Form 4: John Wiley & Sons Director Inder M. Singh Acquires Phantom Stock Units

Director Inder M. Singh acquired 2,758 phantom stock units of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. on September 26, 2024, as part of an annual director stock award.

Summary

• On September 26, 2024, Inder M. Singh, a director of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., acquired 2,758 phantom stock units.
• The acquisition was part of an annual director stock award issued under the company's 2022 Omnibus Stock and Long-Term Incentive Plan.
• The phantom stock units are deferred under the Director Deferred Compensation Plan and will settle upon separation of service from the Board in Class A Common stock.
• 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.
• Following the transaction, Singh directly owns 11,399 derivative securities.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The document reflects a routine transaction related to director compensation, indicating a stable and well-managed company. The sentiment is neutral to positive as it shows alignment of interests between the director and shareholders.

Positives

• The acquisition of phantom stock units aligns the director's interests with the long-term performance of the company.
• The stock award is part of a pre-existing compensation plan, suggesting a consistent approach to director compensation.

Future Outlook

The phantom stock units will settle upon separation of service from the Board in 100% of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Class A Common stock, with distribution occurring either in a lump sum or in ratable installments over a period not to exceed 10 years, according to the director's election.

Industry Context

Director stock awards are a common practice in publicly traded companies to align the interests of directors with those of shareholders. The specific terms of the award, such as the vesting schedule and the form of settlement, can vary depending on the company's compensation policies.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Director compensation packages vary widely across industries and company sizes.
• Stock awards are a common component, often vesting over a period of years to incentivize long-term commitment.
• Companies like Pearson, Cengage, and McGraw Hill also utilize stock-based compensation for their directors.
• The specific value and structure of these awards depend on factors such as company performance, market capitalization, and industry benchmarks.

Stakeholder Impact

• The acquisition of phantom stock units by a director can positively influence shareholder confidence by aligning management's interests with the company's long-term success.
• Employees may view this as a positive sign of leadership commitment.

Key Dates