Core Argument - A group of independent publishers has filed an EU antitrust complaint against Google regarding its use of AI Overviews, which are AI-generated results that appear at the top of Google searches and are trained on content from across the internet [1][2] Impact on Publishers - The complaint states that Google's AI Overviews misuse web content, causing significant harm to publishers, including loss of traffic, readership, and revenue [2] - Publishers are unable to opt out of their content being used for AI training without losing visibility in Google Search [2] - Publisher traffic has seen drastic declines, with some major sites experiencing drops of 27-59% according to Similarweb estimates [5] Industry Response - In response to declining traffic, many publishers, including CNN and The Verge, are implementing paywalls and seeking direct connections with readers, moving towards a "Google Zero" future [5][6] - The publishing industry is actively filing lawsuits against AI companies like OpenAI and Microsoft for using copyrighted material to train their models [6][7] - The publishing sector has faced significant challenges, leading to layoffs and closures, with 2,900 local newspapers shutting down in the US since 2005 [8]

Core Viewpoint - Educational Development Corporation (EDC) reported a decline in net revenues for the fiscal first quarter of 2026, while also managing to reduce losses compared to the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance - Net revenues for the first quarter ended May 31, 2025, were $7.1 million, down from $10.0 million in the same quarter of the previous year [4]. - Loss before income taxes was $(1.4) million, an improvement from $(1.7) million year-over-year [4]. - The net loss for the quarter was $(1.1) million, compared to $(1.3) million in the prior year [4]. - Loss per share was $(0.13), an improvement from $(0.15) in the same quarter last year [4]. Strategic Initiatives - The company implemented product discount promotions to increase cash flow, which negatively impacted gross margins [2]. - EDC is focused on reducing excess inventory to strengthen its financial position and pay down debts [2]. - An amendment to the Hilti Complex Purchase Sale Agreement was executed to allow more time for due diligence, which is expected to help retire outstanding debt and provide flexibility for future operations [2]. Brand Partner Engagement - The average number of active PaperPie Brand Partners decreased to 7,700 from 13,400 year-over-year [4]. - The company is working to provide additional opportunities for Brand Partners to succeed, aiming to normalize business operations post-transaction [2]. Company Overview - EDC specializes in publishing books and educational products for children and is the owner of several brands including Kane Miller Books and SmartLab Toys [6]. - EDC products are sold through 4,000 retail outlets and via independent brand partners through various sales channels [6].

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Copyright & Fair Use - Entropic acquired over 7 million pirated books and later physical copies to train its large language models [1][2] - A judge ruled that using physical copies to train AI models constitutes fair use, but not the pirated copies [3] - An appeal is likely regarding the fair use ruling [4] - The ruling hinges on whether ingesting information for AI training is considered fair use, which would allow companies to use data without compensation [5] Industry Implications & Concerns - Generative AI benefits from the fair use ruling, but companies face navigation challenges [5] - The industry is keen on the fair use ruling, as it allows for data ingestion without payment [6] - Publishers fear that AI could reduce book sales if people can obtain information directly from AI [6] - There are concerns about the incentive for authors to write new books if their work is used by AI without commercial benefit [7]

After traversing earthquake wreckage and tent cities to lead a collective documentation effort of Haiti’s recovery, journalist Arikia Millikan watched arbitrary corporate decisions destroy years of that vital work. This devastating loss sparked a revolutionary mission: to build a blockchain-based digital publishing system to earthquake-proof digital knowledge forever. Millikan exposes the shocking fragility of centralized publishing platforms, where 6% of all web pages vanish annually due to business and po ...

证券代码：601098 证券简称：中南传媒 公告编号：2025-026 中南出版传媒集团股份有限公司 2024年年度权益分派实施公告 本公司董事会及全体董事保证本公告内容不存在任何虚假记载、误导性陈述或者重大遗漏，并对其内容 的真实性、准确性和完整性承担法律责任。 重要内容提示： ● 每股分配比例 A股每股现金红利0.45元 本次利润分配方案经公司2025年5月20日的2024年年度股东大会审议通过。 2.分派对象： 截至股权登记日下午上海证券交易所收市后，在中国证券登记结算有限责任公司上海分公司（以下简 称"中国结算上海分公司"）登记在册的本公司全体股东。 3.分配方案： 本次利润分配以方案实施前的公司总股本1,796,000,000股为基数，每股派发现金红利0.45元（含税）， 共计派发现金红利808,200,000元。 1.实施办法 （1）无限售条件流通股的红利委托中国结算上海分公司通过其资金清算系统向股权登记日上海证券交 易所收市后登记在册并在上海证券交易所各会员办理了指定交易的股东派发。已办理指定交易的投资者 可于红利发放日在其指定的证券营业部领取现金红利，未办理指定交易的股东红利暂由中国结算上海分 ...

