Wiley’s deepening involvement with AI was highlighted by the company in its announcement of its financial results for the quarter ended July 31, 2025.
According to the announcement, Wiley executed a “landmark" $20 million AI licensing project with a large tech company that included content from other publishers and also struck a “strategic partnership with Anthropic to accelerate AI integration across scholarly research.” It wasn’t clear how those deals impacted first quarter results, although Wiley reported that it recorded $16 million in AI licensing revenue in its research group in the quarter, a key driver in lifting total sales in the division to $282 million, up 6% over the comparable period a year ago.
It wasn’t all good news on the AI front, however. Revenue in the learning group fell 7%, to $115 million, due in part to a $3 million decline in AI licensing revenue, which dropped to $13 million from $16 million. Softness in professional sales also contributed to the group’s overall sales decline.
That AI blip notwithstanding, CEO Matthew Kissner leaned heavily into the prospects for AI at Wiley in prepared remarks. “Wiley is now a recognized leader in AI licensing and innovation, executing projects for multi-national corporations and strategically partnering with top AI innovators,” Kissner said, adding that the company is also “expanding AI innovation across our product portfolio.” The $29 million in AI licensing generated in the first quarter compared to a total of $40 million Wiley earned in fiscal 2025.
In the quarter, total revenue fell slightly, to $396.8 million from $403.8 million, with the later figure including sales from businesses that have been sold. Operating income rose 7%, to $30.9 million, from $28.9 million.
The results were generally in line with expectations, and Wiley said it still expects revenue in fiscal 2026 to grow in the low to mid-single digit range with its EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) rising to between 25.5% to 26.5% from 24% in fiscal 2025.
