UK's Bloomsbury shares surge as Sarah Maas books boost profit forecast (updated)
05/03/2026 09:41
Updates with context throughout, adds analyst comment in paragraph 5 March 5 (Reuters) - Shares in Bloomsbury Publishing BLPU.L soared as much as 20% on Thursday after it forecast profit for the year to February 2027 to surpass expectations, helped by the upcoming release of two new books in author Sarah J. Maas' most popular franchise. The publisher, which has broadened its portfolio with moves into academic publishing and digital content, expects profit to be boosted by strong demand for Maas' "romantasy" series like 'A Court of Thorns and Roses'. Shares in the company were last 14% higher at 543 pence as of 0923 GMT, the highest level since May 2025. Sarah J. Maas was the highest-selling author in the United States in 2024, according to data from research firm Circana, and the number one best-selling author in the UK in 2025. "This is positive news given that we were only expecting one title from the author," Berenberg analyst William Larwood said in a note. Bloomsbury also said it expects 2025-26 profit to be in line with the market consensus of 44.3 million pounds ($59.03 million). Market expectations for 2026-27 profit stood at 44.5 million pounds. ($1 = 0.7505 pounds) (Reporting by Ankita Bora in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Sonia Cheema) ((Ankita.Bora@thomsonreuters.com))