2014/2015 ANNUAL REPORT
Scholastic's mission is built on helping
children learn to read and love to read.
We believe that independent
reading is a critical part of children’s
learning and growth.
With support from teachers, parents
and schools, children choose from
Scholastic the books they want to read,
and discover the pleasure
and power of reading.
Finding the right book at the right time
can light an emotional spark
within children that motivates them
to read more, understand more
and read joyfully.
When that happens,
the world opens.
Everything becomes
possible.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 • 212-343-6100 • scholastic.com
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Credo
Directors & Officers
(As of July 31, 2015)
Scholastic produces educational materials to assist and inspire students:
Directors of the Corporation
• To cultivate their minds to utmost capacity
• To become familiar with our cultural heritage
• To strive for excellence in creative expression in all fields of learning, literature, and art
• To seek effective ways to live a satisfying life
• To enlarge students’ concern for and understanding of today’s world
• To help build a society free of prejudice and hate, and dedicated to the highest
quality of life in community and nation
We strive to present the clearest explanation of current affairs and contemporary thought, and to encourage literary
appreciation and expression consistent with the understanding and interests of young people at all levels of learning.
We believe in:
• The worth and dignity of each individual
• Respect for the diverse groups in our multicultural society
• The right of each individual to live in a wholesome environment, and equally, the
personal responsibility of each individual to help gain and preserve a decent and healthful
environment, beginning with informed care of one’s own body and mind
• High moral and spiritual values
• The democratic way of life, with basic liberties — and responsibilities — for everyone
• Constitutional, representative government, and even-handed justice that maintains
equality of rights for all people
• Responsible competitive enterprise and responsible labor, with opportunities for all
• Cooperation and understanding among all people for the peace of the world
We pledge ourselves to uphold the basic freedoms of all individuals; we are unalterably opposed to any system of
government or society that denies these freedoms. We oppose discrimination of any kind on the basis of race, creed,
color, sex, sexual orientation or identity, age, or national origin.
Good citizens may honestly differ on important public questions. We believe that all sides of the issues of our times
should be fairly discussed — with deep respect for facts and logical thinking — in classroom magazines, books, and
other educational materials used in schools and homes.
Founded 1920
Richard Robinson (E)
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer,
Scholastic Corporation
Andrew S. Hedden (R)
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary,
Scholastic Corporation
James W. Barge (A, N)
Chief Financial Officer,
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.
Mae C. Jemison (N, R)
President and Founder,
The Jemison Group, Inc.
Marianne Caponnetto (H)
President and Founder,
MCW Group, Inc.
John L. Davies (A, H)
Private Investor
Peter M. Mayer (E, H)
President, The Overlook Press/
Peter Mayer Publishers, Inc.
Augustus K. Oliver (A, E)
Managing Member,
Oliver Press Partners, LLC
Richard M. Spaulding (E, N, R)
Former Executive Vice President,
Scholastic Corporation
Peter Warwick (H, R)
Chief People Officer,
Thomson Reuters
Margaret A. Williams (N, R)
Director of the Institute of
Politics at the John F. Kennedy
School of Government at
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
A: Audit Committee
E: Executive Committee
H: Human Resources and
Compensation Committee
N: Nominating and
Governance Committee
R: Retirement Plan Committee
Corporate Executive Officers
Richard Robinson
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Andrew S. Hedden
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Alan Boyko
President,
Scholastic Book Fairs, Inc.
Maureen O’Connell
Executive Vice President,
Chief Administrative Officer
and Chief Financial Officer
Judith A. Newman
Executive Vice President and President,
Book Clubs
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 • 212-343-6100 • scholastic.com
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 • 212-343-6100 • scholastic.com
Fellow Shareholders,
In May, we closed on the sale of Scholastic’s Educational Technology and Services (EdTech) business to
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) for $575 million pretax. This significant event was recorded as a discontinued
operation in our FY2015 results, with the effect that Scholastic for 2015 and going forward is comprised of three
segments: Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution, Education, and International. In 2015, this streamlined
business performed extremely well, achieving outstanding results in the U.S. for both Children’s Books and
Education, while International declined slightly, mainly due to the strength of the U.S. dollar.
Fiscal 2015 Highlights—Continuing Operations
• Excluding special one-time items, 2015 EPS from continuing operations increased +10% to $1.29 on
+5% revenue growth.
• Operating income from continuing operations, excluding special one-time items, was $79.6 million,
up +14% from prior year.
• Sustained turnaround in Clubs with revenue up +19%, and continued growth in Fairs up + 5%.
• Revenues of the Education segment (previously Classroom and Supplemental Materials Publishing)
grew +8% on the strength of Guided Reading and Classroom Magazines.
• International revenues declined in U.S. dollars, but grew in most local currencies. While our business
in the major markets of Canada, Australia/NZ, and the UK was flat or slightly down, Asia continued
to grow in revenues as we expanded our education and consumer businesses throughout
Southeast Asia.
Our three segments, Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution, Education, and International, are all
connected by the mission of providing high-quality children’s literature as well as educational materials and
services to parents, teachers, and schools in support of children’s reading and learning.
As we begin fiscal 2016, Scholastic is an integrated business comprised of three major segments which had
2015 revenues of $1.6 billion. Our strategy is to sell our core book programs globally through independent
reading in clubs, fairs and trade and through our educational curriculum programs in schools. Scholastic now
provides schools, teachers, and students with a comprehensive literacy solution that links independent reading
through clubs and fairs with classroom instruction in reading through Guided and Leveled Reading curriculum
programs, reinforced by literacy consulting services in professional development, Family and Community
Engagement, and Learning Supports.
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution in the U.S. includes school book clubs, school book fairs,
and trade publishing and media. The total 2015 revenues for this segment were $959 million.
Education includes classroom magazines, digital subscription services including Book Flix®, Core Clicks™,
Storia®, and GO! (formerly Grolier Online), Guided and Leveled Reading and other instructional programs,
classroom book collections for independent reading, as well as professional development services and teacher
and parent magazines with associated ad revenues. The total 2015 revenues for this segment were $276 million.
International includes Scholastic companies in Canada, Australia/NZ, the UK, and Asia, as well as export
sales around the world, providing children’s books, and print and digital instructional programs to schools and
families. The total 2015 revenues for this segment were $401 million.
Throughout the year, we have been hearing from teachers that students need broader reading experiences
to meet higher standards and pass more rigorous assessments. They are looking to Scholastic for great stories
that spark more independent reading and for engaging, quality nonfiction, both of which are critical for building
vocabulary, content knowledge, and higher-level reading skills. This renewed focus on books and reading as key
components of literacy instruction and achievement in order for students to meet the new elevated standards is
fueling growth all across the Company.
Our trade books, book clubs and book fairs, along with our education segment, combine to make Scholastic
the go-to source for families and educators seeking to create a rich combination of programs and products that
will help all children achieve higher performance in reading and literacy.
Our continuing Education business is a key growth area for the Company. We see significant opportunity in
this segment which is well-aligned to the needs of our teacher, school, and district customers who are seeking
comprehensive literacy solutions which are both easy to implement and proven effective. These comprehensive
curriculum packages, along with our book clubs and book fairs, help schools drive achievement with more
flexible instructional materials which provide motivation and skill development and are favored by many over
traditional textbooks while also encouraging more independent reading for all children.
Scholastic International businesses mirror our U.S. operations to a great extent. We saw declining revenues
in U.S. dollar terms, but we showed growth in local currency terms. This year, we launched new education
programs, which were created in our Singapore company, and are seeing enthusiastic reception in a number of
markets, including Australia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Going forward, we plan to continue to develop
quality learning programs through our team in Asia to be sold in all of our markets.
This year, we also rolled out our new brand positioning, “Open a World of Possible,” which has been
embraced by families and educators as a message of hope and optimism that all children can learn to read and
can achieve school success with the right books, instructional materials, and learning supports. Our businesses
are united around improving literacy and reading for children from birth to age 15 on a global basis, and our
organization is more clearly focused on that goal through a coordinated and integrated business strategy with
greater impact on our core mission of reading and literacy.
As we build on our commitment to “Open a World of Possible” for all children and invest in our core, closely-
aligned businesses in trade, clubs, fairs, education, and international, we expect to see continued success in
2016 and beyond, with increased efficiencies, revenue growth and margin expansion across our businesses.
Our staff and the schools we serve are excited by the help that Scholastic can provide to children, teachers,
and parents as we support children’s drive to become stronger readers. We believe that this core mission will
drive stronger student achievement and more learning success and enthusiasm. This, in turn, will help us build a
better business with a stronger return for shareholders.
Thank you for your continued support as we enter our 96th school year with renewed focus on reading as the
key to personal growth for all young people.
Richard Robinson
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
August 10, 2015
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
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 | Commission File No. 000-19860
Scholastic Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
557 Broadway, New York, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
13-3385513
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
10012
(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
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
No
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE
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
No
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
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, 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 and post such files). Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting
company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check
one):
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock, par value $0.01, held by non-affiliates as of November 30, 2014, was approximately
$980,329,256. 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, 2015 was as follows: 31,492,730 shares of
Common Stock and 1,656,200 shares of Class A Stock.
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 21, 2015.
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
Table of Contents
Part I
Part II
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Supplementary Financial Information
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Part III
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Part IV
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Signatures
Power of Attorney
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
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Item 1B.
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Item 1 | Business
Overview
Part I
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 pre-K to grade 12, and a producer of educational and entertaining children’s media. The Company
creates quality books and ebooks, educational materials and programs, classroom magazines and other products that,
in combination, offer schools customized and comprehensive solutions to support children’s learning both at school
and at home. Since its founding in 1920, Scholastic has emphasized quality products and a dedication to reading and
learning. The Company is the leading operator of school-based book clubs and book fairs in the United States. It
distributes its products and services through these proprietary 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,
Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, India, China, Singapore and other parts of Asia and,
through its export business, sells products in more than 150 countries. On May 29, 2015, the Company sold its
educational technology and services business. The Company also completed a restructuring of the businesses
comprising its former Media, Licensing and Advertising segment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
The Company currently employs approximately 6,600 people in the United States and approximately 2,300 people
outside the United States.
Segments – Continuing Operations
As a result of the sale of its educational technology and services business (formerly the Educational Technology and
Services segment) and the restructuring of the businesses formerly included in the Media, Licensing and Advertising
segment, the Company now categorizes its businesses into three reportable segments: Children’s Book Publishing
and Distribution; Education (formerly titled Classroom and Supplemental Materials Publishing); and International. This
classification reflects the nature of products, services and distribution consistent with the method by which the
Company’s chief operating decision-maker assesses operating performance and allocates resources.
The following table sets forth revenues by reportable segment for the three fiscal years ended May 31:
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution
Education
International
Total
(Amounts in millions)
2015
2014
2013
958.7 $
275.9
401.2
1,635.8 $
893.0 $
255.1
413.4
1,561.5
$
865.2
244.5
440.1
1,549.8
$
$
Additional financial information relating to the Company’s reportable segments is included in Note 3 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
(58.6% of fiscal 2015 revenues)
General
The Company’s Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment includes the publication and distribution of
children’s books, ebooks, media and interactive products in the United States through its book clubs and book fairs in
its school channels 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 offers a broad range
of children’s books, many of which have received awards for excellence in children’s literature, including the Caldecott
and Newbery Medals.
-1-
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 exclusive agreements with authors, illustrators, book
packagers or other media companies. Scholastic generally controls the exclusive rights to sell these titles through all
channels of distribution in the United States and, to a lesser extent, internationally. Scholastic’s second source of titles
is obtaining licenses to publish 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-Based Book Clubs
Scholastic founded its first school-based book club in 1948. In fiscal 2014, the Company launched its new school-
based book clubs consisting of reading clubs for grades pre-kindergarten ("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 mails promotional materials containing order forms to teachers in the vast majority of the pre-K to
grade 8 schools in the United States. Teachers who wish to participate in a school-based book club distribute the
promotional materials to their students, who may choose from curated selections at substantial reductions from list
prices. The teacher aggregates the students’ orders and forwards them to the Company. Approximately 66% of all
elementary school teachers in the United States who received promotional materials in fiscal 2015 participated in the
Company’s school-based book clubs. In fiscal 2015, approximately 93% of total book club revenues were placed via
the internet through COOL (Clubs Ordering On-Line), the Company’s online ordering platform, which allows parents,
as well as teachers, to order online. The orders are shipped to the classroom for distribution to the students. Teachers
who participate in the 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.
School-Based Book Fairs
The Company began offering school-based book fairs 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 give
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 are generally weeklong events where children and families peruse and purchase their favorite books together.
The Company delivers its book fairs from its warehouses to schools principally by a fleet of Company-owned vehicles.
Sales and customer service representatives, working from the Company’s regional offices and distribution facilities and
national distribution facility in Missouri, along with local area field representatives, provide support to book fair
organizers. 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 every book fair they
host. The Company is currently focused on increasing the number of second and third fairs conducted by its school
customers during the school year and increasing attendance at each book fair event. Approximately 91% of the
schools that conducted a Scholastic Book Fair in fiscal 2014 hosted a fair in fiscal 2015.
Trade
Scholastic is a leading publisher of children’s books sold through bookstores, internet retailers and mass
merchandisers in the United States. Scholastic’s original publications include Harry Potter®, The Hunger Games, The
39 Clues®, Spirit Animals®, The Magic School Bus®, I Spy™, Captain Underpants®, Goosebumps® and Clifford The Big
Red Dog®, and licensed properties such as Star Wars®, Lego®, Minecraft® and Geronimo Stilton®. In addition, the
Company’s Klutz® imprint is a publisher and creator of “books plus” products for children, including titles such as Make
Clay Charms, Nail Style Studio and Lego Chain Reactions.
The Company’s trade organization focuses on publishing, marketing and selling print books to bookstores, internet
retailers, mass merchandisers, specialty sales outlets and other book retailers, and also supplies 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. Bestsellers in the
trade division during fiscal 2015 included the Harry Potter series, the Minecraft handbooks, the Hunger Games trilogy,
and multiple series, including I Survived, Spirit Animals, Wings of Fire, Amulet, Whatever After and Captain Underpants,
as well as other titles such as Raina Telgemeier's titles Sisters, Drama and Smile.
-2-
Also included in the Company's trade organization, as a result of the restructuring of the former Media, Licensing and
Advertising segment, are Weston Woods Studios, Inc. ("Weston Woods") and Scholastic Audio, as well as Scholastic
Entertainment Inc. ("SEI"). 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.
SEI is responsible for exploiting the Company's film and television assets, which include a large television
programming library based on the Company's properties.
EDUCATION
(16.9% of fiscal 2015 revenues)
Education includes the publication and distribution to schools and libraries of children’s books, classroom magazines,
supplemental classroom materials, custom curriculum and teaching guides and print and on-line reference and non-
fiction products for grades pre-K to 12 in the United States.
The Company is a leading provider of classroom libraries and paperback collections, including classroom books and
guided reading products, to schools and school districts for classroom libraries and other uses, as well as to literacy
organizations and other groups engaged in literacy initiatives. Scholastic helps schools compile classroom collections
of high quality, award-winning books for every grade level, reading level and multicultural background, including the
Phyllis C. Hunter series. This group often customizes classroom library solutions for its customers, tailoring its
offerings in some instances. The group also publishes and sells professional books and supplemental materials
designed for and generally purchased by teachers, both directly from the Company and through teacher stores and
booksellers, including the Company’s on-line Teacher store, which provides professional books and other educational
materials to schools and teachers.
Scholastic is a leading publisher of classroom magazines. Teachers in grades pre-K to 12 use the Company’s 31
classroom magazines, including Scholastic News®, Scope®, Storyworks®, and Junior Scholastic®, to supplement formal
learning programs by bringing subjects of current interest into the classroom, including literature, math, science,
current events, social studies and foreign languages. These offerings provide schools with substantial non-fiction
material, which is required to meet new education standards, including the Common Core State Standards. Each
magazine has its own website with online digital resources that supplement the print materials. Scholastic’s classroom
magazine circulation in the United States in fiscal 2015 was approximately 14.1 million, with approximately 75% of the
circulation in grades pre-K to six. The majority of magazines purchased are paid for with school or district funds, with
parents and teachers paying for the balance. Circulation revenue accounted for substantially all of the classroom
magazine revenues in fiscal 2015.
Scholastic is also a leading publisher of quality children’s reference and non-fiction products and subscriptions to
databases sold primarily to schools and libraries in the United States. The Company’s products include non-fiction and
fiction books published in the United States under the imprints Children’s Press® and Franklin Watts®.
Also included in this segment, as a result of the restructuring of the former Media, Licensing and Advertising segment,
is the Company’s consumer magazines business, including Instructor® magazine and certain digital advertising
properties.
INTERNATIONAL
(24.5% of fiscal 2015 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 Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, India, China, Singapore and
other parts of Asia. The Company’s international operations have original trade and educational publishing programs;
distribute children’s books, software and other materials through school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs
and trade channels; engage in direct sales in shopping malls and door to door in Asia; produce and distribute
magazines; and offer on-line 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 most of these operations have received awards for excellence in children’s literature. In Asia, the
-3-
Company also publishes and distributes reference products and provides services under the Grolier name, engages in
direct sales in shopping malls and door to door and operates tutorial centers that provide English language training to
students.
Canada
Scholastic Canada, founded in 1957, is a leading publisher and distributor of English and French language children’s
books. Scholastic Canada also is the largest school-based book club and school-based book fair operator 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 school-based book club and book fair operator 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.
Scholastic also holds equity method investments in publishers and distributors in the United Kingdom.
Australia
Scholastic Australia, founded in 1968, is the largest school-based book club and book fair operator in Australia,
reaching approximately 90% of the country’s primary schools. Scholastic Australia also publishes quality children’s
books supplying the Australian trade market.
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, 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.
Asia
The Company’s Asian operations include initiatives for educational programs based out of Singapore, as well as the
wholly-owned Grolier direct sales business, which sells English language and early childhood learning materials
through a network of independent sales representatives in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and
Thailand, and engages in direct sales in shopping malls and door to door. In addition, the Company operates school-
based book clubs and book fairs throughout Asia; publishes original titles in English and Hindi languages in India,
including specialized curriculum books for local schools; conducts reading improvement programs inside local
schools in the Philippines; and operates a chain of English language tutorial centers in China in cooperation with local
partners.
Foreign Rights and Export
The Company licenses the rights to selected Scholastic titles in 45 languages to other publishing companies around
the world. The Company’s export business sells educational materials, software and children’s books to schools,
libraries, bookstores and other book distributors in over 150 countries 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.
Discontinued Operations
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company sold its educational technology and services business (formerly
the Company's Educational Technology and Services segment) to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The transaction was
completed on May 29, 2015. The educational technology and services business was engaged, among other things, in
the development and sale of reading and math improvement programs, as well as providing consulting and
professional development services, principally to schools in the United States. The sale included the equity in two
former subsidiaries, International Center for Leadership in Education and Tom Snyder Productions, as well as rights to
sell all of the products of the business internationally.
-4-
Additionally, during fiscal 2015, the Company completed a restructuring of the Media, Licensing and Advertising
segment and discontinued its Soup2Nuts animation and audio production studio operations, Scholastic Interactive,
which designed software, apps and games for grades pre-K to 8, and the print edition of Parent and Child, a periodic
consumer magazine.
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 or competitive bidding. As appropriate, the
Company enters into multi-year agreements that guarantee specified volume in exchange for favorable pricing terms.
Paper is purchased directly from paper mills and other third-party sources. The Company does not anticipate any
difficulty in continuing to satisfy its manufacturing and paper requirements.
In the United States, the Company mainly processes and fulfills orders for school-based book clubs and fairs, 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 sometimes will ship
product directly from printers to customers. Magazine orders are processed at the Jefferson City facility and are
shipped directly from printers.
School-based book fair orders are fulfilled through a network of warehouses across the country. 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.
Prepublication costs include costs incurred to create and develop the art, prepress, editorial, digital
conversion and other content required for the creation of the master copy of a book or other media.
Royalty advances. Royalty advances are incurred in all of the Company’s reportable segments, but
are most prevalent in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment and enable the
Company to obtain contractual commitments from authors to produce Content. The Company
regularly provides authors with advances against expected future royalty payments, often before the
books are written. Upon publication and sale of the books or other media, the authors generally will
not receive further 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.
SEASONALITY
The Company’s Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution school-based book fair and book club channels and most
of its Education 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. Trade sales can vary through the year due to varying release dates of
published titles. The Company generally experiences a loss from operations in the first and third quarters of each fiscal
year.
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, textbook, library,
reference material and supplementary publishers, distributors and other resellers (including over the internet) of
children’s books and other educational materials, national publishers of classroom and professional magazines with
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substantial circulation, and distributors of products and services on the internet. In the United States, competitors also
include regional and local school-based book fair operators, other fundraising activities in schools, and bookstores.
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.
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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 his or her position with Scholastic until such person’s successor has been
elected or appointed and qualified or until such person’s earlier resignation or removal.
Employed by
Registrant Since Position(s) for Past Five Years
Name
Richard Robinson
Maureen O’Connell
Judith A. Newman
Age
78
53
57
1962
2007
1993
Andrew S. Hedden
Alan Boyko
74
61
2008
1988
Available Information
Chairman of the Board (since 1982), President (since 1974) and
Chief Executive Officer (since 1975).
Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief
Financial Officer (since 2007).
Executive Vice President and President, Book Clubs (since
2014), Book Clubs and eCommerce (2011-2014), Book Clubs
(2005-2011) and Scholastic At Home (2005-2006); Senior Vice
President and President, Book Clubs and Scholastic At Home
(2004-2005); and Senior Vice President, Book Clubs
(1997-2004).
Member of the Board of Directors (since 1991) and Executive
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (since 2008).
President, Scholastic Book Fairs, Inc. (since 2005).
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.
-7-
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 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 affecting the Company’s
operating results, the Company’s past financial performance should not be considered an indicator of future
performance.
If we cannot anticipate 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. 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, including the internet, ebook readers, tablets and other devices and school-
based technologies. 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, including ebooks
for children and schools, the markets are continuing to develop and the Company may be unsuccessful in establishing
itself as a significant factor in any market which does develop. Many aspects of an ebook market which could develop
for children and schools, such as the nature of the relevant software and 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 recurrent basis until a pattern develops and becomes more defined. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be successful in implementing its ebook strategy, including the continuing development of its ereading
applications for consumer and classroom markets, which could adversely affect the Company’s revenues and growth
opportunities. In this connection, the Company previously determined to cease its support for its ereading
applications offered to consumers through its school and ecommerce channels in favor of concentrating its efforts
towards the introduction of a universal cross-platform streaming application, to be made available initially to the
classroom market. There can be no assurance that the Company will ultimately be successful in its redirected strategy
of introducing a streaming model directed to the classroom market or the subsequent development of a broader
streaming model. In addition, the Company faces market risks associated with systems development and service
delivery in its evolving school ordering and ecommerce businesses.
