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John Wiley & Sons Inc.

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FY1997 Annual Report · John Wiley & Sons Inc.
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WILEY JOHN & SONS INC

FORM 10-K 
(Annual Report) 

Filed 7/1/1997 For Period Ending 4/30/1997

Address

111 RIVER STREET

HOBOKEN, New Jersey 07030

Telephone

CIK

Industry

Sector

Fiscal Year

201-748-6000 

0000107140

Printing & Publishing

Services

04/30

 
 
FORM 10-K  

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  

Washington, DC 20549  

[x] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF  
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

For the fiscal year ended: April, 30, 1997  

OR  

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE  
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)  

For the transition period from to  
Commission file number 1-11507  

JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.  

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)  

NEW YORK                                          13-5593032 
--------------------------------------       ----------------------------------- 
State or other jurisdiction of                    I.R.S. Employer 
incorporation or organization                     Identification No. 
605 Third Avenue, New York, NY                    10158-0012 
--------------------------------------       ----------------------------------- 
Address of principal executive offices            Zip Code 

Registrant's telephone number including           (212) 850-6000 
area code                                    ----------------------------------- 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  

Title of each class                               Name of each exchange on which 
                                                  registered 

Class A Common Stock, par value                   New York Stock Exchange 
$1.00 per share 

Class B Common Stock, par value                   New York Stock Exchange 
$1.00 per share 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  
None  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been 
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K  

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Class A and Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share as of May 31, 1997, was 
12,746,220 and 3,166,058 respectively, and the aggregate market value of such shares of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the 
Registrant as of such date was $389,905,158 based upon the closing market price of the Class A and Class B Common Stock.  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE  

 
 
 
 
 
The Registrant's Definitive proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or about August 8, 1997 for the Annual Meeting of 
Shareholders to be held on September 18, 1997, (the "1997 Proxy Statement") is, to the extent noted below, incorporated by reference in Part 
III.  

Item 1. Business  

PART I  

The Company is a New York corporation incorporated on January 15, 1904. (As used herein the term "Company" means John Wiley & Sons, 
Inc., and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, unless the context indicates otherwise).  

The Company operates in one business segment, namely publishing, which develops, publishes, and markets products in print and electronic 
formats including textbooks, professional and reference works, consumer books, journals, and other subscription-based products, for the 
educational, scientific, technical, professional and trade markets in the United States and internationally.  

Textbooks are produced primarily for use in formal instruction in the college and university markets, as well as the secondary school market in 
Australia, while professional and reference books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and periodicals are intended primarily for practicing and 
research professionals and for libraries. Some of these, as well as nonfiction consumer publications, are also marketed to the general public. In 
addition, the Company markets and distributes books from other publishers. The Company also develops and markets electronic versions of 
certain of its print products, as well as computer software and electronic data bases for educational use and professional research and training. 
Book publications are primarily in the areas of pure and applied science, engineering, architecture, the social sciences, biomedicine, 
accounting, law, computer science and business administration. Journal publications are primarily in the scientific and technical, and 
biomedical research areas.  

In fiscal 1997, the Company acquired a 90% interest in the German based VCH Publishing Group (VCH) for approximately $99 million in 
cash. VCH is a leading scientific, technical, and professional publisher of journals and books in such disciplines as chemistry, architecture, civil 
engineering and law.  

The Company is on the Internet with a World Wide Web site located at http://www.wiley.com.  

Domestic Publishing Operations  

Adopted textbooks (i.e., textbooks prescribed for course use) are sold primarily to bookstores serving educational institutions in the United 
States (i.e., college bookstores). The Company employs college sales representatives who call upon faculty members responsible for selecting 
books to be used in courses, and upon the college bookstores which serve such institutions and their students. Approximately 2,200 domestic 
college bookstore accounts are active customers. Textbook sales are generally made on a fully returnable basis.  

The textbook business is seasonal with the majority of textbook sales occurring during June through August and November through January. 
Significant amounts of inventory are acquired prior to those periods in order to meet customer delivery requirements. There is an active used 
textbook market which negatively affects the sales of new textbooks.  

