Company: GHC
Filing Date: 2025-02-26
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0000104889-25-000022
Chunk: 207

Company: Graham Holdings Co
Filing Date: 2025-02-26
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 207
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 new dealerships within an area in which such dealerships operate. Manufacturers also have the right of first refusal if the Company seeks to sell dealerships and may limit the Company’s ability to transfer ownership of a dealership without the prior approval of the manufacturer. Failure to maintain ownership of the dealerships in compliance with manufacturer agreements could constitute a breach of the agreements and could result in termination or non-renewal of existing dealer agreements. If one of the Company’s manufacturers does not renew its dealer agreement or terminates the agreement, the Company’s dealership would be unable to sell or distribute new vehicles or perform manufacturer-authorized warranty service, which would adversely affect the Company’s automotive business.

•Changes Affecting Automobile Manufacturers Could Adversely Affect the Company’s Automotive Business.

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.

•Changes to State Dealer Franchise Laws to Permit Manufacturers to Enter the Retail Market Directly and Technological Innovations Could Adversely Impact the Company’s Traditional Dealership Model.

Changes to state dealer franchise laws to permit the sale of new vehicles without the involvement of franchised dealers could adversely affect the Company’s dealerships. Certain manufacturers have been challenging state dealer franchise laws in many states and some have expressed interest in selling directly to customers. The Company’s dealership model could be adversely affected if new vehicle sales are allowed to be conducted on the internet without the involvement of franchised dealers. 

•Changes in Economic Conditions and Vehicle Inventories Are Difficult to Predict and May Adversely Impact the Results of Operations of the Company’s Dealerships.

Sales of new and used vehicles are cyclical. Historically there have been periods of downturns characterized by weak demand due to general economic conditions, excess supplies, consumer confidence, discretionary income and credit