Graham Holdings Company Reports Second Quarter Earnings

Rhea-AI Summary

Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) reported a significant increase in second-quarter net income, reaching $115.4 million ($22.99 per share) compared to $18.9 million ($3.60 per share) in the same period of 2020. Revenue also rose 23% to $801.2 million, driven by growth across various sectors such as education and television broadcasting. However, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect certain businesses, particularly in education. The company completed the acquisition of Leaf Group Ltd. for approximately $322 million, expanding its consumer internet portfolio.

Positive

• Net income attributable to common shares increased to $115.4 million ($22.99 per share) for Q2 2021.
• Revenue rose 23% to $801.2 million compared to Q2 2020, with gains from education, television broadcasting, and manufacturing.
• Acquisition of Leaf Group for about $322 million enhances digital presence and brand portfolio.

Negative

• Ongoing COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacts demand for some business segments, particularly education.
• Education revenue decreased by 3% in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.
• Expectations of continued adverse effects on revenues and operating results for Kaplan's education divisions.

Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) today reported net income attributable to common shares of $115.4 million ($22.99 per share) for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $18.9 million ($3.60 per share) for the second quarter of 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to prevent its spread, such as travel restrictions, shelter in place orders and mandatory closures, significantly impacted the Company’s results for 2020 and the first six months of 2021, largely from reduced demand for the Company’s products and services. This significant adverse impact is expected to continue for several of the Company’s businesses for the remainder of 2021. The Company’s management has taken a variety of measures to reduce costs and implement changes to business operations. The Company cannot predict the severity or duration of the pandemic, the extent to which demand for the Company’s products and services will be adversely affected or the degree to which financial and operating results will be negatively impacted.

On June 14, 2021, the Company closed on the previously announced acquisition of all outstanding shares of common stock of Leaf Group Ltd. (Leaf) at $8.50 per share in an all cash transaction valued at approximately $322 million. Leaf Group, headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, is a consumer internet company that builds enduring, creator-driven brands that reach passionate audiences in large and growing lifestyle categories, including fitness and wellness (Well+Good, Livestrong.com and MyPlate App), and home, art and design (Saatchi Art, Society6 and Hunker). The Leaf operating results for the period from June 14, 2021 to June 30, 2021 are included in other businesses.

The results for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020 were also affected by a number of items as described in the following paragraphs. Including these items, income before income taxes was $158.9 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $60.8 million for the second quarter of 2020. Excluding these items, income before income taxes was $62.3 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $43.1 million for the second quarter of 2020. (Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Information schedule at the end of this release for additional details.)

Items included in the Company’s income before income taxes for the second quarter of 2021:

• a $2.6 million net credit related to a fair value change in contingent consideration from a prior acquisition at Corporate;
• a $0.2 million reduction to operating expenses from property, plant and equipment gains in connection with the spectrum repacking mandate of the FCC;
• $3.4 million in long-lived asset impairment charges;
• $1.1 million in expenses related to a non-operating Separation Incentive Program at manufacturing;
• $83.7 million in net gains on marketable equity securities;
• $1.4 million in net losses of affiliates whose operations are not managed by the Company;
• a net non-operating gain of $14.5 million from the sale and write-up of cost method investments;
• $1.0 million in interest income to adjust the fair value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest; and
• $0.7 million in non-operating foreign currency gains.

Items included in the Company’s income before income taxes for the second quarter of 2020:

• $9.3 million in long-lived asset impairment charges;
• $10.2 million in restructuring charges at the education division;
• $2.8 million in accelerated depreciation at other businesses;
• a $1.1 million reduction to operating expenses from property, plant and equipment gains in connection with the spectrum repacking mandate of the FCC;
• $4.6 million in expenses related to non-operating Separation Incentive Programs at the education division and other businesses;
• $39.9 million in net gains on marketable equity securities;
• $3.1 million in net losses of affiliates whose operations are not managed by the Company;
• non-operating gains of $7.8 million from write-ups and sales of cost and equity method investments; and
• $1.1 million in non-operating foreign currency losses.

Revenue for the second quarter of 2021 was $801.2 million, up 23% from $652.9 million in the second quarter of 2020. Revenues increased at education, television broadcasting, manufacturing, healthcare and other businesses. The Company reported operating income of $37.6 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $5.9 million for the second quarter of 2020. The operating income increase is driven by improved results at education, television broadcasting, manufacturing and other businesses.

For the first six months of 2021, the Company reported net income attributable to common shares of $227.8 million ($45.43 per share) compared to a net loss attributable to common shares of $14.4 million ($2.77 per share) for the first six months of 2020. The results for the first six months of 2021 and 2020 were affected by a number of items as described in the following paragraphs. Including these items, income before income taxes was $313.0 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to a loss before income taxes of $18.5 million for the first six months of 2020. Excluding these items, income before income taxes was $124.9 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to $82.8 million for the first six months of 2020. (Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Information schedule at the end of this release for additional details.)