Professional and consumer book sales consist of sales to trade bookstores serving the general public, to wholesalers who supply such 
bookstores, to certain college bookstores for their non-textbook requirements, to individual professional practitioners, and to research 
institutions, jobbers, libraries (including public, professional, academic, and other special libraries), industrial organizations, and governmental 
agencies. The Company employs sales representatives who call upon independent bookstores, along with national and regional chain 
bookstores, wholesalers and jobbers in the United States. Trade sales to bookstores, wholesalers and jobbers are generally made on a fully 
returnable basis.  

Sales of professional and consumer books also result from direct mail campaigns, telemarketing, on-line access, and advertising and reviews in 
periodicals. The mailings and advertising are intended to promote sales through bookstores and jobbers, as well as to solicit sales directly.  

Journal subscriptions result primarily from direct mail and other advertising and promotional campaigns, renewals which are solicited annually 
either directly or by companies commonly referred to as independent subscription agents, and memberships in the professional societies for 
those journals that are sponsored by such societies.  

The Company also receives licensing revenues from photocopies and electronic uses and reproductions of journal articles and other materials.  

Domestic publishing products, other than journals, are distributed from a Company operated warehouse located in New Jersey. Journals are 
mailed to subscribers directly from the independent printers.  

International Publishing Operations  

The Company's publications are sold throughout most of the world through subsidiaries located in Europe, Canada, Australia, and Asia, or 
through agents, or directly from New York. These subsidiaries market their own indigenous publications, as well as publications produced by 
the domestic operations and other subsidiaries and affiliates.  

The Export Sales Department in New York markets the Company's publications through agents as well as foreign sales representatives in 
countries not served by a foreign subsidiary. John Wiley & Sons International Rights, Inc. sells foreign reprint and translations rights. The 
Company publishes, or licenses others to publish, its products which are distributed throughout the world in 35 foreign languages.  

Approximately 48% of the Company's fiscal 1997 revenues were derived from non-U.S. markets.  

Publishing Procedures  

The Company usually enters into agreements with authors which state the terms and conditions under which the respective authors' materials 
will be published and under which other related rights may be exercised, the name in which the copyright will be registered, the basis for any 
royalties, and other matters. The Company continues to add new titles, revise existing titles, and discontinue the sale of others in the normal 
course of its business.  

Most of the authors of the books and other products published are compensated by royalties which vary with the nature of the product and its 
anticipated sales potential. In general, royalties for textbooks and consumer books are higher than royalties for research and reference works. 
The Company makes advances against future royalties to authors of certain of its publications.  

Materials for publication are obtained from authors throughout most of the world through the efforts of an editorial staff, outside editorial 
advisors, and advisory boards. Most materials originate with their authors, but many are prepared as a result of suggestions or solicitations by 
editors or advisors. The Company's general practice is to revise its basic textbooks every three to five years, if warranted, and to revise other 
titles as appropriate. Approximately 41% of the Company's fiscal 1997 domestic book publishing revenues were from titles published or 
revised in that fiscal year. Subscription-based products, other than journals, are updated more frequently on a regular schedule.  

Most journals are owned by the Company, in which case they may or may not be sponsored by a professional society. Some are owned by such 
societies and published by the Company under an agreement. Societies which sponsor or own such journals generally receive a royalty and/or 
other consideration which varies with the nature of the relationship. The Company usually enters into agreements with the editors of journals 
which state the duties of the editors, and the fees and expenses for their services. Contributions of journal articles transfer publication rights to 
the Company or professional society, as applicable. Journal revenues represented approximately 36% of the Company's fiscal 1997 revenues.  

The Company's publishing business is not dependent upon a single customer, the loss of whom could have a material adverse effect. The book 
publishing business has witnessed a significant growth in national and regional bookstore chains in recent years, however, no one customer 
accounts for more than 5% of total consolidated revenues. The journal subscription business is primarily sourced through independent 
subscription agents who facilitate the journal ordering process by consolidating the subscription orders/billings of each subscriber with various 
publishers. Monies are collected in advance from subscribers by the subscription agents and are remitted to the journal publishers, including the 
Company, generally prior to the commencement of the subscriptions. Although at fiscal year-end, the Company had minimal credit risk 
exposure to these agents, future calendar year subscription receipts from these agents are highly dependent on their financial position and 
liquidity. Subscription agents account for approximately 25% of total consolidated revenues and no one agent accounts for more than 6% of 
total consolidated revenues.  

