Is Simon & Schuster a Bargain at $1.7 Billion? (publishersweekly.com)

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced a strategic restructuring to accelerate its digital transformation and align its cost structure with its digital first, connected strategy. These steps will further streamline operations and better enable HMH to support teachers and students with digital first, connected solutions that drive successful outcomes in remote, face-to-face and hybrid learning environments.“The actions we announced today will help us to realize our digital first vision by creating a more focused company with increased recurring digital subscription revenue that produces higher margins and free cash flow. We recognize the personal impact these actions will have on our HMH team members. We thank our departing colleagues for their contributions and are committed to treating them in a respectful and compassionate way.” Joe Abbott, HMH’s Chief Financial Officer added, “The actions we’re taking are intended to drive billings growth, position us to build our recurring subscription revenue base, simplify and strengthen our business model, reduce costs, and generate sustained and positive free cash flow." The Company’s restructuring includes both labor-related and non-labor expense reductions. The labor-related reductions involve organizational changes resulting in a 22% reduction of HMH’s workforce, including positions eliminated as part of the previously announced Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program and net of newly created positions to support HMH’s digital first operations.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. announced the return of its Black Friday Signed Editions program, a customer favorite, with over a half-million autographed books by more than 150 highly acclaimed authors. The largest promotion of its kind kicks off on Black Friday, November 24, at Barnes & Noble stores nationwide, while supplies last. The autographed books span many genres and interests, and were signed by authors for Barnes & Noble customers. For more information, customers should visit www.BN.com/SignedEditions or contact their local Barnes & Noble. “Barnes & Noble is thrilled to announce its largest collection ever of Black Friday Signed Editions, a true holiday favorite with customers,” said Liz Harwell, Senior Director of Merchandising, Trade Books at Barnes & Noble. “Now in its fourth year, this combined effort between over 150 bestselling authors, our publishing partners, and Barnes & Noble booksellers continues to give readers across the country an opportunity to discover a special copy of a book by their favorite author, or to find that perfect holiday gift for a loved one.” Click Read More below for additional information.

4th Quarter Summary (results vs. prior year) *GAAP Results: Revenue of $526 million (-4%), Operating income of $82 million (+41%), and EPS of $1.22 (+$0.46). Full Year Summary (results vs. prior year): *GAAP Results: Revenue of $2,020 million (-3%), Operating income of $56 million (-$163 million), and EPS of $0.31 (-$2.31). GAAP earnings performance primarily due to $100 million ($1.77/share) of non-cash goodwill impairment in Education Services/University Services and restructuring charges totalling $49 million ($0.66/share). *Cash from Operations of $277 million (-$62 million) and Free Cash Flow of$173 million (-$50 million) mainly due to higher restructuring payments and interest payments.