Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended August 1, 2026. The company announced that revenue for the quarter was $290.6 million, which represents an increase of $2.4 million, or 0.8%, compared to the same period in the prior year.
The company noted that the revenue increase was primarily driven by growth in BNC First Day programs, partially offset by the impact of store closures, including exits from certain less profitable locations. Gross comparable store sales increased by $10.7 million, or 3.7%, year-over-year.
Net loss for the first quarter of fiscal 2027 was $12.9 million, a 29.3% improvement compared to a net loss of $18.3 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA improved by $2.2 million, or 18.9%, to a loss of $9.3 million from a loss of $11.5 million in the prior-year period.
Regarding its balance sheet, total debt at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2027 was $123.5 million, compared with $170.0 million at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The company’s net working capital position remained strong with $236.8 million of positive working capital as of the end of the quarter.
The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share, which was paid on July 30, 2026, to shareholders of record on July 16, 2026.
Barnes & Noble Education reiterated its fiscal 2027 outlook. The company expects continued growth in revenues and is focused on driving operating leverage with disciplined expense management. It is targeting Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $85 million to $92 million and anticipates further significant improvements in net income profitability.