The Company performs marketing and distribution services for other publishers under agency arrangements. It also engages in co-publishing of 
titles with foreign publishers and in publication of adaptations of works from other publishers for particular markets.  

Like most other publishers, the Company generally contracts with independent printers and binderies for their services. The Company 
purchases its paper from printers and from independent suppliers. Paper prices decreased during fiscal 1997 compared with the increases 
experienced in prior years. The Company believes that adequate printing and binding facilities, and sources of paper and other required 
materials are available to it, and that it is not dependent upon any single supplier.  

The Company produces electronic versions of some of its products including software, video, CD-ROM, and through on-line services. 
Approximately 450 products are available in electronic formats, of which 100 are primary stand-alone products with the remainder representing 
supplemental products in support of other print products. The Company believes that the demand for new electronic technology products will 
increase. Accordingly, to properly service its customers and to remain competitive, the Company anticipates it will be necessary to increase its 
expenditures related to such new technologies over the next several years, including distributing virtually all of the Company's journals as full-
text electronic files over the Internet.  

Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks, and Environment  

Substantially all of the Company's publications are protected by copyright, either in its own name, in the name of the author of the work, or in 
the name of the sponsoring professional society. Such copyrights protect the Company's exclusive right to publish the work in the United States 
and in many countries abroad for specified periods: in most cases the author's life plus 50 years, but in any event a minimum of 28 years for 
works published prior to 1978 and 35 years for works published thereafter.  

The Company does not own any other material patents, franchises, or concessions, but does have registered trademarks and service marks in 
connection with its publishing businesses. The Company's operations are generally not affected by environmental legislation.  

Competition Within the Publishing Industry  

The sectors of the publishing industry in which the Company is engaged are highly competitive. The principal competitive criteria for the 
publishing industry are believed to be product quality, suitability of format and subject matter, author reputation, price, timely availability of 
both new titles and revisions of existing texts and, for textbooks and certain trade books, timely delivery of products to retail outlets. Recent 
years have seen a consolidation trend within the publishing industry, including several publishing companies having been acquired by larger 
publishers and other companies.  

Based upon currently available industry statistics, the Company believes that of books published and sold in the United States, it accounts for 
approximately 3% of the total sales of such university and college textbooks, and approximately 3% of the total sales of such professional 
books.  

The Company knows of no reliable industry statistics which would enable it to determine its share of the various foreign markets in which its 
operates. The Company believes that the percentage of its total book publishing sales in markets outside the United States is higher than that of 
most of the United States publishers. The Company also believes it is in the top rank of publishers of scientific and technical journals 
worldwide, as well as the leading commercial chemistry publisher at the research level, and one of the four largest publishers of university and 
college textbooks for the "hardside" disciplines, i.e. engineering, sciences and mathematics.  

Employees  

As of April 30, 1997, the Company employed approximately 2,170 persons on a full-time basis worldwide, none of whom are unionized. 
Management considers relations with its employees to be generally satisfactory.  

Financial Information About Industry Segments  

The note entitled - "Segment Information" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements listed in the attached index is incorporated herein 
by reference.  

Financial Information about Foreign and  
Domestic Operations and Export Sales  

The note entitled - "Segment Information" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements listed in the attached index is incorporated herein 
by reference.  

Executive Officers  

Set forth below as of April 30, 1997 are the names and ages of all executive officers of the Company, the period during which they have been 
officers, and the offices presently held by each of them.  

Name and Age           Officer Since                   Present Office 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Bradford Wiley II          1993         Chairman of the Board since January 
     56                                 1993 and a Director (previously 
                                        Editor, College Division) 

Charles R. Ellis           1988         President and Chief Executive Officer 
     61                                 since June 1990 and a Director 

William J. Pesce           1989         Chief Operating Officer since May 1997 
     46                                 (previously Executive Vice President 
                                        and Group President, Educational & 
                                        International Publishing; Senior Vice 
                                        President, Educational & International 
                                        Publishing Group and Senior Vice 
                                        President, Educational Publishing Group) 

