Graham Holdings Co

Previous wording

•Negative Impact on Medicare Reimbursement from Value-based Purchasing Requirements.

Current wording

•Negative Impact on Medicare Reimbursement from Value-based Purchasing and Decreased Medicare Payments.

Previous wording

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments imposed student travel restrictions (applicable to exit and entry), made recommendations for their students to return home and closed physical campus locations, and many state and professional bodies postponed or canceled examination dates related to state examinations and professional education programs, all of which have materially adversely affected Kaplan International’s operations and resulted in significant losses at Kaplan Languages Group during the pandemic. The emergence of new pandemics and consequential changes to travel and study arrangements in one or more countries could negatively affect Kaplan International and its operating results.

Current wording

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments imposed student travel restrictions (applicable to exit and entry), made recommendations for their students to return home and closed physical campus locations, and many state and professional bodies postponed or canceled examination dates related to state examinations and professional education programs, all of which have materially adversely affected Kaplan International’s operations and resulted in significant losses at KLG during the pandemic. The emergence of new pandemics and consequential changes to travel and study arrangements in one or more countries could negatively affect KI and its operating results.

Previous wording

Further changes to the regulatory environment, including changes to government policy or practice in oversight and enforcement, or other factors, including war, civil unrest, geopolitical instability, imposition or extension of international sanctions, a natural disaster or a pandemic in either the students’ countries of origin or countries in which they desire to study, could continue to negatively affect Kaplan’s ability to attract and retain students and negatively affect Kaplan’s operating results. Increasingly, governments have begun imposing sales taxes on digital services, such as education, offered in their jurisdictions by foreign providers. Any significant changes to the availability of government funding for education or training, visa policies for students and their dependents, or other administrative immigration requirements, or the tax environment, including changes to tax laws, policies and practices, in any one or more countries in which KI operates or makes its services available could negatively affect its operating results. KI’s operations, institutions and programs in the U.S. may be subject to state-level regulation and oversight by state regulatory agencies, whose approval or exemption from approval is necessary to allow an institution to operate in the state. These agencies may establish standards for instruction, qualifications of faculty, location and nature of facilities, financial policies and responsibilities and other operational matters. Institutions that seek to admit international students are required to be federally certified and legally authorized to operate in the state in which the institution is physically located in order to be allowed to issue the relevant documentation to permit international students to obtain a visa. Agencies at both local and national levels in other countries may also impose similar requirements on Kaplan International’s operations outside the U.S.

Current wording

Further changes to the regulatory environment, including changes to government policy or practice in oversight and enforcement, or other factors, including war, civil unrest, geopolitical instability, imposition or extension of international sanctions, a natural disaster or a pandemic in either the students’ countries of origin or countries in which they desire to study, could continue to negatively affect Kaplan’s ability to attract and retain students and negatively affect Kaplan’s operating results. Increasingly, governments have begun imposing sales taxes on digital services, such as education, offered in their jurisdictions by foreign providers. Significant changes to the availability of government funding for education or training, visa policies for students and their dependents, or other administrative immigration requirements, or the tax environment, including changes to tax laws, policies and practices, in any one or more countries in which KI operates or makes its services available could negatively affect its operating results. KI’s operations, institutions and programs in the U.S. may be subject to state-level regulation and oversight by state regulatory agencies, whose approval or exemption from approval is necessary to allow an institution to operate in the state. These agencies may establish standards for instruction, qualifications of faculty, location and nature of facilities, financial policies and responsibilities and other operational matters. Institutions that seek to admit international students are required to be federally certified and legally authorized to operate in the state in which the institution is physically located in order to be allowed to issue the relevant documentation to permit international students to obtain a visa. Agencies at both local and national levels in other countries may also impose similar requirements on KI’s operations outside the U.S.

Previous wording

KI’s ability to enroll international students in programs in the U.K., U.S., Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other countries and to recruit students for study with KI’s partners is directly dependent on the laws and regulations governing student immigration. Changes to Australian and Canadian student immigration rules have impacted, and will continue to impact, KI’s ability to recruit students for study at its own colleges and its partner universities. Overall, there is a trend of tightening of student immigration regulations and access to student visas worldwide, including, most recently, an Australian Government international indicative student visa approval target for post-secondary education providers. Since entering office in January 2025, the new U.S. presidential administration has issued executive orders and announced policy changes that may affect international student entry to, or ability to study in, the U.S., including increased visa vetting for individuals seeking to enter the U.S. and restrictions on conduct while in the U.S. Negative perceptions regarding travel to the U.S., as well as the legal and regulatory environment’s susceptibility to change by the new administration, could have a negative impact on KI’s ability to recruit international students, which could materially adversely affect Kaplan’s U.S. Pathways business as well as the U.S.-based Kaplan Languages Group.

Current wording

KI’s ability to enroll international students in programs in the U.K., U.S., Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other countries and to recruit students for study with KI’s partners is directly dependent on the laws and regulations governing student immigration. Changes to Australian and Canadian student immigration rules have impacted, and will continue to impact, KI’s ability to recruit students for study at its own colleges and its partner universities. Overall, there continues to be a trend of tightening of student immigration regulations and access to student visas worldwide, including, most recently, an Australian Government international indicative student visa approval target for post-secondary education providers. The new U.S. presidential administration has implemented policy changes that have affected international student entry to, or ability to study in, the U.S., including increased visa vetting for individuals seeking to enter the U.S. and restrictions on conduct while in the U.S. The closure of U.S. visa offices in 2025 had a negative impact on KI’s ability to recruit international students and materially adversely affected KI’s recruitment for U.S. university partners. Negative perceptions regarding travel to the U.S., as well as the legal and regulatory environment’s susceptibility to change by the new administration, could have a negative impact on KI’s ability to recruit international students, which could materially adversely affect Kaplan’s U.S. Pathways business as well as the U.S.-based KLG. Changes to visa policies and practices have had, and could continue to have, a negative impact on students’ ability to travel to the U.S. to begin their courses, which has significantly adversely affected, and could continue to significantly adversely affect, those KI businesses.

Previous wording

Changes to levels of direct and indirect government funding for international education programs would also materially affect the success of KI’s operations. For example, if access to student loans or other funding were to be lost for KI operations that admit students who are entitled to receive the benefit of this funding, Kaplan’s operating results could be materially adversely affected. The U.K. government is considering a reduction to funding for the Level 7 apprenticeship (L7) in 2025. Presently, these apprenticeships, equivalent to masters degree level study, can be funded from U.K. employer apprenticeship levy payments. The apprenticeship levy are payments to the government by U.K. employers of a certain minimum size calculated as a percentage of the employer’s tax bill. The U.K. government is proposing to restrict the ability of employers to access their levy funds so that these can no longer be used to fund apprenticeships at L7. If such a change were implemented, this would impact Kaplan Financial (a division of Kaplan Professional UK), an apprenticeship training provider whose U.K. apprenticeship business represents nearly 50% of Kaplan Professional UK’s total revenue. Kaplan anticipates that employers would fund a significant portion of L7 outside of the levy paid for apprenticeships. The extent and timing of the proposed funding changes is not yet clear.

