John Wiley & Sons (WLY)
NYSECommunication ServicesPublishingSnapshot 2026-09-04
$48.19-4.88%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSECommunication ServicesPublishingSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · WLY
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within communication services on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks WLY against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 2 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Communication Services names rated strong grew net income 52% of the time over the next year (vs 53% for the rest of the cohort, n=1891).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Drive mid-single digit organic revenue growth in Research and expand AI and data analytics revenue with strong pipeline and partnerships.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Research revenue grew from approximately $282 million in 2025-Q3 to $293 million in 2026-Q3 (+4%), with Research Publishing up 12% including Emerald acquisition. AI licensing revenue reached $14 million in 2026-Q3 and nearly $50 million for Fiscal 2026, growing double digits. Management consistently emphasized growth in Research and AI data services, and the financials show delivering momentum in these areas.
“Research revenue of $293 million was up 4% as reported and at constant currency, with Research Publishing up 12% including Emerald acquisition and strong AI licensing growth.”
“Research delivered 5% revenue growth or 4% at constant currency driven by recurring revenue models, gold open access, and AI licensing.”
“Research Publishing delivered 3% revenue growth as reported, 4% excluding unfavorable AI agreement comparison; AI revenue reached $7 million this quarter.”
“Fiscal 2026 was breakout year accelerating Research and AI growth engines with record margins and cash flow.”
Continue cost savings, technology transformation, and restructuring to improve Adjusted EBITDA margin and reduce corporate expenses.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Corporate Expenses improved by $8 million (19%) in 2026-Q3, contributing to an Adjusted EBITDA margin increase from about 15.7% in 2025-Q3 to 17.6% in 2026-Q3. Fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 260 basis points to 17.7%. Management's focus on cost savings and operational efficiency is reflected in margin expansion and expense reduction, indicating delivering progress.
Increase Free Cash Flow through higher cash earnings, disciplined capex, and improved cash collection timing.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Free Cash Flow improved from a use of $100 million in 2025-Q3 to a use of $70 million in 2026-Q3. Fiscal 2026 Free Cash Flow grew 55% to $195 million, with Fiscal 2027 guidance at $205 million. Management's focus on cash generation is supported by improving cash flow metrics and reaffirmed outlook, indicating delivering progress.
Maintain and increase dividends annually and allocate capital to share repurchases to return value to shareholders.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 4 quarters. Dividend was increased for the 33rd consecutive year to $1.43 per share annualized. Wiley allocated $33 million to dividends and share repurchases in 2026-Q3 and $100 million to share repurchases in Fiscal 2026, up from $60 million prior year. Management has consistently emphasized returning capital to shareholders, with financials showing steady dividend growth and increased repurchase activity.
Complete integration of Emerald Publishing to expand journal portfolio, increase scale in Research, and realize cost synergies.
Stated as a priority in 2 quarters including 2026-Q3. Wiley acquired Emerald Publishing for approximately $450 million, adding nearly 500 journals and expanding the portfolio to about 2,500 journals. Management targets $30 million in annual cost synergies by year three and reports integration ahead of schedule. The acquisition is reflected in Research revenue growth and margin expansion, indicating delivering progress.
Over the trailing year it converted 2.39x of net income into operating cash flow.
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to real (inflation-adjusted) rates, long-term interest rates, the US dollar, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
13 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by executive changes. Historically, Communication Services names rated neutral grew net income 55% of the time over the next year (vs 53% for the rest of the cohort, n=1072).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Corporate Expenses improved 19% ($8 million) on Adjusted EBITDA basis driven by technology transformation and restructuring savings.”
“Q4 Corporate Expenses declined 21% as reported and 22% at constant currency on technology transformation and restructuring savings.”
“Reduced Corporate Expenses by 21% at constant currency as part of multi-year margin expansion initiatives.”
“Fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 260 basis points to a record 17.7%.”
“Free Cash Flow was a use of $70 million compared to a use of $100 million in the prior year.”
“Free Cash Flow was up 55% to $195 million primarily driven by higher operating cash flow and lower capex.”
“Operating Cash Flow increased by $51 million to $103 million year-to-date; Free Cash Flow of $56 million up from a use of $1 million prior year.”
“Fiscal 2026 Free Cash Flow guidance approximately $200 million, up from $126 million in Fiscal 2025.”
“Wiley allocated $33 million toward dividends and share repurchases; dividend raised for 33rd consecutive year.”
“Returned record $174 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, including $100 million of repurchases.”
“Increased share repurchases to $35 million this quarter with full year target of $100 million; dividend raised for 32nd consecutive year.”
“Acquired Emerald Publishing; integration ahead of schedule; Emerald adds nearly 500 journals and expands portfolio to ~2,500 journals.”