Stephen A. Kippur          1986         Executive Vice President and Group 
     50                                 President, PRT since June 1996 
                                        (previously Senior Vice President, 
                                        Professional, Reference & Trade 
                                        Publishing Group) 

Richard S. Rudick          1978         Senior Vice President, General Counsel 
     58                                 since June 1989 

Robert D. Wilder           1986         Executive Vice President and Chief 
     48                                 Financial and Support Operations 
                                        Officer since June 1996 (previously 
                                        Senior Vice President, Chief Financial 
                                        Officer) 

William Arlington          1990         Senior Vice President, Human Resources 
     48                                 since June 1996 (previously Vice 
                                        President, Human Resources) 

Peter W. Clifford          1989         Senior Vice President, Finance, 
     51                                 Corporate Controller and Chief 
                                        Accounting Officer since June 1996 
                                        (previously Vice President, Finance 
                                        and Controller) 

Deborah E. Wiley           1982         Senior Vice President, Corporate 
     51                                 Communications since June 1996 and a 
                                        Director (previously Vice President 
                                        and Director of Corporate 
                                        Communications) 

Timothy B. King            1996         Senior Vice President, Planning and 
     56                                 Development since June 1996 
                                        (previously Vice President, Planning 
                                        and Development) 

Each of the officers listed above will serve until the next organizational meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company and until each of the 
respective successors is duly elected and qualified. Deborah E. Wiley is the sister of Bradford Wiley II. There is no other family relationship 
among any of the aforementioned individuals.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2. Properties  

The Company's publishing businesses occupy office, warehouse, and distribution centers in various parts of the world, as listed below 
(excluding those locations with less than 10,000 square feet of floor area, none of which is considered material property).  

                                              Approximate             Lease 
Location             Purpose                  Square Feet        Expiration Date 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Leased-Domestic: 

New York             Executive and             230,000                 2003 
                     Editorial Offices 

New Jersey           Distribution              170,000                 2003 
                     Center and Office 

New Jersey           Warehouse                 132,000                 2002 

Colorado             Office                     17,000                 2000 

Owned-Foreign: 

Germany              Office and                 66,000 
                     Warehouse 
Leased-Foreign: 

Australia            Office                     16,000                 1998 
                     Warehouse                  26,000                 2000 

Canada               Office                     14,000                 2001 
                     Warehouse                  41,000                 2001 

England              Office                     49,000                 2009 
                     Warehouse                  68,000                 2012 

Germany              Office                     23,000                 1999 

Singapore            Office and Warehouse       53,000                 1999 

All of the buildings and the equipment owned or leased are believed to be in good condition and are generally fully utilized. The Company 
considers its facilities overall to be adequate for its present and near-term anticipated needs.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3. Legal Proceedings  

The Company is involved in routine litigation in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of 
all pending litigation will not have a material effect upon the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.  

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a  
Vote of Security Holders  

No matters were submitted to the Company's security holders during the last quarter of the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997.  

Item 5. Market for the Company's Common  
Equity and Related Stockholder Matters  

PART II  

The Quarterly Share Prices, Dividends and Related Stockholder Matters listed in the attached index are incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 6. Selected Financial Data  

The Selected Financial Data listed in the attached index is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of  
Financial Condition and Results of Operations  

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations listed in the attached index is incorporated herein by 
reference.  

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  

The financial statements and supplementary data listed in the attached index are incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with  
Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure  

None.  

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers  

PART III  

The information regarding the Board of Directors on pages 4 to 11 of the 1997 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference, and 
information regarding Executive Officers appears in Part I of this report.  

Item 11. Executive Compensation  

The information on pages 11 to 17 of the 1997 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain  
Beneficial Owners and Management  

The information on pages 2, 3, 9, and 10 of the 1997 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  

The information on page 5 of the 1997 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement  
Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K  

(a) Financial Statements and Schedules  

PART IV  

(1) List of Financial Statements filed. The financial statements listed in the attached index are filed as part of this Report.  

(2) List of Financial Statement Schedules filed. The financial statement schedules listed in the attached index are filed as part of this Report.  

(b) Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended April 30, 1997.  

(c) Exhibits  

2.1 Purchase and Assignment Agreement dated May 7, 1996 among the Company and VCH Publishing Limited Partnership (incorporated by 
reference to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated as of June 13, 1996).  