Current wording

Changes to levels of direct and indirect government funding for international education programs would also materially affect the success of KI’s operations. For example, if access to student loans or other funding were to be lost for KI operations that admit students who are entitled to receive the benefit of this funding, Kaplan’s operating results could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

Following the U.K. general election in July 2024, the Labour party formed a new government. Effective January 1, 2025, the new government ended the VAT exemption for private schools. The resulting 20% effective increase in tuition, boarding and other costs will materially impact enrollment of new and existing students at MPW. Kaplan believes the change currently only affects MPW but continues to carefully review the implementation of this policy. The new government has also increased employer’s national insurance contributions, a tax paid by U.K. employers to fund government benefits programs that increases the costs of employment for all U.K. businesses. The new government may make other changes to U.K. tax laws which increase the tax costs of KI’s activities in the U.K.

Current wording

The U.K. government ended the VAT exemption for private schools, effective January 1, 2025. The resulting 20% effective increase in tuition, boarding and other costs materially impacted enrollment of new and existing students at MPW. The U.K. government has also increased employer’s national insurance contributions, a tax paid by U.K. employers to fund government benefits programs that increases the costs of employment for all U.K. businesses. The U.K. government may make other changes to U.K. tax rates and employment laws which would further increase the costs of KI’s activities in the U.K.

Previous wording

It has been reported that the current U.S. presidential administration is drafting an order aiming to eliminate the Department of Education. The order could involve reassigning functions to other federal agencies or state governments or eliminating or downsizing functions. It is unclear which functions will be deemed critical, and which could be phased out or downsized. Such changes could lead to operational interruptions to systems relied upon by Kaplan's partner institutions that could impact their ability to comply with obligations to Kaplan. Operational interruptions could also interfere with Kaplan's ability to deliver services.

Current wording

On March 20, 2025, the U.S. President issued an executive order directing the Secretary of Education to begin dismantling the ED and “returning authority” over education to states and local communities to the maximum extent permitted by law. The order signals an intent to potentially close or reduce many federal education functions. Certain eliminations of staff or functions could disrupt federal student aid, civil rights enforcement, and program funding at the federal level. Legal challenges and congressional inaction make its ultimate outcome uncertain. It is also unclear which functions will be deemed critical, and which could be phased out or downsized. Such changes could lead to operational interruptions to systems relied upon by Kaplan’s partner institutions that could impact their ability to comply with obligations to Kaplan. Operational interruptions could also interfere with Kaplan’s ability to deliver services.

Previous wording

KNA provides services to Purdue Global, including financial aid services, and as such, KNA is a “Third-Party Servicer” for Purdue Global as currently defined by the ED and in the Title IV regulations. As a result, KNA is subject to applicable statutory provisions of Title IV and ED regulations that, among other things, require Kaplan to be jointly and severally liable with its Title IV participating client institution(s) to the ED for any violation by such client institution(s) of any Title IV statute or ED regulation or requirement. Separately, if the ED expands the definition of what services or entities fall within the Third-Party Servicer regulations, and/or, if KNA provides financial aid services to more than one Title IV participating institution, it will be required to arrange for an independent auditor to conduct an annual Title IV audit of KNA’s compliance with applicable ED requirements. KNA provides non-financial aid services to institutions such as Purdue University, Wake Forest University, and other Title IV participating institutions. As such, if the Third-Party Servicer regulations or the interpretation of those regulations by the ED change, KNA could be considered a Third-Party Servicer to its multiple client institutions as well.

Current wording

KNA provides services to Purdue Global, including financial aid services, and as such, KNA is a “Third Party Servicer” for Purdue Global pursuant to the Title IV regulations. As a result, KNA is subject to applicable statutory provisions of Title IV and ED regulations that, among other things, require Kaplan to be jointly and severally liable with Purdue Global to the ED for any violation by Purdue Global or KNA of any Title IV statute or ED regulation or requirement. Separately, if the ED expands the definition of what services or entities fall within the Third Party Servicer regulations, and/or, if KNA provides financial aid services to more than one Title IV participating institution, it will be required to arrange for an independent auditor to conduct an annual Title IV audit of KNA’s compliance with applicable ED requirements. KNA provides non-financial aid services to institutions such as Purdue University, Wake Forest University, and other Title IV participating institutions. As such, if the Third Party Servicer regulations or the interpretation of those regulations by the ED change, KNA could be considered a Third Party Servicer to its multiple client institutions as well.

Previous wording

KNA is also subject to other federal and state laws, including federal and state consumer protection laws and rules prohibiting unfair or deceptive marketing practices; data privacy, data protection and information security requirements established by federal, state and foreign governments, including, for example, the Federal Trade Commission; and applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regarding the privacy of student records.

Current wording

KNA is also subject to other federal and state laws, including federal and state consumer protection laws and rules prohibiting unfair or deceptive marketing practices; data privacy, data protection and information security requirements established by federal, state and foreign governments, including, for example, the Federal Trade Commission; and applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regarding the privacy of student records handled by KNA for its university clients.

Previous wording

Under the ED’s incentive compensation rule, an institution participating in Title IV programs may not provide any commission, bonus or other incentive payment to any person or entity engaged in any student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the awarding of Title IV funds if such payment is based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid. KNA is a third party providing bundled services to Title IV participating institutions, including recruiting and, in the case of Purdue Global, financial aid services. As such, KNA is also subject to the incentive compensation rule and cannot provide any commission, bonus or other incentive payment to any covered employees, subcontractors or other parties engaged in certain student recruiting, admission or financial aid activities based on success in securing enrollments or financial aid. In addition, KNA’s client Title IV institutions’ payments to KNA (including payments under the TOSA with Purdue Global) must comply with revenue sharing guidance provided by the ED related to bundled services agreements. In 2011 guidance, the ED provided that in certain arrangements with Title IV participating institutions where student recruiting services are “bundled” with other non-recruiting services, revenue sharing may be allowable despite the incentive compensation rule’s general prohibition on such revenue sharing with entities or individuals that provide recruiting services. Because this guidance is not codified in any rule or law but is instead ED guidance on the applicability of the incentive compensation rule, such guidance can be revoked at any time and without notice. The ED has indicated it is considering a change to this guidance as some lawmakers and states, such as California, have publicly called for the revocation of this guidance or sought to introduce federal and state legislation seeking to prevent any such revenue sharing with entities that engage in recruiting students. The change of control of the executive branch in 2025 decreased the likelihood of changes to this guidance and to the incentive compensation rule or limitations on the bundled service allowance through additional federal rulemaking. As previously described, the TOSA revenue sharing provisions are deferred purchase price payments rather than payments for services. KNA’s services under the TOSA are paid for as a percentage of KNA’s costs of delivering those services to Purdue Global. KNA cannot predict how the ED or a federal court will interpret, revise or enforce all aspects of the incentive compensation rule or the bundled service revenue sharing guidance in the future or how they would be applied to the TOSA or any of KNA’s agreements by the ED or in any litigation. Any revisions or changes in interpretation or enforcement could require KNA and its client institutions to change their practices or renegotiate the tuition revenue sharing payment terms of KNA’s agreements wi…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

