Form 4: John Wiley & Sons Director Beth A. Birnbaum Reports Acquisition of Phantom Stock Units

Director Beth A. Birnbaum reports acquisition of phantom stock units due to a quarterly dividend under the John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.

Summary

• On October 24, 2024, Beth A. Birnbaum, a director of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., acquired 152 phantom stock units.
• This acquisition is a result of a quarterly dividend and is deferred under the John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.
• The price of the derivative security is $49.37.
• Following the reported transaction, Birnbaum beneficially owns 21,376 derivative securities.
• The shares will settle upon separation of service from the Board in 100% John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Class A Common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to slightly positive as it reflects ongoing director compensation practices and alignment with shareholder interests.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock units reflects continued participation in the John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock units will be settled in Class A Common stock 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.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Director compensation packages often include deferred compensation plans and stock-based awards to align the interests of directors with those of shareholders.
• Companies like Pearson, Cengage, and McGraw Hill also utilize similar compensation strategies for their board members.

Stakeholder Impact

• The transaction has a minor positive impact on shareholders by aligning director interests with company performance.

Key Dates