2.2 Purchase and Assignment Agreement dated May 7, 1996 among the Company and Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker e.V. and Deutsche 
Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft e.V. (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 8-K dated as of June 13, 1996).  

3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1992). 

3.2 Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation dated October 13, 1995 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report 
on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1996)  

3.3 Restated By-Laws dated as of July 1994 (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 
1995).  

4.1 Form of agreement between the Company and certain employees restricting transfer of Class B Common Stock (incorporated by reference 
to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended January 31, 1986).  

10.1      Credit agreement dated as of November 15, 1996 among the Company,  the 
          Banks from time to time  parties  hereto,  and Morgan  Guaranty  Trust 
          Company  of  New York,  as Agent (incorporated  by  reference  to  the 
          Company's  report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly  period ended October 
          31, 1996). 

10.2      1991  Key  Employee  Stock  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  to the 
          Company's Definitive Proxy Statement dated August 8, 1991). 

10.3      Amendment  to 1991 Key Employee  Stock plan dated as of September  19, 
          1996  (incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Definitive  Proxy 
          Statement dated August 9, 1996). 

10.4      1982 and 1987  Incentive  Stock  Option and  Performance  Stock  Plans 
          (incorporated   by  reference  to  the  Company's   Definitive   Proxy 
          Statements dated July 30, 1982 and August 10, 1987). 

10.5      Amendment to 1982 Stock Option and Performance  Stock Plan dated as of 
          September 19, 1985  (incorporated by reference to the Company's Report 
          on Form 8-K dated as of September 19, 1985). 

10.6      Amendment to 1982 Incentive  Stock Option and  Performance  Stock Plan 
          dated as of March 2, 1989  (incorporated by reference to the Company's 
          Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1989). 

10.7      Amendment to 1987 Incentive  Stock Option and  Performance  Stock Plan 
          dated as of March 2, 1989  (incorporated by reference to the Company's 
          Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1989). 

10.8      1990  Director  Stock Plan as Amended and Restated as of June 22, 1995 
          (incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Report on Form 10-K for 
          the year ended April 30, 1996). 

10.9      1989 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference 
          to the  Company's  Report  on Form 10-K for the year  ended  April 30, 
          1989). 

10.10     Agreement of Lease dated as of May 16, 1985 between  Fisher 40th & 3rd 
          Company and Hawaiian Realty, Inc., Landlord,  and the Company,  Tenant 
          (incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Report on Form 10-K for 
          the year ended April 30, 1985). 

10.11     Form of the  Fiscal  Year  1995  Executive  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan 
          (incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Report on Form 10-K for 
          the year ended April 30, 1994). 

10.12     Form of the  Fiscal  Year  1996  Executive  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan 
          (incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Report on Form 10-K for 
          the year ended April 30, 1995). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.13     Form of the  Fiscal  Year  1997  Executive  Long-Term  Incentive  Plan 
          (incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Report on Form 10-K for 
          the year ended April 30, 1996). 

10.14     Form  of  the  Fiscal  Year  1997  Executive   Annual  Incentive  Plan 
          (incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Report on Form 10-K for 
          the year ended April 30, 1996). 

10.15     Senior  Executive  Employment  Agreement  amended as of March 29, 1995 
          between Charles R. Ellis and the Company (incorporated by reference to 
          the Company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 1995). 

10.16     Restricted  Stock Award  Agreement  dated as of June 23, 1994  between 
          Charles R. Ellis and the  Company   (incorporated  by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

10.17     Senior Executive Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1994 between 
          Stephen A. Kippur and the Company   (incorporated  by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

10.18     Amendment No. 1 to Stephen A.  Kippur's  Senior  Executive  Employment 
          Agreement dated as of July 1, 1994   (incorporated by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

10.19     Restricted  Stock Award  Agreement  dated as of June 23, 1994  between 
          Stephen A. Kippur and the Company   (incorporated  by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

10.20     Senior Executive Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1994 between 
          William J. Pesce and the  Company   (incorporated  by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

10.21     Amendment  No. 1 to William J.  Pesce's  Senior  Executive  Employment 
          Agreement dated as of July 1, 1994   (incorporated by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