An institution participating in Title IV programs may not provide any commission, bonus or other incentive payment to any person or entity engaged in any student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the awarding of Title IV funds if such payment is based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid. KNA provides various services to Title IV participating institutions, including recruiting and, in the case of Purdue Global, financial aid services. As such, KNA is subject to the incentive compensation rule and cannot provide any commission, bonus or other incentive payment to any covered employees, subcontractors or other parties engaged in certain student recruiting, admission or financial aid activities based on success in securing enrollments or financial aid. In addition, KNA’s client Title IV institutions’ payments to KNA must comply with revenue sharing guidance provided by the ED related to bundled services agreements. In 2011 guidance, the ED provided that in certain arrangements with Title IV participating institutions where student recruiting services are “bundled” with other non-recruiting services, revenue sharing may be allowable despite the incentive compensation rule’s general prohibition on such revenue sharing with entities or individuals that provide recruiting services. Because this guidance is not codified in any rule or law but is instead ED guidance on the applicability of the incentive compensation rule, such guidance can be revoked at any time and without notice. The ED has indicated it is considering a change to this guidance as some lawmakers and states, such as California, have publicly called for the revocation of this guidance or sought to introduce federal and state legislation seeking to prevent any such revenue sharing with entities that engage in recruiting students. KNA cannot predict how the ED or a federal court will interpret, revise or enforce all aspects of the incentive compensation rule or the bundled service revenue sharing guidance in the future. Any revisions or changes in interpretation or enforcement could require KNA and its client institutions to change their practices or renegotiate the tuition revenue sharing payment terms of KNA’s agreements with such client institutions and could have a material adverse effect on Kaplan’s business and results of operations. Additionally, failure to comply with the incentive compensation rule could result in litigation or enforcement actions against KNA or its clients and could result in liabilities, fines or other sanctions against KNA or its clients, which could have a material adverse effect on Kaplan’s business and results of operations.

Previous wording

A Title IV participating institution is required to comply with the ED regulations related to misrepresentations and with related federal and state laws. These laws and regulations are broad in scope and may extend to statements by servicers, such as KNA, that provide marketing or certain other services to such institutions. These laws and regulations may also apply to KNA’s employees and agents, with respect to statements addressing the nature of an institution’s programs, financial charges or the employability of its graduates. KNA provides marketing and other services to Title IV participating institutions. On October 31, 2022, the ED published a new final rule governing the “Borrower Defense to Repayment” rules that became effective July 1, 2023. Among other things, the final rule refines the standard for aggressive and deceptive recruitment tactics that might constitute misrepresentation and provides additional bases for future borrowers’ defense claims against their current or former institutions. The failure to comply with these or other federal and state laws and regulations regarding misrepresentation and marketing practices could result in the imposition on KNA or its client institutions of fines, other sanctions or liabilities, including federal student aid repayment obligations to the ED, the termination or limitation of Kaplan’s eligibility to provide services as a third-party servicer to Title IV participating institutions, the termination or limitation of a client institution’s eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs, or legal action by students or other third parties. A violation of misrepresentation regulations or other federal or state laws and regulations applicable to the services KNA provides to its client institutions arising out of statements by KNA, its employees or agents could require KNA to pay the costs associated with indemnifying its client institutions from applicable losses resulting from the violation or could result in termination by such client institutions of their services agreements with KNA.

Current wording

A Title IV participating institution is required to comply with the ED regulations related to misrepresentations and with related federal and state laws. These laws and regulations are broad in scope and may extend to statements by servicers, such as KNA, that provide marketing or certain other services to such institutions. These laws and regulations may also apply to KNA’s employees and agents, with respect to statements addressing the nature of an institution’s programs, financial charges or the employability of its graduates. KNA provides marketing and other services to Title IV participating institutions. The failure to comply with these or other federal and state laws and regulations regarding misrepresentation and marketing practices could result in the imposition on KNA or its client institutions of fines, other sanctions or liabilities, including federal student aid repayment obligations to the ED, the termination or limitation of Kaplan’s eligibility to provide services as a third-party servicer to Title IV participating institutions, the termination or limitation of a client institution’s eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs, or legal action by students or other third parties. A violation of misrepresentation regulations or other federal or state laws and regulations applicable to the services KNA provides to its client institutions arising out of statements by KNA, its employees or agents could require KNA to pay the costs associated with indemnifying its client institutions from applicable losses resulting from the violation or could result in termination by such client institutions of their services agreements with KNA.

Previous wording

KNA and its client institutions are subject to reviews, audits, investigations and other compliance reviews conducted by various regulatory agencies and auditors, including, among others, the ED, the ED’s Office of the Inspector General, accrediting bodies and state and various other federal agencies. These compliance reviews can result in findings of noncompliance with statutory and regulatory requirements that can, in turn, result in the imposition of fines, liabilities, civil or criminal penalties or other sanctions against KNA and its client institutions, which could have an adverse effect on Kaplan’s financial results and operations. Separately, if KNA provides financial aid services to more than one Title IV participating institution, it will be required to arrange for an independent auditor to conduct an annual Title IV compliance audit of KNA’s compliance with applicable ED requirements. KNA’s client institutions are also required to arrange for an independent auditor to conduct an annual Title IV audit of their compliance with applicable ED requirements, including requirements related to services provided by KNA.

Current wording

KNA and its client institutions are subject to reviews, audits, investigations and other compliance reviews conducted by various regulatory agencies and auditors, including, among others, the ED and the ED’s Office of the Inspector General (in connection with KNA’s Third Party Servicer status with respect to Purdue Global), accrediting bodies and state and various other federal agencies. These compliance reviews can result in findings of noncompliance with statutory and regulatory requirements that can, in turn, result in the imposition of fines, liabilities, civil or criminal penalties or other sanctions against KNA and its client institutions, which could have an adverse effect on Kaplan’s financial results and operations. Separately, if KNA provides financial aid services to more than one Title IV participating institution, it will be required to arrange for an independent auditor to conduct an annual Title IV compliance audit of KNA’s compliance with applicable ED requirements. KNA’s client institutions are also required to arrange for an independent auditor to conduct an annual Title IV audit of their compliance with applicable ED requirements, including requirements related to services provided by KNA.

Previous wording

On September 3, 2015, Kaplan sold substantially all of the assets of the former Kaplan Higher Education Campuses (KHE Campuses). As part of the transaction, similar to the transfer of Kaplan University, Kaplan retained liability for the pre-sale conduct of the KHE schools. Although Kaplan no longer owns Kaplan University or the former KHE Campuses, Kaplan may be liable to the current owners of Kaplan University and the former KHE Campuses, for the pre-sale conduct of the schools, and the pre-sale conduct of the schools has been and could be the subject of future compliance reviews, regulatory proceedings or lawsuits that could result in monetary liabilities or fines or other sanctions.

Current wording

Although Kaplan no longer owns Kaplan University or the former KHE Campuses, Kaplan may be liable to the current owners of Kaplan University and the former KHE Campuses, for the pre-sale conduct of the schools, and the pre-sale conduct of the schools has been and could be the subject of future compliance reviews, regulatory proceedings or lawsuits that could result in monetary liabilities or fines or other sanctions.

Previous wording

In May 2021, Kaplan received notice from the ED that it would be conducting a fact-finding process pursuant to the BDTR regulations to determine the validity of BDTR claims and a request for documents related to several of Kaplan’s previously owned schools. In 2021, Kaplan received claims and related information requests seeking discharge of approximately $35 million in loans, excluding interest, from former Kaplan University students. Kaplan believes it has defenses that would bar any student discharge or school liability including that the claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations, unproven, incomplete and fail to meet regulatory filing requirements. The ED’s process for adjudicating these claims is subject to the borrower defense regulations but it is not clear to what extent the ED will exclude claims based on the underlying statutes of limitations, evidence provided by Kaplan, or any prior investigation related to schools attended by the student applicants. On August 16, 2022, the ED announced the approval of discharges for just under 100 borrowers who had enrolled in the medical assistant or medical billing and coding program at Kaplan Career Institute’s Kenmore Square location in Massachusetts from July 1, 2011 to February 16, 2012, when the institution stopped enrolling new students. These are borrowers the Massachusetts Attorney General identified as part of an investigation in 2013-2015. The location closed in February 2013. To date, the ED has not sought to recoup any discharged amount from Kaplan. Although the ED did not announce the total amount discharged, Kaplan believes it to be approximately $200,000. Kaplan believes that each of the students subject to discharge was likely previously covered by Kaplan’s prior settlement with the Massachusetts Attorney General through which they should have received refunds of all or part of their tuition.

