The earnings call highlighted significant achievements in revenue growth, margin improvement, and AI licensing, demonstrating Wiley's strategic progress. However, there were challenges in the Learning segment and uncertainties in AI revenue predictability and the U.S. market. Despite these challenges, the positive aspects, particularly in AI and recurring revenue growth, suggest an optimistic outlook.

Company Guidance

During the earnings call for fiscal year 2025, John Wiley & Sons reported several key financial metrics and provided guidance for the future. The company achieved total AI licensing revenue of $40 million, contributing to a 300 basis point improvement in adjusted operating margin and a 120 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin. Free cash flow increased by 10% to $126 million, with a reaffirmed target of $200 million for fiscal 2026. Wiley increased share repurchases by 34% to $60 million and maintained a 3.5% dividend. The company also secured $120 million in cash proceeds from a university services divestiture, which will be used to reduce debt. For fiscal 2026, Wiley expects revenue growth in the low to mid-single digits, with adjusted EBITDA margin rising to 25.5%-26.5%, and adjusted EPS projected at $3.9 to $4.35. The call highlighted Wiley's strategic focus on margin expansion, AI opportunities, and recurring revenue models, with ongoing investment in high-return initiatives.

Revenue and Margin Improvement

Wiley delivered revenue growth and margin improvement in both segments for fiscal 2025, with a 300 basis point improvement in adjusted operating margin and a 120 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin.

Growth in AI Licensing Revenue

Total AI licensing revenue amounted to $40 million for the year, demonstrating strong growth and indicating Wiley's strategic focus on AI opportunities.

Free Cash Flow Growth

Free cash flow increased by 10% to $126 million, with a reaffirmed target of $200 million for fiscal 2026.

Successful Share Repurchases

Share repurchases were increased by 34% to $60 million, with a current dividend yield of 3.5%.

Expansion in Open Access

Open Access saw double-digit growth, driven by global demand for publishing, particularly in advanced science journals.

Strong Recurring Revenue and Renewals

Recurring revenue models showed steady growth, with a successful renewal season across all regions.

Geographic and Market Diversification

Wiley's revenue is well-distributed geographically, with high growth markets such as India and China seeing strong momentum.

Corporate Market Penetration

Secured a third major customer for LLM model training, with demand accelerating for vertical-specific subscription models.

John Wiley Sons Cl A (WLY) Earnings, Revenues Date & History

The upcoming earnings date is based on a company’s previous reporting, and may be updated when the actual date is announced

Daily Earnings Calendar >

WLY Earnings History

Report Date	Fiscal Quarter	Forecast / EPS	Last Year's EPS	EPS YoY Change	Slides	Play Transcript
Sep 04, 2025	2026 (Q1)	0.32 / -	0.47	―	―	―
Jun 17, 2025	2025 (Q4)	1.27 / 1.37	1.21	13.22% (+0.16)
Mar 06, 2025	2025 (Q3)	0.65 / 0.84	0.59	42.37% (+0.25)
Dec 05, 2024	2025 (Q2)	0.88 / 0.97	0.73	32.88% (+0.24)
Sep 05, 2024	2025 (Q1)	0.55 / 0.47	0.27	74.07% (+0.20)
Jun 13, 2024	2024 (Q4)	0.81 / 1.21	1.45	-16.55% (-0.24)
Mar 07, 2024	2024 (Q3)	0.45 / 0.59	0.85	-30.59% (-0.26)
Dec 06, 2023	2024 (Q2)	0.56 / 0.73	1.2	-39.17% (-0.47)
Sep 07, 2023	2024 (Q1)	-0.06 / 0.27	0.36	-25.00% (-0.09)
Jun 15, 2023	2023 (Q4)	0.99 / 1.45	1.08	34.26% (+0.37)

The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.

Beat

Missed

WLY Earnings-Related Price Changes

Report Date	Price 1 Day Before	Price 1 Day After	Percentage Change
Jun 17, 2025	$36.72	$40.38	+9.97%
Mar 06, 2025	$37.26	$42.96	+15.30%
Dec 05, 2024	$48.24	$45.21	-6.28%
Sep 05, 2024	$46.14	$43.25	-6.26%

Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.