Our financial results would suffer if we fail to successfully differentiate our offerings and meet market needs
in school-based book clubs and book fairs, two of our core businesses.
The Company’s school-based book clubs and book fairs are core businesses, which produce a substantial part of the
Company’s revenues. The Company is subject to the risk that it will not successfully continue to develop and execute
new promotional strategies for its school-based book clubs or book fairs in response to future customer trends,
including any trends relating to a demand for ebooks on the part of customers, or technological changes or that it will
not otherwise meet market needs in these businesses in a timely or cost-effective fashion and successfully maintain
teacher or school sponsorship and ordering levels, which would have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial
results. The Company differentiates itself from competitors by providing curated offerings in its school-based book
clubs and book fairs designed to make reading attractive for children, in furtherance of its mission as a champion of
literacy. Competition from mass market and on-line distributors could reduce this differentiation, posing a risk to the
Company's results.
If we fail to maintain the continuance of 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 media portions of the business, is highly dependent on
maintaining strong relationships with the authors, illustrators and other creative talent who produce the products and
services that are sold to its customers. Any overall weakening of these relationships, or the failure to develop
successful new relationships, could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business and financial performance.
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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 media 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 legislation or regulatory actions, both at the federal and state level, as well as 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 otherwise be
successful in continuing to obtain sales of its educational materials and programs from any available funding.
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 these challenges from
existing or new competitors, including in the educational publishing business, and develop new product offerings to
meet customer preferences or needs, the Company’s revenues and profitability could be adversely affected.
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.
Our reputation is one of our most important assets, and any adverse publicity or adverse events, such as a
significant data privacy breach or 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.
Also, in certain of its businesses the Company holds or has access to personal data, including that of customers.
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 book clubs or book
fairs or decisions to purchase educational materials or programs produced by the Company's Education 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 penalties, significant remediation costs and reputational
damage, including loss of future business.
The Company is subject to privacy laws and regulations in the conduct of its business in the United States and in the
other jurisdictions in which it conducts its international operations, many of which vary significantly, relating to use of
information obtained from customers of, and participants in, the Company’s on-line offerings. 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
on-line offerings. Since the businesses of the Company are primarily centered on children, failures of the Company to
comply with the requirements of COPPA in particular, as well as failures to comply generally with applicable privacy
laws and regulations, could lead to significant reputational damage and other penalties and costs, including loss of
future business.
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 Chief Executive Officer, senior executives and other editorial staff members,
have substantial experience in the publishing and education markets. Inability to adequately maintain a workforce of
this nature could negatively impact the Company’s operations.
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If we are unsuccessful in implementing our corporate strategy we may not be able to maintain our historical
growth.
The Company’s future growth depends upon a number of factors, including the ability of the Company to successfully
implement its strategies for its respective business units in a timely manner, the introduction and acceptance of new
products and services, including the success of its digital strategy and its ability to implement and successfully market
new programs in its educational publishing business, as well as through the Company's developing educational
publishing operation in Singapore, its ability to expand in the global markets that it serves, its ability to meet demand
for content meeting current standards in the United States, including the Common Core State Standards, and its
continuing success in implementing on-going cost containment and reduction programs. Difficulties, delays or
failures experienced in connection with any of these factors could materially affect the future growth of the Company.
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. 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 proceeds to develop an enterprise-wide platform in an effort to
integrate its separate platforms into a cohesive system, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in its efforts
or that the implementation of its initiative will not involve disruptions having a short term adverse impact on its
operations.
Increases in certain operating costs and expenses, which 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 and printing, paper and distribution (such
as postage, shipping and fuel) costs. Compensation costs are influenced by general economic factors, including those
affecting costs of health insurance, post-retirement benefits and any trends specific to the employee skill sets that the
Company requires.
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. 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.
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 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 SaaS providers are unable to provide these services, or if
outsource providers fail to execute their contracted functionality, the Company could experience disruptions to its
business activities and may incur higher costs.
The inability to obtain and publish best-selling new titles such as Harry Potter and the Hunger Games trilogy
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 such as Harry Potter and the Hunger Games trilogy. The inability to publish best-selling new titles in future years
could negatively impact the Company.
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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 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 area, and
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.
Because we sell our products and services in foreign countries, changes in currency exchange rates, 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 foreign laws, regulations and policies, including those pertaining to foreign rights and
exportation. 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 natural disasters in foreign
countries.
The recent sale of our educational technology and services (“Ed Tech”) business may cause certain risks,
including:
Failure to deliver services to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (“HMH”) consistent with the terms of a transition
services agreement could negatively impact us.
In connection with the sale of the Ed Tech business to HMH, the Company entered into a transition services
agreement whereby the Company will provide administrative, distribution and other services to HMH for a minimum
of 6 months and up to a maximum of 24 months. Failure to deliver these services as agreed upon could expose the
Company to increased costs, or penalties on amounts currently held in escrow of up to $29.5 million. Furthermore,
the costs of delivering these services could exceed the remuneration for these services to be received from HMH
pursuant to the agreement.
We will be more highly dependent upon our remaining businesses.
The Company will be substantially less diversified than before the sale of the Ed Tech business, and accordingly could
experience higher volatility of revenues and earnings than in prior periods.
Our inability to reduce shared costs across our remaining businesses could negatively impact us.
Certain administrative, distribution and other costs are centralized across the Company’s domestic operations, and
these costs are allocated to each of the Company’s domestic businesses. Failure to reduce these costs to the levels
previously absorbed by the Ed Tech business could cause the Company’s earnings to decline.
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 Environmental Protection Agency, 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, could negatively
impact the Company.
-11-
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.
Certain of our activities are subject to weather risks, 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 events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or snowstorms.
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 book clubs, school-based book fairs and education
businesses. Additionally, weather disruptions could result in school closures, resulting in reduced demand for the
Company’s products in its school channels during the affected periods. Accordingly, the Company could be adversely
affected by any future significant weather event.
Control of the Company resides in our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and
other members of his family through their 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. Richard Robinson, the
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of the Robinson family beneficially
own all of the outstanding shares of Class A Stock and are 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.
Note
The risk factors listed above should not be construed as exhaustive or as any admission regarding the adequacy of
disclosures made by the Company prior to and including the date hereof.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. 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, plans, ecommerce and digital initiatives, new product
introductions, strategies, Common Core State Standards, goals, revenues, improved efficiencies, general costs,
manufacturing costs, medical costs, merit pay, operating margins, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, 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 2 | Properties
The Company maintains its principal offices in the metropolitan New York area, where it owns or leases approximately
0.5 million square feet of space. On February 28, 2014, the Company acquired its headquarters space (including land,
building, fixtures and related personal property and leases) at 555 Broadway, New York, NY from its landlord under a
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purchase and sale agreement. As a result of such purchase, the Company now owns the entirety of its principal
headquarters space located at 557 and 555 Broadway in New York City.
The Company also owns or leases approximately 1.5 million square feet of office and warehouse space for its primary
warehouse and distribution facility located in the Jefferson City, Missouri area. In addition, the Company owns or
leases approximately 2.9 million square feet of office and warehouse space in approximately 80 facilities in the United
States, principally for Scholastic book fairs.
Additionally, the Company owns or leases approximately 1.4 million square feet of office and warehouse space in
approximately 120 facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and elsewhere around the
world for its international businesses.
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 Notes 1 and 5 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.
Item 4 | Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
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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 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. Set forth below are the quarterly high and low sales prices for the
Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ for the periods indicated:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
For fiscal years ended May 31,
2015
2014
$
High
Low
High
Low
36.87 $
36.23
37.57
45.49
$
31.12
30.49
33.21
35.40
33.14 $
31.84
35.29
36.74
28.20
27.40
27.69
30.58
Holders: The number of holders of Class A Stock and Common Stock as of July 14, 2015 were 3 and approximately
10,000, respectively.
Dividends: During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company declared a regular quarterly dividend in the amount of
$0.125 per Class A and Common share, which dividend was then increased to $0.15 per Class A and Common share in
the second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014. Accordingly, the total dividends declared during fiscal 2014 were
$0.575 per share. During fiscal 2015, the Company declared four regular quarterly dividends in the amount of $0.15
per Class A and Common share, amounting to total dividends declared during fiscal 2015 of $0.60 per share. On July
22, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per Class A and Common share in respect of the
first quarter of fiscal 2016. This dividend is payable on September 15, 2015 to shareholders of record on August 31,
2015. All dividends have been in compliance with the Company’s debt covenants.
Share purchases: During fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 110,336 Common shares on the open market at an
average price paid per share of $31.64 for a total of approximately $3.5 million, pursuant to a share buy-back program
authorized by the Board of Directors. During fiscal 2014, pursuant to the same share buy-back program, the Company
repurchased 215,484 Common shares on the open market at an average price paid per share of $28.67, for a total cost
of approximately $6.2 million. As of May 31, 2015, approximately $9.9 million remained available for future purchases
of Common shares under such repurchase authorization of the Board of Directors. On July 22, 2015, the Board of
Directors authorized an additional $50.0 million for the share buy-back program, to be funded with available cash,
pursuant to which the Company may purchase Common shares from time to time, as conditions allow, on the open
market or in negotiated private transactions. Accordingly, as of the date of this Report, approximately $59.9 million is
available for future purchases of Common shares under the current authorization of the Board of Directors.
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 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The graph tracks the performance of a
$100 investment in the Corporation’s Common Stock, in the peer group and in the index (with the reinvestment of all
dividends) from June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2015. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt was added to the peer group on November
14, 2013, which was the first day they traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
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COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Scholastic Corporation, the NASDAQ Composite Index
and a Peer Group
*$100 invested on 5/31/10 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends.
Scholastic Corporation
NASDAQ Composite Index
Peer Group
Fiscal year ending May 31,
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
$100.00 $105.48 $106.08 $120.99 $125.83 $184.24
100.00
125.62
125.27
153.12
187.97
225.87
100.00
140.83
134.98
143.45
165.68
187.18
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
-15-
Item 6 | Selected Financial Data
Statement of Operations Data:
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
For fiscal years ended May 31,
Total revenues
$
1,635.8 $
1,561.5
$
1,549.8 $
1,858.0 $
1,617.6
Cost of goods sold (1)
Selling, general and administrative
expenses (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization) (2)
Depreciation and amortization (3)
Severance (4)
Asset impairments and loss on leases (5)
Operating income
Interest expense, net
Gain (loss) on investments and other (6)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (7)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued
operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
Share Information:
Earnings (loss) from continuing
operations:
Basic
Diluted
Earnings (loss) from discontinued
operations:
Basic
Diluted
Net income (loss):
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average shares outstanding -
basic
Weighted average shares outstanding -
diluted
Dividends declared per common share
Balance Sheet Data:
Working Capital
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Long-term debt (excluding capital leases)
Total debt
Long-term capital lease obligations
Total capital lease obligations
Total stockholders’ equity
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
758.5
725.0
715.4
859.0
760.2
771.1
727.3
734.8
47.9
9.6
15.8
32.9
3.5
0.5
29.9
14.4
15.5
279.1
294.6
0.47 $
0.46 $
8.53 $
8.34 $
9.00 $
8.80 $
32.7
33.4
60.3
10.5
28.0
10.4
6.9
(5.8)
(2.3)
(15.6)
13.3
31.1
44.4
0.42 $
0.41 $
0.97 $
0.95 $
1.39 $
1.36 $
32.0
32.5
65.4
13.1
—
21.1
14.5
0.0
6.6
1.7
4.9
26.2
31.1
0.15 $
0.15 $
0.82 $
0.80 $
0.97 $
0.95 $
31.8
32.4
787.2
67.6
13.8
7.0
123.4
15.5
(0.1)
107.8
39.5
68.3
34.1
102.4
2.18 $
2.14 $
1.09 $
1.07 $
3.27 $
3.21
$
31.2
31.7
0.600 $
0.575 $
0.500 $
0.450 $
562.9 $
233.2 $
299.2 $
420.5 $
506.8
1,822.3
—
6.0
0.4
0.7
1,204.9
20.9
1,528.5
120.0
135.8
0.0
0.0
915.4
87.4
1,441.0
—
2.0
57.5
57.7
864.4
194.9
1,670.3
152.8
159.3
56.4
57.4
830.3
-16-
747.8
59.1
6.3
3.4
40.8
15.6
(4.0)
21.2
14.5
6.7
32.7
39.4
0.20
0.20
0.98
0.96
1.18
1.16
33.1
33.6
0.350
326.2
105.3
1,487.0
159.9
203.4
55.0
55.5
740.0
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $1.5 related to a warehouse optimization project in Canada and a $0.4 pretax charge
related to unabsorbed burden associated with the former educational technology and services business. In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized
a pretax charge of $2.4 for royalties related to Storia® operating system-specific apps that are no longer supported due to the transition to a
Storia streaming model and a $0.3 pretax charge related to unabsorbed burden associated with the former educational technology and services
business. In fiscal 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recognized a pretax charge for costs related to unabsorbed burden associated with the
former educational technology and services business of $0.9, $0.6 and $0.8, respectively.
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $15.4 related to unabsorbed burden associated with the former educational
technology and services business, a pretax pension settlement charge of $4.3, and a $0.4 pretax charge related to the relocation of the
Company's Klutz division. In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $15.9 related to unabsorbed burden associated with the
former educational technology and services business, a pretax pension settlement charge of $1.7 and a pretax charge of $1.0 related to Storia
operating system-specific apps. In fiscal 2013, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $16.5 related to unabsorbed burden associated with
the former educational technology and services business and a pretax charge of $4.0 related to asset impairments. In fiscal 2012, the Company
recognized a pretax charge of $15.5 related to unabsorbed burden associated with the former educational technology and services business. In
fiscal 2011, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $18.8 related to unabsorbed burden associated with the former educational technology
and services business and a pretax charge of $3.0 associated with restructuring in the UK.
In fiscal 2012, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $4.9 for the impairment of intangible assets relating to certain publishing properties.
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized pretax severance expense of $8.9 as part of cost reduction and restructuring programs. In fiscal 2014,
the Company recognized pretax severance expense of $9.9 as part of a cost savings initiative. In fiscal 2013, the Company recognized pretax
severance expense of $9.4 as part of a cost savings initiative. In fiscal 2012, the Company recognized pretax severance expense of $9.3 for a
voluntary retirement program.
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a pretax impairment charge of $8.3 in connection with the restructuring of the Company's media and
entertainment businesses, a $4.6 pretax impairment charge related to the discontinuation of certain outdated technology platforms, and a $2.9
pretax impairment charge associated with the closure of the retail store located at the Company headquarters in New York City. In fiscal 2014,
the Company recognized a pretax impairment charge of $14.6 for assets related to Storia operating system-specific apps and a pretax
impairment charge of $13.4 related to goodwill associated with the book clubs reporting unit in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution
segment. In fiscal 2012, the Company recognized a pretax impairment loss of $6.2 related to certain subleases in lower Manhattan. In fiscal 2011,
the Company recognized a pretax impairment charge of $3.4 related to assets in the Education segment.
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a pretax gain of $0.6 on the sale of a UK-based cost method investment. In fiscal 2014, the Company
recognized a pretax loss of $1.0 and $4.8 related to a U.S.-based equity method investment and a UK-based cost method investment,
respectively. In fiscal 2011, the Company recognized a pretax loss of $3.6 related to a UK-based cost method investment.
In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized previously unrecognized tax positions resulting in a benefit of $13.8, inclusive of interest, as a result of a
settlement with the Internal Revenue Service related to the audits for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Item 7 | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
As a result of the May 29, 2015 sale of the educational technology and services business (comprising the former
Educational Technology and Services segment) and the restructuring of a number of the Company's media and
entertainment businesses and other assets formerly included in the Media, Licensing and Advertising segment, the
Company now categorizes its businesses into three reportable segments: Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution;
Education (formerly titled Classroom and Supplemental Materials Publishing); and International. The previously
disclosed reportable segments, Educational Technology and Services and Media, Licensing and Advertising, have now
been eliminated. Prior period results have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. This
classification reflects the nature of products, services and distribution consistent with the method by which the
Company’s chief operating decision-maker assesses operating performance and allocates resources. The
reclassification adjustments are summarized as follows:
Reclassifications to Children's Book Publishing and Distribution
($ amounts in millions)
Fiscal year ended May 31,
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Other operating
expenses *
Asset impairments
(1)
Previously
Disclosed
2014
(2)
Reclassification
Adjustment
2014
(1)
As
Reported
2014
(1)
Previously
Disclosed
2013
(2)
Reclassification
Adjustment
2013
(1)
As
Reported
2013
$
873.5 $
377.0
445.7
28.0
19.5 $
7.5
11.0
—
893.0
384.5
456.7
28.0
23.8
$
846.9 $
359.4
463.0
—
18.3 $
4.1
10.8
—
$
24.5 $
3.4 $
865.2
363.5
473.8
—
27.9
Operating income (loss)
$
22.8 $
1.0 $
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, bad debt expenses, depreciation and amortization.
-17-
(1) The "Previously Disclosed" balances refer to the prior year's classification as reported in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K,
and the "As Reported" balances refer to the reclassified balances as reported in the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K herein.
(2) The Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment now includes certain digital, licensing and other media and entertainment
businesses that were previously included in Media, Licensing and Advertising.
Reclassifications to Education (formerly Classroom and Supplemental Materials Publishing)
($ amounts in millions)
Fiscal year ended May 31,
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Other operating
expenses *
(1)
Previously
Disclosed
2014
(2)
Reclassification
Adjustment
2014
(1)
As
Reported
2014
(1)
Previously
Disclosed
2013
(2)
Reclassification
Adjustment
2013
(1)
As
Reported
2013
$
229.6 $
83.6
108.5
25.5 $
6.0
18.5
1.0 $
255.1
89.6
127.0
38.5
$
$
218.0 $
83.9
104.5
29.6 $
26.5 $
6.0
18.9
1.6 $
244.5
89.9
123.4
31.2
Operating income (loss)
$
37.5 $
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, bad debt expenses, depreciation and amortization.
(1) The "Previously Disclosed" balances refer to the prior year's classification as reported in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K,
and the "As Reported" balances refer to the reclassified balances as reported in the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K herein.
(2) The Education segment now includes certain consumer magazine product lines that were previously included in the Media, Licensing
and Advertising segment.
Reclassifications to International
($ amounts in millions)
(1)
Previously
Disclosed
2014
(2)
Reclassification
Adjustment
2014
(1)
As
Reported
2014
(1)
Previously
Disclosed
2013
(2)
Reclassification
Adjustment
2013
(1)
As
Reported
2013
Fiscal year ended May 31,
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Other operating
expenses *
$
414.3 $
202.8
180.7
Operating income (loss)
$
30.8 $
(0.9) $
(0.1)
(0.4)
(0.4) $
413.4
202.7
180.3
30.4
$
$
441.1 $
213.6
187.7
39.8 $
(1.0) $
(0.2)
(0.2)
(0.6) $
440.1
213.4
187.5
39.2
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, bad debt expenses, severance and depreciation and
amortization.
(1) The "Previously Disclosed" balances refer to the prior year's classification as reported in the Company's 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K,
and the "As Reported" balances refer to the reclassified balances as reported in the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K herein.
(2) Certain educational technology products were previously sold through international channels. As a result of the sale of the educational
technology and services business those sales are now considered discontinued.
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
Revenues from continuing operations in fiscal 2015 were $1.64 billion, an increase of 4.8% from $1.56 billion in fiscal
2014, reflecting higher sponsor growth and order volume in school-based book clubs, continued growth in school book
fairs, increased circulation in classroom magazines, and strong demand for the Company’s guided reading programs,
partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency translation attributable to the strength of the United States ("U.S.") dollar
overseas. Earnings from continuing operations per diluted share were $0.46 for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015,
compared to $0.41 in the prior fiscal year.
During fiscal 2015, the school-based book clubs experienced sustained turnaround with increased revenues reflecting
higher engagement levels and higher order volume. Book fairs revenues continued to grow as the Company remains
focused on fair mix towards schools that generate higher revenue per fair. Trade channels continue to benefit from
the success of Minecraft and titles associated with Raina Telgemeier. In Education, customized curriculum solutions
-18-
and professional development offerings were more allied in the creation of new product and in the use of enterprise-
wide data analytics to improve marketing. Internationally, the Asian operations improved as the Company continued
to build the education and consumer book businesses in Asia. In addition, the Company sold the educational
technology and services business and restructured its media and entertainment businesses to more closely align the
Company around its core business of supporting children's literacy at the classroom and school level and independent
reading at home. Within overhead, costs increased due to higher deprecation expense on the NYC headquarters
building acquired in 2014 and higher strategic technology spend on enterprise-wide management platforms, which
were offset by technology savings in the business units.
In fiscal 2016, the Company continues to expect that more demanding educational standards for language arts and
literacy will drive profitable growth in children's books, classroom book collections and classroom magazines. The
Company also anticipates that its broad offering of engaging content and solutions will continue to build students'
enthusiasm for reading, expanding our book club, book fair and trade channels, as well as building the education
business where we offer customized solutions for pre-K through 8th grade literacy through print and digital curriculum
content and professional learning programs. In the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment, the
Company anticipates sustained growth arising from schools' renewed focus on reading. Book club channels are
expected to realize moderate growth in the number of teacher-sponsors, as well as higher levels of spending by
families participating in each club offering. Book fair channels are expected to continue to shift to higher performing
fairs and increased student participation. In the trade channel, standout titles for the coming year include the new
illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, The Marvels, additional titles in The Baby-Sitters Club
Graphix series adapted by Raina Telgemeier and the twelfth book in the Captain Underpants series, as well as new
titles in the acclaimed Goosebumps series in connection with the scheduled release of Sony Pictures’ Goosebumps
movie in October 2015. In the Education segment, the Company expects to build upon its position as a result of the
new standards' emphasis on higher level thinking skills, spurring wider use of both literature and non-fiction texts. With
schools and districts seeking to improve student achievement in literacy and language arts, the Company expects
continued growth from its customized curriculum solutions and professional development programs, as well as its
family and community engagement consulting practice. In the International segment, the emerging middle class in
developing countries should continue to drive demand for the Company’s English-language books and instructional
materials, including Scholastic’s Singapore mathematics series PR1ME and its digital reading assessment program
Scholastic LiteracyPro. While the U.S. dollar’s steep rise in value is expected to continue to create headwinds for sales
and earnings in the international operations, the Company plans to take advantage of its international development
capacity in Asia for the production of lower cost product for the global marketplace.