10.22     Restricted  Stock Award  Agreement  dated as of June 23, 1994  between 
          William J. Pesce and the  Company   (incorporated  by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

10.23     Senior Executive Employment Agreement dated as of July 1, 1994 between 
          Robert D. Wilder and the  Company   (incorporated  by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.24     Amendment  No. 1 to Robert D.  Wilder's  Senior  Executive  Employment 
          Agreement dated as of July 1, 1994   (incorporated by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

10.25     Restricted  Stock Award  Agreement  dated as of June 23, 1994  between 
          Robert D. Wilder and the  Company   (incorporated  by reference to the 
          Company's  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 31, 
          1995). 

10.26     Employment  agreement  letter  dated as of January  16,  1997  between 
          Richard S. Rudick and the Company. 

22        List of Subsidiaries of the Company. 

24        Consent of Independent Public Accountants  (included in this report as 
          listed in the attached index). 

27        Financial Data Schedule. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES  

The following financial statements and information appearing on the pages indicated are filed as part of this Report:  

                                                                    Page(s) 
Report of Independent Public Accountants and 
Consent of Independent Public Accountants...............................16 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 
as of April 30, 1997 and 1996...........................................17 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings 
for the years ended April 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995.......................18 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 
years ended April 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995...............................19 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................20-28 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations............................................29-31 

Results by Quarter (Unaudited)..........................................32 

Quarterly Share Prices, Dividends and Related Stockholder Matters.......32 

Selected Financial Data.................................................33 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.........................34 

Other schedules are omitted because of absence of conditions under which they apply or because the information required is included in the 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To the Board of Directors and the Shareholders of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.:  

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS  

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (a New York corporation), and 
subsidiaries as of April 30, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income and retained earnings and cash flows for each of 
the three years in the period ended April 30, 1997. These financial statements and the schedule referred to below are the responsibility of the 
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the schedule based on our audits.  

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles 
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our 
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.  

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of John Wiley & Sons, 
Inc., and subsidiaries as of April 30, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the 
period ended April 30, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  

Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the Index 
to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's 
rules and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the 
audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements 
taken as a whole.  

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP  
New York, New York  
June 11, 1997  

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS  

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in the John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Form 10-K 
for the year ended April 30, 1997, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos. 33-60268, 2-65296, 2-95104, 33-29372 
and 33-62605.  

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP  
New York, New York  
June 11, 1997  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION  

                                                            April 30 
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries            ---------------------- 
Dollars in Thousands                                   1997         1996 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Assets 
Current Assets 
    Cash and cash equivalents                        $ 79,116   $ 55,284 
    Accounts receivable                                61,841     60,276 
    Inventories                                        49,100     43,981 
    Deferred income tax benefits                        7,143      7,677 
    Prepaid expenses                                    6,935      3,413 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
    Total Current Assets                              204,135    170,631 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Product Development Assets                             31,683     30,282 
Property and Equipment                                 32,699     22,989 
Intangible Assets                                     165,147     52,394 
Deferred Income Tax Benefits                           13,004       -- 
Other Assets                                           11,276      8,205 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total Assets                                        $ 457,944   $284,501 
================================================================================ 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity 
Current Liabilities 
   Notes payable                                    $     172  $    -- 
   Accounts and royalties payable                      30,988     36,952 
   Deferred subscription revenues                      94,419     71,999 
   Accrued income taxes                                 3,825      5,068 
   Other accrued liabilities                           34,948     25,097 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Total Current Liabilities                          164,352    139,116 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Long-Term Debt                                        125,000       -- 
Other Long-Term Liabilities                            24,907     14,994 
Deferred Income Taxes                                  14,702     12,409 

Shareholders' Equity 
   Common stock issued 
   Class A (16,569,066 and 16,412,343 shares)          16,569     16,412 
   Class B (4,037,082 and 4,086,482 shares)             4,037      4,086 
   Additional paid-in capital                          34,332     31,615 
   Retained earnings                                  120,823    106,716 
   Cumulative translation adjustment                      106     (3,086) 
   Unearned deferred compensation                      (3,254)    (4,268) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                      172,613    151,475 
Less Treasury shares at cost 
     (Class A-3,824,978 and 3,503,109; 
      Class B-871,024 and 871,024)                    (43,630)   (33,493) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total Shareholders' Equity                            128,983    117,982 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity          $ 457,944  $ 284,501 
================================================================================ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.  

