Scholastic Announces Intent to Repurchase Up to $75 Million of its Common Stock Through Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer

Rhea-AI Summary

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has authorized a repurchase of up to $75 million of its common stock via a modified 'Dutch Auction' tender offer, starting on October 25, 2022. The offer price per share will range from $35.00 to $40.00. This initiative reflects Scholastic's commitment to enhancing shareholder value while maintaining a strong balance sheet. The repurchase aims to leverage attractive pricing and aligns with the company’s long-term financial strategy as it continues to prioritize growth opportunities.

Positive

• Authorization of a $75 million stock repurchase reflects confidence in share value.
• Potential to enhance shareholder value and improve earnings per share (EPS).
• Repurchase represents about 6% of outstanding shares, indicating strong capital allocation strategy.

Negative

• None.

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic Corporation ("Scholastic") (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children's publishing, education and media company, today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board") has authorized the repurchase of up to $75 million of the Company's common stock through a modified "Dutch Auction" tender offer ("Offer"), at an anticipated cash purchase price per share of not less than $35.00 per share and not more than $40.00 per share, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest.

Scholastic intends to commence the Offer on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, with expiration of the Offer scheduled for 12:00 Midnight, at the end of the day, New York City time on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, unless the Offer is extended or earlier terminated. The purchase of common shares under the Offer will be funded entirely through the Company's cash on hand.

"This decision to purchase approximately 6% of our outstanding shares of common stock represents both a major investment in our own stock at what we believe are very attractive prices and a first step as we review Scholastic's capital allocation framework in light of our improved margin profile and long-term free cash flow outlook," said Peter Warwick, President and Chief Executive Officer. "While we will continue to prioritize investments in strategic growth opportunities, both organic and inorganic, and maintaining a strong balance sheet to ensure the longevity of Scholastic's mission and brand, we are also committed to returning excess capital to shareholders and improving the long-term efficiency of our balance sheet."

The Offer will be subject to various terms and conditions as will be described in offer materials that will be publicly filed and distributed to shareholders upon commencement. The Dealer-Managers for the Offer will be BofA Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. Georgeson LLC will serve as the Information Agent for the Offer.

Neither Scholastic's management, nor any of its Board, executive officers, the dealer managers, the information agent or the depositary will be making any recommendation to shareholders as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering their shares in the Offer. Shareholders must decide how many shares they will tender, if any, and the price within the stated range at which they will tender their shares. Shareholders should consult their financial and tax advisors in making this decision.

The tender offer described in this press release has not yet commenced. This press release is for information purposes only, and is not an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell any shares of Scholastic common stock. The solicitation of offers to purchase shares of Scholastic common stock will be made only pursuant to the tender offer documents, including an Offer to Purchase and related Letter of Transmittal, that Scholastic intends to distribute to shareholders and file as part of a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the Securities and Exchange Commission, tomorrow, October 25, 2022.

SCHOLASTIC SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT (INCLUDING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND RELATED TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS) WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED BY SCHOLASTIC WITH THE SEC BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TERMS OF THE TENDER OFFER.

Once the tender offer is commenced copies of the tender offer statement on Schedule TO, the Offer to Purchase, Letter of Transmittal and other documents that Scholastic will be filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission will be distributed by the Company to the Company's shareholders at no expense to them and will also be available to shareholders free of charge at the Commission's website at www.sec.gov or the investors information section of Scholastic's website at investor.scholastic.com.

About Scholastic

For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of all children, beginning with literacy. Having earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families, Scholastic is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates and distributes bestselling books and e-books, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, and other products and services that support children's learning and literacy, both in school and at home. With 15 international operations and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to future periods. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the conditions of the children's book and educational materials markets generally and acceptance of the Company's products within those markets, and other risks and factors identified from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated.

SCHL: Financial

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SOURCE Scholastic Corporation

FAQ

What is the purpose of Scholastic's $75 million stock repurchase?

The stock repurchase aims to boost shareholder value and indicates confidence in the company's financial outlook.

When does Scholastic's tender offer for stock repurchase begin?

The tender offer is set to commence on October 25, 2022.

What is the anticipated price range for Scholastic's stock repurchase?

The anticipated purchase price per share is between $35.00 and $40.00.

How will Scholastic fund the stock repurchase?

The repurchase will be funded entirely through the company's cash on hand.

What percentage of its shares will Scholastic repurchase?

Scholastic plans to repurchase approximately 6% of its outstanding shares.