Current wording

In 2021, Kaplan received claims and related information requests seeking discharge of approximately $35 million in loans, excluding interest, from students at Title IV participating schools formerly owned by Kaplan. Kaplan believes it has defenses that would bar any student discharge or school liability including that the claims are barred by the applicable statute of limitations, unproven, incomplete and fail to meet regulatory filing requirements.

Previous wording

As part of the Sweet v. Cardona settlement described below, the ED agreed to review any borrower defense applications submitted between June 23, 2022, and November 15, 2022 on an expedited basis. In January 2024, Kaplan was informed that the ED received applications during this time period regarding former Kaplan University and Purdue Global students and Kaplan has begun to receive them. Unknown at this time is the total discharge amount sought or how much of that amount would apply to Kaplan University students. The Sweet v. Cardona settlement requires the ED to adjudicate applications received during the designated time period pursuant to the requirements of the 2016 Borrower Defense Regulation. To the extent these applications apply to Kaplan University, Kaplan anticipates that it will have defenses similar to those described above.

Current wording

As part of the Sweet v. Cardona settlement in November 2022 in the Northern District of California, the ED agreed to review any borrower defense applications submitted between June 23, 2022, and November 15, 2022 on an expedited basis. In January 2024, Kaplan was informed that the ED received applications during this time period regarding former Kaplan University and Purdue Global students. Unknown at this time is the total discharge amount sought or how much of that amount would apply to Kaplan University students. The Sweet v. Cardona settlement requires the ED to adjudicate applications received during the designated time period pursuant to the requirements of the 2016 Borrower Defense Regulation. To the extent these applications apply to Kaplan University, Kaplan anticipates that it will have defenses similar to those described above.

Previous wording

In any case, Kaplan expects to vigorously defend any attempt by the ED to hold Kaplan liable for any ultimate student discharges and responded to the prior claims with documentary and narrative evidence to refute the allegations, demonstrate their lack of merit and support the denial of all such claims by the ED. Kaplan will similarly respond to all future claims it receives. As noted, if the claims are successful, the ED may seek reimbursement for the amount discharged from Kaplan. If the ED initiates a reimbursement action against Kaplan following approval of additional former students’ borrower defense to repayment applications, Kaplan may be subject to significant liability.

Current wording

Kaplan expects to vigorously defend any attempt by the ED to hold Kaplan liable for any ultimate student discharges and responded to the prior claims with documentary and narrative evidence to refute the allegations, demonstrate their lack of merit and support the denial of all such claims by the ED. Kaplan will similarly respond to all future claims it receives. As noted, if the claims are successful, the ED may seek reimbursement for the amount discharged from Kaplan. If the ED initiates a reimbursement action against Kaplan following approval of additional former students’ borrower defense to repayment applications, Kaplan may be subject to significant liability.

Previous wording

KNA currently provides services to higher education institutions that are heavily regulated by federal and state laws and regulations and by accrediting bodies. Currently, a substantial portion of KNA’s revenue is attributable to service fees and deferred purchase price payments it receives under its agreement with Purdue Global, which, in the case of the deferred purchase price, are dependent upon revenue generated by Purdue Global and upon Purdue Global’s eligibility to participate in the Title IV federal student aid program. To maintain Title IV eligibility, Purdue Global and KNA’s other client institutions must be certified by the ED as eligible institutions, maintain authorizations by applicable state education agencies and be accredited by an accrediting commission recognized by the ED. Purdue Global and KNA’s other client institutions must also comply with the extensive statutory and regulatory requirements of the Higher Education Act and other state and federal laws and accrediting standards relating to their financial aid management, educational programs, financial strength, disbursement and return of Title IV funds, facilities, recruiting practices, representations made by the school and other parties, and various other matters. Additionally, Purdue Global and other client institutions are subject to laws and regulations that, among other things, limit student default rates on the repayment of Title IV loans; permit BDTR of Title IV loans based on certain conduct of the institution; establish specific measures of financial responsibility and administrative capability; regulate the addition of new campuses and programs and other institutional changes; require compliance with state professional licensure board requirements to the extent applicable to institutional programs; require compliance with the Title IV definition of nonprofit institution; and require state authorization and institutional and programmatic accreditation. In addition, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and subsequent guidance from the ED have created changes in the administration of federal financial assistance programs, the interpretation of which may not yet be fully understood.

Current wording

KNA currently provides services to higher education institutions that are heavily regulated by federal and state laws and regulations and by accrediting bodies. A substantial portion of KNA’s revenue is attributable to service fees and deferred purchase price payments it receives under its agreement with Purdue Global, which are dependent upon revenue generated by Purdue Global and upon Purdue Global’s eligibility to participate in the Title IV federal student aid program. To maintain Title IV eligibility, Purdue Global and KNA’s other client institutions must be certified by the ED as eligible institutions, maintain authorizations by applicable state education agencies and be accredited by an accrediting commission recognized by the ED. Purdue Global and KNA’s other client institutions must also comply with the extensive statutory and regulatory requirements of the Higher Education Act and other state and federal laws, and accrediting standards relating to their financial aid management, educational programs, financial strength, disbursement and return of Title IV funds, facilities, recruiting practices, representations made by the school and other parties, and various other matters. Additionally, Purdue Global and other client institutions are subject to laws and regulations that, among other things, limit student default rates on the repayment of Title IV loans; permit BDTR of Title IV loans based on certain conduct of the institution; establish specific measures of financial responsibility and administrative capability; regulate the addition of new campuses and programs and other institutional changes; require compliance with state professional licensure board requirements to the extent applicable to institutional programs; require compliance with the Title IV definition of nonprofit institution; and require state authorization and institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Previous wording

If the ED finds that Purdue Global or any other KNA client institution has failed to comply with Title IV requirements or improperly disbursed or retained Title IV program funds, it may take one or more of a number of actions, including: fining the school, requiring the school to repay Title IV program funds, limiting or terminating the school’s eligibility to participate in Title IV programs, initiating an emergency action to suspend the school’s participation in the Title IV programs without prior notice or opportunity for a hearing, transferring the school to a method of Title IV payment that would adversely affect the timing of the institution’s receipt of Title IV funds, requiring the school to submit a letter of credit, denying or refusing to consider the school’s application for renewal of its certification to participate in the Title IV programs or for approval to add a new campus or educational program, requiring the institution to comply with additional regulatory requirements reserved for schools not meeting the definition of a nonprofit institution including 90/10 and Gainful Employment requirements, and/or referring the matter for possible civil or criminal investigation. There can be no assurance that the ED will not take any of these or other actions in the future, whether as a result of lawsuits, program reviews or otherwise. On November 25, 2024, the ED approved Purdue Global’s Application for Participation in the Title IV program and granted a full Program Participation Agreement. This Program Participation Agreement expires on December 31, 2028 and will need to be renewed prior to that date pursuant to federal regulations. Pursuant to the terms of the Program Participation Agreement Purdue Global must report to the ED any accreditation or governmental agency action or class action lawsuit. If Purdue Global or another KNA client institution loses or has limits placed on its Title IV eligibility, accreditation or state licensure, or if Purdue Global or another KNA client institution is subject to fines, repayment obligations or other adverse actions owing to its or Kaplan’s noncompliance with Title IV regulations, accreditor or state agency requirements, or other state or federal laws, Kaplan’s financial results of operations could be adversely affected. Additionally, as a prior owner of Title IV institutions, KNA may retain certain liability for student loans related to the current or future BDTR applications described above or future similar applications.

