Wiley Q1 FY27: Research and AI momentum offset by Learning softness; FY27 outlook reaffirmed
WLY sits 80% above its 52-week low of $28.38 on elevated volume (2.3× avg).
Summary
Wiley reported Q1 FY2027 results in line with expectations, with revenue down 3% to $386M and adjusted EPS down 10% to $0.44. Research and AI momentum offset Learning softness, and the company reaffirmed its full-year outlook.
Key Events · Earnings and Guidance · WLY
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Q1 FY27 Results In Line
Revenue of $386M (-3% YoY), adjusted EPS of $0.44 (-10%), and adjusted EBITDA of $68M (-4%). GAAP EPS was -$0.23 vs. $0.22 prior year, impacted by $16.5M restructuring charges and $11.0M acquisition costs.
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Emerald Acquisition Details
Closed June 1, 2026 for approximately $450M net of cash acquired, valued at ~7x Adjusted EBITDA including $30M targeted synergies. Added $13M revenue and $5M Adjusted EBITDA in Q1.
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Leverage Increase
Net debt-to-EBITDA rose to 2.7x from 1.9x a year ago, reflecting $1,185M net debt vs. $746M prior year. Proforma leverage is 2.1x including Emerald synergies, within the 1.5-2.5x target range.
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FY27 Outlook Reaffirmed
Adjusted EPS guidance of $4.60-$5.05, Adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.5%-27.5%, and free cash flow of $205M. Emerald expected to add $78M revenue and be $0.10 accretive to adjusted EPS in year one.
Analysis · WLY · Manufacturing
Wiley delivered Q1 FY2027 results in line with expectations, with revenue down 3% to $386M and adjusted EPS down 10% to $0.44. The quarter reflects a $29M prior-year AI licensing comparison headwind and softness in the seasonally light Learning segment, partially offset by 12% growth in Research Publishing and a $13M contribution from the newly acquired Emerald Publishing. The company reaffirmed its full-year outlook, including adjusted EPS of $4.60 to $5.05 and free cash flow of $205M. The Emerald acquisition, closed June 1 for approximately $450M, pushed net debt-to-EBITDA to 2.7x (proforma 2.1x including synergies), a meaningful leverage increase from 1.9x a year ago. The results confirm the strategic pivot toward Research and AI-driven growth while Learning faces structural headwinds.
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In the 30 days to Sep 12, 2026, 29.9% of the 1944 measured filings Wiseek scored 7 moved their stock by 5% or more by the next session's close. The median move was -0.15%. These are measured outcomes after filings of this importance, not a forecast for this one.
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At the time of this filing, WLY was trading at $51.05 on NYSE in the Manufacturing sector, with a market capitalization of approximately $2.6B. The 52-week trading range was $28.38 to $57.45. This filing was assessed with neutral market sentiment and an importance score of 7 out of 10.