Items included in the Company’s income before income taxes for the six months of 2021:

• a $2.2 million net credit related to a fair value change in contingent consideration from a prior acquisition at Corporate;
• a $0.8 million reduction to operating expenses from property, plant and equipment gains in connection with the spectrum repacking mandate of the FCC;
• $3.4 million in long-lived asset impairment charges;
• $1.1 million in expenses related to a non-operating Separation Incentive Program at manufacturing;
• $162.9 million in net gains on marketable equity securities;
• $8.9 million in net earnings of affiliates whose operations are not managed by the Company;
• a net non-operating gain of $17.2 million from the sale and write-up of cost method investments;
• $0.1 million in net interest expense to adjust the fair value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest; and
• $0.7 million in non-operating foreign currency gains.

Items included in the Company’s loss before income taxes for the six months of 2020:

• $25.7 million in goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges;
• $10.2 million in restructuring charges at the education division;
• $2.8 million in accelerated depreciation at other businesses;
• $1.4 million reduction to operating expenses from property, plant and equipment gains in connection with the spectrum repacking mandate of the FCC;
• $4.6 million in expenses related to non-operating Separation Incentive Programs at the education division and other businesses;
• $60.5 million in net losses on marketable equity securities;
• $3.7 million in net losses of affiliates whose operations are not managed by the Company;
• non-operating gain, net, of $1.6 million from write-ups, sales and impairments of cost and equity method investments; and
• $3.2 million in non-operating foreign currency gains.

Revenue for the first six months of 2021 was $1,513.6 million, up 9% from $1,385.1 million in the first six months of 2020. Revenues increased at television broadcasting, manufacturing, healthcare and other businesses, partially offset by a decline at education. The Company reported operating income of $71.4 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to $14.0 million for the first six months of 2020. Operating results improved at most of the Company’s divisions.

Division Results

Education

Education division revenue totaled $340.0 million for the second quarter of 2021, up 2% from $333.2 million for the same period of 2020. Kaplan reported operating income of $13.1 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $12.3 million for the second quarter of 2020.

For the first six months of 2021, education division revenue totaled $669.3 million, down 3% from revenue of $689.6 million for the same period of 2020. Kaplan reported operating income of $32.1 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to $16.9 million for the first six months of 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted Kaplan’s operating results beginning in February 2020 and continuing through the first six months of 2021.

Kaplan serves a significant number of students who travel to other countries to study a second language, prepare for licensure, or pursue a higher education degree. Government-imposed travel restrictions and school closures arising from COVID-19 had a negative impact on the ability of international students to travel and attend Kaplan’s programs, particularly Kaplan International’s Language programs. In addition, most licensing bodies and administrators of standardized exams postponed or canceled scheduled examinations due to COVID-19, resulting in a significant number of students deciding to defer their studies, negatively impacting Kaplan’s exam preparation education businesses. Overall, this is expected to continue to adversely impact Kaplan's revenues and operating results for the remainder of 2021, particularly at Kaplan International Languages.

To help mitigate the adverse impact of COVID-19, Kaplan implemented a number of significant cost reduction and restructuring activities across its businesses. Related to these restructuring activities, Kaplan recorded $2.2 million and $3.2 million in impairment of long-lived assets charges in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively. In the second quarter and first six months of 2020, Kaplan recorded $10.5 million and $12.5 million in lease restructuring costs, respectively; and $1.2 million in second quarter 2020 severance restructuring costs. The lease restructuring costs included $3.4 million in accelerated depreciation expense in the second quarter and first six months of 2020. Kaplan also recorded a $10.0 million lease impairment charge in connection with these restructuring plans in the second quarter of 2020; this impairment charge included $2.0 million in property, plant and equipment write-downs. Also in the second quarter of 2020, the Company approved a Separation Incentive Program (SIP) that reduced the number of employees at Kaplan International, Higher Education, Supplemental Education and Kaplan corporate, resulting in $5.0 million in non-operating pension expense in the second quarter of 2020. Kaplan management is continuing to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 disruptions and changes in its operating environment and may develop and implement further restructuring activities in 2021.

In 2020, Kaplan also accelerated the development and promotion of various online programs and solutions, rapidly transitioned most of its classroom-based programs online and addressed the individual needs of its students and partners, substantially reducing the disruption from COVID-19 while simultaneously adding important new product offerings and operating capabilities. Further, in the fourth quarter of 2020, Kaplan combined its three primary divisions based in the United States (Kaplan Test Prep, Kaplan Professional, and Kaplan Higher Education) into one business known as Kaplan North America (KNA). This combination is designed to enhance Kaplan’s competitiveness by better leveraging its diversified academic and professional portfolio, as well as its relationship with students, universities and businesses. For financial reporting purposes, KNA is reported in two segments: Higher Education and Supplemental Education (combining Kaplan Test Prep and Kaplan Professional (U.S.) into one reporting segment).

