John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:WLY) reported first-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $0.49, well above analyst expectations of $0.32, while revenue reached $397 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $375 million.
The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance as it continues to expand its AI licensing initiatives. Overall first-quarter revenue dipped slightly from $404 million a year earlier, mainly due to divested businesses, but adjusted revenue grew 1% on a constant currency basis.
Research revenue, Wiley’s largest segment, increased 5% at constant currency to $282 million, supported by $16 million in AI licensing revenue compared to just $1 million in the prior-year period.
Wiley’s stock rose 1.9% following the earnings release, reflecting investor approval of the results and outlook. “We continue to see strong demand trends in research as we open up new growth pathways in AI and corporate R&D,” said Matthew Kissner, President and CEO. “Wiley is now a recognized leader in AI licensing and innovation, executing projects for multi-national corporations and strategically partnering with top AI innovators.”
The company’s Learning segment revenue fell 8% at constant currency to $115 million, primarily due to lower AI licensing revenue compared with the prior year and softness in the Professional learning market.
Wiley maintained its fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting adjusted EPS of $3.90 to $4.35 and low-to-mid single-digit revenue growth. The company also increased its dividend for the 32nd consecutive year and repurchased approximately 332,000 shares at an average cost of $42.22 per share during the quarter.
Additionally, the Board approved a new $250 million share repurchase authorization, representing a 25% increase over its 2020 authorization.
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