**Summary of Bloomsbury Publishing PLCs Unaudited Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 31 August 2025**
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC reported strong unaudited interim results for the first half of its 2025/26 financial year, with revenue of £160 million and profit of £24 million, reflecting a robust 15% margin. The company highlighted several key achievements and strategic developments
1. **Financial Performance**
Group revenue reached £159.5 million, with a 20% growth in the Academic & Professional division, driven by the intellectual property value of its academic list and the signing of a non-exclusive AI licensing agreement.
Consumer division performance was in line with expectations, despite a strong comparative period due to the success of Sarah J. Maas frontlist title in the previous year.
Profit before taxation and highlighted items was £24 million, with a 5% increase in the interim dividend to 4.08 pence per share.
2. **Strategic Initiatives**
Successful integration of Rowman & Littlefield, with digitisation of titles contributing to Bloomsbury Digital Resources (BDR).
Expansion into Asia with the planned opening of an office in Singapore to capitalize on the growing student population.
Strengthened sales infrastructure with the creation of a US key account sales team and the move of UK distribution and warehousing to Hachette.
3. **Bestsellers and Awards**
Gillian Andersons *Want* became a No. 1 bestseller on the Sunday Times list and remained in the Top 10 for 15 weeks.
Bloomsbury was named Publisher of the Year 2025 at the British Book Awards.
New titles from Samantha Shannon and Katherine Rundell, including *The Poisoned King*, which topped bestseller lists and secured a multi-film deal with Walt Disney Studios.
4. **Digital and AI Developments**
Signed the first non-exclusive AI licensing agreement, leveraging the IP value of its academic content.
Continued growth in BDR, with revenue increasing in constant currency despite FX headwinds.
5. **Operational Highlights**
Progress on the Bloomsbury 2030 Vision, including operational and infrastructure changes to support growth.
Earned the Great Place to Work certification for the second year.
Appointment of Keith Underwood as Chief Financial and Operating Officer starting February 2026.
6. **Outlook**
The Board is confident in its strategy and expects full-year profit to exceed market expectations, driven by a strong portfolio and strategic initiatives.
Overall, Bloomsbury demonstrated resilience and innovation, positioning itself for continued growth in both academic and consumer publishing sectors.