 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME  
AND RETAINED EARNINGS  

For the years ended April 30 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries -------------------------------------  

Dollars In Thousands Except per share data  1997         1996         1995 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Revenues                                 $ 431,974    $ 362,704    $ 331,091 

Costs and Expenses 
   Cost of sales                           155,245      126,718      113,142 
   Operating and admin. expenses           233,771      198,494      186,984 
   Amortization of intangibles               8,161        4,537        4,086 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Total Costs and Expenses                397,177      329,749      304,212 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Operating Income                            34,797       32,955       26,879 

Interest Income and Other                    2,281        6,211        1,768 
Interest Expense                            (6,225)        (368)      (2,854) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Interest Income (Expense)-Net               (3,944)       5,843       (1,086) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Income Before Taxes                         30,853       38,798       25,793 

Provision for Income Taxes                  10,513       14,118        7,482 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Net Income                                  20,340       24,680       18,311 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Retained Earnings at Beginning of Year     106,716       87,541       74,024 
Cash Dividends 
   Class A Common 
      ($.40, $.35 and $.31 per share)        5,116        4,492        3,885 
   Class B Common 
      ($.35, $.31 and $.275 per share)       1,117        1,013          909 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Total Dividends                           6,233        5,505        4,794 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Retained Earnings at End of Year         $ 120,823    $ 106,716    $  87,541 
================================================================================ 

Income Per Share 
   Primary and fully diluted             $    1.24    $    1.49    $    1.12 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries                              For the years ended April 30 
                                                               -------------------------------------- 
Dollars In Thousands                                                1997         1996         1995 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Operating Activities 
Net Income                                                         $ 20,340     $ 24,680     $ 18,311 
Noncash Items 
   Amortization of intangibles                                        8,161        4,537        4,086 
   Amortization of composition costs                                 17,763       15,196       12,285 
   Depreciation of property and equipment                             8,340        7,314        6,589 
   Reserves for returns, doubtful accounts and obsolescence          11,861        6,586        4,321 
   Deferred income taxes                                              3,243        7,873        2,094 
   Other                                                              7,300        7,583        5,155 
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities 
   Increase in receivables                                             (178)     (12,150)      (8,337) 
   Decrease (increase) in inventories                                 1,791       (3,734)      (3,962) 
   Increase (decrease) in accounts and royalties payable            (12,109)       3,821        6,951 
   Increase in deferred subscription revenues                         7,769        4,996        7,596 
   Net change in other operating assets and liabilities             (10,372)       1,420       (3,198) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Cash Provided by Operating Activities                             63,909       68,122       51,891 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Investing Activities 
   Additions to product development assets                          (25,466)     (26,483)     (19,705) 
   Additions to property and equipment                               (8,868)      (9,310)      (7,876) 
   Acquisition of publishing assets                                (103,980)      (3,968)     (12,268) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Cash Used for Investing Activities                              (138,314)     (39,761)     (39,849) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Financing Activities 
   Purchase of treasury shares                                      (10,506)      (3,323)        (212) 
   Additions to long-term debt                                      125,000         --           -- 
   Repayment of long-term debt                                      (10,542)        --        (32,000) 
   Net borrowings (repayments) of short-term debt                    (1,270)        (624)         522 
   Cash dividends                                                    (6,233)      (5,505)      (4,794) 
   Proceeds from issuance of stock on option exercises and othe       1,249        2,289          590 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities                  97,698       (7,163)     (35,894) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash                             539         (324)         805 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Cash and Cash Equivalents 
   Increase (decrease) for year                                      23,832       20,874      (23,047) 
   Balance at beginning of year                                      55,284       34,410       57,457 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Balance at end of year                                         $  79,116    $  55,284    $  34,410 
===================================================================================================== 
Cash Paid During the Year for 
   Interest                                                       $   5,143    $     647    $   3,807 
   Income Taxes                                                   $   3,966    $   2,799    $   6,886 
===================================================================================================== 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.  

