenue of $38.1 million and a pro forma net loss of $2.8 million or $0.06 per diluted share in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
In the second quarter, Scholastics businesses, excluding Direct-to-Home, performed on plan, and the Companys operating income and margin improved year-over-year commented Richard Robinson, Chairman, CEO and President. Profits from School Book Fairs, Clubs and Trade Publishing all rose, while Scholastic Education made progress investing in a reorganized sales force, increased technical support and consulting services, and new technology products. In addition our International segment recorded double-digit revenue and profit growth.
Mr. Robinson continued, The Direct-to-Home Continuities business has generated significant earnings and cash since we acquired it in June 2000, but in the last three years it has lost profitability. After careful review of this years performance, we have concluded that it will not meet its fiscal 2008 goals. We continue to believe that Direct-to-Homes brand portfolio and extensive reach to young families represent valuable assets. However, given this years difficulties, we have decided that the best course of action for Scholastic and for this business is to divest it at this time. The Company will continue building direct relationships with parents and families through our other channels, especially on-line.
Scholastic intends to sell the U.S. Direct-to-Home Continuities business and its U.K. and Canada continuities divisions. Greenhill & Co. has been retained and has begun the sales process. The Company currently expects to report these businesses as discontinued operations for accounting purposes in the fiscal third quarter, ending on February 29, 2008.
The Company affirmed its fiscal 2008 guidance for revenue of $2.3 to $2.5 billion and earnings per diluted share of $2.35 to $2.85, with solid performance from core businesses offsetting lower than expected results from Continuities. This earnings outlook does not reflect potentially significant non-cash write-downs of assets and modest cash expenses that are expected as a result of the Companys decision to sell Direct-to-Home Continuities. The outlook for free cash flow in fiscal 2008 remains $80 to $100 million.
Scholastic also announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a program to repurchase up to $20 million of its common stock, using available cash to offset dilution from stock-based compensation. Under this program, the Company may purchase shares, from time to time as conditions allow, on the open market or in negotiated private transactions.
Segment Results
Childrens Book Publishing and Distribution. Segment revenue was $431.3 million in the second quarter, down modestly from $442.7 million in the prior year period; segment operating income was $99.7 million in the quarter compared to $99.6 million a year ago. Profit rose in Trade Publishing, driven by strong sales of the Harry Potter® box-set as well as The Star Wars Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy by Matthew Reinhart, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick and other front-list titles. Improved efficiencies also drove higher profit in School Book Fairs on slightly higher revenue. In School Book Clubs profit increased despite lower revenue, reflecting continued cost management and the elimination of less profitable mailings. These factors were offset by an increased loss and lower revenue in Direct-to-Home Continuities. Pre-tax operating loss due to Direct-to-Home Continuities was $9.7 million, compared to a loss of $4.4 million a year ago.
Educational Publishing. Segment revenue for the quarter was $99.6 million, up modestly from $97.2 million in the prior year period. Segment operating income declined to $12.5 million from $17.1 million a year ago, reflecting planned investments in the sales and service organization and in new product development. This transition, in addition to a soft school funding environment, modestly impacted sales of educational technology and curriculum products in the quarter.
International. Segment revenue for the quarter was $157.6 million, up 13% (2% in local currencies) from $139.0 million in the prior year period. Segment operating income rose significantly to $24.2 million compared to $19.8 million in the prior year period, due to the positive impact of foreign exchange and improved results in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Media, Licensing and Advertising. Segment revenue for the quarter was $57.7 million, up modestly from $56.6 million in the prior year period, and operating income rose 18% to $10.9 million from $9.2 million. Growth in interactive products, driven by strong sales in the Companys school-based channels and by new titles for Leapster and Nintendo DS, resulted in improved results and margins.
Corporate Overhead. Corporate overhead expense in the quarter declined to $17.1 million from $19.3 million in the prior year period, reflecting lower headcount and improved benefit expenses.
