Exploring John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Have you ever wondered who the major players are behind John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB), and what drives their investment decisions? As of May 31, 2024, the company's Class A and Class B Common Stock had 45,434,465 and 8,990,760 shares outstanding, respectively. Recent data indicates that institutional investors hold a significant stake. As of December 31, 2024, William Blair Investment Management, LLC held 1,053,035 shares, representing a 2.498% stake valued at $44.743 million. Institutional investors own 77.20% of the company's shares outstanding, with a market value of $1.92 billion. Let's delve into the investor profile of John Wiley & Sons to uncover who is investing and, more importantly, why.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) Who Invests in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) and Why?

Understanding the investor profile of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) involves examining the diverse range of entities and individuals who hold its stock, and their motivations for doing so. These investors typically include retail investors, institutional investors, and hedge funds, each bringing different investment strategies and objectives.

Key Investor Types:

The investor base of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) can be segmented into several key types:

• Retail Investors: These are individual investors who buy shares for their personal accounts. Retail investors may be attracted to John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) due to its established presence in the publishing and education industry, as well as its dividend payouts.
• Institutional Investors: This category includes entities such as mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and endowment funds. Institutional investors often hold significant portions of a company's stock. According to the latest data, institutional investors hold a substantial percentage of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB)'s shares. For example, Vanguard Group holds 1.9 million shares, representing 3.48%, and BlackRock Fund Advisors holds 1.4 million shares, accounting for 2.52%. State Street Global Advisors holds 0.9 million shares, or 1.69%.
• Hedge Funds: These are investment partnerships that use pooled funds and employ various strategies to earn active return, or alpha, for their investors. Hedge funds may invest in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) based on specific trading opportunities or perceived undervaluation.

Investment Motivations:

Investors are drawn to John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) for a variety of reasons, often linked to the company's financial health, market position, and future prospects:

• Growth Prospects: The company's strategic initiatives in digital education and professional learning can be a strong motivator. Investors may believe that John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for online learning resources.
• Dividends: Many investors, particularly those seeking stable income, find John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB)'s dividend payouts attractive. The company has a history of consistent dividend payments, making it a favorite among income-focused investors.
• Market Position: As a long-standing player in the publishing industry, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) benefits from a strong brand reputation and a wide range of products and services. This established market presence can provide investors with a sense of stability and confidence.

Investment Strategies:

The strategies employed by investors in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) can vary widely depending on their investment goals and risk tolerance:

• Long-Term Holding: Many institutional investors adopt a long-term holding strategy, viewing John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) as a stable, value-generating asset. They focus on the company's long-term growth potential and consistent dividend payouts.
• Short-Term Trading: Hedge funds and some retail investors may engage in short-term trading, seeking to profit from fluctuations in the company's stock price. This strategy is based on technical analysis, market trends, and specific events affecting the company.
• Value Investing: Value investors look for companies that they believe are undervalued by the market. They may be attracted to John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) if they perceive its stock price to be lower than its intrinsic value, based on factors such as its assets, earnings, and future growth prospects.

A detailed look at the major institutional holders reveals specific investment levels and strategies. Data from the fiscal year 2024 indicates the following:

These institutions manage vast portfolios and their investment decisions are influenced by extensive research and analysis. Their significant holdings in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) suggest a strong belief in the company's long-term value and potential.

Understanding who invests in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) and why provides valuable insights into the market's perception of the company. By examining the motivations and strategies of different investor types, stakeholders can gain a more comprehensive view of the factors driving investment decisions and the overall health of the company.

More insights about John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) can be found here: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) Institutional Ownership and Major Shareholders

Understanding the institutional ownership of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) provides valuable insights into the company's investor profile and market dynamics. Institutional investors, which include entities like mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds, often hold significant stakes in publicly traded companies, and their investment decisions can influence stock price and corporate strategy. This section explores the major institutional shareholders of John Wiley & Sons, recent changes in their ownership, and the overall impact these investors have on the company.

As of the latest available data, the top institutional holders of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) include:

• BlackRock Fund Advisors: Holding a substantial number of shares, BlackRock is a significant institutional investor in John Wiley & Sons.
• The Vanguard Group: Known for its index fund offerings, Vanguard holds a considerable stake in WLYB.
• Dimensional Fund Advisors LP: This firm is also among the top institutional holders, reflecting a notable investment in the company.

These major institutional investors play a critical role in the stability and direction of John Wiley & Sons' stock. Their decisions to increase or decrease their positions can signal confidence or concern about the company's future performance.

Changes in institutional ownership can provide insights into the sentiment surrounding John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB). Recent trends in ownership include:

• Increased Stakes: Some institutional investors may have increased their holdings, indicating a positive outlook on the company's growth prospects and strategic initiatives.
• Decreased Stakes: Conversely, other institutions may have reduced their positions, possibly due to concerns about market conditions, company performance, or alternative investment opportunities.

These changes are closely monitored by analysts and individual investors alike, as they can influence the stock's volatility and long-term valuation.

The presence and actions of large institutional investors have a multifaceted impact on John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB):

• Stock Price Influence: Large transactions by these investors can lead to significant fluctuations in the stock price, affecting market capitalization and shareholder value.
• Corporate Governance: Institutional investors often engage with company management on issues related to corporate governance, strategy, and performance, thereby shaping the company's direction.
• Market Confidence: Substantial institutional ownership can enhance market confidence in the company, attracting additional investors and potentially lowering the cost of capital.

For those interested in understanding more about the company's core values and strategic direction, further insights can be found at: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB).

Analyzing the ownership structure and the behavior of institutional investors is essential for understanding the market dynamics surrounding John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB). These investors not only influence the stock's performance but also play a crucial role in shaping the company's strategic decisions and overall market perception.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) Key Investors and Their Impact on [Company Name]

Understanding the investor profile of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) provides critical insights into the company's stability, strategic direction, and potential for growth. Examining who holds significant stakes in WLYB, their investment strategies, and recent activities can shed light on the market's sentiment and future expectations for the company.

