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Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) is a renowned diversified education and media enterprise. The company operates across various sectors, including educational services, television broadcasting, cable systems, and online, print, and local TV news. Its principal subsidiaries include Kaplan, a global leader in education, and Graham Media Group, which owns several prominent television stations like WDIV in Detroit and KPRC in Houston.
In addition, Graham Holdings owns Cable One, offering cable services to small-city subscribers across 19 states, and The Slate Group, known for its digital media brands such as Slate and Foreign Policy. The company is also invested in healthcare through Celtic Healthcare and Residential Healthcare Group, and boasts industrial holdings like Forney Corporation and Joyce/Dayton Corp.
Graham Holdings segments its operations into seven key areas: Kaplan International, Higher Education, Supplemental Education, Television Broadcasting, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Automotive. The Kaplan International division, encompassing higher education, test prep, language instruction, and professional training, is the primary revenue driver. Television broadcasting is another significant revenue source, primarily through advertising.
The company is committed to innovation, with Trove spearheading digital advancements and SocialCode leading in social marketing solutions. Recent achievements include strategic partnerships, technological innovations, and expansions in educational services and digital media.
Osmium Partners, the second-largest shareholder of Articore (ASX:ATG), has issued a letter urging shareholders to vote for its four director nominees at the upcoming Annual Meeting on October 24, 2024. Osmium criticizes Articore's board for:
1. Persistent underperformance and share price decline
2. Multiple CEO changes and strategic misfires
3. Declining revenue for three years
4. Underperforming the ASX200 by ~100% since 2019
Osmium highlights its successful campaign with Leaf Group (NASDAQ: LEAF), which resulted in an acquisition at 1.4x EV/Sales. They argue that Articore's current 0.17x EV/Sales valuation is among the lowest for digital marketplaces, citing poor board decisions. Osmium plans to release a strategy to maximize shareholder value and urges votes for its nominees on Resolutions 4, 10, 11, and 12.
Kaplan's 2024 law school admissions officers survey reveals that most law schools lack official policies on using AI in admissions essays. Key findings include:
- Only 1% allow AI for essay writing, 45% prohibit it, and 54% have no policy
- 16% allow AI for brainstorming, 16% ban it, and 68% have no policy
- 15% allow AI for feedback, 15% prohibit it, and 70% have no policy
Admissions officers express concerns about AI diminishing applicants' voices and authenticity. Amit Schlesinger, Kaplan's executive director of legal programs, suggests that clear policies are needed to provide guidance and ensure a level playing field for applicants.
Kaplan, a global educational services provider, has been named to Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces list for 2024, ranking 68th among the top 200 companies. This marks Kaplan's fourth consecutive year on the list, highlighting its consistent dedication to employee satisfaction. The company also received new honors for Volunteering and Wellness.
Key factors contributing to Kaplan's recognition include:
- Community building through virtual events and volunteer initiatives
- Learning and development programs like the Develop U Virtual Conference
- Employee recognition through various awards and programs
The list was compiled after surveying over 2.6 million employees from businesses of various sizes, recognizing companies that prioritize respect, caring, and appreciation for their workforce.
Kaplan's latest survey of over 200 college admissions officers reveals that 75% believe college rankings have lost prestige in recent years, up from 56% in 2023. This comes as U.S. News & World Report releases its 2025 rankings and some top institutions consider withdrawing participation. 13% of schools are considering or definitely dropping out of rankings.
Admissions officers express concerns about rankings' methodology, accuracy, and influence on the admissions process. They suggest that rankings shouldn't be the main factor for students choosing schools and that U.S. News should clarify that lower-ranked schools aren't necessarily bad.
Kaplan advises students to consider multiple factors when choosing schools, including financial aid, campus visits, and discussions with current students, alumni, and faculty, rather than relying solely on rankings.
The College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company has launched Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Training for financial professionals pursuing the AIF® designation. Fi360, a Broadridge Company, has named the College an official education provider for the AIF® exam training requirement. U.S. News & World Report ranks the AIF® designation as one of the best financial certifications.
The AIF® designation ensures that those managing or advising on investor assets understand fiduciary duties, standards of conduct, and the process for carrying out fiduciary responsibilities. The College's president, Dirk Pantone, emphasized their commitment to empowering students to make a difference in clients' lives and thrive in their careers through this training.
John Faustino, head of Broadridge's Fi360, expressed enthusiasm about the College becoming an official education provider, highlighting the AIF®'s credibility and relatively low time commitment as advantages for financial professionals.
Kaplan has filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court against entities distributing counterfeit 'Kaplan Schweser' educational materials in India. On September 13, 2023, the court issued an interim order prohibiting unauthorized sale and misuse of Kaplan's trademark and copyrighted materials. Local commissioners conducted raids at seven premises, seizing a substantial amount of counterfeit products.
Ashley Pomonis, Executive Director of Legal, Intellectual Property & Corporate Governance at Kaplan, emphasized the company's commitment to ensuring access to authentic, high-quality educational resources. Kaplan is pursuing a summary judgment against several defendants to swiftly resolve the issue and protect the integrity of its offerings. This legal action demonstrates Kaplan's readiness to defend its intellectual property vigorously.
Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) has announced a significant stock repurchase program. The company's Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of its Class B common stock. This move represents a potential buyback of approximately 14.7% of the outstanding Class B shares, based on the 3,406,903 shares outstanding as of August 31, 2024.
Notably, the company has not set a ceiling price or time limit for these purchases, providing flexibility in the execution of the buyback program. This authorization demonstrates Graham Holdings' confidence in its financial position and commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) has announced a regular quarterly dividend of $1.72 per share. The dividend will be payable on November 7, 2024, to shareholders of record as of October 17, 2024. This declaration demonstrates the company's commitment to returning value to its shareholders through consistent dividend payments. The announcement provides important information for current and potential investors, highlighting Graham Holdings' financial stability and shareholder-friendly policies.
A Kaplan survey of 300 buyer's agents reveals mixed reactions to new real estate commission rules. Key findings include:
- Only 20% view the changes positively, while 56% see them negatively
- 72% feel prepared to navigate the new landscape
- 66% don't plan to exit the industry, but 30% are undecided
The changes, effective August 17, require buyer's agents to negotiate their commissions directly with clients. Toby Schifsky, VP of real estate education at Kaplan, notes that while agents feel prepared, the new structure may hurt buyers and add volatility to the housing market. Kaplan has launched a Buyer Agency Professional™ (BAP™) designation to help agents adapt to these changes.
The Kaplan Educational Foundation (KEF) has announced the college decisions for its 17th cohort of scholars in the Kaplan Leadership Program. Established in 2006, this program supports high-potential, low-income, and underrepresented community college students in completing their associate's degrees and transferring to top four-year institutions. The program's holistic approach includes tutoring, academic advisement, leadership training, and financial support.
Key achievements of the program include:
- 92% of Kaplan Scholars have earned a bachelor's degree
- The 2024 cohort gained admission to over 25 top schools nationwide
- Scholars were accepted into prestigious institutions such as Princeton, Brown, and USC
KEF recently received a three-year grant to fund a new Community College Bridge Program, extending its mission to help high school students from underserved communities prepare for community college and successful transfer to four-year institutions.