EXHIBIT 99.1
CONTACTS:
Media: Judy Corman (212) 343-6833
Investors: Ray Marchuk (212) 343-6741
SCHOLASTIC REPORTS THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
NEW YORK, MARCH 16, 2004 -- Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) today
announced results for the third fiscal quarter ended February 29, 2004.
Revenue increased 9% to $472.0 million from $433.7 million in the year-ago
period. The Company generated an operating loss of $2.3 million for the quarter,
compared to a profit of $3.9 million in the year-ago period. Net loss for the
quarter was $6.0 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of
$0.5 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the year-ago period. The year-ago
period included a gain of $2.9 million pre-tax, or $0.05 per diluted share
after-tax, on the sale of an equity investment. The third quarter is
Scholastic's second smallest revenue period.
Richard Robinson, Chairman, President and CEO, commented, "Greater than
anticipated challenges in our Direct-to-Home Continuity and Trade businesses
caused lower results in the third quarter, particularly in February, and have
caused us to reevaluate our forecast for this fiscal year. In its first full
quarter of effect, Federal `Do Not Call' legislation resulted in lower than
expected Direct-to-Home response rates and margins. In Trade, lower backlist
orders and increased returns were driven by more aggressive inventory management
by accounts in a continuing tough retail environment. These factors more than
offset strong revenue and profit growth in School Book Clubs, Educational
Publishing and International, and progress in School Book Fairs.
"We now expect to generate EPS for Fiscal 2004 below $1.95, but above last
year's results. This excludes special and non-recurring items in Fiscal 2003 and
Fiscal 2004. We also expect free cash flow to be approximately $50 million in
Fiscal 2004."
Mr. Robinson continued, "Based on these results and the future needs of the
Company, we have taken the following management actions:
"First, Barbara Marcus, President of Children's Book Publishing & Distribution,
will devote her extraordinary skills to our Trade and Fair operations. Her
full-time attention to these businesses is expected to improve their results.
"Second, Judy Newman, Senior Vice President, who executed this year's
turn-around in Clubs, will also significantly expand her day-to-day role in
Direct-to-Home, reporting to me. She will be taking a fresh look at the
Direct-to-Home business, focusing on developing new models for acquiring
customers and restoring profitable growth.
"Third, financial staff in the business units, who formerly reported to division
presidents, will now report directly to our new Chief Financial Officer, Mary
Winston. This step will help improve our financial forecasting processes.
"Fourth, we have accepted the resignations of the president in charge of our
Direct-to-Home business and the senior vice president in charge of our Trade
business.
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EXHIBIT 99.1
These are important steps in our plan to improve revenue, profitability and
margin growth."
THIRD FISCAL QUARTER SEGMENT RESULTS
Children's Book Publishing & Distribution revenue increased 1% over the year-ago
quarter to $271.5 million, as growth in Clubs and Fairs was largely offset by
declines in Trade and Continuities. Operating profit was $11.4 million, compared
to $23.0 million in the year-ago period. Club revenue grew 18% on more orders,
helped in part by the July 2003 acquisition of selected assets of Troll Book
Clubs. Fair revenue advanced 4% on higher revenue per fair. Trade revenue
declined $11 million, due primarily to lower backlist sales and higher than
expected February returns. Continuity revenue declined 8%, reflecting the lower
response to Direct-to-Home telemarketing, which increased the amortization of
related promotional costs.
Educational Publishing revenue increased 7% to $69.4 million, generating profits
of $3.3 million, versus a year-ago loss of $2.9 million. Results benefited from
a more than 50% increase in sales of the READ 180(R) intervention program and a
more than 15% increase in sales of classroom libraries and Teaching Resources.
International revenue increased 25% to $87.6 million, with operating profit
increasing to $1.3 million, as compared to $0.8 million in the year-ago quarter.
Revenue growth in exports and in the Company's Canadian operations contributed
to revenue and profit growth while foreign exchange changes added $11 million to
revenue.
Media, Licensing & Advertising revenue increased 49% to $43.5 million, due to
the addition of the Back to Basics Toys(R) catalog business as well as the
Warner Bros. release in February of CLIFFORD'S REALLY BIG MOVIE(TM) to theaters
in five metropolitan areas. Operating loss was reduced to $1.1 million from $1.6
million in the prior year period.