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 on-going basis, the Company evaluates the adequacy of its reserves
and the estimates used in calculations, including, but not limited to: collectability of accounts receivable; sales returns;
amortization periods; stock-based compensation expense; pension and other post-retirement obligations; tax rates;
recoverability of inventories, deferred income taxes and tax reserves, fixed assets, prepublication costs, royalty
advances and customer reward programs; and the fair value of goodwill and other intangibles. For a complete
description of the Company’s significant accounting policies, see Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Report. 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’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.
-19-
School-Based Book Fairs – Revenues associated with school-based book fairs are related to sales of product. Book
fairs are typically run by schools and/or parent teacher organizations over a five business-day period. The amount of
revenue recognized for each fair represents the net amount of cash collected at the fair. Revenue is fully recognized at
the completion of the fair. At the end of reporting periods, the Company defers estimated revenue for those fairs that
have not been completed as of the period end, based on the number of fair days occurring after period end on a
straight-line calculation of the full fair’s estimated revenue.
Trade –Revenue from the sale of children’s books for distribution in the retail channel is primarily recognized when
risks and benefits transfer 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 risks and benefits of the
publication are 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 the net amount received from the retailer, is generally
recognized upon electronic delivery to the customer by the retailer.
A reserve for estimated returns is established at the time of sale and recognized as a reduction to revenue. Actual
returns are charged to the reserve as received. The calculation of the reserve for estimated returns is based on
historical return rates, sales patterns, type of product and expectations. Actual returns could differ from the Company’s
estimate. In order to develop the estimate of returns that will be received subsequent to May 31, 2015, management
considers patterns of sales and returns in the months preceding May 31, 2015, as well as actual returns received
subsequent to year end, available sell-through information and other return rate information that management
believes is relevant. 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, 2015 of approximately $1.1 million. A reserve for
estimated bad debts is established at the time of sale and is based on the aggregate aging of accounts receivable and
specific reserves on a customer-by-customer basis, where applicable.
Education (formerly Classroom and Supplemental Materials Publishing) – 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 customer terms.
Film Production and Licensing – Revenue from the sale of film rights, principally for the home video and domestic and
foreign television markets, is recognized when the film has been delivered and is available for showing or exploitation.
Licensing revenue is recognized in accordance with royalty agreements at the time the licensed materials are available
to the licensee and collections are reasonably assured.
Magazines – Revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the subscription period, as the magazines are delivered.
Magazine Advertising – Revenue is recognized when the magazine is for sale and available to the subscribers.
Scholastic In-School Marketing – Revenue is recognized when the Company has satisfied its obligations under the
program and the customer has acknowledged acceptance of the product or service. Certain revenues may be
deferred pending future deliverables.
Accounts receivable:
Accounts receivable are recognized net of allowances for doubtful accounts and reserves for returns. In the normal
course of business, the Company extends credit to customers that satisfy predefined credit criteria. Reserves for
returns are based on historical return rates, sales patterns and an assessment of product on hand with the customer
when estimable. Allowances for doubtful accounts are established through the evaluation of accounts receivable
aging, prior collection experience and creditworthiness of the Company’s customers to estimate the ultimate
collectability of these receivables. 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. A one percentage point change in
the estimated bad debt reserve rates, which are applied to the accounts receivable aging, would have resulted in an
increase or decrease in operating income for the year ended May 31, 2015 of approximately $2.3 million.
Inventories:
Inventories, consisting principally of books, are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, or
market. The Company records a reserve for excess and obsolete inventory based upon a calculation using the
-20-
historical usage rates and sales patterns of its products, and specifically identified obsolete inventory. 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, 2015 of approximately $3.3 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 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.
Goodwill and intangible assets:
Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized and are reviewed for impairment annually
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 two-
step test. 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.
With regard to other intangibles with indefinite lives, the Company determines the fair value by asset, which is then
compared to its carrying value. 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 and certain other intellectual property assets
and are amortized over their expected useful lives. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their
remaining useful lives, which range from five to ten years.
Unredeemed Incentive Credits:
The Company employs incentive programs to encourage teacher participation in its book clubs and book fairs
operations. These programs allow the teachers to accumulate credits which can then be redeemed for Company
products or other items offered by the Company. The Company recognizes a liability at the estimated cost of
-21-
providing these credits at the time of the recognition of revenue for the underlying purchases of Company product
that resulted in the granting of the credits. As the credits are redeemed, such liability is reduced.
Other noncurrent liabilities:
All of the rate assumptions discussed below impact the Company’s calculations of its pension and post-retirement
obligations. The rates applied by the Company are based on the portfolios’ past average rates of return, discount rates
and actuarial information. Any change in market performance, interest rate performance, assumed health care costs
trend rate or compensation rates could result in significant changes in the Company’s pension and post-retirement
obligations.
Pension obligations – The Company’s pension 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 components 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 and the service cost. A one percentage point change in the discount rate would have resulted in an
increase or decrease in operating income for the year ended May 31, 2015 of approximately $0.2 million. A one
percentage point change in the expected long-term return on plan assets would have resulted in an increase or
decrease in operating income for the year ended May 31, 2015 of approximately $1.8 million. Pension benefits in the
cash balance plan for employees located in the United States are based on formulas in which the employees’ balances
are credited monthly with interest based on the average rate for one-year United States Treasury Bills plus 1%.
Contribution credits are based on employees’ years of service and compensation levels during their employment
periods for the periods prior to June 1, 2009.
Other post-retirement benefits – The Company provides post-retirement benefits, consisting of healthcare and life
insurance benefits, to eligible retired United States-based employees. The post-retirement 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 of the medical cost. 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 service and interest cost components of net periodic post-retirement benefit cost. A one
percentage point change in the discount rate would have resulted in an increase or decrease in operating income for
the year ended May 31, 2015 of approximately $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The assumed health care
cost trend rate is used in the measurement of the long-term expected increase in medical claims. A one percentage
point change in the health care cost trend rate would have resulted in an increase or decrease in operating income for
the year ended May 31, 2015 of approximately $0.1 million. A one percentage point change in the health care cost
trend rate would have resulted in an increase or decrease in the post-retirement benefit obligation as of May 31, 2015
of approximately $4.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
Stock-based compensation – The Company measures the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity
instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. 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 value of each option grant is estimated
on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of the assumptions used in the
Black-Scholes model requires management to make significant judgments and estimates. The use of different
assumptions and estimates in the option pricing model could have a material impact on the estimated fair value of
option grants and the related expense. The risk-free interest rate is based on a U.S. Treasury rate in effect on the date
of grant with a term equal to the expected life. The expected term is determined based on historical employee
exercise and post-vesting termination behavior. The expected dividend yield is based on actual dividends paid or to be
paid by the Company. The volatility is estimated based on historical volatility corresponding to the expected life.
Income Taxes – The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of
assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are
expected to enter into the determination of taxable income.
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
-22-
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 on-going 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 recognizes a liability for uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to file in an
income tax return. An uncertain tax position is recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is
sustainable based on its technical merit. A recognized tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax
benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge
of all relevant information.
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. If foreign investments are not expected to be indefinitely
invested, the Company provides for income taxes on the portion that is not indefinitely invested.
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 in 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. Future developments relating to the
foregoing could result in adjustments being made to these accruals.
-23-
Results of Operations
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
For fiscal years ended May 31,
2015
2014
2013
$
% (1)
$
% (1)
$
% (1)
Revenues:
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution
$ 958.7
58.6 $ 893.0
57.2 $ 865.2
Education
International
Total revenues
Cost of goods sold (2)
Selling, general and administrative expenses (exclusive
of depreciation and amortization) (3)
Depreciation and amortization
Severance (4)
Asset impairments and loss on leases (5)
Operating income
Interest income
Interest expense
Gain (loss) on investments and other (6)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income
taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (7)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
275.9
401.2
16.9
24.5
255.1
413.4
16.3
26.5
244.5
440.1
1,635.8
100.0
1,561.5
100.0
1,549.8
100.0
758.5
46.4
725.0
46.4
715.4
46.2
771.1
47.1
727.3
46.5
734.8
47.4
55.8
15.8
28.4
47.9
9.6
15.8
32.9
0.3
(3.8)
0.5
29.9
14.4
15.5
2.9
0.6
1.0
2.0
0.0
(0.2)
0.0
1.8
0.9
0.9
60.3
10.5
28.0
10.4
0.6
(7.5)
(5.8)
(2.3)
(15.6)
13.3
31.1
3.9
0.7
1.8
0.7
0.1
(0.5)
(0.4)
(0.1)
(1.0)
0.9
1.9
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
279.1
17.1
Net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic:
$ 294.6
18.0 $
44.4
2.8 $
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
Diluted:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.47
8.53
9.00
0.46
8.34
8.80
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.42
0.97
1.39
0.41
0.95
1.36
$
$
$
$
$
$
4.2
0.8
—
1.4
0.1
(1.0)
0.0
0.5
0.2
0.3
1.7
2.0
65.4
13.1
—
21.1
1.2
(15.7 )
0.0
6.6
1.7
4.9
26.2
31.1
0.15
0.82
0.97
0.15
0.80
0.95
(1) Represents percentage of total revenues.
(2)
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $1.5 related to a warehouse optimization project in Canada and a $0.4
pretax charge related to unabsorbed burden associated with the former educational technology and services business. In fiscal
2014, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $2.4 for royalties related to Storia® operating system-specific apps that are no
longer supported due to the transition to a Storia streaming model and $0.3 pretax charge related to unabsorbed burden associated
with the former educational technology and services business. In fiscal 2013, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $0.9
related to unabsorbed burden associated with the former educational technology and services business.
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $15.4 related to unabsorbed burden associated with the former
educational technology and services business, a pretax pension settlement charge of $4.3, and a $0.4 pretax charge related to the
relocation of the Company's Klutz division. In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $15.9 related to unabsorbed
burden associated with the former educational technology and services business, a pretax pension settlement charge of $1.7 and a
pretax charge of $1.0 related to Storia operating system-specific apps. In fiscal 2013, the Company recognized a pretax charge of
$16.5 related to unabsorbed burden associated with the former educational technology and services business and a pretax charge
of $4.0 related to asset impairments.
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized pretax severance expense of $8.9 as part of cost reduction and restructuring programs. In
fiscal 2014, the Company recognized pretax severance expense of $9.9 as part of a cost savings initiative. In fiscal 2013, the
Company recognized pretax severance expense of $9.4 as part of a cost savings initiative.
(3)
(4)
-24-
(5)
(6)
(7)
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a pretax impairment charge of $8.3 in connection with the restructuring of the Company's
media and entertainment businesses, a $4.6 pretax impairment charge related to the discontinuation of certain outdated technology
platforms, and a $2.9 pretax impairment charge associated with the closure of the retail store located at the Company headquarters
in New York City. In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized a pretax impairment charge of $14.6 for assets in the Children's Book
Publishing and Distribution segment related to Storia operating system-specific apps and a pretax impairment charge of $13.4
related to goodwill associated with the book clubs reporting unit in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment.
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a pretax gain of $0.6 on the sale of a UK-based cost method investment. In fiscal 2014, the
Company recognized a pretax loss of $1.0 and $4.8 related to a U.S.-based equity method investment and a UK-based cost method
investment, respectively.
In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized previously unrecognized tax positions resulting in a benefit of $13.8, inclusive of interest, as
a result of a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service related to the audits for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2007, 2008 and
2009.
Results of Operations – Consolidated
Fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014
Continuing Operations
Revenues from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 increased by $74.3 million, or 4.8%, to
$1,635.8 million, compared to $1,561.5 million in the prior fiscal year. The book clubs and book fairs channels of the
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment experienced higher revenues of $44.6 million and $25.1 million,
respectively, driven by changes in the marketing strategies for these channels. Education segment revenues were also
higher by $20.8 million, driven by increased circulation in classroom magazines and strong demand for the Company's
guided reading programs. Offsetting the increases were lower revenues from the trade channel of $4.0 million,
primarily resulting from lower Hunger Games trilogy sales, and lower revenues in the International segment.
Lower International segment revenues primarily resulted from the adverse impact of foreign exchange rates of $19.7
million in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014, offset by overall higher revenues from international sales of $7.5 million.
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 remained constant at 46.4%,
compared to the prior fiscal year. Higher product, service and production costs as a percentage of revenue were
offset by lower royalty costs as a percentage of revenue, which were both primarily driven by the marketing strategies
for the book club operations.
Components of Cost of goods sold for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
2015
% of
revenue
2014
% of
revenue
2013
% of
revenue
($ amounts in millions)
Product, service and production costs
Royalty costs
Prepublication and production amortization
Postage, freight, shipping, fulfillment and all
other costs
Total cost of goods sold
$
$
429.3
84.3
30.0
214.9
758.5
26.2% $
5.2
1.8
13.2
46.4% $
401.1
87.1
33.7
203.1
725.0
25.7% $
5.6
2.1
399.0
84.6
27.6
13.0
46.4% $
204.2
715.4
25.7%
5.5
1.8
13.2
46.2%
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 increased to $771.1 million,
compared to $727.3 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase was primarily driven in equal parts by higher
promotional expense in the book clubs operations and higher technology expense on strategic initiatives. In addition,
the Company experienced higher salary-related expenses and bad debt expense of $6.1 million and $3.3 million,
respectively and incremental pension expense of $2.6 million related to a settlement on a portion of the domestic
pension plan. The overall technology spend increased by $2.9 million in the current fiscal year as the higher
technology expense within Selling, general and administrative expenses was largely offset by lower depreciation
expense within Depreciation and amortization as more of the technology spend in the current fiscal year related to
the design phase of projects which resulted in lower capitalized technology costs.
Severance expense of $9.6 million in fiscal 2015 included $8.9 million related to cost reduction and restructuring
programs. Severance expense of $10.5 million in fiscal 2014 included $9.9 million related to cost reduction initiatives
as the Company continued to focus on efficiency initiatives.
-25-
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized asset impairments of $15.8 million compared to $28.0 million in the prior
fiscal year. In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized an impairment charge in respect to certain goodwill, production
and programming assets of $8.3 million in connection with the restructuring of the Company's media and
entertainment businesses, recognized an impairment charge of $4.6 million for the discontinuation of certain
outdated technology platforms and recognized an impairment charge of $2.9 million associated with the closure of its
retail store located at the Company headquarters in New York City. In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized an asset
impairment of $14.6 million related to Storia operating system-specific apps that were no longer supported due to the
transition to a Storia streaming model and a $13.4 million impairment of goodwill attributable to legacy acquisitions
associated with the book club operations in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment.
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, net interest expense decreased to $3.5 million compared to $6.9 million in the
prior fiscal year, primarily due to the absence of capital leases associated with the purchase of 555 Broadway, partially
offset by higher interest on borrowings under the Company's Loan Agreement (described under "Financing" below)
related to such purchase.
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a gain of $0.6 million related to a UK-based cost method investment. In fiscal
2014, the Company recognized investment losses of $5.8 million relating to a $1.0 million loss for a U.S.-based equity
method investment and a $4.8 million loss related to a UK-based cost method investment.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 was 48.2%, compared to 678.3% in the prior
fiscal year. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was favorably impacted by a settlement with the Internal Revenue
Service and the associated recognition of $13.8 million of previously unrecognized income tax positions, including
interest.
Earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2015 increased by $2.2 million to $15.5 million, compared to $13.3
million in fiscal 2014. The basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations per share of Class A Stock and
Common Stock were $0.47 and $0.46, respectively, in fiscal 2015, compared to $0.42 and $0.41, respectively, in fiscal
2014.
Discontinued Operations
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 were $279.1 million,
compared to earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $31.1 million in the prior fiscal year. The increase
was driven by the net gain of $275.6 million associated with the sale of the educational technology and services
business. Fiscal 2015 discontinued operations also included the net earnings from the educational technology and
services business of $5.2 million, partially offset by net losses of $1.4 million associated with consumer magazine,
production, and game console activities that were discontinued in the current year and $0.3 million in losses from
previously discontinued business units. In fiscal 2014, the educational technology and services business had net
earnings of $31.4 million, partially offset by net losses of $0.4 million associated with consumer magazine, production,
and game console activities that were discontinued in fiscal 2015 and $0.1 million in a net gain from previously
discontinued business units. The basic and diluted earnings from discontinued operations per share of Class A Stock
and Common Stock were $8.53 and $8.34, respectively, in fiscal 2015, compared to $0.97 and $0.95, respectively, in
fiscal 2014.
The resulting net income for fiscal 2015 was $294.6 million, or $9.00 and $8.80 per basic and diluted share,
respectively, compared to net income of $44.4 million, or $1.39 and $1.36 per basic and diluted share, respectively, in
fiscal 2014.
Fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013
Continuing Operations
Revenues from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 increased by $11.7 million, or 0.8%, to
$1,561.5 million, compared to $1,549.8 million in fiscal 2013. The book clubs and book fairs channels of the Children’s
Book Publishing and Distribution segment experienced higher revenues of $24.7 million and $14.1 million, respectively,
driven by changes in the marketing strategies for these channels. Education segment revenues were also higher by
$10.6 million, driven by higher classroom magazine circulation. Offsetting the increase were lower revenues from the
Hunger Games trilogy of $27.3 million across the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution and
International segments. Lower International segment revenues also resulted from the adverse impact of foreign
-26-
exchange rates of $24.1 million in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013, and the absence of low margin software sales
in Australia totaling $8.0 million.
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 remained relatively constant at
46.4% compared to fiscal 2013, despite higher prepublication amortization costs of $6.1 million in fiscal 2014. Royalty
costs in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment included $2.4 million related to Storia operating
system-specific apps that are no longer supported due to the transition to a Storia streaming model.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 decreased modestly to $727.3
million, compared to $734.8 million in fiscal 2013. While the Company experienced lower salaries and benefits of $11.6
million, as well as lower promotional spending of $10.5 million, compared to fiscal 2013, as a result of prior cost
savings initiatives, the Company recognized higher incentive compensation of $16.8 million and higher stock based
compensation of $2.9 million in fiscal 2014. The Company recognized a charge of $1.0 million related to Storia
operating system-specific apps.
In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized an asset impairment charge of $14.6 million related to Storia operating
system-specific apps that are no longer supported. In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized a $13.4 million impairment
of goodwill attributable to legacy acquisitions associated with the book club operations in the Children’s Book
Publishing and Distribution segment.
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, net interest expense decreased to $6.9 million, compared to $14.5 million in
fiscal 2013, primarily resulting from the April 2013 repayment of the Company’s 5% Notes. In addition, in fiscal 2014,
the Company increased its borrowings under the Company's Loan Agreement by $175.0 million related to the
purchase of its 555 Broadway headquarters building, but simultaneously satisfied its obligation under its 555 Broadway
capital lease of $58.3 million.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company recognized a loss of $1.0 million related to a U.S.-based equity-
method investment. In the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company recognized a loss of $4.8 million related to a UK-
based cost-method investment.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 was 678.3% compared to 25.8% in fiscal 2013.
The effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was favorably impacted by a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service and the
associated recognition of $13.8 million of previously unrecognized income tax positions, including interest.
Earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2014 increased by $8.4 million to $13.3 million, compared to $4.9
million in fiscal 2013. The basic and diluted earnings from continuing operations per share of Class A Stock and
Common Stock were $0.42 and $0.41, respectively, in fiscal 2014, compared to $0.15 and $0.15, respectively, in fiscal
2013.
Discontinued Operations
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 were $31.1 million compared
to earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $26.2 million in fiscal 2013. As a result of the May 29, 2015 sale
of the educational technology and services business and the restructuring of the Company's media and entertainment
businesses, fiscal 2014 and 2013 results have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. In fiscal
2014, the educational technology and services business had net earnings of $31.4 million which, together with a $0.1
million net gain from previously discontinued business units, were partially offset by net losses of $0.4 million
associated with such other activities discontinued in fiscal 2015. In fiscal 2013, the educational technology and
services business had net earnings of $30.0 million, coupled with a net gain of $0.9 million associated with such other
activities discontinued in fiscal 2015 and $4.7 million in a net loss from the previously discontinued business units. The
basic and diluted earnings from discontinued operations per share of Class A Stock and Common Stock were $0.97
and $0.95, respectively, in fiscal 2014, compared to $0.82 and $0.80, respectively, in fiscal 2013.
The resulting net income for fiscal 2014 was $44.4 million, or $1.39 and $1.36 per basic and diluted share, respectively,
compared to net income of $31.1 million, or $0.97 and $0.95 per basic and diluted share, respectively, in fiscal 2013.
-27-
Results of Operations – Segments
CHILDREN’S BOOK PUBLISHING AND DISTRIBUTION
($ amounts in millions)
2015
2014
2013
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Other operating expenses *
Asset impairments
Operating income (loss)
$
$
958.7 $
409.1
453.8
10.2
85.6 $
893.0 $
384.5
456.7
28.0
23.8 $
865.2 $
363.5
473.8
—
27.9 $
$ change
65.7
24.6
(2.9)
(17.8 )
61.8
2015 compared to 2014
% change
2014 compared to 2013
$ change
% change
27.8
21.0
(17.1 )
28.0
(4.1)
3.2 %
5.8
(3.6)
N/A
(14.7 )%
7.4% $
6.4
(0.6)
(63.6)
259.7% $
Operating margin
8.9%
2.7%
3.2%
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, bad debt expenses, depreciation and
amortization.
Fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 increased by $65.7 million to $958.7 million, compared to $893.0
million in the prior fiscal year. Revenues from the book clubs channel increased $44.6 million due to the success of
the Company's marketing initiatives implemented in fiscal 2014, higher revenue per book club event and a 5% increase
in the number of teacher sponsors. The Company's book fair revenues increased $25.1 million due to a 4% increase in
revenue per fair coupled with a 1% increase in fair count. Revenues in the trade channel decreased $4.0 million when
compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease was primarily driven by lower gross sales of Hunger Games trilogy
titles of $19.7 million and was partially offset by the success of the Minecraft handbook series that resulted in higher
gross sales of $16.1 million, strong sales of Raina Telgemeier's titles Sisters, Drama and Smile, and favorable returns
experience on Harry Potter titles. Sales of Minecraft series handbook titles across all Children's Book Publishing and
Distribution channels totaled $57.1 million for the current fiscal year, compared to $13.1 million in the prior fiscal year.
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 was $409.1 million, or 43% of revenues, compared to $384.5
million, or 43% of revenues, in the prior fiscal year. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue remained relatively
flat for this segment, with modestly higher costs for books sold through the book clubs and trade channels offset by
lower prepublication and amortization costs.
Other operating expenses were $453.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 compared to $456.7 million in
the prior fiscal year, as increased promotional expense for the book clubs operation of $11.0 million and higher bad
debt expense of $2.7 million were more than offset by lower technology costs.
Asset impairments were $10.2 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 compared to $28.0 million in the prior
fiscal year. As part of the Company's restructuring of the media and entertainment businesses, the trade channel
recognized an impairment charge of $8.3 million in respect to certain goodwill, production and programming assets.
