Stock prices for Bloomsbury climb following analysts' anticipation for the upcoming Sarah J. Maas novel
The literary world is buzzing with excitement as fantasy author Sarah J. Maas' next novel, tentatively titled "A Court of Thorns and Roses" book six, is expected to hit shelves sometime in late 2026 or early 2027. This timeline is based on Maas' typical production schedule and her recent completion of first drafts for books six to eight.
Maas' popular series has been a bestseller and a fan favourite, with a strong following on BookTok and beyond. The release of the next book is predicted to drive significant sales and boost revenue for Bloomsbury Publishing, the publisher of the series.
The potential impact of the new novel extends beyond just sales and revenue. The series' popularity and wide audience appeal could also enhance Bloomsbury's market position, potentially leading to increased interest in other titles from the publisher's catalog.
Moreover, the prolonged anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding Maas' work ensure that the book will likely receive extensive marketing and promotional efforts, further amplifying its impact on Bloomsbury's earnings in 2027.
It's worth noting that Bloomsbury has not yet issued an official announcement regarding the new book or its release date. However, the publisher recently told shareholders it has a strong front list in the remainder of the year.
Bloomsbury's business resilience is underpinned by the portfolio of portfolios strategy, a strategy that has been instrumental in the success of Maas' work. The publisher's academic publishing unit has shown progress following the acquisition of Rowman & Littlefield earlier this year.
Analysts at Peel Hunt expect Bloomsbury's consumer arm to boost shares over the next year, with a target price for Bloomsbury shares of 815p, which is roughly 60% ahead of their current value. The potential new book by Maas has the potential to add c.£9million to FY27E EBIT, representing a 20% uplift to current forecasts.
Recently, Maas topped bestseller lists again in the UK and US with the paperback launch of "House of Flame and Shadow" in June. The popularity of her work at Bloomsbury has been a major driver of sales, as previously noted.
In early trading, Bloomsbury Publishing shares were up 3.7 per cent to 505p, reflecting the anticipation and excitement surrounding Maas' upcoming novel. As we await the official announcement from Bloomsbury, fans and investors alike are eagerly waiting for more details about this highly anticipated release.
Investors are looking to finance their portfolios by purchasing shares of Bloomsbury Publishing, anticipating a boost in the company's earnings once Sarah J. Maas' upcoming novel, "A Court of Thorns and Roses" book six, hits shelves. This climb in Bloomsbury's revenue is predicted to be further amplified by substantial sales from Maas' popular series, potentially adding £9million to FY27E EBIT.
With the expectation of extensive marketing and promotional efforts surrounding Maas' work, the extended anticipation and enthusiasm will likely drive increased interest not only in the new book but also in other titles from Bloomsbury's catalog, potentially improving their market position.