A summary of Kaplan’s operating results is as follows:

		Three Months Ended														Six Months Ended
		June 30														June 30
(in thousands)		2021					2020					% Change				2021					2020					% Change
Revenue
Kaplan international		$	181,276				$	164,713				10				$	353,171				$	364,328				(3	)
Higher education		78,740					86,453					(9	)			154,426					159,990					(3	)
Supplemental education		77,911					79,785					(2	)			157,566					161,073					(2	)
Kaplan corporate and other		3,615					3,039					19				6,978					6,244					12
Intersegment elimination		(1,558		)			(815		)			—				(2,840		)			(2,082		)			—
		$	339,984				$	333,175				2				$	669,301				$	689,553				(3	)
Operating Income (Loss)
Kaplan international		$	14,077				$	16,035				(12	)			$	24,284				$	35,015				(31	)
Higher education		2,374					17,050					(86	)			8,627					15,030					(43	)
Supplemental education		8,813					330					—				21,310					(6,220		)			—
Kaplan corporate and other		(6,042		)			(6,870		)			12				(10,949		)			(8,392		)			(30	)
Amortization of intangible assets		(3,914		)			(4,271		)			8				(8,079		)			(8,472		)			5
Impairment of long-lived assets		(2,159		)			(10,020		)			78				(3,206		)			(10,020		)			68
Intersegment elimination		(1		)			—					—				97					5					—
		$	13,148				$	12,254				7				$	32,084				$	16,946				89

Kaplan International includes postsecondary education, professional training and language training businesses largely outside the United States. Kaplan International revenue increased 10% and decreased 3% for the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively (decreases of 1% and 12%, respectively, on a constant currency basis) due largely to COVID-19 disruptions at Languages, partially offset by growth at UK Professional, Singapore, and Pathways. Kaplan International reported operating income of $14.1 million in the second quarter of 2021, compared to $16.0 million in the second quarter of 2020. Operating income decreased to $24.3 million in the first six months of 2021, compared to $35.0 million in the first six months of 2020. The decline in operating results in the second quarter of 2021 is due to COVID-19 reduced student levels at Kaplan’s UK student dormitories at Pathways and at MPW, partially offset by improvements at Languages and UK Professional. The decline in operating results in the first six months of 2021 is due primarily to declines in student levels at Kaplan’s UK student dormitories at Pathways and at MPW, and increased losses at Languages, partially offset by improved earnings at UK Professional. Overall, Kaplan International’s operating results were negatively impacted by $12 million and $26 million in losses, respectively, incurred at Languages from continued significant COVID-19 disruptions for the second quarter and first six months of 2021. In addition, Kaplan International recorded $3.9 million of lease restructuring costs and $1.2 million of severance restructuring costs at Languages in the second quarter of 2020; the lease restructuring costs included $1.5 million in accelerated depreciation expense. Due to the continuation of travel restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19, Kaplan expects the disruption of its Languages business operating environment to continue for the remainder of 2021.

Higher Education includes the results of Kaplan as a service provider to higher education institutions. In the second quarter and first six months of 2021, Higher Education revenue declined 9% and 3%, respectively, due to a reduction in the Purdue Global fee recorded. For the second quarter and first half of 2021, Kaplan recorded a portion of the fee with Purdue Global based on an assessment of its collectability under the TOSA. Higher Education operating income was down substantially from the prior year, as the Purdue Global fee recognized in the first six months of 2021 was lower than the amount recognized in the prior year, due to less cash available for distribution at June 30, 2021 due to timing of cash receipts at Purdue Global. The Company will continue to assess the collectability of the fee with Purdue Global on a quarterly basis to make a determination as to whether to record all or part of the fee in the future and whether to make adjustments to fee amounts recognized in earlier periods. For the second quarter and first six months of 2020, Kaplan Higher Education recorded $1.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively, in lease restructuring costs, of which $0.1 million was accelerated depreciation expense.

Supplemental Education includes Kaplan’s standardized test preparation programs and domestic professional and other continuing education businesses. Supplemental Education revenue declined 2% for the second quarter and first six months of 2021, due to a decline in retail comprehensive test preparation demand, offset in part by product-life extensions in 2020 related to the postponement of various standardized test and certification exam dates due to COVID-19, as well as growth in real estate and insurance programs. Operating results improved in 2021 due to savings from restructuring activities implemented in 2020, $5.1 million of lease restructuring costs incurred in the second quarter of 2020 (of which $1.8 million was accelerated depreciation) and the adverse revenue impact from product-life extensions in the first half of 2020.

Kaplan corporate and other represents unallocated expenses of Kaplan, Inc.’s corporate office, other minor businesses and certain shared activities. Overall, Kaplan corporate and other expenses increased in the first six months of 2021 due to higher compensation costs.

Television Broadcasting

Revenue at the television broadcasting division increased 19% to $120.0 million in the second quarter of 2021, from $100.8 million in the same period of 2020. The revenue increase is due to increased local and national advertising revenues, which were adversely impacted in 2020 by reduced demand related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a $1.8 million increase in retransmission revenues, partially offset by a $3.7 million decline in political advertising revenue. The increase in local and national advertising was from growth in the home products, health and fitness, and sports betting categories. In the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, the television broadcasting division recorded $0.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in reductions to operating expenses related to property, plant and equipment gains due to new equipment received at no cost in connection with the spectrum repacking mandate of the FCC. Operating income for the second quarter of 2021 increased 51% to $35.6 million, from $23.6 million in the same period of 2020, due to increased revenues, offset by higher network fees.