In addition, the book clubs channel incurred a $1.9 million impairment charge relating to the transition to a new
ecommerce software platform for club ordering. In fiscal 2014, the Company incurred $14.6 million of asset
impairments related to Storia operating system-specific apps that are no longer supported due to the transition to a
Storia streaming model and a $13.4 million goodwill impairment.
Segment operating income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 was $85.6 million compared to $23.8 million in the
prior fiscal year. The increase was driven by the higher book club and book fair revenues, lower prepublication and
amortization costs, and lower technology costs. Results in fiscal 2015 include $10.2 million in asset impairment
charges relating to the restructuring of the media and entertainment businesses and the transition to a new
ecommerce software platform for club ordering. Results in fiscal 2014 included charges of $18.0 million related to
Storia asset impairments and other charges due to the transition to a Storia streaming model and a $13.4 million
goodwill impairment.
Fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 increased by $27.8 million to $893.0 million, compared to $865.2
million in fiscal 2013. The Company started to realize benefits from its marketing efforts to improve book clubs
performance during the spring promotional period, which included sponsor targeted promotions, more kid friendly
-28-
offerings and better integration of the on-line and off-line ordering experiences. As a result, revenues from book clubs
increased by $24.7 million in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013, with the improvement occurring in the second half
of fiscal 2014. The Company’s book fair revenues increased $14.1 million, primarily due to higher revenue per fair. The
Company continues to direct greater book fair resources and support to schools that generate higher revenue per fair.
As a result of this focus, revenue per fair in fiscal 2014 increased 4.0% compared to fiscal 2013. Revenues in the trade
channel decreased by $11.0 million in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. Fiscal 2013 benefited from higher sales of
Hunger Games trilogy titles of $9.8 million and the impact of favorable Hunger Games returns experience of $8.8
million compared to fiscal 2014. Partially offsetting the trade channel declines were sales of Harry Potter titles
featuring new cover artwork of $8.1 million and higher sales of other front list titles of $6.4 million, including Star Wars:
Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown, Spirit Animals #1: Wild Born by Brandon Mull and Spirit Animals #2: Hunted by
Maggie Stiefvater, The Finisher by David Baldacci, Tui Sutherland’s Wings of Fire #4: The Dark Secrets and Minecraft:
Essential Handbook and Minecraft: Redstone Handbook.
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 was $384.5 million, or 43% of revenues, compared to $363.5
million, or 42% of revenues, in fiscal 2013. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue remained relatively flat for
this segment, with modest improvements in the book fairs channel reflecting higher revenue per fair being offset by
modest declines in the trade channel. Trade channel gross margins can vary from period to period based upon the mix
and volume of products sold. Royalty expenses in fiscal 2014 included $2.4 million related to Storia operating system-
specific apps that are no longer supported.
Other operating expenses were $456.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 compared to $473.8 million in
fiscal 2013, as lower expenses of $19.7 million in the book club operations, driven by cost reduction efforts and lower
digital initiative costs, were partially offset by higher salary and other costs in the book fair operations of $8.6 million.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2014 included $1.0 million related to Storia operating system-
specific apps.
Segment operating income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 was $23.8 million compared to $27.9 million in fiscal
2013. Results in fiscal 2014 included charges of $18.0 million (inclusive of $14.6 million of asset impairments) related to
Storia operating system-specific apps and a $13.4 million goodwill impairment. The increase in operating income,
when the impairment charges are excluded, was a result of higher revenues and profitability in the book clubs
channel, as the Company stabilized its sponsor base in this channel during fiscal 2014, as well as higher revenues and
profitability in the book fairs channel. Additionally, the Company’s trade publishing efforts continued to produce
popular new titles for the trade and other channels.
EDUCATION
($ amounts in millions)
2015
2014
2013
2015 compared to 2014
% change
$ change
2014 compared to 2013
% change
$ change
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Other operating expenses *
Operating income (loss)
$
275.9 $
94.0
133.5
$
255.1
89.6
127.0
244.5 $
89.9
123.4
$
48.4 $
38.5 $
31.2 $
20.8
4.4
6.5
9.9
8.2% $
4.9
5.1
25.7% $
10.6
(0.3)
3.6
7.3
4.3%
(0.3)
2.9
23.4%
Operating margin
17.5 %
15.1 %
12.8%
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, bad debt expenses and depreciation
and amortization.
Fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 increased by $20.8 million to $275.9 million, compared to $255.1
million in the prior fiscal year. As a result of the ongoing demand for independent reading materials for the classroom,
revenues from classroom books and literacy initiatives, including guided reading programs such as the Guided
Reading Nonfiction 2nd Edition, increased by $14.4 million compared to the prior fiscal year. Classroom magazine
revenues increased $8.1 million primarily due to increased circulation driven by demand for the Company’s print and
online offerings such as Scholastic News®, Scope® and Storyworks®. Revenues from sales of library publishing
products were relatively flat. Revenues for supplemental teaching resource materials declined $3.5 million due to
lower sales from retail channels.
-29-
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 was $94.0 million, or 34% of revenue, compared to $89.6
million, or 35% of revenue, in the prior fiscal year. The lower cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue is primarily
due to higher volumes of classroom magazines, which carry relatively low variable costs, and improved postage,
freight and handling costs.
Other operating expenses increased by $6.5 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, due to higher employee-
related expenses and promotional costs.
Segment operating income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 improved by $9.9 million. The classroom magazines
business continues to experience higher circulation, driving $4.1 million of this improvement, as demand continues for
nonfiction materials to supplement classroom learning. Classroom books and literacy initiatives contributed $5.3
million to the increase in operating income as the Company continues to reach outside the classroom to grow
community-based literacy initiatives and summer reading programs.
Fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 increased by $10.6 million to $255.1 million, compared to $244.5
million in fiscal 2013. This increase partially resulted from higher circulation revenues of classroom magazines of $6.6
million, increased sales of digital and customized print packages of $4.1 million, including increased revenues from
Summer reading programs of approximately $2.5 million, and modest increases in sales of teaching resource products
of $1.2 million. While sales of collections to classrooms were relatively flat to fiscal 2013, the Company enhanced its
online store for teachers, providing teachers and schools greater access to the Company’s offerings, resulting in
improved ecommerce activity from this source, and also streamlined the segment’s distribution process. The success
of the classroom magazines business continued to reflect the increased classroom demand for current non-fiction
content and the segment’s ability to deliver this content in both print and digital formats.
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 was $89.6 million, or 35% of revenue, compared to $89.9
million, or 37% of revenue, in fiscal 2013, primarily due to higher volumes of classroom magazines, which carry
relatively low variable costs, and improved postage, freight and handling costs.
Other operating expenses increased by $3.6 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, due predominantly to
higher information technology costs for digital magazines, offset by cost savings in the teaching resource business.
Segment operating income for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 improved by $7.3 million to $38.5 million, compared
to $31.2 million in fiscal 2013. The classroom magazines business continued to experience higher circulation, driving
$4.6 million of this improvement, as customers sought supplemental current content to meet Common Core State
Standards. Reduced costs in the teaching resource business also added to the improved results.
INTERNATIONAL
($ amounts in millions)
2015
2014
2013
$ change
% change
$ change
% change
2015 compared to 2014
2014 compared to 2013
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Other operating expenses *
Asset impairments
Operating income (loss)
$
401.2 $
201.7
176.2
2.7
$
20.6 $
413.4 $
202.7
180.3
—
30.4 $
440.1 $
213.4
187.5
—
39.2 $
(12.2 )
(1.0)
(4.1)
2.7
(9.8)
(3.0)% $
(0.5)
(2.3)
N/A
(32.2)% $
(26.7)
(10.7)
(7.2)
—
(8.8)
(6.1)%
(5.0)
(3.8)
N/A
(22.4)%
Operating margin
5.1%
7.4%
8.9%
* Other operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, bad debt expenses, severance and
depreciation and amortization.
Fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 decreased by $12.2 million to $401.2 million, compared to $413.4
million in the prior fiscal year. Total local currency revenues across the Company's foreign operations increased $7.5
million, but were offset by foreign currency exchange declines of $19.7 million as the U.S. dollar strengthened against
most foreign currencies. Local currency revenues from the Asian operations increased $6.4 million due to improved
revenues from trade and direct channel sales across the region. Local currency revenues from the major markets of
-30-
Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia increased $0.2 million on the strength of trade and book fairs channel
results and increased sales of media products in Australia, partially offset by lower revenues from the Company’s
Canadian operations. The lower local currency revenues in Canada were due in part to decreased revenues from book
club operations, including the impact of a teachers' strike in British Columbia. Revenues from the Company’s export
and foreign rights operations in the U.S. increased $0.9 million, as the Company continues to serve markets globally
via this channel.
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 was $201.7 million, or 50% of sales, compared to $202.7
million, or 49% of sales, in the prior fiscal year. The modest increase in cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales was
primarily due to $1.5 million of increased costs in Canada for a warehouse optimization project and the higher cost of
U.S. dollar-denominated product.
Other operating expenses decreased by $4.1 million when compared to the prior fiscal year. The decrease was
primarily due to foreign currency exchange rates coupled with lower promotional and salary related costs and a $3.7
million insurance settlement relating to a fire in a warehouse in India, partially offset by $1.5 million in severance costs
as part of cost reduction and restructuring programs.
The discontinuation of certain outdated technology platforms resulted in $2.7 million in impairment charges in fiscal
2015.
Segment operating income for fiscal 2015 decreased by $9.8 million to $20.6 million, compared to $30.4 million in the
prior fiscal year. The decrease was driven by $2.7 million in impairment charges related to the discontinuation of
certain outdated technology platforms, $1.5 million of increased costs in Canada for the warehouse optimization
project and $1.5 million in severance costs as part of cost reduction and restructuring programs, coupled with lower
revenues from the Canadian operations and lower gross margin sales in the Australian channels, partially offset by the
$3.7 million insurance settlement relating to the fire in a warehouse in India.
Fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013
Revenues for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 decreased by $26.7 million to $413.4 million, compared to $440.1
million in fiscal 2013. This decrease was due to the adverse impact of foreign exchange rates of $24.1 million and a
decrease of $8.0 million in an Australian low margin software business, as well as lower trade sales in the United
Kingdom of $4.3 million primarily due to a decline in the sales of Hunger Games titles. Decreased export and foreign
rights operations sales of $1.8 million also contributed to the segment’s decline in revenues. Partially offsetting these
decreases were improved revenues from Asian markets of $10.0 million, as operations in India, Malaysia, the
Philippines and Thailand all experienced improved revenues, mostly from the Company’s direct sales of English
language reference products, and the Company’s growing educational business in the region, where it has established
educational publishing operations locally in Singapore to serve the regional need for English language materials and
educational programs. Also, the Company's operations in Canada and the United Kingdom had higher revenues from
book fairs of $1.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively, as well as higher education-related revenues in the United
Kingdom of $1.5 million, compared to fiscal 2013.
Cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 was $202.7 million, or 49% of sales, compared to $213.4
million, or 48% of sales, in fiscal 2013. The absolute decreases in both periods were attributable to the effect of foreign
exchange. No single factor was responsible for the increase of cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenues.
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, other operating expenses declined by $7.2 million, as increased costs paid by
the U.S. operations on behalf of foreign subsidiaries of $3.5 million and increased bad debt expense of $0.6 million
were more than offset by currency exchange and the impact of cost savings initiatives.
Segment operating income for fiscal 2014 decreased by $8.8 million to $30.4 million, compared to $39.2 million in
fiscal 2013. Lower trade channel sales in major markets for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 were primarily due to
the high level of Hunger Games trilogy sales in fiscal 2013, and had a corresponding impact on earnings. The decrease
in sales from the Australian software business did not significantly impact earnings, as these sales were low margin
sales.
Overhead
Corporate overhead for fiscal 2015 increased by $39.4 million to $121.7 million, compared to $82.3 million in the prior
fiscal year, primarily reflecting higher strategic technology spend on enterprise-wide management platforms and
-31-
higher depreciation expense on the Company's corporate headquarters building acquired in fiscal 2014. The higher
enterprise-wide technology spend reflected in overhead is partially offset by lower business unit-specific spend
reflected in the segment results, primarily in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment. Included in
overhead expenses are unallocated overhead costs that would have been charged to the educational technology and
services business of $15.8 million and $16.2 million in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively, severance expenses as part of
cost reduction and restructuring programs of $7.4 million and $9.3 million in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively,
pension settlement charges of $4.3 million and $1.7 million in fiscal 2015 and 2014, respectively, and a $2.9 million
impairment charge in fiscal 2015 associated with the closure of the retail store located at the Company headquarters
in New York City.
Corporate overhead for fiscal 2014 increased by $5.1 million to $82.3 million, compared to $77.2 million in the fiscal
2013, primarily due to reinstated bonus and higher stock compensation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $506.8 million at May 31, 2015 and $20.9 million at May 31, 2014.
Cash and cash equivalents held by the Company’s U.S. operations totaled $491.2 million at May 31, 2015 and $2.1
million at May 31, 2014.
Cash provided by operating activities was $166.9 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, compared to cash
provided by operating activities of $156.8 million for the prior fiscal year, representing an increase in cash provided by
operating activities of $10.1 million. Changes in operating assets and liabilities resulted in a $47.0 million increase in
cash provided by continuing operations, driven by improved collections of receivables and higher revenues from book
clubs operations, where cash collections are generally contemporaneous with the sale of product. Discontinued
operations also contributed a $7.0 million increase in cash provided by operating activities driven by the former
educational technology and services business which was sold on May 29, 2015. Earnings from continuing operations
increased by $2.2 million over the prior year. The increases were partially offset by decreased adjustments to reconcile
earnings from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations of $46.1
million, including lower depreciation and amortization of $13.3 million, decreased asset impairments of $12.2 million
and lower deferred income taxes of $12.4 million.
Cash provided by investing activities was $445.3 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, compared to cash used
in investing activities of $345.7 million for the prior fiscal year, representing an increase in cash provided by investing
activities of $791.0 million. The increase was primarily driven by the sale of the former educational technology and
services business on May 29, 2015, which resulted in cash proceeds of $543.2 million comprised of the proceeds of
$577.7 million less restricted cash held in escrow of $34.5 million. Also contributing to the increase was the prior fiscal
year purchase of the land and building comprising the leased portion of the Company’s New York City corporate
headquarters, located in SoHo, for $253.9 million. This was partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in use of cash
from investing activities in discontinued operations driven by the former educational technology and services
business.
Cash used in financing activities was $124.5 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, compared to cash provided
by financing activities of $122.5 million for the prior fiscal year, representing a decrease in cash provided by financing
activities of $247.0 million. The decrease was primarily driven by a $120.0 million repayment under the Company's
Loan Agreement during fiscal 2015 compared to $120.0 million of borrowings outstanding in fiscal 2014, which
resulted in a decrease of $240.0 million. The decrease was also attributable to net loan repayments of $9.0 million in
fiscal 2015 compared to net borrowings of $13.9 million in the prior fiscal year, contributing to a decrease of $22.9
million. This was partially offset by higher proceeds pursuant to employee stock plans of $14.8 million.
Fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013
Cash provided by operating activities was $156.8 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, compared to cash
provided by operating activities of $189.1 million for the prior fiscal year, representing a decrease in cash provided by
operating activities of $32.3 million. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company experienced strong sales of the
Hunger Games trilogy titles, and subsequently collected significant cash from these customers in the first quarter of
fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2014, the Company experienced strong sales in its book fairs operations in the fourth quarter,
resulting in higher receivable balances as of May 31, 2014. Discontinued operations, primarily the former educational
technology and services business, were also responsible for $11.5 million of the decline. Partially offsetting this
-32-
disparity in collections between the two fiscal years were higher royalty payments in fiscal 2013 associated with the
Hunger Games success and higher payouts for incentive compensation of $28.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal
2013. Lower net income tax payments of $28.0 million in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 also partially offset the
decline.
Cash used in investing activities was $345.7 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, compared to $124.0 million
in fiscal 2013. In fiscal 2014, the Company purchased the land and building comprising the leased portion of the
Company’s New York City corporate headquarters, located in SoHo, for $253.9 million. In fiscal 2014, the Company
also invested $1.0 million for a 20% interest in a software development entity, and collected $1.3 million of proceeds
from a sold asset. In fiscal 2013, the Company incurred higher spending on technology assets of $19.9 million. Activity
within discontinued operations resulted in a decrease to cash used in investing activities of $6.3 million related to the
activities of the former educational technology and services business.
Cash provided by financing activities was $122.5 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, compared to cash used
in financing activities of $172.7 million for the prior fiscal year. To finance the purchase of the SoHo land and building
in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company used existing cash and incurred borrowings under its Loan Agreement
of $175.0 million. Other fiscal 2014 net short-term repayments totaled $41.1 million, which includes a fourth quarter
repayment of $55.0 million under the Loan Agreement, compared to net repayments of $4.3 million in the prior fiscal
year. Proceeds pursuant to employee stock plans declined $2.7 million in the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 compared
to the prior fiscal year, while dividend payments increased by $1.9 million due to an increase in the Company's
quarterly dividend.
Due to the seasonal nature of its business as discussed under “Seasonality” above, the Company usually experiences
negative cash flows in the June through October time period. As a result of the Company’s business cycle, borrowings
have historically increased during June, July and August, have generally peaked in September or October, and have
been at their lowest point in May. In fiscal 2016, the Company will have a substantial tax payment related to the gain
on the sale of the educational technology and services business. The Company does not expect to incur significant
domestic borrowings to meet operating needs in fiscal 2016.
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 the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, the Company purchased $3.5
million of Company shares on the open market compared to $6.2 million of share purchases in the prior fiscal year.
The Company has maintained, and expects to maintain for the foreseeable future, sufficient liquidity to fund ongoing
operations, including working capital requirements, pension contributions, dividends, authorized common share
repurchases, debt service, planned capital expenditures and other investments. As of May 31, 2015, the Company’s
primary sources of liquidity consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $506.8 million, cash from operations, and
funding available under the Loan Agreement totaling approximately $425.0 million. Additionally, the Company has
short-term credit facilities of $49.3 million, less current borrowings of $6.0 million and commitments of $4.9 million,
resulting in $38.4 million of current availability at May 31, 2015. The Company may at any time, but in any event not
more than once in any calendar year, request that the aggregate availability of credit under the Loan Agreement be
increased by an amount of $10.0 million or an integral multiple of $10.0 million (but not to exceed $150.0 million).
Accordingly, the Company believes these sources of liquidity are sufficient to finance its ongoing operating needs, as
well as its financing and investing activities.
-33-
The following table summarizes, as of May 31, 2015, the Company’s contractual cash obligations by future period (see
Notes 4, 5 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data”):
$ amounts in millions
Contractual Obligations
1 Year or Less
Years 2-3
Payments Due By Period
Years 4-5
After Year 5
Minimum print quantities
$
44.1 $
90.3 $
93.3 $
96.4 $
Royalty advances
Lines of credit and short-term debt
Capital leases (1)
Pension and post-retirement plans (2)
Operating leases
Total
12.8
6.0
0.3
19.7
28.9
4.3
—
0.4
27.1
42.1
0.4
—
—
26.0
20.9
—
—
—
60.2
12.8
$
111.8
$
164.2 $
140.6 $
169.4 $
Includes principal and interest.
(1)
(2) Excludes expected Medicare Part D subsidy receipts.
Financing
Loan Agreement
Total
324.1
17.5
6.0
0.7
133.0
104.7
586.0
The Company is party to the Loan Agreement with various banks as described in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” There were no
outstanding borrowings under the Loan Agreement as of May 31, 2015. For a more complete description of the Loan
Agreement, as well as the Company's other debt obligations, reference is made to Note 4 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.
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, 2015. The Company does not enter into
derivative transactions or use other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Market risks relating to the Company’s operations result primarily from changes in interest rates in its variable-rate
borrowings. 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 outstanding financial instruments is included in Note 4 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” which is
included herein.
-34-
The following table sets forth information about the Company’s debt instruments as of May 31, 2015 (see Note 4 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8, “Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”):
Fiscal Year Maturity
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total
Fair
Value
2015
$ amounts in millions
Debt Obligations
Lines of credit and current
portion of long-term debt
Average interest rate
$
$
6.0
3.8%
— $
—
— $
—
— $
—
— $
—
— $
—
6.0 $
6.0
-35-
Item 8 | Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended May 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended May 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Supplementary Financial Information - Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations
The following consolidated financial statement schedule for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013 is filed with this annual report on Form 10-K:
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Page
37
38
39
40
41
43
77
79
S-2
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.
