Finance

Sales in the adult trade segment fell 2.2% in November 2017 compared to a year ago, but were still up 2.9% in the first 11 months of the year. Children's/YA sales were down 8.2% in November and fell 3.0% for the first 11 months of the year.

Sales at the Quarto Group fell less than 1% in 2017 compared to 2016, and profit fell more substantially, declining 57.6% to $7.2 million.

The negative impact of exchange rates led to a 3% decline in earnings at Penguin Random House last year compared to 2016, while acquisitions offset the impact of exchange rates on the top line.

Regnery Publishing had a small gain in sales and earnings in 2017 over 2016, but publisher Marji Ross said that with Sean Spicer's book set for release this summer the company is poised for a strong 2018.

Sales at Scholastic rose in the third quarter over the comparable period a year ago, but higher investments and one-time charges led to a higher loss in the quarter. Still, the company raised its earnings per share forecast for the year.

Contributions from Perseus and its Nashville-based imprints helped lift sales at Hachette Book Group to about $761 million in 2017. Earnings also rose in the year.

Revenue in John Wiley’s publishing division fell 1% in the third quarter ended January 31, compared to the same period a year ago.

Canadian education ministries are suing Copyright Access to recoup $21.5 million they paid to the organization between 2010-2012 for materials used in K-12 classrooms. The head of one publishing group call the suit "a disturbing attack."

Three companies on the Publishers Weekly Stock Index whose stock prices have struggled in recent months posted the best gains in February.

Sales in the adult trade segment rose 25.8% over October 2016, according to AAP’s StatShot program. Sales of children's/young adult books in the period increased a more modest 3.5%.