John Wiley Sons A 2026 Q1 Earnings Strong Performance as Net Income Surges 914.8%

John Wiley & Sons A (WLY) reported its fiscal 2026 Q1 earnings on Sep 04th, 2025. The results showcased a significant turnaround in profitability, with the company posting a positive EPS and a large net income swing from a loss.

John Wiley & Sons A exceeded expectations with a strong rebound in profitability, reversing from a loss in the prior-year period to a positive net income. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, indicating in-line expectations with its strategic priorities and operational progress. The EPS and net income figures significantly outperformed the previous year, signaling strong execution and improved financial performance.

Revenue

The total revenue of John Wiley & Sons A decreased by 1.7% to $396.80 million in 2026 Q1, down from $403.81 million in 2025 Q1.

Earnings/Net Income

John Wiley & Sons A returned to profitability with EPS of $0.22 in 2026 Q1, reversing from a loss of $0.03 per share in 2025 Q1 (833.3% positive change). Meanwhile, the company achieved a remarkable turnaround with net income of $11.70 million in 2026 Q1, representing a 914.8% positive swing from the net loss of $-1.44 million in 2025 Q1. The strong improvement in net income reflects effective cost management and strategic business initiatives that drove profitability.

Price Action

The stock price of John Wiley & Sons A has edged down 0.83% during the latest trading day, has dropped 5.72% during the most recent full trading week, and has edged down 0.36% month-to-date.

Post-Earnings Price Action Review

Following the earnings release, the stock price of John Wiley & Sons A experienced modest declines over the latest trading day and week, with a slight decline month-to-date. Although the company's earnings results were positive, the broader market sentiment and investor reaction appear to have tempered the immediate post-earnings price momentum.

CEO Commentary

Matthew Kissner, President, CEO & Employee Director, highlighted Q1 performance, noting mid-single-digit research growth driven by AI licensing and open access, while acknowledging the seasonally small quarter’s noise in comparisons. He emphasized Wiley’s leadership in AI, including partnerships like Anthropic and a $20 million licensing project with multi-publisher content, as key growth drivers. Strategic priorities included advancing research publishing via the Research Exchange platform, expanding AI solutions for corporate R&D, and delivering operational discipline through cost savings. Kissner expressed optimism, noting strong open access momentum, a 50% growth in Advanced Science revenue, and a confident outlook for 2026, driven by research trends and AI momentum. He reaffirmed commitment to shareholder returns via a 32nd consecutive dividend increase and a $250 million share repurchase authorization.

Guidance

Wiley reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance, targeting low to mid-single-digit revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA margin of 25.5%–26.5%, and adjusted EPS of $3.90–$4.35. Craig Albright, CFO, noted expected free cash flow of ~$200 million, supported by EBITDA growth, cost savings, and lower restructuring payments. AI-related revenue, including inference models and corporate R&D opportunities, is expected to grow as the market matures, with $29 million of AI revenue in Q1 (vs. $40 million for all of 2025). The company anticipates margin expansion, strong journal renewals, and continued investment in AI innovation, operational efficiency, and capital returns.

Additional News

Punch Newspapers reported on several notable developments in Nigeria around the same period as Wiley’s earnings release. A key non-earnings-related story involved Fidson Pharmaceuticals partnering with a Japanese firm on drug production, signaling international collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector. In politics, Nasir El-Rufai, a former Kaduna State governor, was summoned for questioning along with six members of the African Democratic Congress over criminal conspiracy allegations, highlighting ongoing political tensions. Additionally, the Nigerian government has deepened cooperation with China in the marine sector, showcasing strategic international partnerships. These news items reflect broader business and political developments in Nigeria, underscoring regional and global engagement.