-36-
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenues
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Severance
Asset impairments
Total operating costs and expenses
Operating income
Interest income
Interest expense
Gain (loss) on investments and other
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share of Class A and Common Stock
Basic:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
Diluted:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
Dividends declared per common share
See accompanying notes
(Amounts in millions, except per share data)
For fiscal years ended May 31,
2015
2014
2013
$
1,635.8 $
1,561.5
$
1,549.8
758.5
771.1
47.9
9.6
15.8
1,602.9
32.9
0.3
(3.8)
0.5
29.9
14.4
15.5
279.1
294.6 $
0.47 $
8.53 $
9.00 $
0.46 $
8.34 $
8.80 $
0.600 $
725.0
727.3
60.3
10.5
28.0
1,551.1
10.4
0.6
(7.5)
(5.8)
(2.3)
(15.6)
13.3
31.1
44.4 $
0.42 $
0.97 $
1.39 $
0.41 $
0.95 $
1.36 $
0.575 $
715.4
734.8
65.4
13.1
—
1,528.7
21.1
1.2
(15.7 )
0.0
6.6
1.7
4.9
26.2
31.1
0.15
0.82
0.97
0.15
0.80
0.95
0.500
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
-37-
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Pension and post-retirement adjustments:
Amortization of prior service credit
Amortization of unrecognized gains and (losses) included in net
periodic cost
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)
See accompanying notes
(Amounts in millions)
For fiscal years ended May 31,
2015
2014
2013
$
294.6 $
44.4 $
31.1
(15.3 )
(0.2)
(6.3)
(21.8) $
272.8 $
$
$
(3.1 )
(0.2)
13.5
10.2 $
54.6 $
(2.6)
(0.4)
11.8
8.8
39.9
-38-
Consolidated Balance Sheets
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash held in escrow
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $14.9 and $15.6,
respectively)
Inventories, net
Deferred income taxes
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Current assets of discontinued operations
Total current assets
Noncurrent Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net
Prepublication costs, net
Royalty advances (less allowance for reserves of $86.8 and $85.3, respectively)
Goodwill
Other intangibles
Noncurrent deferred income taxes
Other assets and deferred charges
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations
Total noncurrent assets
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Lines of credit and current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable
Accrued royalties
Deferred revenue
Other accrued expenses
Accrued income taxes
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
Total current liabilities
Noncurrent Liabilities:
Long-term debt
Other noncurrent liabilities
Total noncurrent liabilities
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, 4.0 shares; Issued and Outstanding, 1.7 shares
Common Stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized, 70.0 shares; Issued, 42.9 and 42.9 shares,
respectively; Outstanding, 31.5 and 30.6 shares, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Retained earnings
Treasury stock at cost
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
See accompanying notes
-39-
(Amounts in millions)
Balances at May 31,
2015
2014
$
506.8 $
34.5
193.8
257.6
81.0
33.7
3.1
1,110.5
439.7
51.7
39.3
116.3
6.8
6.5
51.5
—
711.8
1,822.3
$
6.0 $
146.8
26.8
21.5
173.6
158.8
14.1
547.6
—
69.8
69.8
—
0.0
0.4
591.5
(77.0)
1,039.9
(349.9)
1,204.9
1,822.3
$
$
$
$
20.9
—
212.1
256.4
81.0
33.9
58.7
663.0
465.7
53.2
37.3
121.8
8.0
4.1
55.5
119.9
865.5
1,528.5
15.8
137.5
30.7
19.9
171.6
4.8
49.5
429.8
120.0
63.3
183.3
—
0.0
0.4
580.8
(55.2)
765.1
(375.7 )
915.4
1,528.5
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Class A Stock
Common Stock
Shares
Amount Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Treasury
Stock
At Cost
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
(Amounts in millions)
Balance at May 31, 2012
Net Income (loss)
$
1.7
—
0.0
—
29.8 $
—
0.4 $ 583.0 $
—
—
(74.2) $ 723.9
31.1
—
$ (402.8) $
—
(11.8 )
(11.8 )
Foreign currency translation
adjustment
Pension and postretirement
adjustments (net of tax of $8.4)
Stock-based compensation
Proceeds from issuance of
common stock pursuant to
stock-based compensation plans
Purchases of treasury stock at
cost
Treasury stock issued pursuant to
stock purchase plans
Dividends
Balance at May 31, 2013
Net Income (loss)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment
Pension and postretirement
adjustments (net of tax of $5.0)
Stock-based compensation
Proceeds from issuance of
common stock pursuant to
stock-based compensation plans
Purchases of treasury stock at
cost
Treasury stock issued pursuant to
stock purchase plans
Dividends
Balance at May 31, 2014
Net Income (loss)
Foreign currency translation
adjustment
Pension and postretirement
adjustments (net of tax of $(2.5))
Stock-based compensation
Proceeds from issuance of
common stock pursuant to
stock-based compensation plans
Purchases of treasury stock at
cost
Treasury stock issued pursuant to
stock purchase plans
Dividends
Balance at May 31, 2015
See accompanying notes
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1.7
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1.7
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1.7
$
—
—
0.0
—
—
—
0.5
(0.4)
0.2
—
30.1
—
—
—
—
0.5
(0.2)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
7.3
14.7
—
(2.6)
11.4
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(22.1 )
—
—
—
0.4 $ 582.9
—
—
$
$
—
—
—
(16.1 )
(65.4) $ 738.9
44.4
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
9.3
12.9
—
(3.1 )
13.3
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.2
—
30.6 $
—
(24.3)
—
—
—
0.4 $ 580.8 $
—
—
—
—
—
(18.2)
(55.2) $ 765.1
294.6
—
—
—
—
—
22.2
—
$ (392.4) $
—
—
—
—
—
(6.2)
22.9
—
$ (375.7 ) $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
11.3
28.1
—
(15.3 )
(6.5)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(3.5)
—
—
—
0.9
(0.1)
0.1
—
31.5
830.3
31.1
(2.6)
11.4
7.3
14.7
0.1
(16.1 )
864.4
44.4
(3.1 )
13.3
9.3
12.9
(6.2)
(1.4)
(18.2)
915.4
294.6
(15.3 )
(6.5)
11.3
28.1
(3.5)
(28.7)
—
—
—
0.4 $ 591.5
$
$
—
—
—
(19.8)
(77.0) $ 1,039.9
29.3
—
$ (349.9) $
0.6
(19.8)
1,204.9
-40-
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash flows - operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Adjustments to reconcile earnings (loss) from continuing operations to
net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations:
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
Provision for losses on inventory
Provision for losses on royalty advances
Amortization of prepublication and production costs
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of pension and post-retirement actuarial gains and losses
Deferred income taxes
Stock-based compensation
Income from equity investments
Non cash write off related to asset impairment
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired:
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Deferred promotion costs
Royalty advances
Accounts payable
Other accrued expenses
Accrued income taxes
Accrued royalties
Deferred revenue
Pension and post-retirement
Other noncurrent liabilities
Other, net
Total adjustments
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows - investing activities:
Prepublication and production expenditures
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of assets
Loan to investee
Repayment of loan to investee
Other investment and acquisition related payments
Building purchase
Other
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations
Proceeds from sale of discontinued assets
Changes in restricted cash held in escrow for discontinued assets
Other cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
See accompanying notes
-41-
(Amounts in millions)
Years ended May 31,
2015
2014
2013
$
294.6 $
279.1
15.5
44.4 $
31.1
13.3
10.6
21.7
3.6
30.4
48.3
6.9
(3.5)
8.8
(2.0)
15.8
(0.6)
1.6
(33.4)
0.0
(0.3)
(6.2)
12.1
5.3
(24.6)
(3.1 )
2.2
(2.2)
2.5
(1.1 )
92.8
108.3
58.6
166.9
(29.0)
(30.3)
0.7
(3.0)
4.8
(8.3)
—
1.1
(64.0)
577.7
(34.5)
(33.9)
445.3
7.3
23.7
6.5
32.9
61.6
5.6
8.9
8.4
(2.6)
28.0
5.8
(42.7)
(19.3)
24.4
(0.2)
(7.6)
(9.7)
7.3
1.4
0.5
1.7
(16.2)
(29.4)
(4.4)
91.9
105.2
51.6
156.8
(35.9)
(26.5)
1.3
—
—
(1.0)
(253.9)
1.0
(315.0)
—
—
(30.7)
(345.7)
31.1
26.2
4.9
5.8
26.2
4.9
26.6
67.5
4.8
19.6
5.5
(2.3)
7.2
—
88.5
(13.7 )
(14.2)
0.3
(7.2)
34.0
(47.3)
(4.3)
(57.1 )
2.8
(20.8)
(3.6)
(2.1 )
121.1
126.0
63.1
189.1
(33.4)
(54.1)
—
—
—
(0.3)
—
0.8
(87.0)
—
—
(37.0)
(124.0)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Amounts in millions)
Years ended May 31,
2015
2014
2013
Cash flows - financing activities:
Net (repayments) borrowings under credit agreement and revolving loan
Repayment of 5.00% notes
Borrowings under lines of credit
Repayments of lines of credit
Repayment of capital lease obligations
Reacquisition of common stock
Proceeds pursuant to stock-based compensation plans
Payment of dividends
Other
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of continuing operations
(120.0)
—
350.9
(359.9)
(0.2)
(3.5)
26.0
(19.7 )
2.1
(124.3)
120.0
—
207.4
(193.5)
(0.2)
(6.2)
11.2
(17.8 )
1.6
122.5
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities of discontinued operations
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
(0.2)
(124.5)
(1.8)
485.9
20.9
506.8 $
—
122.5
(0.1)
(66.5)
87.4
20.9 $
$
—
(153.0)
23.2
(27.5)
(1.0)
(11.8 )
13.9
(15.9)
(0.6)
(172.7 )
—
(172.7 )
0.1
(107.5)
194.9
87.4
Supplemental Information:
Income taxes payments (refunds), net
Interest paid
See accompanying notes
2015
2014
2013
$
34.2 $
3.2
2.0 $
7.1
30.0
15.1
-42-
(Amounts in millions, except share and per share data)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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 Pre-K to grade 12, and a producer of educational and entertaining children’s media. The Company
creates quality books and ebooks, educational materials and programs, classroom magazines and other products that,
in combination, offer schools customized and comprehensive solutions to support children’s learning both at school
and at home. Since its founding in 1920, Scholastic has emphasized quality products and a dedication to reading and
learning. The Company is the leading operator of school-based book clubs and book fairs in the United States. It
distributes its products and services through these proprietary 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
("U.S."), Canada, the United Kingdom ("UK"), Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, India, China, Singapore and other parts of
Asia and, through its export business, sells products in more than 150 countries. The Company sold its educational
technology and services business on May 29, 2015. The Company also completed a restructuring of the media and
entertainment businesses comprising its former Media, Licensing and Advertising segment in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2015.
Basis of presentation
Principles of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Corporation and all wholly-owned and majority-
owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Discontinued operations
The Company closed or sold several operations during fiscal 2015 and 2013. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015,
the Company sold its educational technology and services business, which, among other things, was engaged in the
development and sale of technology-based reading and math improvement programs, as well as providing consulting
and professional development services. Additionally during fiscal 2015, the Company completed a restructuring of the
businesses comprising its former Media, Licensing and Advertising segment, including discontinuing its Soup2Nuts
animation and audio production studio operations and Scholastic Interactive, as well as the print edition of a periodic
consumer magazine. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company sold a facility that was previously classified as
held for sale and also discontinued a computer club business which was previously included in the Children’s Book
Publishing and Distribution segment and a subscription-based business which was previously reported in the former
Media, Licensing and Advertising segment.
All of these businesses are classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s financial statements for all periods
presented.
Use of estimates
The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements 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, 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 on-going basis, the Company evaluates the adequacy of its reserves and the estimates used in
calculations, including, but not limited to:
•
Accounts receivable reserves for returns
-43-
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts
Pension and other post-retirement obligations
Uncertain tax positions
Inventory reserves
Cost of goods sold from book fair operations during interim periods determined based on
estimated gross profit rates
Sales taxes
Royalty accruals and related advance reserves
Customer reward programs
Impairment testing for goodwill for assessment and measurement, intangibles and other long-
lived assets and investments.
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 are related to sales of product. Book
fairs are typically run by schools and/or parent teacher organizations over a five business-day period. The amount of
revenue recognized for each fair represents the net amount of cash collected at the fair. Revenue is fully recognized at
the completion of the fair. At the end of reporting periods, the Company defers estimated revenue for those fairs that
have not been completed as of the period end based on the number of fair days occurring after period end on a
straight-line calculation of the full fair’s revenue.
Trade –Revenue from the sale of children’s books for distribution in the retail channel is primarily recognized when
risks and benefits transfer 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 risks and benefits of the
publication are 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 the net amount received from the retailer, is generally
recognized upon electronic delivery to the customer by the retailer.
A reserve for estimated returns is established at the time of sale and recognized as a reduction to revenue. Actual
returns are charged to the reserve as received. The calculation of the reserve for estimated returns is based on
historical return rates, sales patterns, type of product and expectations. Actual returns could differ from the Company’s
estimate. A reserve for estimated bad debts is established at the time of sale and is based on the aggregate aging of
accounts receivable and specific reserves on a customer-by-customer basis, where applicable.
Education (formerly Classroom and Supplemental Materials Publishing) – 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 customer terms.
Film Production and Licensing – Revenue from the sale of film rights, principally for the home video and domestic and
foreign television markets, is recognized when the film has been delivered and is available for showing or exploitation.
Licensing revenue is recognized in accordance with royalty agreements at the time the licensed materials are available
to the licensee and collections are reasonably assured.
Magazines – Revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the subscription period, as the magazines are delivered.
Magazine Advertising – Revenue is recognized when the magazine is for sale and available to the subscribers.
Scholastic In-School Marketing – Revenue is recognized when the Company has satisfied its obligations under the
program and the customer has acknowledged acceptance of the product or service. Certain revenues may be
deferred pending future deliverables.
-44-
Discontinued Operations
Educational Technology and Services – For shipments to schools, revenue is recognized when risks and benefits
transfer to the customer. Shipments to depositories are on consignment and revenue is recognized based on actual
shipments from the depositories to the schools. For certain software-based products, the Company offers new
customers installation, maintenance and training with these products and, in such cases, revenue is deferred and
recognized as services are delivered or over the life of the contract. Revenues from contracts with multiple
deliverables are recognized as each deliverable is earned, based on the relative selling price of each deliverable,
provided the deliverable has value to customers on a standalone basis, the customer has full use of the deliverable and
there is no further obligation from the Company. If there is a right of return, revenue is recognized if delivery of the
undelivered items or services is probable and substantially in control of the Company.
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 allowances for doubtful accounts and reserves for returns. In the normal
course of business, the Company extends credit to customers that satisfy predefined credit criteria. The Company is
required to estimate the collectability of its receivables. Reserves for returns are based on historical return rates and
sales patterns. In order to develop the estimate of returns that will be received subsequent to fiscal year end,
management considers patterns of sales and returns in the months preceding the fiscal year end, as well as actual
returns received subsequent to year end, available sell-through information and other return rate information that
management believes is relevant. Allowances for doubtful accounts are established through the evaluation of
accounts receivable aging and prior collection experience to estimate the ultimate collectability of these receivables.
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.
Inventories
Inventories, consisting principally of books, are stated at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out method, or
market. The Company records a reserve for excess and obsolete inventory based upon a calculation using the
historical usage rates, sales patterns of its products and specifically identified obsolete inventory.
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. Capitalized software, net of accumulated amortization, was $21.1 and $33.1 at May 31, 2015 and 2014,
respectively. Capitalized software is depreciated over a period of three to seven years. Amortization expense for
capitalized software was $17.7, $28.5 and $30.9 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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. In fiscal 2015, the Company
recognized an impairment charge of $4.6 related to the discontinuation of certain outdated technology platforms and
a $2.9 impairment charge associated with the closure of the retail store located at the Company headquarters in New
York City. In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $7.6 for assets related to Storia operating
system-specific apps that are no longer supported due to the transition to a Storia streaming model.
The Company acquired its headquarters space (including land, building, fixtures and related personal property and
leases) at 555 Broadway, New York, NY (the "Property") from its landlord, ISE 555 Broadway, LLC, under a Purchase and
Sale Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") on February 28, 2014. The acquisition price under the Purchase
Agreement was consideration of $255.7 (net $253.9 in cash), including closing costs. Prior to the acquisition, the
Property was recognized by the Company as a capital lease. The Company recognized the difference between the
purchase price and the carrying amount of the capital lease obligation as an adjustment to the carrying amount of the
asset.
-45-
Leases
Lease agreements are evaluated to determine whether they are capital or operating leases. When substantially all of
the risks and benefits of property ownership have been transferred to the Company, as determined by the test criteria
in the current authoritative guidance, the lease is recognized as a capital lease.
Capital leases are capitalized at the lower of the net present value of the total amount of rent payable under the
leasing agreement (excluding finance charges) or the fair market value of the leased asset. Capital lease assets are
depreciated on a straight-line basis in Depreciation and amortization expense, over a period consistent with the
Company’s normal depreciation policy for tangible fixed assets, but not exceeding the lease term. Interest charges are
expensed over the period of the lease in relation to the carrying value of the capital lease obligation.
Rent expense for operating leases, which may include free rent or fixed escalation amounts in addition to minimum
lease payments, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the duration of each lease term. Sublease 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 current loss on the difference between the fair values
of the sublease and the rental payments.
Prepublication costs
Prepublication costs are incurred in all of the Company’s reportable segments. Prepublication costs include costs
incurred to create and develop 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 three-to-five-year period based on expected future revenues. The Company regularly reviews the recoverability of
the capitalized costs based on expected future revenues.
Royalty advances
Royalty advances are incurred in all of the Company’s reportable segments, but are most prevalent in the Children’s
Book Publishing and Distribution segment and enable the Company to obtain contractual commitments from authors
to produce content. The Company regularly provides authors with advances against expected future royalty
payments, often before the books are written. Upon publication and sale of the books or other media, the authors
generally 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 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.
Goodwill and intangible assets
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 two-
step test. 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
-46-
operating segment. 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 determines the fair value by asset, which is then
compared to its carrying value. 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, covenants not to compete, and certain other
intellectual property assets and are amortized over their expected useful lives. Customer lists are amortized on a
straight-line basis over a five-year period, while covenants not to compete are amortized on a straight-line basis over
their contractual term. Other intellectual property assets are amortized over their remaining useful lives, which range
from five to ten years.
Income taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax
assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of assets
and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are
expected to enter into the determination of taxable income.
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 on-going 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.
In calculating the provision for income taxes on an interim basis, the Company uses an estimate of the annual
effective tax rate based upon the facts and circumstances known. The Company’s effective tax rate is based on
expected income and statutory tax rates and permanent differences between financial statement and tax return
income applicable to the Company in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates.
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. If foreign investments are not expected to be indefinitely
invested, the Company provides for income taxes on the portion that is not indefinitely invested.
-47-
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 in 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. In fiscal 2012, the Company recognized accruals of $19.7
based on assessments related to sales tax audits in two jurisdictions, which resulted in payments of $15.3 in fiscal 2013.
Unredeemed incentive credits
The Company employs incentive programs to encourage sponsor participation in its book clubs and book fairs. These
programs allow the sponsors to accumulate credits which can then be redeemed for Company products or other
items offered by the Company. The Company recognizes a liability for the estimated costs of providing these credits at
the time of the recognition of revenue for the underlying purchases of Company product that resulted in the granting
of the credits. As the credits are redeemed, such liability is reduced.
Other noncurrent liabilities
All of the rate assumptions discussed below impact the Company’s calculations of its pension and post-retirement
obligations. The rates applied by the Company are based on the portfolios’ past average rates of return, discount rates
and actuarial information. Any change in market performance, interest rate performance, assumed health care costs
trend rate or compensation rates could result in significant changes in the Company’s pension and post-retirement
obligations.
Pension obligations – Scholastic Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans
covering the majority of their employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The Company’s pension plans and
other post-retirement benefits are accounted for using actuarial valuations.
The Company’s pension 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 the 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 and the service
cost. Pension benefits in the cash balance plan for employees located in the United States are based on formulas in
which the employees’ balances are credited monthly with interest based on the average rate for one-year United
States Treasury Bills plus 1%. Contribution credits are based on employees’ years of service and compensation levels
during their employment periods for the periods prior to June 1, 2009. In fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a pretax
settlement charge of $4.3 related to lump sum benefits paid for certain U.S. pension obligations.
Other post-retirement benefits – The Company provides post-retirement benefits, consisting of healthcare and life
insurance benefits, to eligible retired United States-based employees. The post-retirement medical plan benefits are
funded on a pay-as-you-go basis, with the Company paying a portion of the premium and the employee paying the
remainder. The Company calculates the existing benefit obligation, 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 post-retirement 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.
-48-
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
The Company incurs costs for both direct-response and non-direct-response advertising. The Company capitalizes
direct-response advertising costs for expenditures, primarily in its Classroom Magazines division. The asset is
amortized on a cost-pool-by-cost-pool basis over the period during which the future benefits are expected to be
received. Included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the balance sheet is $4.9 and $4.6 of capitalized
advertising costs as of May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company expenses non-direct-response advertising
costs as incurred.
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
2015, 2014 and 2013 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.
Estimated fair value of stock options granted
Assumptions:
Expected dividend yield
Expected stock price volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected life of options
New Accounting Pronouncements
2015
2014
2013
$
11.41
$
10.37
$
9.77
1.8%
38.2%
2.2%
6 years
1.7 %
38.6%
2.2%
6 years
1.6%
37.5%
0.9%
6 years
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-07,
Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share (or its Equivalent) to
Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurement, which permits a reporting entity, as a practical
expedient, to measure the fair value of certain investments using the net asset value per share of the investment.
-49-
Currently, investments valued using the practical expedient are categorized within the fair value hierarchy on the basis
of:
• whether the investment is redeemable with the investee at net asset value on the measurement date,
•
•
never redeemable with the investee at net asset value,
redeemable with the investee at net asset value at a future date.
For investments that are redeemable with the investee at a future date, a reporting entity must take into account the
length of time until those investments become redeemable to determine the classification within the fair value
hierarchy. Under the amendments in this update, investments for which fair value is measured at net asset value per
share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient should not be categorized in the fair value hierarchy. Investments
that calculate net asset value per share (or its equivalent), but for which the practical expedient is not applied, will
continue to be included in the fair value hierarchy. A reporting entity should continue to disclose information on
investments for which fair value is measured at net asset value (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient to help users
understand the nature and risks of the investments and whether the investments, if sold, are probable of being sold at
amounts different from net asset value.
The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. A reporting entity should apply the amendments retrospectively to
all periods presented. The retrospective approach requires that an investment for which fair value is measured using
the net asset value per share practical expedient be removed from the fair value hierarchy in all periods presented in
an entity’s financial statements. Earlier application is permitted. The Company has not yet assessed the impact of this
pronouncement.
In May 2014, the FASB announced that it is amending the FASB Accounting Standards Codification by issuing Topic
606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, at the same time as the International Accounting Standards Board (the
"IASB") is issuing International Financial Reporting Standards 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The
issuance of this authoritative guidance completes the joint effort by the FASB and the IASB to clarify the principles for
recognizing revenue and improve financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance. The
authoritative guidance provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or
services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in
exchange for those goods or services.
To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:
• Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
• Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
• Step 3: Determine the transaction price.
• Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
• Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the
nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The update provides guidance for transactions
that are not otherwise addressed comprehensively in authoritative guidance (for example, service revenue, contract
modifications, and licenses of intellectual property). The amendments in this update are to be applied on a
retrospective basis, utilizing one of two different methodologies. The amendments in this update are effective for
annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period.
Early application is not permitted. The Company is evaluating the adoption methodology and the impact of this
update on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In April 2014, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative guidance related to the reporting of discontinued
operations. The amendments in this update address the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and enhance
convergence of the FASB’s and the IASB's reporting requirements for discontinued operations. The amendments revise
the definition of discontinued operations by limiting discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of
an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial
results. The amendments also require expanded disclosures for discontinued operations. The amendments are to be
applied prospectively to all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within
annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is
permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements
previously issued or available for issuance. The Company has not chosen early adoption for its fiscal 2015
discontinued operations.
-50-
2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The Company continuously evaluates its portfolio of businesses for both impairment and economic viability, as well as
for possible strategic dispositions. The Company monitors the expected cash proceeds to be realized from the
disposition of discontinued operations’ assets, and adjusts asset values accordingly. As a result, the Company closed
or sold several operations during fiscal 2015 and 2013. All of these businesses are classified as discontinued operations
in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Educational Technology and Services Business
On May 29, 2015, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets comprising the educational
technology and services (“Ed Tech”) business for $575.0. The consideration received was $577.7, of which $34.5 was
deposited in escrow for 18 months as security for potential indemnification and other obligations and $2.7 was
received in estimated working capital adjustments. In connection with the sale of the Ed Tech business to the
purchaser, the Company entered into a transition services agreement whereby the Company will provide
administrative, distribution and other services to the purchaser for a minimum of 6 months and up to a maximum of
24 months. The majority of the escrow is subject to release periodically over the next 14 months upon fulfillment of
certain service levels under a transition services agreement between the purchaser and the Company and is presented
as Restricted cash held in escrow on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The purchase price is subject to a further
working capital adjustment based upon a final closing statement. The sale included substantially all of the assets of the
Ed Tech segment including, but not limited to, current assets, accounts receivable, tangible personal property, certain
leases, inventory, business products (including related intellectual property), rights under transferred contracts, rights
of action and all associated goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the transferred assets. The carrying
value of the net assets sold was $123.7.