Revenue at the television broadcasting division increased 8% to $233.6 million in the first six months of 2021, from $216.2 million in the same period of 2020. The revenue increase is due to increased local and national advertising revenues, which were adversely impacted in 2020 by reduced demand related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a $5.8 million increase in retransmission revenues, partially offset by a $14.0 million decline in political advertising revenue. The increase in local and national advertising was from growth in the home products, health and fitness, and sports betting categories. In the first six months of 2021 and 2020, the television broadcasting division recorded $0.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in reductions to operating expenses related to property, plant and equipment gains due to new equipment received at no cost in connection with the spectrum repacking mandate of the FCC. Operating income for the first six months of 2021 increased 15% to $68.6 million, from $59.4 million in the same period of 2020, due to increased revenues, offset by higher network fees.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing includes four businesses: Hoover, a supplier of pressure impregnated kiln-dried lumber and plywood products for fire retardant and preservative applications; Dekko, a manufacturer of electrical workspace solutions, architectural lighting and electrical components and assemblies; Joyce/Dayton, a manufacturer of screw jacks and other linear motion systems; and Forney, a global supplier of products and systems that control and monitor combustion processes in electric utility and industrial applications.

Manufacturing revenues increased 70% and 31% in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively. The revenue growth for the second quarter of 2021 is due primarily to significantly increased revenues at Hoover from substantially higher wood prices and improved product demand, as well as increased revenue at Dekko. The revenue growth for the first half of 2021 is due primarily to significantly increased revenues at Hoover from substantially higher wood prices and improved product demand, partially offset by lower revenues at Dekko from lower product demand. Manufacturing operating results improved in the second quarter of 2021 due to significantly higher results at Hoover from substantial gains on inventory sales and improved results at Dekko. Manufacturing operating results improved in the first six months of 2021 due to significantly higher results at Hoover from substantial gains on inventory sales, partially offset by a decline in Dekko results from lower revenues and higher prices for certain commodities. Wood prices began to decline in June 2021 and this trend has continued in July 2021, which is expected to result in significant losses on inventory sales at Hoover in the third quarter of 2021, offsetting significant gains on inventory sales at Hoover in the first half of 2021.

In the second quarter of 2021, Dekko announced a plan to relocate its manufacturing operations in Shelton, CT to other Dekko manufacturing facilities. In connection with this activity, Dekko is in the process of implementing a SIP for the affected employees, resulting in $1.1 million in non-operating SIP expense recorded in the second quarter of 2021, to be funded by the assets of the Company's pension plan.

Healthcare

The Graham Healthcare Group (GHG) provides home health and hospice services in three states. GHG provides other healthcare services, including nursing care and prescription services for patients receiving in-home infusion treatments through its 75% interest in CSI Pharmacy Holdings Company, LLC (CSI). Healthcare revenues increased 11% and 10% for the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively, largely due to growth at CSI. The increase in GHG operating results in the first six months of 2021 is due to improved results from home health services and CSI.

In the second quarter of 2020, GHG received $7.4 million from the Federal CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. GHG did not apply for these funds; they were disbursed to GHG as a Medicare provider under the CARES Act. Under the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, these funds may be used to offset revenue reductions and expenses incurred in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Of this amount, GHG recorded $5.5 million in revenue in the second quarter to partially offset the impact of revenue reductions due to the COVID-19 pandemic from the curtailment of elective procedures by health systems and other factors. GHG recorded $1.7 million as a credit to operating costs to partially offset the impact of costs incurred to procure personal protective equipment for GHG employees and other COVID-19 related costs.

Other Businesses

Automotive

Automotive includes three automotive dealerships in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area: Lexus of Rockville, Honda of Tysons Corner, and Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda. Revenues for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 increased significantly due to sales growth at each of the three dealerships, due partly to significantly reduced demand for sales and service in the first half of 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. As a result of the pandemic and the related recessionary conditions, the Company’s automotive dealerships recorded a $6.7 million intangible asset impairment charge in the first quarter of 2020. Operating earnings for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 improved significantly from losses in the prior year due to increased sales and margins, in addition to the impairment charge recorded in the first quarter of 2020.

Clyde’s Restaurant Group

Clyde’s Restaurant Group (CRG) owns and operates eleven restaurants and entertainment venues in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including Old Ebbitt Grill and The Hamilton. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CRG temporarily closed all of its restaurants and venues in mid-March 2020 through mid-June 2020, pursuant to government orders, maintaining limited operations for outdoor dining, delivery and pickup. CRG recorded a $9.7 million goodwill and intangible assets impairment charge in the first quarter of 2020. In December 2020, CRG temporarily closed its restaurant dining rooms in Maryland and the District of Columbia for the second time, reopening again for limited indoor dining service in mid-February 2021. Dining restrictions from government orders were substantially lifted for all of CRG’s operations by the end of the second quarter of 2021. In June 2020, CRG made the decision to close its restaurant and entertainment venue in Columbia, MD effective July 19, 2020, resulting in accelerated depreciation of property, plant and equipment totaling $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2020.

