March 27, 2024 - FC

The Silent Revolution Brewing Inside Franklin Covey: Why This Education Giant is Poised to Explode

Franklin Covey, the name synonymous with time management and personal effectiveness, might not be the first company that springs to mind when you think of explosive growth. After all, their iconic "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" has been a staple of personal development for decades. But beneath the surface of this seemingly steady-as-she-goes education giant, a silent revolution is brewing, one poised to catapult the company into a new era of growth.

The key to this transformation lies in a seemingly innocuous detail buried within their latest financial data: a -5% decline in quarterly earnings growth year-over-year. While on the surface this appears concerning, a deeper dive into the company's strategy reveals that this decline is not a sign of weakness, but rather a calculated sacrifice for long-term dominance.

Franklin Covey is undergoing a deliberate shift from a traditional training model to a subscription-based, digitally-driven platform. Their "All Access Pass" is the linchpin of this strategy. It provides a comprehensive suite of content, services, technology, and metrics designed to deliver lasting behavioral change at scale. This is a bold move, a departure from their established business model, and it explains the short-term dip in earnings.

Here's why this is so brilliant. Traditional training models are inherently limited. They are often expensive, time-consuming, and fail to produce lasting change. In contrast, a subscription-based platform like "All Access Pass" allows Franklin Covey to reach a broader audience with a lower entry barrier. It also provides ongoing value, encouraging engagement and fostering continuous improvement.

The numbers tell the story. While quarterly earnings took a dip, revenue remained stable, demonstrating continued demand for their offerings. More importantly, their enterprise value to EBITDA ratio sits at a healthy 14.17, indicating a strong and growing business. The market is starting to recognize this shift, as evidenced by the +66.1% increase in shares held by Morgan Stanley - Brokerage Accounts, and the staggering 4389% increase in shares held by AllianceBernstein L.P.

Institutional Investors Increasing Stake in Franklin Covey

The chart below illustrates the substantial increase in shares held by Morgan Stanley and AllianceBernstein L.P., showcasing growing investor confidence in Franklin Covey's strategic shift.

But here's what other analysts may be missing: Franklin Covey is not just changing how they deliver their content; they are also expanding the scope of their impact. Their "Leader in Me" program is a prime example. This program, targeted at schools, leverages the "7 Habits" framework to foster leadership skills in students. It's a brilliant strategy to instill their core principles at a young age, creating a generation of future leaders familiar with and committed to the Franklin Covey way.

Imagine the implications. A generation growing up with "The 7 Habits" ingrained in their approach to learning, problem-solving, and teamwork. This is not just about selling training programs; this is about shaping the future of how we learn, work, and lead.

And here's a fun fact: Did you know that Franklin Covey's training has been used by 90% of Fortune 100 companies? This speaks volumes about the value and credibility they have established over the years. Now, with their digital transformation in full swing, they are set to reach a new level of influence, extending their reach far beyond the corporate boardroom and into the very fabric of society.

The "All Access Pass" platform, combined with the long-term vision of "Leader in Me," positions Franklin Covey to become a global leader in the rapidly evolving digital education market. The current dip in earnings is not a cause for concern; it's the rumble before the earthquake, the calm before the storm. Franklin Covey is quietly, methodically laying the groundwork for explosive growth, and those who fail to recognize this silent revolution are in for a rude awakening.

"Fun Fact: Franklin Covey isn't just about business. They also offer programs focused on personal development, families, and education, empowering individuals of all ages to live more fulfilling lives."