Swedish audiobook company Storytel released its financial report for the fourth quarter and fully year 2025, announcing their highest-ever annual profits. “Our integrated streaming and publishing strategy delivered record profitability and cash flow generation for 2025, ceo Bodil Eriksson Torp said in a release. “As we enter 2026, we are focused on scaling this momentum by leveraging AI-driven innovation to lead the future of storytelling.” For the quarter, sales were up 7 percent (or 12 percent at constant exchange rates) to SEK1.09 billion ($115.9 million), with SEK918 million in the streaming segment (up 5 percent) and SEK367 (up 11 percent) […]
Earnings Reports
Christian and Frontlist Books Boost Harper Sales to Record Quarter
News Corp. reported earnings for the second quarter ended December 31, with sales at Harper Collins up 6 percent ($38 million) to $633 million — a record for the quarter — helped by a $15 million gain from recent acquisitions and strong print book sales, particularly in frontlist and Christian titles. The unit also gained $8 million from currency exchange. CEO Robert Thomson called it “a significant recovery after a sluggish first quarter, and we have mounting optimism for the second half of the year.” That comes in part from the breakout success of Rachel Reid’s hockey romances, along with […]
BNED Hits Profit Expectations
Barnes & Noble Education has released results for the first and second quarters of their 2026 fiscal year, after delays due to an investigation into incorrect reporting. In the first half, ended November 1, sales grew 7.7 percent to $932.6 million, just shy of the expectations the company released in November. Net income and Adjusted EBITDA fell within their expected ranges: Net income was $6.7 million, compared to a loss of $60.8 million the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA was $38.3 million, up 13 percent. Comparable store sales grew 6 percent and First Day programs were up 29 percent. “Building on […]
Waterstones Sales and Loans Grow
Waterstones released its annual report for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2025. Sales at the UK chain were up 7 percent to £566 million. Operating profit before exceptional items grew 9 percent to £49.7 million, “through the successful implementation of margin improvement strategies particularly within the online brands, and effective cost control helping to mitigate legislative payroll increases.” The company also opened seven new stores during the year. “Waterstones sales continue to grow year on year with strong performances across geographical areas, product categories and sales channels as it benefits from the enduring popularity of both reading and physical […]
Pearson Grows for the Fourth Quarter and the Year
Pearson released a trading update for the fourth quarter and full year 2025. Fourth quarter sales grew 8 percent, with full year sales up 4 percent. For the quarter, sales in higher education (which includes textbooks) were flat. Virtual learning gained 20 percent, enterprise learning & skills gained 13 percent, and English language learning and assessments & qualifications each gained 8 percent. For the year, higher education grew 2 percent. Virtual learning grew 8 percent, enterprise learning & skills grew 6 percent, assessments & qualifications grew 4 percent, and English language learning grew 1 percent. “In 2025 we successfully delivered […]
Speculating on Barnes & Noble’s Sales
If Elliott Advisors goes ahead and files for an IPO of Barnes & Noble and Waterstones in 2026, ceo James Daunt’s cheerful talk of the growth and turnaround at BN will finally get turned into real data. While we wait, a lengthy Fortune testimonial shares this: “According to sources, the combined companies generated approximately $400 million in profits on roughly $3 billion in sales last year.” Waterstones does file reports with the UK’s Companies House, and in their last reported full fiscal year, through April 2024, the company had sales of £528 million (approximately $712 million today), and operating profit […]