(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that the quarter ending September 30 was the largest in its 209-year history. On a consolidated basis, net revenues were up 10% for the quarter and 10% for the first six months of its fiscal year. EBITDA was up 10% for the quarter and 18% fiscal year-to-date.

The Company is experiencing significant growth in its publishing division with net revenues up 12% for the six months ending September 30. “I believe that the positive growth we are experiencing at Thomas Nelson is a direct result of our One Company initiative,” stated Michael S. Hyatt, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson. “This initiative has afforded us the focus we needed to create products that are relevant to consumers.”

For the six months ending September 30, the strongest growth category was Gift Books with a 53% increase. Other categories with double-digit growth were Curriculum with a 39% increase and Business & Culture with a 15% increase over last year.

The growth is spread over multiple sales channels, with the company’s four largest channels growing the most dynamically. The ministry sales division, responsible for selling the Company’s products directly to individuals and churches, increased sales 35% over last year. In spite of a challenging retail environment, all of the Company’s retail sales channels have experienced double-digit growth. The mass-market channel that includes Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Costco increased sales by 30%, the general book retail channel by 16%, and the Christian retail channel by 15%.

Thomas Nelson has also had good success on the bestsellers list. So far this fiscal year, it has had ten books on the New York Times bestseller. Denise Jackson’s candid memoir, It’s All About Him, John and Stasi Eldredge’s revealing book for women Captivating, and Max Lucado’s encouraging message of hope 3:16, currently reside on the list in their respective categories. Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller’s remarkable memoir about his journey back to God spent more than 45 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

“I anticipate that our momentum will carry into the second half of the year,” stated Hyatt. “With with new releases from John Maxwell, John Eldredge, Chuck Swindoll and Ted Dekker in the second half of our fiscal year, we expect our double-digit growth to continue.”

Contact: Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
fax: (615) 902-1110
email: lnobles@thomasnelson.com
web: www.thomasnelson.com

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