Overall, CRG incurred operating losses in each of the second quarters and first six months of 2021 and 2020 due to limited revenues and costs incurred to maintain its facilities and support its employees, however, those losses were significantly lower in 2021. While CRG revenues have been adversely impacted as a result of the pandemic, such revenues improved steadily in each of the first six months of 2021. CRG continues to develop and implement initiatives to increase sales and reduce costs to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Framebridge

On May 15, 2020, the Company acquired Framebridge, Inc., a custom framing service company, headquartered in Washington, DC, with two retail locations in the DC metropolitan area and a manufacturing facility in Richmond, KY. At the end of the second quarter of 2021, Framebridge had nine retail locations in the Washington, DC, New York City, Atlanta, GA and Philadelphia, PA areas and two manufacturing facilities in Kentucky. Framebridge expects to open six additional stores in the Boston, MA, Chicago, IL and New York City areas in the second half of 2021. Framebridge revenues in the first six months of 2021 were up substantially from the prior year. Framebridge is an investment stage business and reported significant operating losses in the first six months of 2021.

Code3

Code3 is a performance marketing agency focused on driving performance for brands through three core elements of digital success: media, creative and commerce. Code3 revenue declined in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, due to continued sluggish marketing spending by some advertising clients, offset by increased commerce and creative revenues. Code3 reported operating losses in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 and 2020. In the second quarter of 2021, Code 3 recorded a $1.6 million lease impairment charge (including $0.4 million in property, plant and equipment write-downs). In the second quarter of 2020, Code3 recorded a $1.5 million lease impairment charge (including $0.1 million in property, plant and equipment write-downs) in connection with a restructuring plan that included other cost reduction initiatives. These initiatives included the approval of a SIP that reduced the number of employees at Code3, resulting in $1.0 million in non-operating pension expense in the second quarter of 2020.

Leaf Group

On June 14, 2021, the Company closed on the Leaf acquisition; the Leaf operating results are included in other businesses for the Company’s period of ownership in the second quarter of 2021.

Megaphone

Megaphone was sold by the Company to Spotify in December 2020.

Other

Other businesses also include Slate and Foreign Policy, which publish online and print magazines and websites; and four investment stage businesses, CyberVista, Decile and Pinna, as well as City Cast, a local daily podcast business that began operations in 2021. All of these businesses reported revenue increases in the first six months of 2021. Losses from each of these six businesses in the first six months of 2021 adversely affected operating results.

Overall, for the second quarter of 2021, operating revenues for other businesses increased due largely to increases at the automotive dealerships and CRG and from the Framebridge and Leaf acquisitions, partially offset by declines due to the sale of Megaphone in December 2020. For the first six months of 2021, operating revenues for other businesses increased due largely to increases at the automotive dealerships and from the Framebridge and Leaf acquisitions, partially offset by declines at Code3, and due to the sale of Megaphone in December 2020. Operating results improved in the second quarter and first six months of 2021 primarily due to improvements at the automotive dealerships and CRG, in addition to the goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges recorded in the first quarter of 2020 at those businesses, partially offset by losses at Framebridge.

Corporate Office

Corporate office includes the expenses of the Company’s corporate office and certain continuing obligations related to prior business dispositions. Corporate office expenses increased in the first six months of 2021 due primarily to higher compensation costs, offset by a credit related to the fair value change in contingent consideration related to the Framebridge acquisition.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

At June 30, 2021, the Company held an approximate 12% interest in Intersection Holdings, LLC, a company that provides digital marketing and advertising services and products for cities, transit systems, airports, and other public and private spaces. The Company also holds interests in several other affiliates, including a number of home health and hospice joint ventures managed by GHG and two joint ventures managed by Kaplan. Overall, the Company recorded equity in earnings of affiliates of $1.8 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to earnings of $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2020. These amounts include $1.4 million in net losses for the second quarter of 2021 and $3.1 million in net losses for the second quarter of 2020 from affiliates whose operations are not managed by the Company; this includes losses from the Company’s investment in Intersection in the second quarter of 2021.

The Company recorded equity in earnings of affiliates of $15.2 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to losses of $0.4 million for the first six months of 2020. These amounts include $8.9 million in net earnings for the first six months of 2021 and $3.7 million in net losses for the first six months of 2020 from affiliates whose operations are not managed by the Company; this includes losses from the Company’s investment in Intersection in the first six months of 2021. The Company recorded $3.6 million in write-downs in equity in earnings of affiliates related to two of its investments in the first quarter of 2020.

Net Interest Expense and Related Balances

The Company incurred net interest expense of $5.5 million and $13.0 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively; compared to $6.4 million and $13.0 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2020, respectively. The Company recorded interest income of $1.0 million in the second quarter of 2021 and net interest expense of $0.1 million in the first six months of 2021 to adjust the fair value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest at GHG.