NINE MONTH FISCAL 2004 RESULTS
For the nine months ended February 29, 2004, revenue increased 18% to $1,646.4
million, compared to $1,400.9 million in last year's period. Net income
increased 20% to $35.9 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, compared to $29.9
million, or $0.74 per diluted share, in the year-ago period. Results for the
nine months ended February 29, 2004 included special severance charges totalling
$3.2 million pre-tax, or $0.05 per diluted share after-tax. Results for the nine
months ended February 28, 2003 included a special charge of $1.9 million
pre-tax, or $0.03 per diluted share after-tax, to settle a securities litigation
lawsuit from 1997 and a gain of $2.9 million pre-tax, or $0.05 per share
after-tax, from the sale of an investment.
CONFERENCE CALL
Scholastic will hold a conference call tomorrow (March 17, 2004) at 8:00 AM
Eastern. To listen and ask questions, dial 973-935-8510 or 888-338-6461 (meeting
leader is "Richard Robinson"). To view accompanying slides, go to the Investor
Relations section of Scholastic.com. Following the call, the slides will be
available on the Investor Relations section of Scholastic.com and an audio
replay will be available at 877-519-4471, PIN number 4560804.
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EXHIBIT 99.1
UPCOMING INVESTOR PRESENTATIONS
Scholastic is currently scheduled to present at the Smith Barney Small and
Mid-Cap Conference in Las Vegas on May 6, 2004. Further details will be posted
in the Investor Relations section of WWW.SCHOLASTIC.COM when available.
ABOUT SCHOLASTIC
Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books.
Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products
for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines,
technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film,
videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a
variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based
book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail
stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet
site, www.scholastic.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties,
including the conditions of the children's book and educational materials
markets and acceptance of the Company's products within those markets and other
risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from
those currently anticipated.
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SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2004 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2003
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in millions except per share data)
------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
02/29/04 02/28/03 VARIANCE 02/29/04 02/28/03 VARIANCE
--------------------- ------------- --------------------- ---------------
Revenues $472.0 $433.7 $38.3 9% $1,646.4 $1,400.9 $245.5 18%
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold 229.7 198.3 31.4 16% 816.6 640.3 176.3 28%
Selling, general and administrative expenses 214.1 203.0 11.1 5% 639.4 607.0 32.4 5%
Bad debt expenses 17.0 16.9 0.1 1% 66.1 53.6 12.5 23%
Depreciation and amortization 13.5 11.6 1.9 16% 39.8 32.9 6.9 21%
Special severance charges (1) --- --- --- --- 3.2 --- 3.2 *
Litigation charge (2) --- --- --- --- --- 1.9 (1.9) *
--------------------- ------- --------------------- --------
Total operating costs and expenses 474.3 429.8 44.5 10% 1,565.1 1,335.7 229.4 17%
Operating income/(loss) (2.3) 3.9 (6.2) * 81.3 65.2 16.1 25%
Other income (2) --- 2.9 (2.9) * --- 2.9 (2.9) *
Interest expense, net 7.1 7.5 (0.4) -5% 25.2 23.3 1.9 8%
--------------------- ------- --------------------- --------
Earnings/(loss) before income taxes (9.4) (0.7) (8.7) * 56.1 44.8 11.3 25%
Tax provision/(benefit) (3.4) (0.2) (3.2) * 20.2 14.9 5.3 36%
--------------------- ------- --------------------- --------
Net income/(loss) ($6.0) ($0.5) ($5.5) * $35.9 $29.9 $6.0 20%
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Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 39.4 39.2 39.4 39.1
Diluted 39.4 39.2 40.1 40.3
Net income/(loss) per share:
Basic ($0.15) ($0.01) ($0.14) * $0.91 $0.76 $0.15 20%
Diluted ($0.15) ($0.01) ($0.14) * $0.90 $0.74 $0.16 22%
(1) Results for the nine months ended February 29, 2004 include pre-tax charges
totaling $3.2, or $0.05 per diluted share after-tax, recorded in the first
and second quarters, related to severance for staff reductions announced in
May 2003, but implemented in Fiscal 2004.
