John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLY) Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 05 2026
0mins
Should l Buy WLY?
Source: SeekingAlpha
Revenue Revenue performance was impacted by unfavorable comparables in Research and soft market conditions in Learning. Research Publishing revenue was up 4% excluding AI revenue. Total revenue was up 1% on a reported basis and flat at constant currency.
AI Revenue Generated $42 million in AI revenue year-to-date, above last year's total of $40 million. $7 million of AI revenue was realized in Q3. Expected to deliver AI revenue of $45 million to $50 million this year, up from $40 million in fiscal '25 and $23 million in fiscal '24. Growth attributed to strategic projects and partnerships.
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA was up 12% in Q3, with a 250 basis point improvement in margin. Year-to-date, adjusted EBITDA was up 6% in Research and down 8% in Learning. Corporate expenses on an adjusted EBITDA basis were down 21% for the quarter and 12% year-to-date.
Operating Cash Flow Operating cash flow nearly doubled to $103 million in Q3. Year-to-date, operating cash flow was up $51 million.
Adjusted Operating Margin Adjusted operating margin improved by 280 basis points in Q3.
Shareholder Returns Repurchases doubled in Q3 to $70 million year-to-date as part of a $100 million full-year target. Returned $126 million in dividends and repurchases in 9 months, a 37% increase over the prior year.
Research Publishing Revenue up 4% at constant currency and adjusted EBITDA up 6%. Submissions and output up 26% and 11%, respectively. Growth driven by global R&D spend, AI productivity, and expansion in Open Access journals.
Learning Segment Revenue was down 2% in Q3, with a 5% decline in Professional offsetting 1% growth in Academic. Year-to-date, Learning revenue was down 7% with adjusted EBITDA down 8%. Segment EBITDA margin declined 50 basis points to 34.8%.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy WLY?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on WLY
About WLY
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., is a publisher. The Company's content, services, platforms, and knowledge networks are tailored to meet the needs of its customers and partners, including researchers, students, instructors, professionals, institutions, and corporations. Its segments include Research, Learning and Held for Sale or Sold. Research segment provides peer-reviewed scientific, technical, and medical (STM) publishing, content platforms, and related services to academic, corporate, and government customers, academic societies, and individual researchers. Its journal publishing categories include the social sciences and humanities, and life sciences. Learning segment provides scientific, professional, and education print and digital books, digital courseware to libraries, corporations, students, professionals, and researchers, as well as assessment services to businesses and professionals. Its operations are located in the United States, United Kingdom, India, Sri Lanka, and Germany.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Wiley Appoints Kowalski as New General Manager
- Leadership Change: Wiley has appointed Jessica Kowalski as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Research, effective May 11, 2026, aiming to advance the company's strategic development in AI and data analytics.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Kowalski brings over 20 years of experience in knowledge, data, and research publishing from Microsoft, along with senior roles at Amazon Web Services and RELX, providing valuable AI transformation and business leadership skills.
- Clear Strategic Goals: Her appointment will drive Wiley to translate its AI and content leadership into products and business models for the future of research publishing, further expanding the delivery of content and insights to both existing and new customers.
- Significant Contributions from Predecessor: Former leader Jay Flynn successfully defined and executed Wiley's open access strategy during his tenure, expanding partnerships with scientific and academic institutions while enhancing the company's publishing technology and early mover advantage in AI.
See More
Wiley Appoints Jessica Kowalski as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Research
Wiley Names New Executive: Jessica Kowalski has been appointed as the new Executive Vice President and General Manager of Research at Wiley.
Leadership Role: Kowalski will oversee Wiley's research initiatives, focusing on enhancing the company's position in the academic publishing sector.
See More
John Wiley & Sons Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.355
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: John Wiley & Sons has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.355 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 3.71% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially drawing more investor interest towards its stock.
- Dividend Payment Timeline: The dividend is payable on April 23, with a record date of April 7 and an ex-dividend date also set for April 7, ensuring shareholders receive timely returns.
- AI Revenue Target: John Wiley & Sons aims to achieve $45 million to $50 million in AI revenue for fiscal 2026, highlighting the company's strategic expansion in the education and research sectors to enhance margins and global market presence.
See More
Worthington Steel Declares Quarterly Dividend
- Worthington Steel Dividend: Worthington Steel's board has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per common share, payable on June 26, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 12, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
- Glacier Bancorp Dividend History: Glacier Bancorp's board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share on March 25, 2026, marking its 164th consecutive dividend and 49th increase, demonstrating strong profitability and shareholder focus, with payment scheduled for April 16, 2026.
- Omega Flex Quarterly Dividend: Omega Flex announced a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per share, payable on April 21, 2026, to shareholders of record on April 9, 2026, indicating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders amid stable earnings.
- Wiley Dividend Growth: Wiley declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.355 per share, an increase from $1.41 in Fiscal 2025, reflecting its 32nd consecutive year of dividend increases, showcasing the company's dedication to enhancing shareholder returns.
See More
John Wiley & Sons Declares Quarterly Dividend
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: John Wiley & Sons declares a quarterly dividend of $0.355 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating stable cash flow and profitability, which enhances investor confidence.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield stands at 3.8%, providing investors with a relatively attractive return, reflecting the company's robust performance in the current market environment.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on April 23, with a record date of April 7 and an ex-dividend date also on April 7, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly, which boosts shareholder satisfaction.