Current wording

If the ED finds that Purdue Global or any other KNA client institution has failed to comply with Title IV requirements or improperly disbursed or retained Title IV program funds, it may take one or more of a number of actions, including fining the school, requiring the school to repay Title IV program funds, limiting or terminating the school’s eligibility to participate in Title IV programs, initiating an emergency action to suspend the school’s participation in the Title IV programs without prior notice or opportunity for a hearing, transferring the school to a method of Title IV payment that would adversely affect the timing of the institution’s receipt of Title IV funds, requiring the school to submit a letter of credit, denying or refusing to consider the school’s application for renewal of its certification to participate in the Title IV programs or for approval to add a new campus or educational program, requiring the institution to comply with additional regulatory requirements reserved for schools not meeting the definition of a nonprofit institution including 90/10 and Gainful Employment requirements, and/or referring the matter for possible civil or criminal investigation. There can be no assurance that the ED will not take any of these or other actions in the future, whether as a result of lawsuits, program reviews or otherwise. On November 25, 2024, the ED approved Purdue Global’s Application for Participation in the Title IV program and granted a full Program Participation Agreement. This Program Participation Agreement expires on December 31, 2028 and will need to be renewed prior to that date pursuant to federal regulations. Pursuant to the terms of the Program Participation Agreement, Purdue Global must report to the ED any accreditation or governmental agency action or class action lawsuit. If Purdue Global or another KNA client institution loses or has limits placed on its Title IV eligibility, accreditation or state licensure, or if Purdue Global or another KNA client institution is subject to fines, repayment obligations or other adverse actions, accreditor or state agency requirements, or other state or federal laws, Kaplan’s financial results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Kaplan’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Purdue Global transaction will depend, in part, on its ability to successfully and efficiently provide services to Purdue Global. Achieving the anticipated benefits is subject to a number of uncertainties, including whether the services can be provided in the manner and at the cost Kaplan anticipated and whether Purdue Global is able to realize anticipated student enrollment levels. If Kaplan is unable to effectively execute its post-transaction strategy, it may take longer than anticipated to achieve the benefits of the transaction or it may not realize those benefits at all. In 2022, pursuant to the TOSA, Purdue Global began providing certain functions previously provided by KNA in-house. Those functions include human resources, finance and accounting, facility management, and communications services. The TOSA (Kaplan’s service agreement with Purdue Global) acknowledges that the Purdue Global Board of Trustees controls the university. While the TOSA provides financial protections to Kaplan to ensure payment of certain of its fees, actions by Purdue Global that change university policies, direct the provision of certain non-academic service functions, or increase costs associated with the non-academic service functions could impact Kaplan’s ability to achieve the benefits of the transaction.

Current wording

Kaplan’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Purdue Global transaction will depend, in part, on its ability to successfully and efficiently provide services to Purdue Global. Achieving the anticipated benefits is subject to a number of uncertainties, including whether the services can be provided in the manner and at the cost Kaplan anticipated and whether Purdue Global is able to realize anticipated student enrollment levels. The TOSA (Kaplan’s service agreement with Purdue Global) acknowledges that the Purdue Global Board of Trustees controls the university. While the TOSA provides financial protections to Kaplan to ensure payment of certain of its fees, actions by Purdue Global that change university policies, direct the provision of certain non-academic service functions, or increase costs associated with the non-academic service functions could impact Kaplan’s ability to achieve the benefits of the transaction.

Previous wording

The laws, regulations and other requirements applicable to KNA or any KNA client institutions are subject to change and to interpretation. Regulations enacted as a result of a 2021 Negotiated Rulemaking, that became effective in July 2023 (July 2023 Regulations), include restrictions on revenue-sharing arrangements between universities and former university owners, as discussed above. This could impact KNA Higher Education managed service provider contracts with Purdue Global and other KNA client institutions such as Wake Forest, Purdue, Creighton, Lynn or others. In addition, the July 2023 Regulations included new rules and changes to existing rules related to the ability of student borrowers to obtain discharges of their obligations to repay certain Title IV loans that were first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023; the BDTR adjudication process; recoupment of BDTR discharges from institutions; closed school loan discharges; disability loan discharges; public loan forgiveness; income-driven repayment plans; colleges and universities undergoing changes in ownership; and arbitration agreements. The ED also changed the Title IV definition of “nonprofit” institution to generally exclude from that definition any institution that is an obligor on a debt owed to a former owner of the institution or maintains a revenue-based service agreement with a former owner of the institution. Such regulatory changes as well as those described above could subject Purdue Global and other KNA client institutions to additional regulatory requirements. Additionally, the application of the July 2023 Regulations related to BDTR to KNA for loans disbursed between July 1, 2017 and March 22, 2018, the close of the Purdue Global transaction, could materially affect Kaplan’s revenues. Further, the changes to the ability of students to discharge loans owed as a result of prior school closures could impose liability on Kaplan for loans made to students at institutions previously owned by Kaplan and closed during Kaplan’s ownership. These and other regulatory, policy or legal changes could include the imposition of outcome metrics on universities, a form of free community college, and changes to the financial aid system, including broad loan forgiveness. Other regulatory requirements or developments could have a material adverse effect on Purdue Global’s and other client institutions’ revenues and, in turn, on Kaplan’s operating results, including, for example:

Current wording

The laws, regulations and other requirements applicable to KNA or any KNA client institutions are subject to change and to interpretation. The July 2023 regulations included new rules and changes to existing rules related to the ability of student borrowers to obtain discharges of their obligations to repay certain Title IV loans that were first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023; closed school loan discharges; disability loan discharges; public loan forgiveness; income-driven repayment plans; colleges and universities undergoing changes in ownership; and arbitration agreements. The ED also changed the Title IV definition of “nonprofit” institution to generally exclude from that definition any institution that is an obligor on a debt owed to a former owner of the institution or maintains a revenue-based service agreement with a former owner of the institution. Such regulatory changes as well as those described above could subject Purdue Global and other KNA client institutions to additional regulatory requirements. These and other regulatory, policy or legal changes could include the imposition of outcome metrics on universities, a form of free community college, and changes to the financial aid system, including broad loan forgiveness. Other regulatory requirements or developments could have a material adverse effect on Purdue Global’s and other client institutions’ revenues and, in turn, on Kaplan’s operating results, including, for example:

Previous wording

Increases in regulatory scrutiny of postsecondary education and service providers: The increased scrutiny of online schools that offer programs similar to those offered by Purdue Global or other client institutions and of service providers that provide services similar to Kaplan’s has resulted, and may continue to result, in additional enforcement actions, investigations and lawsuits by the ED, other federal agencies, Congress, state Attorneys General and state licensing agencies, or private plaintiffs. Recent enforcement actions have resulted in substantial liabilities, restrictions and sanctions and in some cases have led to the loss of Title IV eligibility and closure of institutions. The change of control of the executive branch and Congress in 2025 could decrease the amount of regulation of service companies like Kaplan and online schools like Kaplan’s client institutions. However, new legislation or regulation could affect Kaplan’s participation in Title IV programs as a third-party servicer to Purdue Global or such other client institutions. In addition, legislative proposals that restrict the ability of entities like KNA to provide certain admissions-related services to Title IV participating institutions under revenue sharing arrangements could impact KNA agreements.