(2) Results for the nine months ended February 28, 2003 include a pre-tax
charge of $1.9, or $0.03 per diluted share after-tax, to settle a
securities lawsuit from 1997, and the pre-tax gain on sale of an equity
investment of $2.9, or $0.05 per diluted share after-tax.
* Percent change not meaningful.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties,
including the conditions of the children's book and instructional material
markets and acceptance of the Company's product within those markets and
other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could
differ materially from those currently anticipated.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - SEGMENTS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2004 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2003
(UNAUDITED)
(Amounts in millions)
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
02/29/04 2/28/2003 (1) VARIANCE 2/29/2004 (2) 2/28/2003 (1) VARIANCE
------------------------- ------------- ---------------------------- -------------
Children's Book Publishing & Distribution
Revenue $271.5 $269.6 $1.9 1% $1,010.1 $848.2 $161.9 19%
Operating profit 11.4 23.0 (11.6) -50% 90.0 88.0 2.0 2%
------------------------- ---------------------------
Operating margin 4.2% 8.5% 8.9% 10.4%
Educational Publishing
Revenue 69.4 65.0 4.4 7% 262.5 230.2 32.3 14%
Operating profit 3.3 (2.9) 6.2 * 32.3 22.6 9.7 43%
------------------------- ---------------------------
Operating margin 4.8% -4.5% 12.3% 9.8%
International
Revenue 87.6 70.0 17.6 25% 267.5 230.4 37.1 16%
Operating profit 1.3 0.8 0.5 68% 18.8 12.0 6.8 57%
------------------------- ---------------------------
Operating margin 1.5% 1.1% 7.0% 5.2%
Media, Licensing and Advertising
Revenue 43.5 29.1 14.4 49% 106.3 92.1 14.2 15%
Operating profit/(loss) (1.1) (1.6) 0.5 31% (4.8) (3.2) (1.6) -50%
------------------------- ---------------------------
Operating margin -2.5% -5.5% -4.5% -3.5%
Overhead Expense(3) 17.2 15.4 1.8 12% 55.0 54.2 0.8 1%
------------------------- ---------------------------
Operating income/(loss) ($2.3) $3.9 ($6.2) * $81.3 $65.2 $16.1 25%
========================= ======= =========================== =========
(1) Reflects reclassification of Scholastic.com results to Children's Book
Publishing & Distribution and Educational Publishing from Media, Licensing
& Advertising.
(2) The nine-months ended February 29, 2004 includes pre-tax charges totaling
$3.2 which were allocated back to segments and recorded in the first and
second quarters. These charges related to severance for staff reductions
announced in May 2003, but implemented in Fiscal 2004.
(3) Overhead for the nine months ended February 28, 2003 includes a pre-tax
charge of $1.9 to settle a securities lawsuit from 1997.
* Percent change not meaningful.
SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
(AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS)
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ITEMS
--------------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED)
--------------------------------------------
02/29/04 02/28/03 CHANGE
---------------------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents $21 $8 $13 169%
Accounts receivable, net 261 255 6 2%
Inventories 484 444 40 9%
Total debt (lines of credit and short-term debt, and long-term debt) 575 680 (105) -15%
Total stockholders' equity 820 755 65 9%
--------------------------------------------
SELECTED CASH FLOW ITEMS
-------------------------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------------------------
(UNAUDITED)
-------------------------------------------
02/29/04 02/28/03 CHANGE
---------------------------- --------------
Net cash provided by operating activities $119 $31 $88 *
Additions to property, plant and equipment (27) (63) 36 57%
Pre-publication and production costs (52) (44) (8) -18%
Royalty advances (18) (25) 7 28%
---------------------------- -------
Free cash flow (cash use) (1) $22 ($101) $123 *
============================ =======
-------------------------------------------
(1) Free cash flow is defined by the Company as net cash provided by operating
activities, less spending on property, plant and equipment; pre-publication
and production costs; and royalty advances. The Company believes this
measure, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is useful to investors as
an indicator of cash flow available for debt repayment and other investing
activities, such as acquisitions. The Company utilizes free cash flow as a
further indicator of operating performance and for planning investing
activities.
* Percent change not meaningful.