While specific real-time data on all current investors and their recent moves isn't available without access to specialized financial databases, we can discuss the types of investors that are likely to be interested in a company like John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB), and the general impact these investors may have.

Types of Investors in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB):

• Institutional Investors: These include mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and hedge funds. They typically hold large blocks of shares and can significantly influence the company's stock price and corporate governance.
• Individual Investors: These are retail investors who buy and sell shares for their own accounts. Their impact is usually less pronounced unless a large number of them act in concert.
• Activist Investors: These are investors who take a significant stake in a company and then use their position to influence management decisions. They often push for changes to improve profitability or increase shareholder value.
• Strategic Investors: These could be other companies in the education or publishing industry that take a stake in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) for strategic reasons, such as partnerships or acquisitions.

General Impact of Investors:

• Stock Price: Large institutional investors can drive stock prices up or down based on their buying or selling activity. Positive news or strong financial results can attract more investors, increasing demand and pushing the price higher.
• Corporate Governance: Major shareholders have the power to influence board elections and key decisions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and executive compensation.
• Company Strategy: Activist investors may push for significant changes in company strategy, such as cost-cutting measures, asset sales, or a shift in business focus.

To illustrate the potential influence of different investor types, consider the following hypothetical examples:

For more insights into the financial health of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB), you can explore: Breaking Down John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) Market Impact and Investor Sentiment

Understanding investor sentiment and market reactions is crucial for assessing the potential future performance of any publicly traded company. For John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB), several factors influence how investors perceive the stock. These include major shareholder actions, overall market sentiment, and analyst ratings. Here’s a breakdown of key elements shaping WLYB's investor profile:

• Current Stock Price: As of April 17, 2025, the price of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLY) share was $42.85.
• 52-Week Range: The 52-week high for John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Stock is $53.96 and the 52-week low is $34.85.

For detailed insights into the company's financial well-being, you can explore Breaking Down John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Investor Sentiment

Investor sentiment for John Wiley & Sons, Inc. can be gauged through several indicators:

• Institutional Ownership: As of March 2025, 28 institutional owners and shareholders reported holding a total of 314,500 shares. Major shareholders include Morgan Stanley, PFG Investments, LLC, and Royal Bank of Canada.
• Put/Call Ratio: Analyzing the put/call ratio provides insights into overall institutional sentiment. Put options generally indicate negative sentiment, while call options suggest positive sentiment.
• Fund Sentiment Score: This score identifies companies with the highest levels of institutional accumulation, ranging from 0 to 100, where higher numbers indicate greater accumulation.
• Indian Investors' Sentiment: Interest from Indian investors in John Wiley & Sons Stock has increased by 25% in the last 30 days (from March 14, 2025, to April 13, 2025), indicating a growing interest.

Recent Market Reactions

The stock market's reaction to various events provides insight into investor confidence and company performance:

• Stock Performance: On the last trading day (April 17, 2025), the stock price gained 1.04%, rising from $42.41 to $42.85.
• Volatility: WLYB has not shown significant price volatility in the past 3 months compared to the US market.
• 52-Week High: In October 2024, WLYB stock reached a 52-week high at $50.49, driven by robust growth and increasing investor confidence.
• Dividend Increase: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has declared a slight increase in its quarterly cash dividend, marking the 31st consecutive year of dividend growth. The new dividend rate is $0.3525 per share on both Class A and Class B Common Stock, a modest increase from the previous annual dividend rate of $1.40 to $1.41 per share.

Analyst Perspectives

Analysts' insights play a crucial role in shaping investor expectations and market behavior:

• Rating Trend: Based on 5 Wall Street analysts, 80% recommend a 'Buy' rating, and 20% suggest a 'Hold.'
• Earnings Forecast: WLYB is expected to report earnings to rise 55.95% to $1.31 per share on June 12.
• Revenue Growth: Wiley reported solid Q3 results, with revenue up 1% (driven by 5% growth in Research, offsetting a 6% decline in Learning) and adjusted EPS up 39% year-over-year; adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 23.2% from 22.7%.
• Future Targets: The company raised its fiscal 2026 margin target to above 25% (from 24-25%) and reaffirmed its free cash flow target of $200 million, citing ongoing cost structure rationalization and operational efficiency initiatives.
• AI Growth: AI licensing continues to be a growth driver, with $30 million in AI-related revenue year-to-date and a new $9 million agreement in Q3; Wiley is building a pipeline of vertical-specific AI opportunities, especially with R&D-centric corporations.

Additional Factors Influencing Investor Sentiment

Several other elements contribute to the overall investor sentiment:

• Stable Share Price: WLYB has maintained a stable share price with no significant volatility over the past year.
• Shareholder Returns: WLYB exceeded the US Market which returned 7.6% over the past year.
• Dividend Yield: WLYB Dividends. Dividend Yield (FWD) Annual Payout (FWD) $1.41.
• Revenue: Revenue (TTM) $1.70B.

Historical Data and Future Outlook

Analyzing historical stock prices and future forecasts can further refine investor perspectives:

• 30-Year Stock Price History: The all-time high John Wiley & Sons stock closing price was $57.70 on June 14, 2018. The latest closing stock price for John Wiley & Sons as of March 25, 2025, is $44.80.
• Stock Price Forecast: Predicted fair opening price on April 21, 2025 - $42.74.

Key Financial Metrics (Fundamentals)

Essential financial metrics provide a snapshot of the company's financial health:

By considering these diverse factors, investors can develop a comprehensive understanding of market sentiment and the potential trajectory of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLYB).