Wiley research publishing revenue jumps 12pc on OA growth and Emerald acquisition
Wiley has reported 4% growth in its research division for the first quarter of its 2027 financial year, with publishing revenue climbing 12% as strong demand for open access and the addition of Emerald Publishing boosted the business.
Research revenue reached $293 million for the three months ended 31 July 2026, up 4% both on a reported basis and at constant currency.
Research Publishing revenue increased 12% at constant currency, driven by what Wiley described as strong growth in gold open access and AI licensing, alongside a $13 million contribution from Emerald Publishing following completion of the acquisition during the quarter.
The performance helped offset a 30% decline in Research Solutions revenue, which faced a tough comparison with the same period last year because of AI licensing income. Research Solutions generated $4 million in AI licensing revenue during the quarter, compared with $16 million a year earlier.
Wiley said demand to publish and research output trends remained strong. Research adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation) rose 9% at constant currency to $87 million, including a $5 million contribution from Emerald. The division’s adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 130 basis points to 29.6%.
Wiley completed its acquisition of Emerald Publishing during the quarter for approximately $450 million in cash, net of cash acquired. Emerald brings nearly 500 journals, thousands of book titles and case studies, and around 500,000 backfile assets. The deal expands Wiley’s overall portfolio to approximately 2,500 journals and gives the company a top-one-or-two position in several areas of economics, business and finance. The company expects around $30 million in cost synergies from the acquisition.
AI licensing generated $14 million across Wiley during the quarter, with the company reporting an expanding pipeline across model training, commercial licensing and subscription knowledge feeds. Wiley was also selected as the only scientific publisher participating in the US Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission and became a founding data partner in CuspAI’s materials foundry.
Matthew Kissner, Wiley president and CEO, said: “We delivered the quarter we planned for, and the momentum between Research and AI keeps building: Research is fueling the trusted content that accelerates AI, and AI is driving the productivity that accelerates Research.”
Overall Wiley revenue fell 3% to $386 million, compared with $397 million a year earlier. Learning revenue fell 19% to $93 million, reflecting prior-year AI licensing comparisons and softer consumer and corporate spending.