The transition services agreement provides for certain finance, accounting, information technology, supply chain, and
other general services to facilitate the orderly transfer of the business operations to the purchaser. Fees and expenses
related to the transition services agreement are not considered significant to the disposal transaction. As such, the
operating results of the Ed Tech business, which were previously reported as the former Educational Technology and
Services segment, have been reported as a component of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations for the periods presented. In addition, the assets and liabilities of the Ed Tech business are classified as
discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the periods presented.
All Other Discontinued Operations
During fiscal 2015, the Company completed a restructuring of the businesses comprising its former Media, Licensing
and Advertising segment and discontinued a subscription-based print magazine business, the animation and audio
production business, and the game console digital content business, all of which were previously reported in such
segment. During fiscal 2014, the Company did not discontinue any operations. During fiscal 2013, the Company
discontinued a computer club business which was included in the Children's Book Publishing and Distribution
segment and a subscription-based business which was previously reported in the former Media, Licensing and
Advertising segment. During fiscal 2013, the Company sold a facility that was previously classified as held for sale for
approximately $5.0, and recognized a loss on the sale in the amount of $1.1.
The following table summarizes the operating results of the discontinued operations for the fiscal year ended May 31,
2015:
Revenues
Operating costs and expenses (1)
Interest income (expense)
Gain (loss) on sale
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Ed Tech
All Other
Total
$
$
$
217.4
208.8
—
454.0
462.6
181.8
280.8
$
$
$
11.7
14.5
0.1
—
(2.7)
(1.0)
(1.7 )
$
$
$
229.1
223.3
0.1
454.0
459.9
180.8
279.1
(1) Operating costs and expenses included costs related to unabsorbed overhead burden associated with the former
educational technology and services business of $15.8.
-51-
The following table summarizes the operating results of the discontinued operations for the fiscal year ended May 31,
2014:
Revenues
Operating costs and expenses (1)
Interest income (expense)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Ed Tech
All Other
Total
$
$
$
246.4
193.0
—
53.4
22.0
31.4
$
$
$
14.4
15.0
0.1
(0.5)
(0.2)
(0.3)
$
$
$
260.8
208.0
0.1
52.9
21.8
31.1
(1) Operating costs and expenses included costs related to unabsorbed overhead burden associated with the former
educational technology and services business of $16.2.
The following table summarizes the operating results of the discontinued operations for the fiscal year ended May 31,
2013:
Revenues
Operating costs and expenses (1)
Interest income (expense)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Ed Tech
All Other
Total
$
$
$
226.1
180.6
—
45.5
15.5
30.0
$
$
$
22.8
28.7
0.1
(5.8)
(2.0)
(3.8)
$
$
$
248.9
209.3
0.1
39.7
13.5
26.2
(1) Operating costs and expenses included costs related to unabsorbed overhead burden associated with the former
educational technology and services business of $17.4.
The following table sets forth the assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations included in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets of the Company as of May 31:
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Current assets of discontinued operations
Property, plant and equipment, net
Prepublication costs, net
Royalty advances, net
Goodwill
Other intangibles, net
Other assets and deferred charges
Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations
Accounts payable
Accrued royalties
Deferred revenue
Other accrued expenses
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
-52-
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
2.5
0.1
0.5
3.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
0.1
0.7
0.1
13.2
14.1
$
$
41.2
16.3
1.2
58.7
1.6
89.8
1.1
22.7
4.3
0.4
$
119.9
7.8
3.4
28.8
9.5
49.5
$
Fiscal 2015 assets and liabilities of discontinued operations primarily relate to insignificant continuing cash flows from
passive activities. Other accrued expenses within the current liabilities of discontinued operations includes payables
for costs related to the sale of the Ed Tech business that had not been paid as of May 31, 2015. The total accrued costs
related to the sale were $12.2. These costs directly relate to the discontinued operations of the Ed Tech business and
are expected to be paid in the short term. Fiscal 2014 assets and liabilities of discontinued operations relate directly to
the reclassification of prior year balances.
3. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company categorizes its businesses into three reportable segments: Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution
and Education (formerly titled Classroom and Supplemental Materials Publishing), which comprise the Company's
domestic operations, and International. This classification reflects the nature of products and services consistent with
the method by which the Company’s chief operating decision-maker assesses operating performance and allocates
resources.
•
•
•
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 book clubs and book fairs in its school channels and through the trade channel. This
segment is comprised of three operating segments.
Education includes the publication and distribution to schools and libraries of children’s books, classroom
magazines, supplemental classroom materials and print and on-line reference and non-fiction products
for grades pre-kindergarten to 12 in the United States. This segment is comprised of two operating
segments.
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 three operating segments.
-53-
The following table sets forth information for the Company’s segments for the three fiscal years ended May 31:
2015
Revenues
Bad debts
Depreciation and amortization (3)
Asset Impairments
Segment operating income (loss)
Segment assets at May 31, 2015
Goodwill at May 31, 2015
Expenditures for long-lived
assets including royalty
advances
Long-lived assets at May 31, 2015
2014
Revenues
Bad debts
Depreciation and amortization (3)
Asset Impairments
Segment operating income (loss)
Segment assets at May 31, 2014
Goodwill at May 31, 2014
Expenditures for long-lived
assets including royalty
advances
Long-lived assets at May 31, 2014
2013
Revenues
Bad debts
Depreciation and amortization (3)
Asset Impairments
Segment operating income (loss)
Segment assets at May 31, 2013
Goodwill at May 31, 2013
Expenditures for long-lived
assets including royalty
advances
Long-lived assets at May 31, 2013
Children's
Book
Publishing &
Distribution (1)
Education (1) Overhead (1) (2)
Total
Domestic
International (1)
Total
$
958.7 $
275.9 $
— $
1,234.6 $
401.2 $
1,635.8
5.3
36.7
10.2
85.6
383.0
40.9
54.4
144.6
1.9
11.9
—
48.4
173.6
65.4
8.4
88.5
—
21.3
2.9
(121.7 )
1,014.6
—
7.2
69.9
13.1
12.3
1,571.2
106.3
11.6
378.5
74.4
611.6
3.4
8.4
2.7
20.6
248.0
10.0
21.1
68.5
10.6
78.3
15.8
32.9
1,819.2
116.3
95.5
680.1
$
893.0 $
255.1
$
— $
1,148.1
$
413.4 $
1,561.5
2.6
36.1
28.0
23.8
390.6
46.3
50.7
150.0
1.7
11.0
—
38.5
175.1
65.4
10.7
90.8
—
38.9
—
(82.3)
527.9
—
269.6
404.2
4.3
86.0
28.0
(20.0)
1,093.6
111.7
331.0
645.0
3.0
7.2
—
30.4
256.3
10.1
11.7
63.6
7.3
93.2
28.0
10.4
1,349.9
121.8
342.7
708.6
$
865.2 $
244.5 $
— $
1,109.7
$
440.1 $
1,549.8
1.8
32.8
—
27.9
406.8
59.7
54.3
177.7
1.5
9.7
—
31.2
170.8
65.4
11.8
92.8
—
42.3
—
(77.2)
435.0
—
33.0
234.2
3.3
84.8
—
(18.1 )
1,012.6
125.1
99.1
504.7
2.5 $
7.2
—
39.2
256.9
10.1
13.5
67.9
5.8
92.0
—
21.1
1,269.5
135.2
112.6
572.6
(1)
(2)
(3)
As discussed in Note 2, “Discontinued Operations,” the Company closed or sold several operations during the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2013 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. All of these businesses are classified as discontinued operations in the
Company’s financial statements and, as such, are not reflected in this table.
Overhead includes all domestic corporate amounts not allocated to operating segments, including expenses and costs
related to the management of corporate assets. Unallocated assets are principally comprised of deferred income taxes and
property, plant and equipment related to the Company’s headquarters in the metropolitan New York area, its fulfillment and
distribution facilities located in Missouri, its facility located in Connecticut and unabsorbed burden associated with the
former educational technology and services business. Overhead also includes amounts previously allocated to the
Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment for a computer club business that was discontinued in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2013.
Includes depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible assets and prepublication costs.
-54-
4. DEBT
The following table summarizes debt as of May 31:
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Fair
Value
2015
2014
Loan Agreement:
Revolving Loan (interest rate of n/a and 1.3%,
respectively)
Unsecured Lines of Credit (weighted average interest
rates of 3.8% and 2.3%, respectively)
Total debt
Less lines of credit and current portion of long-term
debt
Total long-term debt
$
$
$
$
— $
— $
120.0 $
120.0
6.0 $
6.0 $
(6.0)
— $
6.0 $
6.0 $
15.8 $
135.8 $
(6.0)
(15.8)
— $
120.0 $
15.8
135.8
(15.8)
120.0
The following table sets forth the maturities of the carrying values of the Company’s debt obligations as of May 31,
2015 for the fiscal years ending May 31:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total debt
Loan Agreement
$
$
6.0
—
—
—
—
—
6.0
Scholastic Corporation and Scholastic Inc. (each, a “Borrower” and together, the “Borrowers”) are parties to a $425.0
credit facility with certain banks (as amended, the “Loan Agreement”), which allows the Company to borrow, repay or
prepay and reborrow at any time prior to the December 5, 2017 maturity date. Under the Loan Agreement, interest on
amounts borrowed thereunder 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 Borrower at
the time each advance is made). The interest pricing under the Loan Agreement is dependent upon the Borrower’s
election of a rate that is either:
•
•
A Base Rate equal to the higher of (i) the prime rate, (ii) the prevailing Federal Funds rate plus 0.500%
or (iii) the Eurodollar Rate for a one month interest period plus 1% plus, in each case, an applicable
spread ranging from 0.18% to 0.60%, as determined by the Company’s prevailing consolidated debt to
total capital ratio.
-or-
A Eurodollar Rate equal to the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) plus an applicable spread
ranging from 1.18% to 1.60%, as determined by the Company’s prevailing consolidated debt to total
capital ratio.
As of May 31, 2015, the indicated spread on Base Rate Advances was 0.18% and the indicated spread on Eurodollar
Rate Advances was 1.18%, both based on the Company’s prevailing consolidated debt to total capital ratio.
The Loan Agreement also provides for the payment of a facility fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.40% per annum based
upon the Company’s prevailing consolidated debt to total capital ratio. At May 31, 2015, the facility fee rate was 0.20%.
-55-
As of May 31, 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Loan Agreement. As of May 31, 2014, the
Company’s outstanding borrowings under the Loan Agreement totaled $120.0.
At May 31, 2015, the Company had open standby letters of credit totaling $5.3 issued under certain credit lines,
including $0.4 under the Loan Agreement and $4.9 under the domestic credit lines discussed below.
The Loan Agreement contains certain covenants, including interest coverage and leverage ratio tests and certain
limitations on the amount of dividends and other distributions, and at May 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance
with these covenants.
Lines of Credit
As of May 31, 2015, the Company’s domestic credit lines available under unsecured money market bid rate credit lines
totaled $25.0. Outstanding borrowings under these credit lines were $0.0 and $10.0 as of May 31, 2015 and May 31,
2014, respectively. The weighted average interest rate was 1.2% at May 31, 2014. As of May 31, 2015, availability under
these unsecured money market bid rate credit lines totaled $20.1. 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, 2015, the Company had equivalent various local currency credit lines, totaling $24.3, underwritten by
banks primarily in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Outstanding borrowings under these facilities
were equivalent to $6.0 at May 31, 2015 at a weighted average interest rate of 3.8%, compared to outstanding
borrowings equivalent to $5.8 at May 31, 2014 at a weighted average interest rate of 4.3%. As of May 31, 2015, the
equivalent amounts available under these facilities totaled $18.3. 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.
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lease obligations
The Company leases warehouse space, office space and equipment under various capital and operating leases over
periods ranging from one to ten years. Certain of these leases provide for scheduled rent increases based on price-
level factors. The Company generally does not enter into leases that call for contingent rent. In most cases, the
Company expects that, in the normal course of business, leases will be renewed or replaced. Net rent expense relating
to the Company’s non-cancelable operating leases for the three fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was
$24.2, $24.8 and $30.3, respectively.
Amortization of assets under capital leases covering land, buildings and equipment was $0.2, $0.8 and $1.1 for the
fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in Depreciation and amortization
expense.
The following table sets forth the aggregate minimum future annual rental commitments at May 31, 2015 under non-
cancelable operating leases for the fiscal years ending May 31:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments
Less minimum sublease income to be received
Minimum lease payments, net of sublease income
Operating Leases
$
$
$
$
28.9
23.3
18.8
12.1
8.8
12.8
104.7
62.6
42.1
-56-
Other Commitments
The following table sets forth the aggregate minimum future contractual commitments at May 31, 2015 relating to
royalty advances and minimum print quantities for the fiscal years ending May 31:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total commitments
Royalty
Advances
Minimum Print
Quantities
12.8 $
3.0
1.3
0.2
0.2
—
17.5
$
44.1
44.8
45.5
46.3
47.0
96.4
324.1
$
$
The Company had open standby letters of credit of $5.3 and $5.3 issued under certain credit lines as of May 31, 2015
and 2014, respectively. 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 expiration.
Contingencies
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 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.
6. INVESTMENTS
Included in the Other assets and deferred charges section of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets were
investments of $26.3 and $18.4 at May 31, 2015 and May 31, 2014, respectively.
On March 19, 2015, the Company purchased a 48.5% equity interest in Make Believe Ideas Limited (MBI), a UK-based
children's book publishing company. MBI is a highly-regarded publisher of innovative books for children, celebrated
for well-designed books that encourage creativity and early learning. Under the purchase agreement, and subject to
its provisions, the Company will purchase the remaining outstanding shares in MBI after four years. The remaining
controlling interest is held by a single third party and therefore the Company accounted for the investment using the
equity method of accounting. The net value of this investment at May 31, 2015 was $7.3.
The Company’s 26.2% non-controlling interest in a separate children’s book publishing business located in the UK is
accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The net value of this investment was $17.9 and $18.3 at May 31,
2015 and May 31, 2014, respectively. The Company received $1.0 of dividends in fiscal 2015 from this investment.
The Company has other equity and cost method investments that had a net value of $1.1 and $0.1 at May 31, 2015 and
May 31, 2014, respectively.
Income from equity investments reported in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations totaled $2.0 for the year ended May 31, 2015, $2.6 for the year ended May 31, 2014 and $2.3
for the year ended May 31, 2013.
For the year ended May 31, 2015, the Company recognized a pretax gain of $0.6 on the sale of a UK-based cost
method investment that had previously been determined to be other than temporarily impaired. For the year ended
May 31, 2014, the Company recognized an aggregate pretax loss of $5.8 for a UK-based and a U.S.-based cost
method investment, each of which was determined to be other than temporarily impaired. There were no gains or
losses on investments for the year ended May 31, 2013.
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7. 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:
Land
Buildings
Capitalized software
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Total at cost
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Property, plant and equipment, net
2015
2014
$
77.2 $
241.0
204.9
219.8
162.2
905.1
(465.4)
$
439.7 $
77.4
243.3
211.4
222.7
170.9
925.7
(460.0)
465.7
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant, and equipment were $46.0, $58.3 and $63.3 for the
fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized an impairment of $5.4 of goodwill associated with a reporting unit within the
former Media, Licensing and Advertising segment now included in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution
segment. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company completed a restructuring of the businesses comprising its
former Media, Licensing and Advertising segment, resulting in an impairment indicator. Future revenue and earnings
expectations were revised based on the restructuring activities, resulting in a determination that the reporting unit's fair
value was less than its carrying value. Future earnings expectations were determined to be de minimis, and
accordingly, little fair value was attributed to the remaining operations.
In fiscal 2014, the Company recognized an impairment of $13.4 of goodwill associated with the book clubs reporting
unit in the Children’s Book Publishing and Distribution segment. In fiscal 2014, expected revenues for the reporting
unit declined, resulting in an impairment indicator. As of November 30, 2013, the fair value of the reporting unit was
approximately $13.0 less than the carrying value of $66.9. The Company used forecasted cash flows, which were
adjusted from those used in the latest annual valuation to reflect the revised outlook for the reporting unit, in
determining its fair value. Management revised its outlook for the reporting unit as revenues did not meet expectations
during the period, and future revenue expectations were revised consistent with the current period decline. A discount
rate of 15.5% and a perpetual growth rate of 3.0% were employed for the discounted cash flow analysis. The reporting
unit is dependent upon internally developed intangible assets including trade names and customer lists which have no
carrying value, but have substantial fair value. The Company determined that the fair value of the reporting unit's
inventory and internally developed intangible assets rendered 100% of the goodwill impaired.
The following table summarizes the activity in Goodwill for the fiscal years ended May 31:
Gross beginning balance
Accumulated impairment
Beginning balance
Impairment charge
Foreign currency translation
Gross ending balance
Accumulated impairment
Ending balance
2015
2014
$
156.0 $
(34.2)
121.8
(5.4)
(0.1)
155.9
(39.6)
$
116.3
$
156.0
(20.8)
135.2
(13.4)
0.0
156.0
(34.2)
121.8
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The following table summarizes Other intangibles as of May 31:
Other intangibles subject to amortization - beginning balance
Additions due to acquisition
Amortization expense
Other
Total other intangibles subject to amortization, net accumulated amortization of
$17.3 and $15.4, respectively
Total other intangibles not subject to amortization
Total other intangibles
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
5.8 $
0.8
(1.9)
—
4.7 $
2.1
$
6.8 $
8.0
—
(2.0)
(0.2)
5.8
2.2
8.0
Amortization expense for Other intangibles totaled $1.9, $2.0 and $2.1 for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013, respectively.
The following table reflects the estimated amortization expense for intangibles for the next five fiscal years ending May
31:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
$
1.9
1.9
0.2
0.2
0.1
Intangible assets with definite lives consist principally of customer lists, covenants not to compete and trademarks.
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 4 years.
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9. TAXES
The components of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 31 are:
United States
Non-United States
Total
2015
2014
2013
$
$
27.4 $
2.5
29.9 $
(8.7) $
6.4
(2.3) $
(11.9 )
18.5
6.6
The provision for income taxes from continuing operations for the fiscal years ended May 31 consists of the following
components:
Federal
Current
Deferred
State and local
Current
Deferred
Non-United States
Current
Deferred
Total
Current
Deferred
2015
2014
2013
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3.3 $
5.3
8.6 $
1.2
0.9
2.1
$
$
4.7 $
(1.0)
3.7
$
9.2 $
5.2
14.4 $
(12.3 ) $
(8.3)
(20.6) $
4.0 $
(2.6)
1.4 $
5.8 $
(2.2)
3.6 $
(2.5) $
(13.1 )
(15.6) $
(12.2 )
5.6
(6.6)
(2.0)
2.3
0.3
7.8
0.2
8.0
(6.4)
8.1
1.7
Effective Tax Rate Reconciliation
A reconciliation of the significant differences between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate on
earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 31 is as follows:
2015
2014
2013
Computed federal statutory provision
State income tax provision, net of federal income tax benefit
Difference in effective tax rates on earnings of foreign subsidiaries
Charitable contributions
Tax credits
Valuation allowances
Uncertain Positions
Other - net
Effective tax rates
Total provision for income taxes
35.0%
4.2%
3.7%
-1.1 %
-0.5%
2.4%
11.5 %
-7.0%
48.2%
35.0%
43.9%
-82.8%
25.4%
5.9%
-16.0%
601.9%
65.0%
678.3%
$
14.4
$
(15.6)
$
35.0%
-9.9%
-3.0%
-36.0%
-2.9%
70.6%
—%
-28.0%
25.8%
1.7
The tax provision for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 was favorably impacted by a settlement with the Internal Revenue
Service. During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company reached a settlement with the Internal Revenue Service for
fiscal years ended May 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, and the Company recognized previously unrecognized tax benefits of
$13.8, inclusive of interest, as a result of this settlement.
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Unremitted Earnings
At May 31, 2015, the Company had not provided U.S. income taxes on accumulated but undistributed earnings of its non-
U.S. subsidiaries of approximately $63.2 to the extent that such earnings are expected to be indefinitely reinvested.
However, if any portion were to be distributed, the related U.S. tax liability may be reduced by foreign income taxes paid
on those earnings. Determining the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to those investments in these non-U.S.
subsidiaries is not practicable. 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.
Deferred Taxes
The significant components for deferred income taxes for the fiscal years ended May 31, including deferred income taxes
related to discontinued operations, are as follows:
Deferred tax assets
Tax uniform capitalization
Inventory reserves
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Other reserves
Post-retirement, post-employment and pension obligations
Tax carryforwards
Lease accounting
Other - net
Gross deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Prepaid expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Total deferred tax liability
Total net deferred tax assets
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
24.9 $
27.2
3.9
27.0
15.6
29.5
(0.4)
25.0
152.7
(28.3)
124.4 $
(0.9)
(36.0)
(36.9) $
87.5 $
26.6
29.5
4.9
26.4
15.5
33.4
(0.3)
20.4
156.4
(30.0)
126.4
(1.0)
(40.3)
(41.3)
85.1
Total net deferred tax assets of $87.5 at May 31, 2015 and $85.1 at May 31, 2014 include $81.0 and $81.0, respectively,
reported in current assets. Total noncurrent deferred tax assets of $6.5 and $4.1 are reported in noncurrent assets at May
31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
For the year ended May 31, 2015, the valuation allowance decreased by $1.7 and for the year ended May 31, 2014, the
valuation allowance decreased by $1.9. The valuation allowance is based on the Company’s assessment that it is more
likely than not that certain deferred tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future. The valuation allowance at
May 31, 2015 relates to the Company's total foreign operating loss carryforwards of $109.1, principally in the UK, which
do not expire. 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, reduced by the associated federal deduction
for state taxes and non-U.S. tax credits, and may also include other long-term tax liabilities that are not uncertain but
have not yet been paid. 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 the income tax liability on the Company’s Consolidated Balance
Sheets.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $17.3, excluding $1.6 accrued for
interest and penalties, $14.4, excluding $1.1 accrued for interest and penalties, and $35.5, excluding $6.5 for accrued
interest and penalties, respectively. Of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013,
$14.6, $11.7 and $21.8, 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 an expense of $0.5, a benefit of
$5.3, and an expense of $0.5 for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for the fiscal years ended May 31 is as follows:
Gross unrecognized benefits at May 31, 2012
Decreases related to prior year tax positions
Increase related to prior year tax positions
Increases related to current year tax positions
Settlements during the period
Lapse of statute of limitation
Gross unrecognized benefits at May 31, 2013
Decreases related to prior year tax positions
Increase related to prior year tax positions
Increases related to current year tax positions
Settlements during the period
Lapse of statute of limitation
Gross unrecognized benefits at May 31, 2014
Decreases related to prior year tax positions
Increase related to prior year tax positions
Increases related to current year tax positions
Settlements during the period
Lapse of statute of limitation
Gross unrecognized benefits at May 31, 2015
$
$
$
$
38.7
(7.2)
3.5
1.0
(0.5)
—
35.5
(20.4)
2.8
2.6
(1.8)
(4.3)
14.4
(0.7)
—
3.6
—
—
17.3
Unrecognized tax benefits for the Company increased by $2.9 for the year ended May 31, 2015 and decreased by $21.1
for the year ended May 31, 2014, respectively. Although the timing of the resolution and/or closure on audits is highly
uncertain, it is reasonably possible that the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the
next twelve months. However, given the number of years remaining subject to examination and the number of matters
being examined, the Company is unable to estimate the full range of possible adjustments to the balance of gross
unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company, including subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the U.S., various states and various foreign jurisdictions.
The Company is routinely audited by various tax authorities. The Company is currently under audit by the Internal Revenue
Service for its fiscal years ended May 31, 2011 through 2013. The Company is currently under audit by New York City for
its fiscal years ended May 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. If any of these tax examinations are concluded within the next twelve
months, the Company will make any necessary adjustments to its unrecognized tax benefits.
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 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.
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10. CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK-BASED AWARDS
Class A Stock and Common Stock
Capital stock consisted of the following as of May 31, 2015:
Authorized
Reserved for Issuance
Outstanding
Class A Stock
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
4,000,000
70,000,000
2,000,000
1,166,000
1,656,200
8,823,910
31,477,251
—
—
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 to dividends and
distributions, when and if declared by the Board.
Preferred Stock
The 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, 2015, the Company maintained three stockholder-approved stock-based compensation plans with regard
to the Common Stock: the Scholastic Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”), under which no further
awards can be made; the Scholastic Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2001 Plan”), under which no further
awards can be made; and the Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan was
adopted in July 2011 and provides for the issuance of incentive stock options; options that are not so qualified, called
non-qualified stock options; restricted stock; and other stock-based awards. On September 24, 2014, the
stockholders approved an amendment to the 2011 Plan increasing the shares available for issuance pursuant to
awards granted under the 2011 plan by 2,475,000 shares.
The Company’s stock-based awards vest over periods not exceeding four years. Provisions in the Company’s stock-
based compensation plans allow for the acceleration of vesting for certain retirement-eligible employees, as well as in
certain other events.
Stock Options – At May 31, 2015, non-qualified stock options to purchase 62,500 shares, 832,740 shares and 1,752,247
shares of Common Stock were outstanding under the 1995 Plan, the 2001 Plan and the 2011 Plan, respectively. During
fiscal 2015, 609,453 options were granted under the 2011 Plan at a weighted average exercise price of $33.83.
At May 31, 2015, 2,375,171 shares of Common Stock were available for additional awards under the 2011 Plan.
The Company also maintains the 1997 Outside Directors Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Directors Plan”), a stockholder-
approved stock option plan for outside directors under which no further awards may be made. The 1997 Directors
Plan, as amended, provided for the automatic grant to each non-employee director on the date of each annual
stockholders’ meeting of non-qualified stock options to purchase 6,000 shares of Common Stock. At May 31, 2015,
options to purchase 60,000 shares of Common Stock were outstanding under the 1997 Directors Plan.
In September 2007, the stockholders approved the Scholastic Corporation 2007 Outside Directors Stock Incentive
Plan (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 July 2012, the
Board approved an amended and restated 2007 Outside Directors stock incentive Plan (the “Amended 2007 Directors
Plan”), which was approved by the stockholders in September 2012. The Amended 2007 Directors Plan provides for
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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. Such dollar amount, as well as the split
of such amount between stock options and restricted stock units, will be determined annually by the Board (or
committee designated by the Board) in advance of the grant date. The value of the stock option portion of the annual
grant is 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 September 2014, stock options and restricted stock units with a value of
seventy thousand dollars for each non-employee director, with 40% of such value in the form of options and 60% in
the form of restricted stock units, were approved, and an aggregate of 20,772 options at an exercise price of $33.53
per share and 11,268 restricted stock units were granted to the non-employee directors under the amended 2007
Directors Plan.
As of May 31, 2015, 180,639 options were outstanding under the Amended 2007 Directors Plan and 253,619 shares of
Common Stock remained available for additional awards under the Amended 2007 Directors Plan.
The Scholastic Corporation 2004 Class A Stock Incentive Plan (the “Class A Plan”) provided for the grant to Richard
Robinson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation as of the effective date of the Class A Plan, of options to
purchase Class A Stock (the “Class A Options”). As of May 31, 2015, there were 1,166,000 Class A Options granted to
Mr. Robinson outstanding under the Class A Plan, and no shares of Class A Stock remained available for additional
awards under the Class A Plan.
Generally, options granted under the various plans may not be exercised for a minimum of one year after the date of
grant and expire approximately ten years after the date of grant. The intrinsic value of these stock options is deductible
by the Company for tax purposes upon exercise. 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 Class A Stock and Common Stock plans for the fiscal years ended May 31:
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised
Stock-based compensation cost (pretax)
Tax benefits related to stock-based compensation cost
Weighted average grant date fair value per option
2015
2014
2013
$
$
$
$
5.8 $
11.3
2.1
11.41
$
$
$
4.6 $
9.3 $
1.7
10.37
$
$
2.3
6.3
0.8
9.77
Pretax stock-based compensation cost is recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses. As of May 31,
2015, the total pretax compensation cost not yet recognized by the Company with regard to outstanding unvested
stock options was $3.0. The weighted average period over which this compensation cost is expected to be recognized
is 2.1 years. In fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, stock-based compensation cost included $2.5, $0.9 and $0.8 of expenses,
respectively, recognized in discontinued operations.
The following table sets forth the stock option activity for the Class A Stock and Common Stock plans for the fiscal
year ended May 31, 2015:
Outstanding at May 31, 2014
Granted
Exercised
Expired
Cancellations and forfeitures
Outstanding at May 31, 2015
Exercisable at May 31, 2015
Average Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
4.8
3.7
$
$
56.0
41.1
Options
4,355,367 $
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
30.23
630,225 $
(876,410) $
(3,500) $
(51,556) $
4,054,126 $
2,888,567 $
33.82
30.83
38.35
32.10
30.63
30.22
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Restricted Stock Units – In addition to stock options, the Company has issued restricted stock units to certain officers
and key executives under the 2011 Plan (“RSUs”). The RSUs automatically convert to shares of Common Stock on a
one-for-one basis as the award vests, which is typically over a four-year period beginning thirteen months from the
grant date and thereafter annually on the anniversary of the grant date. There were 69,544 shares of Common Stock
issued upon vesting of RSUs during fiscal 2015. The Company measures the value of RSUs at fair value based on the
number of RSUs granted and the price of the underlying Common Stock on the grant date. The Company amortizes
the fair value of outstanding 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 RSU award activity for the fiscal years ended May 31:
RSUs granted
66,146
67,670
Weighted average grant date price per unit
$
33.80 $
30.34 $
125,584
23.05
2015
2014
2013
As of May 31, 2015, the total pretax compensation cost not yet recognized by the Company with regard to unvested
RSUs was $1.9. The weighted average period over which this compensation cost is expected to be recognized is 1.8
years.
Management Stock Purchase Plan - The Company maintains a Management Stock Purchase Plan (“MSPP”), which
allows certain members of senior management to defer up to 100% of their annual cash bonus payments in the form
of restricted stock units (“MSPP Stock Units”) 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
payable. The MSPP Stock Units are converted into shares of Common Stock on a one-for-one basis at the end of the
applicable deferral period. The Company measures the value of MSPP Stock Units 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.
The following table sets forth the MSPP Stock Unit activity for the fiscal years ended May 31:
MSPP Stock Units allocated
Purchase price per unit
2015
2014
67,027
$
23.79 $
827
21.15
At May 31, 2015, there were 378,385 shares of Common Stock remaining authorized for issuance under the MSPP.
As of May 31, 2015, the total pretax compensation cost not yet recognized by the Company with regard to unvested
MSPP Stock Units under the MSPP was $0.1. The weighted average period over which this compensation cost is
expected to be recognized is 1.5 years.
The following table sets forth the RSU and MSPP Stock Unit activity for the year ended May 31, 2015:
Nonvested as of May 31, 2014
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested as of May 31, 2015
Stock Units/
RSUs
322,494 $
Weighted
Average grant
date fair value
21.33
133,173
$
(129,695) $
(9,411 ) $
316,561
$
21.66
25.64
30.67
19.85
The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $3.3, $5.0 and $6.4,
respectively.
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Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company maintains an 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. In fiscal 2012, the
ESPP was amended to provide that the purchase of Common Stock occurs 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 participated in the plan.
The following table sets forth the ESPP share activity for the fiscal years ended May 31:
Shares issued
Weighted average purchase price per share
2015
2014
55,501
$
31.98 $
57,835
26.92
At May 31, 2015, there were 106,409 shares of Common Stock remaining authorized for issuance under the ESPP.
11. 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:
Authorization
September 2010
Less repurchases
Remaining Board authorization at May 31, 2015
Amount
$44.0 (a)
(34.1)
9.9
$
(a)
Represents the remainder of a $200.0 authorization after giving effect to the purchase of 5,199,699 shares at $30.00 per share
pursuant to a large share repurchase in the form of a modified Dutch auction tender offer that was completed by the Company on
November 3, 2010 for a total cost of $156.0, excluding related fees and expenses.
During the twelve months ended May 31, 2015, the Company repurchased approximately 0.1 million shares on the
open market for approximately $3.5 at an average cost of $31.64 per share.
The Company’s repurchase program may be suspended at any time without prior notice.
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Pension Plans
The Company has a cash balance retirement plan (the “Pension Plan”), which covers the majority of United States
employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The Company funds all of the contributions for the Pension Plan.
Benefits generally are based on the Company’s contributions and interest credits allocated to participants’ accounts
based on years of benefit service and annual pensionable earnings. The Pension Plan is a defined benefit plan. It is the
Company’s policy to fund the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended. Effective June 1, 2009, no further benefits will accrue to employees under the Pension Plan.
Scholastic Ltd., an indirect subsidiary of Scholastic Corporation located in the United Kingdom, has a defined benefit
pension plan (the “UK Pension Plan”) that covers its employees 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 Scholastic Ltd. and its employees.
The Company’s pension plans have a measurement date of May 31.
Post-Retirement Benefits
The Company provides post-retirement benefits to eligible retired United States-based employees (the “Post-
Retirement Benefits”) consisting of certain healthcare and life insurance benefits. Employees may become eligible for
these benefits after completing certain minimum age and service requirements. Effective June 1, 2009, the Company
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modified the terms of the Post-Retirement Benefits, effectively excluding a large percentage of employees from the
plan. At May 31, 2015, the unrecognized prior service credit remaining was less than $0.1.
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 Post-Retirement Benefits provided to its retiree population are in aggregate the actuarial
equivalent of the benefits under Medicare Part D. As a result, in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized a
cumulative reduction of its accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation of $3.0, $3.1 and $3.1, respectively, 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 Pension Plan and the UK Pension Plan (collectively the “Pension Plans”), including the Post-Retirement
Benefits, at May 31:
Pension Plans
Post-Retirement Benefits
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
Weighted average assumptions used to determine
benefit obligations:
Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
Weighted average assumptions used to determine
net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate
Expected long-term return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase
3.7%
4.1%
4.1%
5.4%
4.2%
4.1%
4.2%
4.0%
7.5%
4.4%
4.0%
4.4%
4.0%
7.3%
3.3%
3.8%
—
4.0%
—
3.9%
—
4.0%
3.9%
3.9%
—
—
—
—
—
—
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption for the Pension Plans, 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 of 5.4%.
The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligation for the Pension Plans and Post-Retirement Benefits at
May 31:
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$ 180.5 $ 185.6 $
33.4 $
36.2
Pension Plans
Post-Retirement
Benefits
2015
2014
2015
2014
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan participants’ contributions
Actuarial losses (gains)
Foreign currency translation
Settlement
Curtailment due to sale of segment
Benefits paid, including expenses
Benefit obligation at end of year
—
6.7
—
11.4
(3.6)
(14.4)
0.1
(7.6)
—
7.2
—
(2.5)
3.7
(6.4)
—
(7.1 )
0.0
1.3
0.3
3.8
—
—
—
0.0
1.3
0.4
(1.9)
—
—
—
(2.5)
(2.6)
$
173.1
$
180.5 $
36.3 $
33.4
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The following table sets forth the change in plan assets for the Pension Plans and Post-Retirement Benefits at May 31:
Pension Plans
Post-Retirement
Benefits
2015
2014
2015
2014
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
$ 188.6 $ 173.8 $
— $
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Settlement
Benefits paid, including expenses
Plan participants’ contributions
Foreign currency translation
8.5
1.3
(14.4)
(7.6)
—
(2.7)
21.1
4.6
(6.4)
(7.1 )
—
2.6
—
2.2
—
(2.5)
0.3
—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$
173.7
$
188.6 $
— $
—
—
2.2
—
(2.6)
0.4
—
—
In fiscal 2015 and 2014, the Company recognized a pretax charge of $4.3 and $1.7, respectively, related to the lump
sum settlements of certain U.S. pension obligations.
The following table sets forth the net funded status of the Pension Plans and Post-Retirement Benefits and the related
amounts recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31:
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net funded balance
Pension Plans
Post-Retirement
Benefits
2015
2014
2015
2014
$
13.3
$
19.4 $
— $
—
—
—
(12.6)
(11.4 )
(2.6)
(33.7)
(2.6)
(30.8)
$
0.7 $
8.0 $
(36.3) $
(33.4)
The following amounts were recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the Pension Plans
and Post-Retirement Benefits in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31:
Net actuarial gain (loss)
Net prior service credit
2015
Post -
Retirement
Benefits
Pension
Plans
Total
Pension
Plans
2014
Post -
Retirement
Benefits
Total
$
(54.0) $
(11.7 ) $
(65.7) $
(47.6) $
(9.3) $
(56.9)
—
(0.0)
—
—
0.3
0.3
Net amount recognized in Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
$
(54.0) $
(11.7 ) $
(65.7) $
(47.6) $
(9.0) $
(56.6)
The following table presents the impact on earnings of reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) for the periods indicated:
Service cost
Net amortization and deferrals
Lump sum settlement charge
Recognized net actuarial loss
2015
2014
2013
Pension
Plans
Post -
Retirement
Benefits
Pension
Plans
Post -
Retirement
Benefits
Pension
Plans
Post -
Retirement
Benefits
$
— $
—
4.3
1.4
0.0 $
(0.2)
—
1.3
— $
—
1.7
1.8
0.0 $
(0.2)
—
2.2
— $
—
—
2.2
0.0
(0.4)
—
3.0
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
$
5.7
$
1.1
$
3.5 $
2.0 $
2.2 $
2.6
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The amounts reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were recognized in Selling, general
and administrative expense.
The estimated net loss for the Pension Plans that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into
net periodic benefit cost over the Company’s fiscal year ending May 31, 2016 is $1.7. The estimated net loss and prior
service credit for the Post-Retirement Benefits that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss
into net periodic benefit cost over the fiscal year ending May 31, 2016 are $2.2 and less than $0.1, respectively. Income
tax benefit of $2.5, income tax expense of $5.0 and income tax benefit of $8.4 were recognized in Accumulated other
comprehensive loss at May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Pension Plans with plan assets in excess of accumulated
benefit obligations for the fiscal years ended May 31:
Projected benefit obligations
Accumulated benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets
2015
2014
$
173.1
$
172.2
173.7
180.5
179.5
188.6
The following table sets forth the net periodic (benefit) cost for the Pension Plans and Post-Retirement Benefits for the
fiscal years ended May 31:
Pension Plans
2014
2015
2013
Post - Retirement Benefits
2013
2014
2015
Components of net periodic (benefit) cost:
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on assets
Net amortization and deferrals
Lump sum settlement charge
Recognized net actuarial loss
Net periodic (benefit) cost
$
Plan Assets
$
— $
— $
— $
0.0 $
0.0 $
6.7
(9.3)
—
4.3
1.4
3.1
7.2
(12.7 )
—
1.7
1.8
6.9
(10.5)
—
—
2.2
1.3
—
(0.2)
—
1.3
1.3
—
(0.2)
—
2.2
$
(2.0) $
(1.4) $
2.4 $
3.3 $
0.0
1.4
—
(0.4)
—
3.0
4.0
The Company’s investment policy with regard to the assets in the Pension Plans 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 Pension Plans by asset category at
May 31:
Equity securities
Debt securities
Real estate
Other
2015
2014
29.2%
64.6%
1.3 %
4.9%
33.0%
58.8%
1.1 %
7.1 %
100.0%
100.0%
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The following table sets forth the targeted weighted average asset allocations for the Pension Plans included in the
Company’s investment policy:
Equity
Debt and cash equivalents
Real estate and other
U.S.
Pension
Plan
UK
Pension
Plan
30%
70%
0%
100%
40%
30%
30%
100%
The fair values of the Company’s Pension Plans’ assets are measured using Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value
measurements. For a more complete description of fair value measurements see Note 18, “Fair Value Measurements.”
The following table sets forth the measurement of the Company’s Pension Plans’ assets at fair value by asset category
at the respective dates:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2.4 $
— $
— $
2.4
Assets at Fair Value as of May 31, 2015
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Equity securities:
U.S. (1)
International (2)
Pooled, Common and Collective Funds (3)
Fixed Income (4)
Annuities
Real estate (5)
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities:
U.S. (1)
International (2)
Pooled, Common and Collective Funds (3)
Fixed Income (4)
Annuities
Real estate (5)
34.4
4.7
—
—
—
—
—
11.7
101.8
10.4
—
2.2
—
—
—
—
6.1
—
34.4
16.4
101.8
10.4
6.1
2.2
41.5
$
126.1
$
6.1
$
173.7
Assets at Fair Value as of May 31, 2014
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
7.1
$
— $
— $
7.1
$
$
39.8
10.3
—
—
—
—
—
12.1
101.3
9.7
—
2.1
—
—
—
—
6.2
—
39.8
22.4
101.3
9.7
6.2
2.1
$
57.2 $
125.2
$
6.2 $
188.6
Total
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Funds which invest in a diversified portfolio of publicly traded U.S. common stocks of large-cap, medium-cap and small-cap
companies. There are no restrictions on these investments.
Funds which invest in a diversified portfolio of publicly traded common stock of non-U.S. companies, primarily in Europe and Asia.
There are no restrictions on these investments.
Funds which invest in bond index funds available to certain qualified retirement plans but not traded openly in any public
exchanges.
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.
Represents assets of a non-U.S. entity plan invested in a fund whose underlying investments are comprised of properties. The fund
has publicly available quoted market prices and 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
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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 $6.1 and $6.2 at May 31,
2015 and May 31, 2014, respectively.
The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of these Level 3 assets for the fiscal years ended May 31,
2015 and 2014:
Balance at May 31, 2013
Actual Return on Plan Assets:
Relating to assets still held at May 31, 2014
Relating to assets sold during the year
Purchases, sales and settlements, net
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
Foreign currency translation
Balance at May 31, 2014
Actual Return on Plan Assets:
Relating to assets still held at May 31, 2015
Relating to assets sold during the year
Purchases, sales and settlements, net
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
Foreign currency translation
Balance at May 31, 2015
Contributions
$
6.1
(0.1)
—
(0.3)
—
0.5
6.2
0.7
—
(0.3)
—
(0.5)
6.1
$
$
In fiscal 2016, the Company expects to contribute $1.3 to the Pension Plans.
Estimated future benefit payments
The following table sets forth the expected future benefit payments under the Pension Plans and the Post-Retirement
Benefits by fiscal year:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2020-2024
Post - Retirement
Pension
Benefits
Benefit
Payments
$
16.8 $
2.9 $
10.9
10.6
10.5
10.2
47.3
2.8
2.8
2.7
2.6
12.9
Medicare
Subsidy
Receipts
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
1.5
Assumed health care cost trend rates at May 31:
Health care cost trend rate assumed for the next fiscal year
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
2015
2014
7.0%
5.0%
2022
7.0%
5.0%
2021
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Assumed health care cost trend rates could have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the post-retirement
health care plan. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following
effects:
Total service and interest cost - 1% increase
Total service and interest cost - 1% decrease
Post-retirement benefit obligation - 1% increase
Post-retirement benefit obligation - 1% decrease
Defined contribution plans
2015
2014
$
0.1 $
(0.1)
4.2
(3.6)
0.1
(0.1)
3.6
(3.1 )
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 $7.9, $7.5 and $8.0 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013,
respectively.
13. ACCRUED SEVERANCE
The table below provides information regarding Accrued severance, which is included in “Other accrued expenses” on
the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Beginning balance
Accruals
Payments
Ending balance
2015
2014
$
1.2
9.6
(8.8)
2.0 $
3.3
10.5
(12.6)
1.2
$
$
The Company implemented cost reduction and restructuring programs in fiscal 2015, recognizing severance expense
of $8.9. The Company also implemented cost saving initiatives in fiscal 2014, recognizing severance expense of $9.9.
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14. 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:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Class A
and Common Shares
$
15.4 $
13.2 $
2015
2014
2013
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Class
A and Common Shares, net of tax
Net income (loss) attributable to Class A and Common Shares
Weighted average Shares of Class A Stock and Common Stock
outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share (in millions)
Dilutive effect of Class A Stock and Common Stock potentially
issuable pursuant to stock-based compensation plans (in millions)
Adjusted weighted average Shares of Class A Stock and Common
Stock outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share (in millions)
Earnings (loss) per share of Class A Stock and Common Stock
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
$
$
$
$
$
$
279.1
294.5
32.7
0.7
33.4
0.47 $
8.53 $
9.00 $
0.46 $
8.34 $
8.80 $
31.1
44.3
32.0
0.5
32.5
0.42 $
0.97 $
1.39 $
0.41 $
0.95 $
1.36 $
4.8
26.2
31.0
31.8
0.6
32.4
0.15
0.82
0.97
0.15
0.80
0.95
Earnings from continuing operations exclude earnings of $0.1, $0.1 and $0.1 for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013, respectively, for earnings attributable to participating RSUs.
