Form 4: Director Beth A. Birnbaum Acquires Phantom Stock Units in John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Director Beth A. Birnbaum reports the acquisition of phantom stock units in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. due to a quarterly dividend and deferred compensation plan.

Summary

• On April 25, 2024, Beth A. Birnbaum, a director of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., acquired 167 phantom stock units.
• The acquisition is a result of a quarterly dividend and deferred under the John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.
• The price of the derivative security is $37.95.
• Following the transaction, Birnbaum beneficially owns 18,328 phantom stock units.
• These units are convertible to Class A Common stock upon separation of service from the Board.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to positive. It reflects a routine transaction related to director compensation, indicating alignment of interests with shareholders.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock units reflects continued participation in the company's deferred compensation plan.
• The deferred compensation plan aligns the director's interests with the long-term performance of the company.

Future Outlook

The reporting person will receive distribution of their deferred compensation in accordance with their distribution election in either a lump sum or in ratable installments over a period not to exceed 10 years upon separation of service from the Board.

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure related to director compensation and is typical for publicly traded companies. It reflects standard practices for aligning director interests with shareholder value through equity-based compensation.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Deferred compensation plans for directors are common among publicly traded companies, including competitors such as Pearson and Cengage Learning.
• These plans often involve the granting of phantom stock units or similar instruments that vest over time and are settled in company stock upon retirement or separation from service.
• The specific terms of the John Wiley & Sons, Inc. plan, such as the distribution options and vesting schedule, are likely comparable to those offered by other companies in the publishing and education industry.

Stakeholder Impact

• The transaction has a minor positive impact on shareholders by aligning director compensation with company performance.
• There is no significant impact on employees, customers, suppliers, or creditors.

Key Dates