At June 30, 2021, the Company had $510.3 million in borrowings outstanding at an average interest rate of 5.1% and cash, marketable equity securities and other investments of $891.3 million. At June 30, 2021, the Company had £55 million ($76.2 million) outstanding on its $300 million revolving credit facility. In management’s opinion, the Company will have sufficient financial resources to meet its business requirements in the next twelve months, including working capital requirements, capital expenditures, interest payments and dividends.

Non-operating Pension and Postretirement Benefit Income, net

The Company recorded net non-operating pension and postretirement benefit income of $25.2 million and $54.0 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively; compared to $12.1 million and $30.5 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2020, respectively.

In the second quarter of 2021, the Company recorded $1.1 million in expenses related to a non-operating SIP at manufacturing. In the second quarter of 2020, the Company recorded $6.0 million in expenses related to non-operating SIPs at the education division and other businesses.

Gain (Loss) on Marketable Equity Securities, net

Overall, the Company recognized $83.7 million and $162.9 million in net gains on marketable equity securities in the second quarter and first six months of 2021, respectively; compared to $39.9 million in net gains and $60.5 million in net losses on marketable equity securities in the second quarter and first six months of 2020, respectively.

Other Non-Operating Income

The Company recorded total other non-operating income, net, of $16.1 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $8.1 million for the second quarter of 2020. The 2021 amounts included $6.7 million in gains on the sale of cost method investments; $7.8 million in fair value increases on cost method investments and other items. The 2020 amounts included a $3.7 million gain on acquiring a controlling interest in an equity affiliate; a $2.6 million fair value increase on a cost method investment; a $1.5 million gain on sale of an equity affiliate, and other items; offset by $1.1 million in foreign currency losses.

The Company recorded total other non-operating income, net of $22.4 million for the first six months of 2021, compared to $10.8 million for the first six months of 2020. The 2021 amounts included $6.8 million in gains on sales of cost method investments; $10.5 million in fair value increases on cost method investments and other items. The 2020 amounts included a $3.7 million gain on acquiring a controlling interest in an equity affiliate; $3.2 million in foreign currency gains; a $2.6 million gain on a cost method investment; $1.4 million in net gains on sales of equity affiliates, and other items; partially offset by $2.6 million in impairments on cost method investments.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first six months of 2021 and 2020 was 27.0% and 18.9%, respectively.

Earnings (Losses) Per Share

The calculation of diluted earnings (losses) per share for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 was based on 4,985,488 and 4,981,000 weighted average shares outstanding, respectively, compared to 5,201,101 and 5,234,809, respectively, for the second quarter and first six months of 2020. At June 30, 2021, there were 5,001,462 shares outstanding. On September 10, 2020, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to acquire up to 500,000 shares of its Class B common stock; the Company has remaining authorization for 364,151 shares as of June 30, 2021.

Forward-Looking Statements

All public statements made by the Company and its representatives that are not statements of historical fact, including certain statements in this press release, in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report to Stockholders, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the Company’s operations, financial results, liquidity and cash flows. Other forward-looking statements include comments about expectations related to acquisitions or dispositions or related business activities, including the TOSA, the Company’s business strategies and objectives, anticipated results of license renewal applications, the prospects for growth in the Company’s various business operations and the Company’s future financial performance. As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement after the date on which such statement is made, even if new information subsequently becomes available.

GRAHAM HOLDINGS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	June 30									%
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2021					2020				Change
Operating revenues	$	801,152				$	652,871			23
Operating expenses	729,304					598,243				22
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	16,600					22,913				(28	)
Amortization of intangible assets	13,889					14,327				(3	)
Impairment of long-lived assets	3,768					11,511				(67	)
Operating income	37,591					5,877				—
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net	1,776					1,182				50
Interest income	1,876					954				97
Interest expense	(7,353		)			(7,377		)		0
Non-operating pension and postretirement benefit income, net	25,216					12,136				—
Gain on marketable equity securities, net	83,698					39,890				—
Other income, net	16,122					8,100				99
Income before income taxes	158,926					60,762				—
Provision for income taxes	43,000					41,900				3
Net income	115,926					18,862				—
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(568		)			(8		)		—
Net Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders	$	115,358				$	18,854			—
Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Basic net income per common share	$	23.07				$	3.61			—
Basic average number of common shares outstanding	4,968					5,196
Diluted net income per common share	$	22.99				$	3.60			—
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding	4,985					5,201

