v3.26.1
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts
 12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2026
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts
Wiley has two classes of common stock, Class A and Class B. Each share of our Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock. The holders of Class A stock are entitled to elect 30% of the entire Board of Directors and the holders of Class B stock are entitled to elect the remainder. On all other matters, each share of Class A stock is entitled to one tenth of one vote, and each share of Class B stock is entitled to one vote.
Share Repurchases
In fiscal year 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $200 million of Class A or B Common Stock, which was fully utilized as of April 30, 2026. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, our Board of Directors authorized an additional share repurchase program of up to $250 million of Class A or B Common Stock. As of April 30, 2026, $207.4 million of share repurchase authority remained under this authorization.
The following table summarizes the share repurchases during the years ended April 30 (shares in thousands):
202620252024
Shares repurchased - Class A2,843 1,186 1,294 
Shares repurchased - Class B7 173 3 
Average price - Class A and Class B$35.08 $44.16 $34.71 
The average price per share excludes excise taxes payable on share repurchases and may differ from the share repurchases reflected in Purchases of treasury shares in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of April 30, 2026, total shares repurchased include unsettled purchases.
Dividends
We declared and paid quarterly cash dividends on our Class A and Class B Common Stock for a total of $74.4 million, $76.1 million, and $77.0 million during the years ended April 30, 2026, 2025, and 2024, respectively.
Changes in Common Stock
The following is a summary of changes during the years ended April 30, in shares of our common stock and common stock in treasury (shares in thousands).
Changes in Class A Common Stock:202620252024
Number of shares, beginning of year70,312 70,259 70,231 
Common stock class conversions2 53 28 
Number of shares issued, end of year70,314 70,312 70,259 
 
Changes in Class A Common Stock in treasury:
Number of shares held, beginning of year25,687 24,828 23,983 
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans(492)(448)(662)
Impact of tax withholding on stock-based compensation and other181 121 213 
Purchases of treasury shares2,843 1,186 1,294 
Number of shares held, end of year28,219 25,687 24,828 
Number of Class A Common Stock outstanding, end of year42,095 44,625 45,431 
 
Changes in Class B Common Stock:202620252024
Number of shares, beginning of year12,870 12,923 12,951 
Common stock class conversions(2)(53)(28)
Number of shares issued, end of year12,868 12,870 12,923 
 
Changes in Class B Common Stock in treasury:
Number of shares held, beginning of year4,101 3,928 3,925 
Purchases of treasury shares7 173 3 
Number of shares held, end of year4,108 4,101 3,928 
Number of Class B Common Stock outstanding, end of year8,760 8,769 8,995