Wiley (WLY) Q1 Revenue Down, EPS Up – Key Highlights

By Bobby Samwell • Thursday, September 04 15:33 • Permanent Link

Wiley (NYSE: WLY) has released its first-quarter results for the period ending July 31, 2025. The company reported a revenue of $397 million, down from $404 million in the previous year due to foregone revenue from divested businesses. However, the operating income increased by 7% to $31 million, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) reached $0.22 compared to a loss of $0.03 in the prior year.

Adjusted results at constant currency showed revenue of $397 million, up 1%, and adjusted operating income of $34 million, down 2%. Adjusted EBITDA stood at $70 million, down 3%, and adjusted EPS increased by 2% to $0.49.

The research segment saw a 6% increase in revenue, reaching $282 million, driven by AI licensing projects and open access growth. On the other hand, the learning segment reported a 7% decrease in revenue, amounting to $115 million, mainly due to a decline in AI licensing revenue and market-related softness in professional.

Wiley executed a landmark AI licensing project with a large tech company and announced a strategic partnership with Anthropics to accelerate AI integration across scholarly research.

The company increased its dividend for the 32nd consecutive year and allocated $32 million towards dividends and repurchases this quarter, up approximately $1 million from the prior year period. Additionally, Wiley's board approved a $250 million share repurchase authorization, a 25% increase over its 2020 authorization.

Wiley's net debt-to-EBITDA ratio at the quarter-end was 1.9 compared to 2.0 in the year-ago period. The company utilized approximately $120 million in cash proceeds related to the university services divestiture to further reduce its debt.

Looking ahead, Wiley reaffirmed its full-year outlook for fiscal 2026, expecting low to mid-single-digit growth in adjusted revenue and an adjusted EPS of $3.90 to $4.35.

Following these announcements, the company's shares moved -4.25%, and are now trading at a price of $38.08. For the full picture, make sure to review JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.'s 8-K report.

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