Group 1 - Robert Thomson has been reappointed as CEO of News Corp for another five years, extending his tenure through June 2030 [1] - News Corp's portfolio includes notable subsidiaries such as the Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, and HarperCollins [1] - The company has experienced its four most profitable years under Thomson's leadership [4] Group 2 - The Murdoch family previously explored a merger between News Corp and Fox Corp, but the effort was abandoned in 2023 due to resistance from influential shareholders [2] - Thomson has made strategic investments in growth areas like Dow Jones, Digital Real Estate Services, and Book Publishing [3] - The company has recently sold Foxtel to DAZN and established partnerships with tech platforms, including OpenAI [4]

Core Points - News Corp has extended CEO Robert Thomson's contract through 2030, highlighting his significant contributions to the company's growth and profitability [1][2] - Thomson has led News Corp during its four most profitable years from fiscal 2021 to 2024, with strong performance expected to continue in fiscal 2025 [1] - The company has engaged in major transactions, including the sale of its Australian cable-TV unit Foxtel for $2.19 billion in 2024 [2] - News Corp has established landmark agreements with major technology platforms, including a recent deal with OpenAI for licensing intellectual property [5] Company Performance - Under Thomson's leadership, News Corp has achieved its four most profitable years from fiscal 2021 to 2024 [1] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in fiscal 2025 despite challenges in the media landscape [1] Leadership and Vision - Lachlan Murdoch, News Corp Chair, emphasized Thomson's instrumental role in the company's growth and transformation during a period of rapid change [2] - Thomson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead a company that is passionate and principled, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities in the current media environment [5][6]

Financial Performance - Adjusted Revenue reached $1.66 billion, with 48% being recurring revenue[11] - Adjusted EPS increased by 31% from $2.78 to $3.64[16] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 8% from $369 million to $398 million[16] - Free Cash Flow increased by 10% to $126 million, with a Fiscal Year 2026 target of $200 million reaffirmed[13] - Adjusted Operating Margin increased by 300 bps to 15.1%, and Adjusted EBITDA Margin increased by 120 bps to 24.0%[13] Business Segments - Research revenue grew by 3%, driven by a 19% increase in article submissions and an 8% increase in article output[19] - Learning revenue grew by 2%, with Inclusive Access showing a 22% increase and Professional Title Signings up by 16%[22] - AI licensing revenue reached $40 million in Fiscal Year 2025, up from $23 million in Fiscal Year 2024[13,31] Corporate Strategy and Outlook - The company is focused on continuous margin expansion beyond Fiscal Year 2026[39] - The company reaffirms Fiscal Year 2026 Free Cash Flow target of approximately $200 million[26,59] - The company expects low-to-mid single digit growth in Adjusted Revenue for Fiscal Year 2026[59] - The company anticipates Adjusted EBITDA Margin between 25.5% and 26.5% and Adjusted EPS between $3.90 and $4.35 for Fiscal Year 2026[59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 10% increase in free cash flow to $126 million and reaffirmed a target of $200 million for fiscal 2026 [11][47] - Adjusted operating margin improved by 300 basis points, and adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 120 basis points [11][42] - Adjusted revenue for the full year rose by 3%, driven by research and academic growth, while adjusted operating income and adjusted EPS increased by 29% and 318% respectively [42][45] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Research segment revenue increased by 3% for the full year, supported by growth in recurring revenue models and Open Access programs [42][44] - Learning segment revenue declined by 5% in Q4 but rose by 2% for the year, driven by AI licensing and steady market conditions in academic [45][46] - AI licensing revenue totaled $40 million for the year, with significant contributions from new agreements [10][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong demand for publishing was noted across key markets, with double-digit growth in submissions from India and China, as well as growth in the UK, France, Italy, Brazil, and Canada [17][18] - The company executed landmark multi-year agreements in India and Brazil, expanding access to thousands of institutions [18][20] - The corporate market, which currently makes up about 10% of revenue, is expected to expand significantly as the company extends into corporate R&D [26][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on AI opportunities and has established partnerships with major tech companies for AI model training and development [7][29] - A focus on margin expansion and cost structure optimization remains a strategic priority, with ongoing investments in technology and research publishing platforms [36][40] - The company is committed to delivering profitable revenue growth and expanding margins in an uncertain economic environment [50][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience and growth despite external uncertainties, citing strong internal indicators and a diversified revenue base [32][78] - The outlook for fiscal 2026 includes low to mid-single-digit revenue growth, with expectations for continued strength in Open Access and inclusive access models [51][62] - The company is prepared to navigate potential economic disruptions while maintaining a disciplined approach to margin expansion [77][80] Other Important Information - The company returned $137 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, with a current dividend yield of approximately 3.5% [48][84] - Following the divestiture of university services, the company secured $120 million in cash proceeds, which will be used to reduce debt and interest expenses [11][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for organic growth excluding AI - Management noted that strong Open Access revenues and a favorable renewal season provide visibility for continued organic growth [61][62] Question: Contribution of AI licensing revenue - The company indicated that the $1 million in vertical-specific applications is just the beginning, with potential for high-margin, recurring revenue models [66][68] Question: Planning and budgeting in the current environment - Management emphasized a balanced approach to planning, with strong visibility into the calendar year 2025 and a focus on maintaining flexibility amid uncertainties [75][78] Question: Future cash return strategy - The company plans to adopt a mixed approach to returning cash to shareholders while still investing in business opportunities [84][85]