In a period in which the Company reports a discontinued operation, Earnings (loss) from continuing operations is used
as the “control number” in determining whether potentially dilutive common shares are dilutive or anti-dilutive. There
were no potentially anti-dilutive shares outstanding pursuant to compensation plans as of May 31, 2015.
A portion of the Company’s RSUs granted to employees participates in earnings through cumulative non-forfeitable
dividends payable to the employees upon vesting of the RSUs. Accordingly, the Company measures earnings per share
based upon the lower of the Two-class method or the Treasury Stock method.
Options outstanding pursuant to compensation plans were 4.1 million and 4.4 million as of May 31, 2015 and 2014,
respectively.
As of May 31, 2015, $9.9 remains available for future purchases of common shares under the current repurchase
authorization of the Board of Directors.
See Note 11, “Treasury Stock,” for a more complete description of the Company’s share buy-back program.
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15. OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES
Other accrued expenses consist of the following at May 31:
Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and benefits
Accrued bonus and commissions
Accrued other taxes
Accrued advertising and promotions
Accrued insurance
Other accrued expenses
Total accrued expenses
16. OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
2015
2014
$
44.3 $
32.6
26.7
33.4
7.8
28.8
41.7
29.2
27.3
35.6
8.3
29.5
$
173.6 $
171.6
Other financial data consisted of the following for the fiscal years ended May 31:
Advertising expense
Prepublication and production costs
Amortization of prepublication and production costs
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)
Purchases related to contractual commitments for minimum print quantities
$
129.7
51.7
30.4
0.1
68.2
$
123.4 $
57.4
32.9
(1.0)
62.8
135.8
61.5
26.6
(0.5)
54.8
2015
2014
2013
Unredeemed credits issued in conjunction with the Company’s school-based book
club and book fair operations (included in other accrued expenses)
$
9.3 $
10.4
2015
2014
Components of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign Currency Translation
Pension Obligations (net of tax of $20.6 and $18.1)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
17. DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING
2015
2014
$
$
(31.9) $
(45.1)
(77.0) $
(16.6)
(38.6)
(55.2)
The Company enters into foreign currency derivative contracts to economically hedge the exposure to foreign
currency fluctuations associated with the forecasted purchase of inventory and the foreign exchange risk associated
with certain receivables denominated in foreign currencies. 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 current earnings, and it recognizes the unrealized gain or loss in other current assets or
liabilities. The notional value of the contracts as of May 31, 2015 and 2014 were $19.7 and $13.9, respectively.
Unrealized gains of $0.3 and unrealized losses of $0.3 were recognized at May 31, 2015 and May 31, 2014, respectively.
These amounts are reported in Selling, general and administrative expenses.
18. 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.
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•
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. For a more complete description of fair value measurements employed, see Note 4, “Debt.” 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. See Note 17,
“Derivatives and Hedging,” for a more complete description of fair value measurements employed.
The Company employs Level 2 fair value measurements for the disclosure of the fair value of its various lines of credit.
The fair value of the Company's debt approximates the carrying value for all periods presented.
Non-financial assets and liabilities for which the Company employs fair value measures on a non-recurring basis
include:
Long-lived assets
Investments
•
•
• Assets acquired in a business combination
• Goodwill and indefinite-lived 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 the fair value measurements employed by the Company for goodwill see Note 8, “Goodwill and Other Intangibles."
For the fair value measurements employed by the Company for certain property, plant and equipment, production
assets, investments and prepublication assets the Company assessed future expected cash flows attributable to these
assets.
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
May 31, 2015
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
May 31, 2015
Additions due
to other
investments
and
acquisitions
Property, plant and equipment, net $
— $ — $ — $ — $
Goodwill
Production assets
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
7.5 $
5.4
2.9
—
—
—
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Net carrying
value as of
Fair value measured and
recognized using
Impairment losses
for fiscal year
ended
Investments
Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill
Prepublication assets
$
May 31, 2014
Level 1
Level 3
Level 2
— $ — $ — $ — $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
May 31, 2014
Additions due
to other
investments
and
acquisitions
5.8 $
7.6
13.4
5.7
1.0
—
—
—
Net carrying
value as of
Fair value measured and
recognized using
Impairment losses
for fiscal year
ended
May 31, 2013
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
May 31, 2013
Additions
due to
acquisitions
Other intangible assets
$
0.3 $ — $ — $ 0.3 $
Property, plant and equipment, net
Prepublication assets
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
5.2
2.0
0.3
—
—
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On July 22, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a regular cash dividend of $0.150 per Class A and Common share in
respect of the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The dividend is payable on September 15, 2015 to shareholders of record on
August 31, 2015.
On July 22, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $50.0 for the share buy-back program, to be funded
with available cash, pursuant to which the Company may purchase Common shares from time to time, as conditions
allow, on the open market or in negotiated private transactions. Accordingly, as of the date of this Report,
approximately $59.9 is available for future purchases of Common shares under the current authorization of the Board
of Directors.
The actual number of shares to be purchased and the timing and pricing of any purchases under the share repurchase
program will depend on future market conditions and upon potential alternative uses for the Company's available
cash. There is no assurance that any shares will be purchased under the share repurchase program and the Company
may elect to modify, suspend or discontinue the program at any time without prior notice. Any common stock
acquired through the share repurchase program will be held as treasury shares and may be used for general corporate
purposes.
-76-
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS
OF SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Scholastic Corporation as of May 31, 2015 and 2014,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity,
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule included in the Index at Item 15(c). These financial statements and the schedule are the responsibility
of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of Scholastic Corporation at May 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), Scholastic Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2015, 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 29, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
July 29, 2015
-77-
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS
OF SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION
We have audited Scholastic Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2015, 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). Scholastic Corporation’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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). 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.
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.
In our opinion, Scholastic Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting
as of May 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), the consolidated balance sheets of Scholastic Corporation as of May 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2015, and our report dated July 29, 2015 expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
July 29, 2015
-78-
Supplementary Financial Information
2015
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net
of tax
Net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) per share of Class A and Common
Stock:
Basic:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
net of tax (1)
Net income (loss) (1)
Diluted:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
net of tax (1)
Net income (loss) (1)
2014
Revenues
Cost of goods sold
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net
of tax
Net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) per share of Class A and Common
Stock:
Basic:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
net of tax (1)
Net income (loss) (1)
Diluted:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (1)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
net of tax (1)
Net income (loss) (1)
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,
$
190.5 $
113.4
(53.9)
$
611.1
258.1
67.6
346.5 $
174.1
(15.7 )
487.7 $
212.9
17.5
1,635.8
758.5
15.5
19.8
(34.1)
(1.67 )
0.62
(1.05)
(1.67 )
0.62
(1.05)
0.9
68.5
2.06
0.03
2.09
2.02
0.03
2.05
(6.4)
(22.1 )
264.8
282.3
279.1
294.6
(0.48)
(0.20)
(0.68)
(0.48)
(0.20)
(0.68)
0.53
8.04
8.57
0.52
7.78
8.30
0.47
8.53
9.00
0.46
8.34
8.80
$
$
178.2
104.0
(53.9)
558.0 $
232.2
52.3
336.3 $
165.8
(7.1 )
489.0 $
223.0
22.0
1,561.5
725.0
13.3
24.0
(29.9)
6.0
58.3
(5.0)
(12.1 )
6.1
28.1
(1.69)
0.75
(0.94)
(1.69)
0.75
(0.94)
1.64
0.18
1.82
1.62
0.18
1.80
(0.22)
(0.16)
(0.38)
(0.22)
(0.16)
(0.38)
0.68
0.19
0.87
0.67
0.18
0.85
31.1
44.4
0.42
0.97
1.39
0.41
0.95
1.36
(1) The sum of the quarters may not equal the full year basic and diluted earnings per share since each quarter is calculated
separately.
-79-
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, 2015, 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 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 framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013), concluded that the Corporation’s internal control over financial
reporting was effective as of May 31, 2015.
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, 2015, 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,
2015 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over
financial reporting.
Item 9B | Other Information
None.
-80-
Item 10 | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Part III
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 21, 2015 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 21, 2015 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 21, 2015 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 21, 2015 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 21, 2015 to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
-81-
Part IV
Item 15 | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1)
Financial Statements:
The following Consolidated Financial Statements are included in Part II, Item 8, “Consolidated
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”:
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013
Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended May 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Supplementary Financial Information - Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations Financial Statement
Schedule.
(a)(2)
and (c)
The following consolidated financial statement schedule is included with this report: Schedule II-
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves.
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.
(a)(3) and (b)
Exhibits:
2.1
3.1
3.2
Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of April 23, 2015, by and among Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishing Company, as Purchaser, Scholastic Corporation, as Parent Seller, and Scholastic Inc., as Seller.
Schedules and similar attachments to this Exhibit 2.1 have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-
K Item 601(b)(2). Scholastic Corporation agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of all omitted schedules
and similar attachments to the SEC upon its request.
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 5,
2006, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the “August 31, 2006 10-Q”).
Bylaws of the Corporation, amended and restated as of December 12, 2007 (incorporated by reference to
the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on December 14, 2007, SEC File No.
000-19860).
-82-
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
10.1*
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5*
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2007, among the Corporation and Scholastic Inc., as borrowers, the
Initial Lenders named therein, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc. and Bank of America Securities LLC., as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, Bank of America,
N. A. and Wachovia Bank, N. A., as syndication agents, and SunTrust Bank and The Royal Bank of Scotland,
plc, as Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form
10-K as filed with the SEC on July 30, 2007, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the “2007 10-K”).
Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 16, 2010, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2007
(incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on
October 1, 2010, SEC file No. 000-19860) (the “August 30, 2010 10-Q”).
Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 25, 2011, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2007
(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. 3, dated as of December 5, 2012, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2007
(incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on
March 29, 2013, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the “February 28, 2013 10-Q”).
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).
Scholastic Corporation 1997 Outside Directors’ Stock Option Plan, amended and restated as of May 25,
1999 (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC
on August 23, 1999, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the “1999 10-K”), together with Amendment No. 1, dated
September 20, 2001 (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as
filed with the SEC on January 14, 2002, SEC File No. 000-19860), Amendment No. 2, effective as of
September 23, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Corporation’s definitive Proxy
Statement as filed with the SEC on August 19, 2003, SEC File No. 000-19860), and Amendment No. 3,
effective as of May 25, 2006 (incorporated by reference to the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K
as filed with the SEC on August 9, 2006, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the “2006 10-K”) and Amendment No.
4, 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 29, 2013, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the “2013 10-K”).
Scholastic Corporation Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan, amended and restated effective as of
September 23, 2008 (incorporated by reference to the 2009 10-K).
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. 4, effective as of May 21, 2013
(incorporated by reference to the 2013 10-K).
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) (the “November 30, 2007 10-Q”) 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).
-83-
10.6*
10.7
10.8
10.9
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2007 Directors’ Plan effective as of September 23,
2008 (incorporated by reference to the 2009 10-K) and the Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement,
effective as of September 19, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2012 10-Q).
Scholastic Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of July 21, 2009 (the “2001
Plan”) (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the
SEC on October 10, 2009, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the “August 31, 2009 10-Q”), and Amendment No. 1
to the Amended and Restated Scholastic Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to the 2013 10-K).
Form of Stock Unit Agreement under the 2001 Plan (incorporated by reference to the August 31, 2009
10-Q).
Amended and Restated Guidelines for Stock Units granted under the 2001 Plan, amended and restated as
of July 21, 2009 (incorporated by reference to the August 31, 2009 10-Q).
10.10*
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2001 Plan (incorporated by reference to the
August 31, 2009 10-Q).
10.11
10.12
10.13
Scholastic Corporation 2004 Class A Stock Incentive Plan (the “Class A Plan”) (incorporated by reference
to Appendix A to the Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement as filed with the SEC on August 2, 2004,
SEC File No. 000-19860), Amendment No. 1, effective as of May 25, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
the 2006 10-K), Amendment No. 2, dated July 18, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Appendix C to the
Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement as filed with the SEC on August 22, 2006, SEC File No.
000-19860), and Amendment No. 3, dated as of March 20, 2007 (incorporated by reference to the
February 28, 2007 10-Q).
Form of Class A Option Agreement under the Class A Plan (incorporated by reference to the
Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on August 8, 2005, SEC File No.
000-19860).
Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to 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) and 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).
10.14
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2011 10-Q).
10.15
10.16
Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Scholastic Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to the November 30, 2011 10-Q).
Severance Agreement, dated September 26, 2013, between Scholastic Corporation and Maureen
O’Connell (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on December
19, 2013, SEC File No. 000-19860) (the “November 30, 2013 Form 10-Q”).
10.17
Scholastic Corporation 2013 Executive Performance Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the
November 30, 2013 Form 10-Q).
-84-
10.18
10.19
Landlord’s Offer Notice dated October 16, 2013 and Company’s Acceptance Letter dated December 13,
2013 (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC
on December 19, 2013, SEC File No. 000-19860).
Purchase and Sale Agreement between ISE 555 Broadway, LLC (as Seller) and Scholastic Inc. (as
Purchaser) dated January 21, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Form 10-Q as filed
with the SEC on March 27, 2014, SEC File No. 000-19860).
10.20*
Letter Agreement, dated May 28, 2015, between Scholastic Inc. and Margery Mayer (incorporated by
reference to the Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on June 2, 2015, SEC
File No. 000-19860).
21
23
31.1
31.2
32
Subsidiaries of the Corporation, as of May 31, 2015.
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation filed pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation filed pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document **
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document **
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Document **
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Document **
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Document **
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Document **
*
**
The referenced exhibit is a management contract or compensation plan or arrangement described in Item 601(b) (10) (iii) of
Regulation S-K.
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.”
-85-
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.
Dated:
July 29, 2015
SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION
By: /s/ Richard Robinson
Richard Robinson, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Power of Attorney
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints
Richard Robinson 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.
Signature
Title
/s/ Richard Robinson
Richard Robinson
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(principal executive officer)
/s/ Maureen O’Connell
Maureen O’Connell
Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative
Officer and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
/s/ Kenneth Cleary
Kenneth Cleary
/s/ James W. Barge
James W. Barge
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)
Director
/s/ Marianne Caponnetto
Director
Marianne Caponnetto
/s/ John L. Davies
John L. Davies
/s/ Andrew S. Hedden
Andrew S. Hedden
Director
Director
Date
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
-86-
Signature
/s/ Mae C. Jemison
Mae C. Jemison
/s/ Peter M. Mayer
Peter M. Mayer
/s/ Augustus K. Oliver
Augustus K. Oliver
Title
Director
Director
Director
/s/ Richard M. Spaulding
Director
Richard M. Spaulding
/s/ Peter Warwick
Peter Warwick
Director
/s/ Margaret A. Williams
Director
Margaret A. Williams
Date
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
-87-
Scholastic Corporation
Financial Statement Schedule
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2015
ITEM 15(c)
S-1
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
Balance at Beginning
of Year
Expensed
Write-Offs and
Other
Balance at End of Year
(Amounts in millions)
Years ended May 31,
2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
15.6 $
10.6 $
Reserve for returns
Reserves for obsolescence
Reserve for royalty advances
2014
27.0
81.8
85.3
53.9
21.7
3.6
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
18.0 $
7.3 $
Reserve for returns
Reserves for obsolescence
Reserve for royalty advances
2013
26.0
83.8
79.5
56.5
23.7
6.5
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
24.9 $
5.8 $
Reserve for returns
Reserves for obsolescence
Reserve for royalty advances
57.1
82.2
75.6
48.3
26.2
4.9
(1) Represents actual returns charged to the reserve
$
$
$
11.3
53.0 (1)
22.4
2.1
9.7
55.5 (1)
25.7
0.7
12.7
79.4 (1)
24.6
1.0
14.9
27.9
81.1
86.8
15.6
27.0
81.8
85.3
18.0
26.0
83.8
79.5
S-2
Offices & Corporate Information
Scholastic Corporation, Scholastic Inc.,
Corporate and Editorial Offices
557 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
212 343 6100
scholastic.com
Scholastic Library Publishing, Inc.
90 Sherman Turnpike
Danbury, CT 06816
203 797 3500
Australia
Scholastic Australia Pty. Ltd.
61 2 4328 3555
Canada
Scholastic Canada Ltd.
905 887 7323
Hong Kong
Scholastic Hong Kong Ltd.
852 2722 6161
India
Scholastic India Private Ltd.
91 124 484 2800
Indonesia
Grolier International, Inc.
62 21 3983 0012
2015 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting
2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday,
September 21, 2015, at Scholastic’s Corporate
Headquarters, 557 Broadway,
New York, NY 10012.
Investor Relations and Information
Copies of Scholastic Corporation’s report
on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission as well as other
financial reports and news from Scholastic
may be read and downloaded at investor.
scholastic.com.
If you do not have access to the Internet, you
may request free printed material upon written
request to the Company.
Stockholders and analysts seeking information
about the Company should contact:
Scholastic Corporation
Investor Relations
212 343 6741
investor_relations@scholastic.com
U.S. Offices
Scholastic Corporation Accounting Services
and Information Systems Center
100 Plaza Drive, 4th Floor
Secaucus, NJ 07094
201 633 2400
National Service Organization;
Scholastic Book Clubs, Inc.
2931 East McCarty Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573 636 5271
International Offices
Malaysia
Grolier (Malaysia) SDN. BHD.
60 3 2688 1688
New Zealand
Scholastic New Zealand Ltd.
64 9 274 8112
Philippines
Grolier International, Inc.
63 2 944 7323
Puerto Rico
Scholastic
787 999 5551
China
Scholastic Education Information
Consulting Co., Ltd.
86 216 426 4555
Stockholder Information
The Company announces the dates/times of all
upcoming earnings releases and teleconferences
in advance. These calls are open to the public
and are also available as a simultaneous webcast
via the Company’s website.
Media Relations and Inquiries
The news media and others seeking information
about the Company should contact:
Scholastic Corporation
Media Relations
212 343 4563
news@scholastic.com
Stock Listing
Scholastic Corporation common stock is
traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market under
the symbol SCHL.
Stock Transfer Agent, Registrar,
and Dividend Disbursement Agent
Computershare:
1 877 272 1580
1 201 680 6578 (International)
TDD hearing impaired telephone numbers:
1 800 231 5469
1 201 680 6610 (International)
www.computershare.com/investor
Scholastic Book Fairs, Inc.
1080 Greenwood Boulevard
Lake Mary, FL 32746
407 829 7300
Customer Service
1 800 SCHOLASTIC
(1 800 724 6527)
scholastic.com/custsupport
@ScholasticHelp
Singapore
Scholastic Education International
(Singapore) Private Limited
65 6922 9589
Taiwan
Grolier International, Inc.
886 2719 2188
Thailand
Grolier International, Inc.
66 2 631 0110
United Kingdom and Ireland
Scholastic Ltd.
44 207 756 7756
Scholastic Ireland Ltd.
353 1830 6798
Registered stockholders who need to
change their address or transfer shares
should send instructions to:
By Mail:
Computershare
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
By Overnight Delivery:
Computershare
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210
College Station, TX 77845
Independent Accountants
EY LLP
5 Times Square
New York, NY 10036-6530
General Counsel
Baker & McKenzie LLP
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
Credo
Directors & Officers
(As of July 31, 2015)
Scholastic produces educational materials to assist and inspire students:
Directors of the Corporation
• To cultivate their minds to utmost capacity
• To become familiar with our cultural heritage
• To strive for excellence in creative expression in all fields of learning, literature, and art
• To seek effective ways to live a satisfying life
• To enlarge students’ concern for and understanding of today’s world
• To help build a society free of prejudice and hate, and dedicated to the highest
quality of life in community and nation
We strive to present the clearest explanation of current affairs and contemporary thought, and to encourage literary
appreciation and expression consistent with the understanding and interests of young people at all levels of learning.
We believe in:
• The worth and dignity of each individual
• Respect for the diverse groups in our multicultural society
• The right of each individual to live in a wholesome environment, and equally, the
personal responsibility of each individual to help gain and preserve a decent and healthful
environment, beginning with informed care of one’s own body and mind
• High moral and spiritual values
• The democratic way of life, with basic liberties — and responsibilities — for everyone
• Constitutional, representative government, and even-handed justice that maintains
equality of rights for all people
• Responsible competitive enterprise and responsible labor, with opportunities for all
• Cooperation and understanding among all people for the peace of the world
We pledge ourselves to uphold the basic freedoms of all individuals; we are unalterably opposed to any system of
government or society that denies these freedoms. We oppose discrimination of any kind on the basis of race, creed,
color, sex, sexual orientation or identity, age, or national origin.
Good citizens may honestly differ on important public questions. We believe that all sides of the issues of our times
should be fairly discussed — with deep respect for facts and logical thinking — in classroom magazines, books, and
other educational materials used in schools and homes.
Founded 1920
Richard Robinson (E)
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer,
Scholastic Corporation
Andrew S. Hedden (R)
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary,
Scholastic Corporation
James W. Barge (A, N)
Chief Financial Officer,
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.
Mae C. Jemison (N, R)
President and Founder,
The Jemison Group, Inc.
Marianne Caponnetto (H)
President and Founder,
MCW Group, Inc.
John L. Davies (A, H)
Private Investor
Peter M. Mayer (E, H)
President, The Overlook Press/
Peter Mayer Publishers, Inc.
Augustus K. Oliver (A, E)
Managing Member,
Oliver Press Partners, LLC
Richard M. Spaulding (E, N, R)
Former Executive Vice President,
Scholastic Corporation
Peter Warwick (H, R)
Chief People Officer,
Thomson Reuters
Margaret A. Williams (N, R)
Director of the Institute of
Politics at the John F. Kennedy
School of Government at
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
A: Audit Committee
E: Executive Committee
H: Human Resources and
Compensation Committee
N: Nominating and
Governance Committee
R: Retirement Plan Committee
Corporate Executive Officers
Richard Robinson
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Andrew S. Hedden
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Alan Boyko
President,
Scholastic Book Fairs, Inc.
Maureen O’Connell
Executive Vice President,
Chief Administrative Officer
and Chief Financial Officer
Judith A. Newman
Executive Vice President and President,
Book Clubs
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 • 212-343-6100 • scholastic.com
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 • 212-343-6100 • scholastic.com
2014/2015 ANNUAL REPORT
Scholastic's mission is built on helping
children learn to read and love to read.
We believe that independent
reading is a critical part of children’s
learning and growth.
With support from teachers, parents
and schools, children choose from
Scholastic the books they want to read,
and discover the pleasure
and power of reading.
Finding the right book at the right time
can light an emotional spark
within children that motivates them
to read more, understand more
and read joyfully.
When that happens,
the world opens.
Everything becomes
possible.
557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 • 212-343-6100 • scholastic.com
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