Supply Lines: Looming crew shortages (bloombergbusiness.com)

For the Three Months Ended April 3, 2021: Net sales increased 42% to $247.6 million, compared to $174.4 million during the same period last year. Gross profit increased 57% to $145.2 million, or 58.6% of net sales, compared to $92.5 million, or 53.0% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2020. Operating income increased 148% to $40.0 million, or 16.2% of net sales, compared to $16.2 million, or 9.3% of net sales, during the prior year quarter. Net income increased to $30.5 million, or 12.3% of net sales, compared to $8.5 million, or 4.9% of net sales, in the prior year quarter.

A May 4 webinar hosted by Ingram Content Group addressed supply chain challenges, logistic delays, inflation, the role environmental impacts play on consumer shopping preferences, as well as how accessibility is increasing the reach for e-books and audiobooks. Participants included Rob Grindstaff, director of sales operations and product development for Ingram's Lightning Source; Ruth Jones, director of global sales and digital services at Ingram Content Group UK; and Gina Walpole, the senior services manager for Ingram Content Group UK. Panelists noted that troubles with the supply chain persist. Problems include a shortage of materials, increased freight prices, and port congestion. All of this is putting a strain on publishers as it becomes more difficult for them to accurately predict demand and, consequently, supply for a given title. It was pointed out that paper mills are operating at full capacity while some are shifting production from producing paper to packaging. Labor shortages persist across the logistics supply chain—and are predicted to carry into 2023. All this is resulting in rising costs.

The five covers depict iconic scenes from Spielberg’s most famous movies; Jaws, Raider Of The Lost Ark, E.T The Extra Terrestrial and Saving Private Ryan and well as one featuring the new virtual reality blockbuster, Ready Player One, which hits cinemas on 29 March. This major publishing event builds on a long and established relationship between Empire, the world’s biggest movie magazine and the legendary film director which has spanned over three decades. Inside the special issue, on sale on Thursday 22 February, readers can look forward to an exclusive interview and photo shoot with Spielberg himself, an access all areas feature on his new virtual-reality film Ready Player One, plus exclusive interviews and essays from iconic directors and actors including Martin Scorsese, JJ Abrams, Tom Hanks, Christopher Nolan, Josh Brolin, Edgar Wright, JA Bayona, Colin Trevorrow, Rian Johnson, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and Sam Neill. Click Read More below for additional information.