Current wording

Increases in regulatory scrutiny of postsecondary education and service providers: The increased scrutiny of online schools that offer programs similar to those offered by Purdue Global or other client institutions and of service providers that provide services similar to Kaplan’s has resulted, and may continue to result, in additional enforcement actions, investigations and lawsuits by the ED, other federal agencies, Congress, state Attorneys General and state licensing agencies, or private plaintiffs. Recent enforcement actions have resulted in substantial liabilities, restrictions and sanctions and in some cases have led to the loss of Title IV eligibility and closure of institutions. New legislation or regulation could affect Kaplan’s participation in Title IV programs as a Third Party Servicer to Purdue Global or such other client institutions. In addition, legislative proposals that restrict the ability of entities like KNA to provide certain admissions-related services to Title IV participating institutions under revenue sharing arrangements could impact KNA agreements.

Previous wording

Additionally, KNA faces increased competition from competitors offering lower-cost or free test prep products that may be used by students to piece together alternatives to traditional comprehensive test prep programs. Kaplan’s operating results may be adversely affected if student demand for KNA’s traditional comprehensive programs shifts to KNA’s lower-cost, stand-alone offerings, or if competitors offer lower-cost, stand-alone offerings or free test prep products that are more attractive to students than KNA’s products.

Current wording

Additionally, KNA faces increased competition offering lower-cost or free test prep products that may be used by students to piece together alternatives to traditional comprehensive test prep programs. Kaplan’s operating results may be adversely affected if student demand for KNA’s traditional comprehensive programs shifts to KNA’s lower-cost, stand-alone offerings, or if competitors offer lower-cost, stand-alone offerings or free test prep products that are more attractive to students than KNA’s products.

Previous wording

The continuing growth and technological expansion of internet-based services has increased competitive pressure on the Company’s media businesses. Examples of such developments include delivery of programming via online platforms, including both ad-supported and subscription video programming services and the national broadcast networks’ direct-to-consumer services, technologies that enable users to fast-forward or skip advertisements, and devices that allow users to consume content on demand and in remote locations while avoiding traditional commercial advertisements or cable and satellite subscriptions. A number of these platforms make local programming, including local news, available to viewers and subscribers. Subscription service Amazon Prime Video has publicly discussed the availability of local news on its platform.

Current wording

The continuing growth and technological expansion of internet-based services has increased competitive pressure on the Company’s media businesses. Examples of such developments include delivery of programming via online platforms, including both ad-supported and subscription video programming services, including vMVPDs, and the national broadcast networks’ direct-to-consumer services, technologies that enable users to fast-forward or skip advertisements, and devices that allow users to consume content on demand and in remote locations while avoiding traditional commercial advertisements or cable and satellite subscriptions. A number of these platforms make local programming, including local news, available to viewers and subscribers. Subscription service Amazon Prime Video has publicly discussed the availability of local news on its platform.

Previous wording

The Company’s television broadcasting business operates in a highly regulated environment. Complying with applicable regulations has significantly increased, and may continue to increase, the costs, and has reduced the revenues, of the business. Changes in regulations have the potential to negatively impact the television broadcasting business, not only by increasing compliance costs and reducing revenues through restrictions on certain types of advertising, limitations on pricing flexibility, or other means, but also by possibly creating more favorable regulatory environments for the providers of competing services, including unregulated digital programming distribution platforms. In addition, changes to the FCC’s rules governing broadcast ownership may affect the Company’s ability to expand its television broadcasting business and/or may enable the Company’s competitors to improve their market positions through consolidation. More generally, significant changes in applicable regulations could adversely affect the profitability and/or competitive positions of the Company’s businesses.

Current wording

The Company’s television broadcasting business operates in a highly regulated environment. The costs and burdens of complying with applicable regulations have significantly increased, and may continue to increase, GMG’s operating costs, and have reduced, and may continue to reduce, the revenues of GMG’s business. Changes in regulations have the potential to negatively impact the television broadcasting business, not only by increasing compliance costs and reducing revenues through restrictions on certain types of advertising, limitations on pricing flexibility, or other means, but also by possibly creating more favorable regulatory environments for the providers of competing services, including unregulated digital programming distribution platforms. In addition, changes to the

Previous wording

The Company cannot predict how the market will evolve as the new broadcast television station technical standard, ATSC 3.0, is made available in a growing number of television markets across the country; today, ATSC 3.0 streams are available in more than 75 markets. Competing stations that transition to ATSC 3.0 may increase competition for the Company’s stations and/or create competitive pressure for the Company’s stations to launch ATSC 3.0 streams. As noted above, all of GMG stations have begun broadcasting ATSC 3.0 streams. The pace of transition to and consumer adoption of the ATSC 3.0 broadcasting standard may also be affected by the availability of ATSC 3.0-capable consumer devices. Equipment manufacturers began releasing certain TV models with built-in ATSC 3.0-capable receivers in 2020, and an increasing number of external tuners or converter boxes are available, but ATSC 3.0-capable consumer devices are not yet widely available or in use in the U.S. The ongoing transition to ATSC 3.0 may have material effects on the Company’s media businesses that cannot now be reliably predicted and that may have an adverse effect on the Company’s operating results.

Current wording

The Company cannot predict how the market will evolve as the new broadcast television station technical standard, ATSC 3.0, is made available in a growing number of television markets across the country; today, ATSC 3.0 streams are available in more than 80 markets. Competing stations that transition to ATSC 3.0 may increase competition for the Company’s stations. As noted above, all of GMG’s stations have begun broadcasting ATSC 3.0 streams. The pace of transition to and consumer adoption of the ATSC 3.0 broadcasting standard may also be affected by the availability of ATSC 3.0-capable consumer devices. Equipment manufacturers began releasing certain TV models with built-in ATSC 3.0-capable receivers in 2020, and an increasing number of external tuners or converter boxes are available, but ATSC 3.0-capable consumer devices are not yet widely available or in use in the U.S. The ongoing transition to ATSC 3.0 may have material effects on the Company’s media businesses that cannot now be reliably predicted and that may have an adverse effect on the Company’s operating results.

Previous wording

As the number of subscribers to traditional cable, satellite and telecommunications services continues to decline, GMG faces the possibility of declining revenues under its existing retransmission agreements, which typically provide for payment to GMG on a per-subscriber basis. Those subscribers who “cut the cord” and move to internet-based subscription streaming services may not generate the same revenues as GMG receives under its existing retransmission consent agreements, because, as discussed above, the per-subscriber fees paid to network-affiliated stations under the distribution agreements that apply to vMVPDs may be less than the fees paid by traditional MVPDs under GMG’s retransmission consent agreements.

