Form 4: Director Mari Jean Baker Increases Wiley Phantom Stock
Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership
Director Mari Jean Baker acquired 361 phantom stock units in John Wiley & Sons, Inc. via a dividend reinvestment plan.
Summary
- Director Mari Jean Baker acquired 361 phantom stock units of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (WLY/WLYB).
- The transaction occurred on April 23, 2026, at a price of $41.32 per unit.
- The acquisition represents a dividend reinvestment under the company's Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.
- Following this transaction, the director holds a total of 42,373 phantom stock units.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral, routine administrative filing reflecting standard director compensation practices.
Positives
- Demonstrates continued alignment of director interests with shareholders through dividend reinvestment.
Negatives
- None identified; this is a routine administrative transaction related to compensation plans.
Risks
- Value of phantom stock is tied to the future performance of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Class A Common stock.
Future Outlook
The phantom stock units will settle in Class A Common stock upon the director's separation of service from the Board.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that routine director compensation adjustments via deferred compensation plans are standard corporate governance practices and do not typically signal shifts in strategic direction or market sentiment.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- The use of phantom stock units for director compensation is a common practice among mid-to-large cap publicly traded companies to defer tax liabilities and align long-term incentives.
Stakeholder Impact
- Minimal impact on shareholders as this is a standard compensation-related transaction.
Next Steps
- Settlement of phantom stock units into Class A Common stock upon the director's future separation from the Board.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 04/23/2026 | Date of the phantom stock unit acquisition. |
| 04/24/2026 | Date of filing for the Form 4 statement. |
Keywords
John Wiley & Sons, WLY, Director, Phantom Stock, Insider Transaction, Dividend Reinvestment
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