GRAHAM HOLDINGS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
	Six Months Ended
	June 30									%
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2021					2020				Change
Operating revenues	$	1,513,607				$	1,385,128			9
Operating expenses	1,376,386					1,275,145				8
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	33,145					39,617				(16	)
Amortization of intangible assets	27,826					28,492				(2	)
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	4,815					27,912				(83	)
Operating income	71,435					13,962				—
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net	15,204					(365		)		—
Interest income	2,766					2,105				31
Interest expense	(15,801		)			(15,055		)		5
Non-operating pension and postretirement benefit income, net	54,003					30,539				77
Gain (loss) on marketable equity securities, net	162,912					(60,503		)		—
Other income, net	22,442					10,788				—
Income (loss) before income taxes	312,961					(18,529		)		—
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	84,400					(3,500		)		—
Net income (loss)	228,561					(15,029		)		—
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(753		)			638				—
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders	$	227,808				$	(14,391	)		—
Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Basic net income (loss) per common share	$	45.55				$	(2.77	)		—
Basic average number of common shares outstanding	4,968					5,235
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	45.43				$	(2.77	)		—
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding	4,981					5,235

GRAHAM HOLDINGS COMPANY
BUSINESS DIVISION INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended														Six Months Ended
		June 30										%				June 30										%
(in thousands)		2021					2020					Change				2021					2020					Change
Operating Revenues
Education		$	339,984				$	333,175				2				$	669,301				$	689,553				(3	)
Television broadcasting		119,966					100,762					19				233,591					216,210					8
Manufacturing		141,123					83,239					70				257,083					196,697					31
Healthcare		54,696					49,181					11				104,739					95,175					10
Other businesses		145,899					86,863					68				249,938					188,145					33
Corporate office		—					—					—				—					—					—
Intersegment elimination		(516		)			(349		)			—				(1,045		)			(652		)			—
		$	801,152				$	652,871				23				$	1,513,607				$	1,385,128				9
Operating Expenses
Education		$	326,836				$	320,921				2				$	637,217				$	672,607				(5	)
Television broadcasting		84,363					77,135					9				165,010					156,807					5
Manufacturing		128,695					84,721					52				235,748					191,678					23
Healthcare		46,101					40,363					14				89,004					83,188					7
Other businesses		163,512					111,183					47				286,888					245,946					17
Corporate office		14,570					13,020					12				29,350					21,592					36
Intersegment elimination		(516		)			(349		)			—				(1,045		)			(652		)			—
		$	763,561				$	646,994				18				$	1,442,172				$	1,371,166				5
Operating Income (Loss)
Education		$	13,148				$	12,254				7				$	32,084				$	16,946				89
Television broadcasting		35,603					23,627					51				68,581					59,403					15
Manufacturing		12,428					(1,482		)			—				21,335					5,019					—
Healthcare		8,595					8,818					(3	)			15,735					11,987					31
Other businesses		(17,613		)			(24,320		)			28				(36,950		)			(57,801		)			36
Corporate office		(14,570		)			(13,020		)			(12	)			(29,350		)			(21,592		)			(36	)
		$	37,591				$	5,877				—				$	71,435				$	13,962				—
Depreciation
Education		$	7,482				$	10,324				(28	)			$	15,262				$	17,653				(14	)
Television broadcasting		3,543					3,446					3				7,016					6,789					3
Manufacturing		2,427					2,526					(4	)			4,944					5,053					(2	)
Healthcare		331					493					(33	)			648					1,033					(37	)
Other businesses		2,659					5,948					(55	)			4,949					8,738					(43	)
Corporate office		158					176					(10	)			326					351					(7	)
		$	16,600				$	22,913				(28	)			$	33,145				$	39,617				(16	)
Amortization of Intangible Assets and Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
Education		$	6,073				$	14,291				(58	)			$	11,285				$	18,492				(39	)
Television broadcasting		1,361					1,361					0				2,720					2,721					0
Manufacturing		6,610					6,988					(5	)			13,597					14,125					(4	)
Healthcare		780					1,307					(40	)			1,561					2,617					(40	)
Other businesses		2,833					1,891					50				3,478					18,449					(81	)
Corporate office		—					—					—				—					—					—
		$	17,657				$	25,838				(32	)			$	32,641				$	56,404				(42	)
Pension Expense
Education		$	2,398				$	2,592				(7	)			$	4,681				$	5,177				(10	)
Television broadcasting		956					836					14				1,791					1,632					10
Manufacturing		246					395					(38	)			641					789					(19	)
Healthcare		108					112					(4	)			280					271					3
Other businesses		487					403					21				856					866					(1	)
Corporate office		1,682					1,466					15				3,230					2,852					13
		$	5,877				$	5,804				1				$	11,479				$	11,587				(1	)

