Graham Holdings Stock Price, News & Analysis

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.

Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC) reported its Q2 2024 financial results, showing revenue growth of 7% to $1,185.3 million. However, operating income decreased to $25.9 million from $58.1 million in Q2 2023, primarily due to goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges at World of Good Brands. The company's adjusted operating cash flow slightly declined to $98.5 million. For the first six months of 2024, revenue increased by 9% to $2,337.9 million, while operating income decreased to $61.4 million. GHC reported a net loss of $21.0 million for Q2 2024, compared to a net income of $122.8 million in Q2 2023. The company's performance was mixed across divisions, with growth in education, healthcare, and automotive, offset by declines in television broadcasting, manufacturing, and other businesses.

Kaplan comments on major changes to the ACT® exam set to launch in 2025. The test will be reduced from three to two hours, with shorter passages and fewer questions. Science section will become optional, offering flexibility for students to showcase their strengths. These changes come amid a trend of top universities reinstating standardized test requirements post-COVID.

Kaplan's 2023 survey reveals that 15% of test-optional schools are considering or will definitely reinstate the requirement. Additionally, 67% of these schools state that competitive test scores enhance applications. Kaplan plans to educate stakeholders about these changes and update their preparation courses accordingly.

Residential Home Health and Hospice, part of Graham Healthcare Group, has been honored as a 2024 Top Workplace by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. This marks the fourth time Residential has received this recognition in the St. Louis market. The award, based solely on confidential employee feedback gathered by Energage, highlights exceptional workplace culture. The survey evaluates areas such as coaching, connection, engagement, leadership, and benefits. Senior VP LeeAnn Lang emphasized that the award underscores the company's dedication to creating a positive employee environment. Residential Home Health and Hospice is actively hiring for various positions.

A recent survey by Manhattan Prep and Kaplan reveals that most MBA applicants believe their social media posts are 'fair game' for admissions officers. The survey, conducted among 306 aspiring business school students, found that 59% consider social media checks fair, while 41% view it as an invasion of privacy.

Furthermore, 66% of respondents believe their social media content would not impact their admissions chances, 22% think it would help, and 12% feel it would hurt. Only a small portion (3%) plan to delete posts before applying.

Stacey Koprince, director of content and curriculum at Manhattan Prep, notes that while social media is a factor, key admission criteria include standardized test scores, work experience, GPA, recommendations, essays, and interviews. It is advised that applicants remain cautious about their online presence.

Kaplan's All Access License has been awarded the 'Test Prep Innovation of the Year' for the second consecutive year by EdTech Breakthrough. This accolade highlights Kaplan's significant contribution to the educational technology sector. The All Access License allows colleges and universities to offer students free access to Kaplan's test prep resources, covering exams like the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, NCLEX-RN, USMLE, and others, potentially saving students hundreds of thousands of dollars. Notable partners include Xavier University of Louisiana, Howard University, Spelman College, and Cleveland State University. This initiative primarily benefits underserved minorities, first-generation college students, and low-income families, aiming to diversify professional fields.