Current wording

As the number of subscribers to traditional cable, satellite and telecommunications services continues to decline, GMG faces the possibility of declining revenues under its existing retransmission agreements, which typically provide for payment to GMG on a per-subscriber basis. Those subscribers who “cut the cord” and move to internet-based subscription streaming services may not generate the same revenues as GMG receives under its existing retransmission consent agreements, because, as discussed above, the per-subscriber fees paid to network-affiliated stations under the network-negotiated distribution agreements that apply to vMVPDs may be less than the fees paid by traditional MVPDs under GMG’s retransmission consent agreements.

Previous wording

At the same time, GMG’s network affiliation agreements typically require payments to the networks with which GMG stations are affiliated in the form of “reverse retransmission consent fees,” which require GMG to share a specified portion of its retransmission consent revenues with the respective networks. As reverse retransmission consent fee payments required to be paid to the networks escalate, GMG potentially could retain smaller shares of revenues generated by its retransmission consent agreements. The reverse retransmission consent fee obligations are sometimes structured as annual flat fees. In those cases, as the number of subscribers to traditional MVPD platforms decreases, GMG bears the costs and risks of declining retransmission consent revenues.

Current wording

At the same time, GMG’s network affiliation agreements typically require payments to the networks with which GMG stations are affiliated in the form of what is frequently referred to as “reverse retransmission consent fees,” which require GMG to share a specified portion of its retransmission consent revenues with the respective networks. As reverse retransmission consent fee payments required to be paid to the networks escalate, GMG potentially could retain smaller shares of revenues generated by its retransmission consent agreements. Network affiliation fee obligations are sometimes structured as annual flat fees. In those cases, as the number of subscribers to traditional MVPD platforms decreases, GMG alone bears the costs and risks of declining retransmission consent revenues.

Previous wording

As the national networks have launched and continue to market and invest in their direct-to-consumer platforms, an increasing amount of network programming, including valuable sports programming, that was once available exclusively on an in-market network-affiliated station is now being made available on ad-supported or subscription services such as Paramount+ (CBS) and Peacock (NBC), either exclusively or simultaneously with its over-the-air broadcast. Disney has announced it is planning to launch new direct-to-consumer sports programming service ESPN Flagship in 2025. The diminishing program exclusivity provided by network affiliation could decrease local broadcasters’ leverage in retransmission consent negotiations with MVPDs. This paradigm could create a growing imbalance for GMG, as “reverse retrans” payments to the networks increase at the same time network-affiliated stations’ exclusivity–and with it, the revenues generated by retransmission consent agreements–continues to decline.

Current wording

As the national networks have launched and continue to market and invest in their direct-to-consumer platforms, an increasing amount of network programming, including valuable sports programming, that was once available exclusively on an in-market network-affiliated station is now being made available on ad-supported or subscription services such as Paramount+ (CBS), ESPN Unlimited (ABC), Fox One (Fox), and Peacock (NBC), either exclusively or simultaneously with its over-the-air broadcast. The diminishing program exclusivity provided by network affiliation could decrease local broadcasters’ leverage in retransmission consent negotiations with MVPDs. This paradigm could create a growing imbalance for GMG, as “reverse retrans” payments to the networks increase at the same time network-affiliated stations’ exclusivity–and with it, the revenues generated by retransmission consent agreements–continue to decline.

Previous wording

Taken together, these factors together could adversely affect GMG’s revenues and operating results.

Current wording

Taken together, these factors could adversely affect GMG’s revenues and operating results.

Previous wording

The home health and hospice industries are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws, with regulations affecting a wide range of matters, including licensure and certification, quality of services, qualifications of personnel, confidentiality and security of medical records, relationships with physicians and other referral sources, operating policies and procedures, and billing and coding practices. These laws and regulations change frequently, and the manner in which they will be interpreted is subject to change in ways that cannot be predicted.

Current wording

Home health and hospice and home infusion therapies are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws, with regulations affecting a wide range of matters, including licensure and certification, quality of services, qualifications of personnel, confidentiality and security of medical records, relationships with physicians and other referral sources, operating policies and procedures, and billing and coding practices. Failure to obtain, maintain or timely renew required licenses, or to comply with evolving regulatory standards, could limit the healthcare group’s ability to operate in certain jurisdictions, delay growth initiatives or result in enforcement actions, fines, or other adverse consequences. In addition, these laws and regulations change frequently, and the manner in which they will be interpreted is subject to change in ways that cannot be predicted.

Previous wording

Managed-care organizations, hospitals, physician practices and other third-party payors continue to consolidate in response to the evolving regulatory environment, thereby enhancing their ability to influence the delivery of healthcare services and decreasing the number of organizations serving patients. This consolidation could adversely impact GHG’s businesses if they are unable to maintain their ability to participate in established networks.

Current wording

Managed-care organizations, hospitals, physician practices and other third-party payors continue to consolidate in response to the evolving regulatory environment, thereby enhancing their ability to influence the delivery of healthcare services and decreasing the number of organizations serving patients. Continued consolidation among payors, PBMs and vertically integrated healthcare organizations could result in narrower or preferred specialty pharmacy networks, more restrictive participation criteria, or increased reliance on network adequacy standards. This consolidation could adversely impact the healthcare group’s businesses if they are unable to maintain their ability to participate in established networks.

Previous wording

GHG is also subject to periodic and routine reviews, audits and investigations by federal and state government agencies and private payors, which could result in negative findings that adversely impact the business. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) increasingly uses third-party, for-profit contractors to conduct these reviews, many of which share in the amounts that CMS denies. These reviews, audits and investigations consume significant staff and financial resources and may take years to resolve. The costs associated with these actions as well as potential negative outcome could materially adversely affect GHG’s results of operations.

Current wording

The healthcare group is subject to periodic and routine reviews, audits and investigations by federal and state government agencies and private payors, which could result in negative findings that adversely impact the business. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) increasingly uses third-party, for-profit contractors to conduct these reviews, many of which share in the amounts that CMS denies. These reviews, audits and investigations consume significant staff and financial resources and may take years to resolve. The costs associated with these actions as well as potential negative outcomes could materially adversely affect the healthcare group’s results of operations.

Previous wording

The Company’s Healthcare business derives revenue primarily from Medicare. Payments received from Medicare are subject to changes made through federal legislation. When changes are implemented, internal billing processes and procedures must be modified, which can require significant time and expense. These changes can include changes to base payments, adjustments for home health services, changes to cap limits and per diem rates for hospice services, changes to Medicare eligibility and documentation requirements and changes designed to restrict utilization. Health care reform and legislation and continuing efforts of governmental payors to contain health care costs could decrease payments made for services. Within the Medicare program, the hospice benefit is often specifically targeted for cuts. Reimbursement payments under governmental payor programs, including Medicare supplemental insurance policies, may not remain at levels comparable to present levels or be sufficient to cover the costs allocable to patients eligible for reimbursement pursuant to these programs. Any such changes, including retroactive adjustments, could have a material adverse effect on our business and consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

The healthcare group derives revenue primarily from Medicare. Payments received from Medicare are subject to changes made through federal legislation. When changes are implemented, internal billing processes and procedures must be modified, which can require significant time and expense. These changes can include changes to base payments, adjustments for home health services, changes to cap limits and per diem rates for hospice services, changes to Medicare eligibility and documentation requirements and changes designed to restrict utilization. Health care reform and legislation and continuing efforts of governmental payors to contain health care costs could decrease payments made for services. Within the Medicare program, the hospice benefit is often specifically targeted for cuts. Reimbursement payments under governmental payor programs, including Medicare supplemental insurance policies, may not remain at levels comparable to present levels or be sufficient to cover the costs allocable to patients eligible for reimbursement pursuant to these programs. Any such changes, including retroactive adjustments, could have a material adverse effect on our business and consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

The country’s severe shortage of nurses could adversely affect GHG’s ability to meet customer demand and may impact its ability to take on new business. In addition, competition to attract new nurses necessitates offering increased wages and benefits, which increases costs.

