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Wiley Posts Strong Q3 Results, Highlights Growing AI Momentum

Story Highlights
  • Wiley posted stronger Q3 2026 earnings with expanding margins, rising cash flow, and improved EPS, despite mixed performance in its Learning segment.
  • Growth in Research Publishing, accelerating AI and data services revenue, cost reductions, and higher shareholder returns underpin Wiley’s confidence in hitting the high end of its fiscal 2026 targets.
  • Looking for the best stocks to buy? Follow the recommendations of top-performing analysts.
Wiley Posts Strong Q3 Results, Highlights Growing AI Momentum

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An update from John Wiley Sons Cl A ( (WLY) ) is now available.

On March 5, 2026, Wiley reported third quarter fiscal 2026 results showing GAAP revenue up 1% to $410 million, operating income up 21% to $63 million, and diluted EPS improving to $0.56 from a loss a year earlier. Adjusted results at constant currency were stronger, with operating income up 22%, EBITDA up 12%, and EPS up 19%, driven by margin expansion, AI momentum, and cost controls.

Research Publishing revenue rose 3% as reported, or 4% at constant currency excluding a tough comparison from a prior AI agreement, supported by strong article submissions and growth in open access and multi-year institutional licenses. Learning revenue dipped 1% amid softness in professional markets, but margins improved slightly thanks to restructuring savings and favorable mix.

AI and data services generated $7 million in quarterly revenue and about $42 million year-to-date, as Wiley expanded partnerships in life sciences, named a new AI and Data Services leader, and after quarter end signed a strategic recurring revenue agreement with OpenEvidence for clinical decision support. The company highlighted surpassing $100 million in lifetime AI revenue and securing its first large language model customer outside the U.S., underscoring AI as an emerging growth pillar.

Corporate expenses fell 21% on an adjusted EBITDA basis, reflecting multi-year efficiency and technology initiatives that contributed to a 280-basis-point improvement in adjusted operating margin. Year-to-date operating cash flow climbed to $103 million and free cash flow to $56 million, while net debt-to-EBITDA eased to 1.7, supporting stronger balance sheet flexibility.

Wiley sharply increased capital returns, deploying $54 million in the quarter and $126 million year-to-date on share repurchases and dividends, and repurchasing nearly 2 million shares so far in fiscal 2026. Management reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 revenue and free cash flow outlook and now expects adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted EPS to come in at the high end of prior guidance, signaling confidence in ongoing research and AI-driven growth and sustained margin gains.

The most recent analyst rating on (WLY) stock is a Buy with a $35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on John Wiley Sons Cl A stock, see the WLY Stock Forecast page.

Spark’s Take on WLY Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, WLY is a Neutral.

The overall stock score reflects a stable financial position with strong valuation metrics and positive corporate events. However, technical analysis indicates bearish momentum, which is a significant risk. The earnings call provided a positive outlook, particularly in the research and AI segments, but challenges in other areas remain.

To see Spark’s full report on WLY stock, click here.

More about John Wiley Sons Cl A

Wiley (NYSE: WLY) is a global provider of authoritative content and research intelligence serving the scientific, academic, and professional markets. With more than 200 years in scholarly publishing, it combines traditional publishing with AI-powered platforms to support researchers, students, and corporate R&D teams in turning scientific discovery into practical impact.

Average Trading Volume: 594,530

Technical Sentiment Signal: Sell

Current Market Cap: $1.6B

See more data about WLY stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.

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