GRAHAM HOLDINGS COMPANY
EDUCATION DIVISION INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended														Six Months Ended
		June 30										%				June 30										%
(in thousands)		2021					2020					Change				2021					2020					Change
Operating Revenues
Kaplan international		$	181,276				$	164,713				10				$	353,171				$	364,328				(3	)
Higher education		78,740					86,453					(9	)			154,426					159,990					(3	)
Supplemental education		77,911					79,785					(2	)			157,566					161,073					(2	)
Kaplan corporate and other		3,615					3,039					19				6,978					6,244					12
Intersegment elimination		(1,558		)			(815		)			—				(2,840		)			(2,082		)			—
		$	339,984				$	333,175				2				$	669,301				$	689,553				(3	)
Operating Expenses
Kaplan international		$	167,199				$	148,678				12				$	328,887				$	329,313				0
Higher education		76,366					69,403					10				145,799					144,960					1
Supplemental education		69,098					79,455					(13	)			136,256					167,293					(19	)
Kaplan corporate and other		9,657					9,909					(3	)			17,927					14,636					22
Amortization of intangible assets		3,914					4,271					(8	)			8,079					8,472					(5	)
Impairment of long-lived assets		2,159					10,020					(78	)			3,206					10,020					(68	)
Intersegment elimination		(1,557		)			(815		)			—				(2,937		)			(2,087		)			—
		$	326,836				$	320,921				2				$	637,217				$	672,607				(5	)
Operating Income (Loss)
Kaplan international		$	14,077				$	16,035				(12	)			$	24,284				$	35,015				(31	)
Higher education		2,374					17,050					(86	)			8,627					15,030					(43	)
Supplemental education		8,813					330					—				21,310					(6,220		)			—
Kaplan corporate and other		(6,042		)			(6,870		)			12				(10,949		)			(8,392		)			(30	)
Amortization of intangible assets		(3,914		)			(4,271		)			8				(8,079		)			(8,472		)			5
Impairment of long-lived assets		(2,159		)			(10,020		)			78				(3,206		)			(10,020		)			68
Intersegment elimination		(1		)			—					—				97					5					—
		$	13,148				$	12,254				7				$	32,084				$	16,946				89
Depreciation
Kaplan international		$	4,835				$	5,619				(14	)			$	10,087				$	10,197				(1	)
Higher education		873					832					5				1,725					1,555					11
Supplemental education		1,670					3,772					(56	)			3,246					5,711					(43	)
Kaplan corporate and other		104					101					3				204					190					7
		$	7,482				$	10,324				(28	)			$	15,262				$	17,653				(14	)
Pension Expense
Kaplan international		$	77				$	120				(36	)			$	148				$	232				(36	)
Higher education		1,137					1,070					6				2,220					2,140					4
Supplemental education		976					1,084					(10	)			1,907					2,169					(12	)
Kaplan corporate and other		208					318					(35	)			406					636					(36	)
		$	2,398				$	2,592				(7	)			$	4,681				$	5,177				(10	)

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION
GRAHAM HOLDINGS COMPANY
(Unaudited)

In addition to the results reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) included in this press release, the Company has provided information regarding Income before income taxes, excluding certain items described below, reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures, when read in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financials, provide useful information to investors by offering:

• the ability to make meaningful period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s ongoing results;
• the ability to identify trends in the Company’s underlying business; and
• a better understanding of how management plans and measures the Company’s underlying business.

The Company has provided this non-GAAP information on a pre-income tax basis in order to facilitate a meaningful period-to-period comparison of income in light of the difference in applicable income tax rates for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 and the second quarter and first six months of 2020.

Income before income taxes, excluding certain items, should not be considered substitutes or alternatives to computations calculated in accordance with and required by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures should be read only in conjunction with financial information presented on a GAAP basis. The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures:

	Three Months Ended June 30										Six Months Ended June 30
(in thousands)	2021					2020					2021					2020
Income (loss) before income taxes, as reported	$	158,926				$	60,762				$	312,961				$	(18,529	)
Adjustments:
Net credit related to a fair value change in contingent consideration from a prior acquisition	(2,599		)			—					(2,213		)			—
Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charge	3,439					9,274					3,439					25,676
Restructuring charges at the education division	—					10,211					—					10,211
Accelerated depreciation at other businesses	—					2,847					—					2,847
Reduction to operating expenses in connection with the broadcast spectrum repacking	(171		)			(1,074		)			(814		)			(1,365		)
Charges related to non-operating Separation Incentive Program	1,118					4,583					1,118					4,583
Net (gains) losses on marketable equity securities	(83,698		)			(39,890		)			(162,912		)			60,503
Net losses (earnings) of affiliates whose operations are not managed by the Company	1,436					3,083					(8,896		)			3,667
Non-operating gain, net, from sales, write-ups and impairments of cost and equity method investments	(14,482		)			(7,752		)			(17,205		)			(1,621		)
Net interest (income) expense related to the fair value adjustment of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	(955		)			—					96					—
Foreign currency (gain) loss	(678		)			1,070					(678		)			(3,220		)
Income before income taxes, adjusted (non-GAAP)	$	62,336				$	43,114				$	124,896				$	82,752

###

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FAQ

What were Graham Holdings Company's earnings for Q2 2021?

Graham Holdings reported net income of $115.4 million ($22.99 per share) for Q2 2021.

How much did GHC acquire Leaf Group for?

The acquisition of Leaf Group by Graham Holdings was valued at approximately $322 million.

What was the revenue increase for Graham Holdings in Q2 2021?

Revenue for Q2 2021 increased by 23%, totaling $801.2 million.

What is the impact of COVID-19 on Graham Holdings' education division?

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to adversely impact demand, with a 3% revenue decrease in the education division for the first half of 2021.