- Dividend Growth Potential: The ongoing dividend policy, as indicated by WLY's Dividend Scorecard and Yield Chart, suggests potential for future dividend growth, attracting long-term investors seeking stable income.
See More
Wiley Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.355
- Quarterly Cash Dividend: Wiley's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.355 per share, payable on April 23, 2026, demonstrating the company's ongoing profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Annual Dividend Increase: The quarterly dividend translates to an annual payout of $1.42 per share, up from $1.41 in Fiscal 2025, highlighting the company's consistent efforts in maintaining cash flow and enhancing shareholder value.
- Increased Share Repurchase: Wiley has raised its Fiscal 2026 share repurchase allocation to $100 million, significantly higher than $60 million in Fiscal 2025 and $45 million in Fiscal 2024, indicating strong confidence in its value and commitment to shareholders.
- Financial Performance Highlights: In the third quarter of Fiscal 2026, Wiley reported strong growth in research and AI, along with material margin expansion and cash flow growth, reflecting the company's competitive position and potential for future growth.
See More
Wiley Appoints Kowalski as New General Manager
- Leadership Change: Wiley has appointed Jessica Kowalski as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Research, effective May 11, 2026, aiming to advance the company's strategic development in AI and data analytics.
- Extensive Industry Experience: Kowalski brings over 20 years of experience in knowledge, data, and research publishing from Microsoft, along with senior roles at Amazon Web Services and RELX, providing valuable AI transformation and business leadership skills.
- Clear Strategic Goals: Her appointment will drive Wiley to translate its AI and content leadership into products and business models for the future of research publishing, further expanding the delivery of content and insights to both existing and new customers.
- Significant Contributions from Predecessor: Former leader Jay Flynn successfully defined and executed Wiley's open access strategy during his tenure, expanding partnerships with scientific and academic institutions while enhancing the company's publishing technology and early mover advantage in AI.
See More
Wiley Appoints Jessica Kowalski as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Research
Wiley Names New Executive: Jessica Kowalski has been appointed as the new Executive Vice President and General Manager of Research at Wiley.
Leadership Role: Kowalski will oversee Wiley's research initiatives, focusing on enhancing the company's position in the academic publishing sector.
See More
John Wiley & Sons Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.355
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: John Wiley & Sons has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.355 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 3.71% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially drawing more investor interest towards its stock.
- Dividend Payment Timeline: The dividend is payable on April 23, with a record date of April 7 and an ex-dividend date also set for April 7, ensuring shareholders receive timely returns.
- AI Revenue Target: John Wiley & Sons aims to achieve $45 million to $50 million in AI revenue for fiscal 2026, highlighting the company's strategic expansion in the education and research sectors to enhance margins and global market presence.
See More
Worthington Steel Declares Quarterly Dividend
- Worthington Steel Dividend: Worthington Steel's board has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.16 per common share, payable on June 26, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 12, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to shareholder returns.
- Glacier Bancorp Dividend History: Glacier Bancorp's board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share on March 25, 2026, marking its 164th consecutive dividend and 49th increase, demonstrating strong profitability and shareholder focus, with payment scheduled for April 16, 2026.
- Omega Flex Quarterly Dividend: Omega Flex announced a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per share, payable on April 21, 2026, to shareholders of record on April 9, 2026, indicating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders amid stable earnings.
- Wiley Dividend Growth: Wiley declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.355 per share, an increase from $1.41 in Fiscal 2025, reflecting its 32nd consecutive year of dividend increases, showcasing the company's dedication to enhancing shareholder returns.
See More
John Wiley & Sons Declares Quarterly Dividend
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: John Wiley & Sons declares a quarterly dividend of $0.355 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating stable cash flow and profitability, which enhances investor confidence.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield stands at 3.8%, providing investors with a relatively attractive return, reflecting the company's robust performance in the current market environment.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on April 23, with a record date of April 7 and an ex-dividend date also on April 7, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly, which boosts shareholder satisfaction.
- Dividend Growth Potential: The ongoing dividend policy, as indicated by WLY's Dividend Scorecard and Yield Chart, suggests potential for future dividend growth, attracting long-term investors seeking stable income.
See More
Wiley Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.355
- Quarterly Cash Dividend: Wiley's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.355 per share, payable on April 23, 2026, demonstrating the company's ongoing profitability and commitment to shareholder returns.
- Annual Dividend Increase: The quarterly dividend translates to an annual payout of $1.42 per share, up from $1.41 in Fiscal 2025, highlighting the company's consistent efforts in maintaining cash flow and enhancing shareholder value.
- Increased Share Repurchase: Wiley has raised its Fiscal 2026 share repurchase allocation to $100 million, significantly higher than $60 million in Fiscal 2025 and $45 million in Fiscal 2024, indicating strong confidence in its value and commitment to shareholders.
- Financial Performance Highlights: In the third quarter of Fiscal 2026, Wiley reported strong growth in research and AI, along with material margin expansion and cash flow growth, reflecting the company's competitive position and potential for future growth.
See More
