Scholastic Corp
Q1 2027 Earnings
Reported GAAP diluted EPS of $(3.77) includes $3.5 million in pretax one-time charges ($0.4M in Children's Books, $0.2M in Entertainment, $0.2M in International, $2.3M severance and $0.4M other in Overhead); adjusted diluted EPS excludes $0.14 per share impact of these items
Market Reaction
Did SCHL Beat Earnings? Q1 2027 Results
Scholastic Corporation delivered a disappointing fiscal first quarter, missing on both the top and bottom lines as budget pressures across schools and a seasonally light period weighed on results. The children's publishing giant posted an adjusted loss of $3.63 per share for Q1 fiscal 2027, falling short of the consensus estimate of $3.42 by 6.14%, while revenue slid 3.9% year-over-year to $216.80 million against analyst expectations of $224.69 million, a 3.51% miss. The steepest drag came from the Education segment, where revenues tumbled 24% to $30.40 million as school and district budget constraints curtailed supplemental curriculum spending, compounding softer results in Children's Book Publishing and Distribution, which fell 3% to $105.80 million. Adjusted EBITDA widened to a loss of $63.60 million from $55.70 million a year earlier, though management noted the comparable sale-leaseback-adjusted figure improved modestly. Despite the quarterly shortfall, Scholastic reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2027 guidance for revenue growth of 2% to 4% and adjusted EBITDA of $135 million to $145 million, pointing to Book Fair bookings running ahead of prior year and momentum from the Dog Man franchise as reasons for confidence heading into the back-to-school season.
- Entertainment segment revenue surged 48% driven by higher production revenues
- International segment improved adjusted operating loss by $1.4 million through cost management and operational efficiencies
- Education revenues declined 24% due to continued pressure on school and district funding for supplemental curriculum materials
- Consolidated Trade revenues declined due to non-recurring international co-edition sales from prior year
- Elimination of rental income following December 2025 sale-leaseback transactions reduced Overhead revenues by $3.1 million
“Scholastic continued to advance its fiscal 2027 priorities during the seasonally small first quarter, with strong early indicators across our businesses reinforcing our confidence entering the important back-to-school and fall season. As we indicated in July, our operating loss for the quarter included the full-period impact of the sale-leaseback transactions. During the quarter, we also sustained investments to support our growth priorities in the quarters ahead.”
Scholastic CEO, on the earnings call
Forward Guidance & Outlook
Scholastic affirmed its fiscal 2027 outlook for revenue growth of approximately 2% to 4% and Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $135 million to $145 million. The Adjusted EBITDA range represents growth compared with fiscal 2026 on a comparable basis reflecting the full-year impact of the sale-leaseback transactions in both periods. The company also continues to expect Free Cash Flow of approximately $35 million to $40 million.
SCHL YoY Financials
SCHL Revenue by Segment
Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.