Current wording

The country’s severe shortage of nurses, including shortages of specialized nursing personnel, could adversely affect the healthcare group’s ability to meet customer demand, impact its ability to take on new business and increase labor costs.

Previous wording

• Value-based Purchasing Could Negatively Impact Medicare Reimbursement.

Current wording

• Value-based Purchasing and Decreased Medicare Payments Could Negatively Impact Medicare Reimbursement.

Previous wording

Both private and government payors are increasingly looking to value-based purchasing to lower costs. Value-based purchasing focuses on quality of outcomes and care efficiency, rather than quantity of care. Effective January 1, 2023, under the 2022 Home Health final rule for Medicare home health providers, value-based purchasing was expanded to all 50 states. Under the expanded model, home health agencies receive adjustments to their Medicare fee-for-service payments based on their performance against a set of quality measures, relative to their peers’ performance. Performance on these quality measures in a specified year (performance year) impacts payment adjustments in a later year (payment year). The Home Health Final Rule for 2024, published on November 1, 2023, introduced significant updates that will take effect in 2025, altering the risk profile for home health providers. These changes include a redefined set of quality measures, updated performance benchmarks, and adjustments to payment methodologies, potentially intensifying the financial and operational pressures on providers. CMS could also create a similar plan for hospice providers in the future. Private and government payors’ implementation of value-based purchasing requirements could negatively impact Medicare reimbursement and have an adverse effect on GHG’s financial condition, results of operations and overall cash flows.

Current wording

Both private and government payors are increasingly looking to value-based purchasing to lower costs. Value-based purchasing focuses on quality of outcomes and care efficiency, rather than quantity of care. Effective January 1, 2023, under the 2022 Home Health final rule for Medicare home health providers, value-based purchasing was expanded to all 50 states. Under the expanded model, home health agencies receive adjustments to their Medicare fee-for-service payments based on their performance against a set of quality measures, relative to their peers’ performance. Performance on these quality measures in a specified year (performance year) impacts payment adjustments in a later year (payment year). The Home Health Final Rule for 2024, published on November 1, 2023, introduced significant updates that took effect in 2025. Those updates altered the risk profile for home health providers by implementing changes which included a redefined set of quality measures, updated performance benchmarks, and adjustments to payment methodologies, intensifying the financial and operational pressures on providers. CMS could also create a similar plan for hospice providers in the future. Additionally, the Home Health Rule for 2026, published on November 28, 2025, and effective January 1, 2026, will add further financial and operational pressures by decreasing aggregate Medicare payments to home health agencies by 1.3% compared to calendar year 2025. Private and government payors’ implementation of value-based purchasing requirements could negatively impact Medicare reimbursement and have an adverse effect on the healthcare group’s financial condition, results of operations and overall cash flows.

Previous wording

Medicare is the primary payor for the Company’s Healthcare business and rates are established through federal legislation. Additionally, non-Medicare rates are difficult to negotiate because such payors are under pressure to reduce their own costs. As a result, the Healthcare business must manage costs in order to achieve a desired level of profitability including, but not limited to, centralization of various processes, utilization of technology/automation and management of the number of employees utilized. If the Healthcare business is unable to streamline its processes and reduce costs, its business and consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Current wording

Medicare is the primary payor for the healthcare group and rates are established through federal legislation. Additionally, non-Medicare rates are difficult to negotiate because such payors are under pressure to reduce their own costs. As a result, the Healthcare business must manage costs in order to achieve a desired level of profitability including, but not limited to, centralization of various processes, utilization of technology/automation and management of the number of employees utilized. If the Healthcare business is unable to streamline its processes and reduce costs, its business and consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

Previous wording

The Company’s manufacturing operations are subject to hazards inherent in manufacturing and production-related facilities. An accident involving these operations or equipment may result in losses due to personal injury; loss of life; damage or destruction of property, equipment or the environment; or a suspension of operations. Insurance may not protect the Company against liability for certain kinds of events, including those involving pollution or losses resulting from business interruption. Any damages caused by the Company’s operations that are not covered by insurance, or are in excess of policy limits, could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Current wording

The Company’s manufacturing operations are subject to hazards inherent in manufacturing and production-related facilities. An accident involving these operations or equipment may result in losses due to personal injury; loss of life; damage or destruction of property, equipment or the environment; or a suspension of operations. Insurance may not protect the Company against liability for certain kinds of events, including those involving pollution or losses resulting from business interruption. In addition, claims related to product design, manufacturing or service (by the Company or its suppliers) may harm the Company’s reputation and brands and reduce demand. Any damages caused by the Company’s operations that are not covered by insurance, or are in excess of policy limits, could materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Previous wording

The Company’s dealerships are dependent on the products and services offered by the brand of automobiles that its dealerships sell. The ability of the Company’s dealerships to sell and service these brands may be adversely affected by negative conditions faced by manufacturers such as negative changes to a manufacturer’s financial condition, negative publicity concerning a manufacturer or vehicle model, declines in consumer demand or brand preferences, changes in consumer preferences driven by fuel price volatility, disruptions in production and delivery, including those caused by natural disasters or labor strikes, new laws or regulations, including more stringent fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards, and technological innovations in ride-sharing, electric vehicles and autonomous driving. The ability of the Company’s dealerships to align with manufacturers and adapt to evolving consumer demand for electric vehicles could adversely affect new and used vehicle sales volumes, parts and service revenue and results of operations.

Current wording

The Company’s dealerships are dependent on the products and services offered by the brand of automobiles that its dealerships sell. The ability of the Company’s dealerships to sell and service these brands may be adversely affected by negative conditions faced by manufacturers such as negative changes to a manufacturer’s financial condition; negative publicity concerning a manufacturer or vehicle model; declines in consumer demand or brand preferences; changes in consumer preferences driven by fuel price volatility, disruptions in production and delivery, including those caused by natural disasters or labor strikes, new laws or regulations, including more stringent fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards; and technological innovations in ridesharing, electric vehicles and autonomous driving. The ability of the Company’s dealerships to align with manufacturers and adapt to evolving consumer demand for electric vehicles could adversely affect new and used vehicle sales volumes, parts and service revenue and results of operations.

Previous wording

Historically, competition among restaurant companies for qualified management and staff has been very high. The Company’s ability to recruit and retain managers and staff to operate the Company’s restaurants is critical to a customer’s dining experience. Failure to recruit and retain employees, low levels of unemployment or high turnover levels could negatively affect the Company’s restaurant business. Tipped wage legislation is presenting new challenges to balance menu pricing, service standards, staffing levels, operating costs and public awareness as new wage laws are implemented.

Current wording

Historically, competition among restaurants for qualified management and staff has been very high. The Company’s ability to recruit and retain managers and staff to operate its restaurants is critical to a customer’s dining experience. Failure to recruit and retain employees, low levels of unemployment or high turnover levels could negatively affect the Company’s restaurant business. Tipped wage legislation is presenting new challenges to balance menu pricing, service standards, staffing levels, operating costs and public awareness as new wage laws are implemented.