Highlights

  • Wiley shows 112.11% one-year basic EPS growth, a P/E of 14.28 and PEG of 0.00.
  • Wiley acquired Emerald Publishing on June 1, 2026; preliminary consideration was $462.7 million.
  • First quarter revenue was $386.4 million, down 3%, and diluted loss per share was $(0.23).
  • Wiley reaffirmed fiscal 2027 adjusted EPS guidance of $4.60 to $5.05.

Basic earnings per share growth of 112.11% over one year, a trailing twelve-month P/E of 14.28 and a PEG of 0.00 on an expected basis define John Wiley & Sons (NYSE:WLY) as an undervalued growth stock, with shares trading at USD 50.86 on October 28, 2026, down 3.33%. In its latest disclosures, the research and learning publisher amended its credit agreement on May 15, acquired Emerald Publishing on June 1, and reported first quarter fiscal 2027 revenue of $386.4 million and a net loss of $11,727 thousand.

Based in Hoboken, New Jersey, and incorporated in New York, Wiley describes itself as a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence for scientific discovery, innovation and learning. Its Class A and Class B common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. It reports two segments, Research and Learning, plus a Corporate category. Over 85% of revenue for the year ended April 30, 2026 came from digital products and services, and 48% of revenue was recurring.

Growth: First Quarter Earnings, Research Publishing and Emerald

Wiley reported a net loss of $11,727 thousand in the first quarter against net income of $11,700 thousand. Basic and diluted loss per share were $(0.23) against earnings per share of $0.22. Non-GAAP adjusted EPS at constant currency was $0.44, down 10%. Operating income was $2,937 thousand against $30,963 thousand, which the company tied primarily to higher restructuring charges, acquisition and integration costs and lower revenue.

Revenue was $386.4 million, down 3%, including $13.3 million from Emerald Publishing. Research revenue was $293,490 thousand, up 4%, with Research Publishing at $258,886 thousand, up 12%, and Research Solutions at $34,604 thousand, down 31%. Learning revenue was $92,871 thousand, down 19%, and AI license revenue was $13.7 million against $28.9 million.

Valuation: P/E of 14.28, PEG of 0.00 and Cash Flow

The P/E ratio of 14.28 is measured on trailing twelve-month earnings, and the PEG ratio of 0.00 is on an expected basis. Net cash used in operating activities was $55,272 thousand against $85,005 thousand, and free cash flow less product development spending was a use of $69,649 thousand against $99,900 thousand. The company said operating cash flow is seasonally a use of cash in the first half of its fiscal year. Total shareholders' equity was $797,039 thousand at July 31, 2026, against $848,242 thousand at April 30, 2026.

On the September 9 call, Chief Executive Officer Matthew Kissner said the first quarter played out as expected. Chief Financial Officer Craig Albright said the first quarter is seasonally lighter.

Capital and Balance Sheet: Credit Facilities, Repurchases and Dividends

On May 15, 2026, Wiley entered into a third amendment to its credit agreement, which provides a revolving credit facility of up to $1.115 billion and a $500.0 million term loan A facility, a $300.0 million increase. Both mature in November 2027. The company financed the Emerald cash payment of $462.1 million with available cash and revolver proceeds. Debt outstanding was approximately $1,291.3 million, net of $0.7 million of unamortized issuance costs, with approximately $296.1 million of unused borrowing capacity and cash of $106.4 million.

Wiley repurchased 330 thousand Class A shares at an average price of $45.44, and $192.4 million remained under its $250 million authorization. It declared and paid dividends of $0.3575 per share on Class A and Class B stock, against $0.3550, totaling $18.2 million against $19.0 million.

Disclosed Risks and Outlook: Learning Decline, Restructuring and Fiscal 2027 Guidance

The company disclosed Learning revenue declines of 19% in Academic and 19% in Professional, attributed primarily to lower AI license revenue, lower print book sales and a slowdown in consumer and corporate spending. Restructuring and related charges were $16,525 thousand against $3,038 thousand, and acquisition and integration costs were $11,039 thousand, with further integration costs expected. Wiley noted that it is aware its content is included in the pirated material at issue in the Anthropic class-action settlement, has submitted claims, and that its portion of the $1.5 billion fund has not been determined.

Wiley anticipates annualized cost savings of approximately $125 million from its Global Restructuring Program, with approximately $120 million expected in fiscal year 2027. On the call, management reaffirmed fiscal 2027 guidance in full: organic revenue growth of low to mid single digits with Research at mid single digits, adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.5 to 27.5%, adjusted EPS of $4.60 to $5.05, free cash flow of $205 million and capital expenditures of approximately $80 million.