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and its majority-owned 
subsidiaries ("the Company"). All significant intercompany items have been eliminated.  

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to 
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the 
date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from 
those estimates.  

Subscription Revenues: Subscription revenues are generally collected in advance. These revenues are deferred and recognized as earned when 
the related issue is shipped to the subscriber.Sales Returns and Doubtful Accounts: The Company provides an estimated allowance for doubtful 
accounts and for future returns on sales made during the year. The allowance for doubtful accounts and returns (estimated returns net of 
inventory and royalty costs) is shown as a reduction of receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and amounted to $34.5 
and $26.8 million at April 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Depreciation and Amortization: Buildings, leasehold improvements and capital 
leases are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets up to 40 years, or the duration of the various leases, using the 
straight-line method. Furniture and equipment is depreciated principally on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 
to 10 years. Composition costs representing the costs incurred to bring an edited manuscript to publication including typesetting, proofreading, 
design and illustration, etc. are capitalized and amortized over estimated useful lives representative of product revenue patterns, generally 3 
years.  

Intangible Assets: Intangible assets consist of acquired publication rights, which are principally amortized over periods ranging from 3 to 30 
years based on the projected revenues of rights acquired, noncompete agreements, which are amortized over the term of such agreements, and 
goodwill and other intangibles, which are amortized on a straight - line basis over periods ranging from 5 to 40 years. If facts and 
circumstances indicate that long-lived assets and/or intangible assets may be permanently impaired, it is the Company's policy to assess the 
carrying value and recoverability of such assets based on an analysis of undiscounted future cash flows of the related operations. Any resulting 
reduction in carrying value based on the estimated fair value would be charged to operating results.  

Foreign Exchange Contracts: The Company, from time to time, enters into forward exchange contracts as a hedge against its overseas 
subsidiaries' non-functional currency asset, liability, and commitment exposures. Such exposures include overseas subsidiaries' anticipated 
annual journal subscription revenues, as well as that portion of the revenues and related receivables on sales of book products, that are 
denominated in U.S. dollars. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are deferred and taken into income over the lives of the hedged items if 
permitted by generally accepted accounting principles; otherwise the contracts are marked to market with any gains and losses reflected in 
operating expenses. At April 30, 1997, the Company had one contract to sell approximately $6.9 million of pound) sterling expiring in May 
1997, the market value of which approximated the contract value. There were no open foreign exchange contracts at April 30, 1996. No gains 
or losses were deferred at April 30, 1997, or 1996.  

Stock-Based Compensation: Stock options and restricted stock grants are accounted for in accordance with Accounting Principles Board 
Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". Accordingly, the Company recognizes no compensation expense for fixed stock 
option grants since the exercise price is equal to the fair value of the shares at date of grant. For restricted stock grants, compensation cost is 
recognized generally ratably over the vesting period based on the fair value of shares. In fiscal 1997, the Company adopted the disclosure-only 
provision of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.  
123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation".  

Income Per Share: Income per share is determined by dividing income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and 
common stock equivalents resulting from the assumed exercise of outstanding dilutive stock options and other stock awards less shares 
assumed to be repurchased with the related proceeds at the average market price for the period for primary earnings per share, and at the higher 
of the average or end of period market price for fully diluted earnings per share.  

Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents consist primarily of highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less and are stated at cost 
plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.  

New Accounting Standards: The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 
128 "Earnings Per Share" which becomes effective for the Company's fiscal 1998 consolidated financial statements beginning in the third 
quarter. SFAS No. 128 will eliminate the disclosure of primary earnings per share, which includes the dilutive effect of stock options, warrants 
and other convertible securities ("Common Stock Equivalents") and instead requires reporting of "basic" earnings per share, which will exclude 
Common Stock Equivalents. Additionally, SFAS No. 128 changes the methodology for fully diluted earnings per share. In the opinion of the 
Company's management, the adoption of this new accounting standard will not have a material effect on the reported earnings per share of the 
Company.  

Acquisitions  

In fiscal 1997, the Company acquired a 90% interest in the German-based VCH Publishing Group ("VCH") through the purchase of 90% of the 
shares of VCH Verlagsgesellschaft mbH for approximately $99 million in cash. VCH is a leading scientific, technical and professional 
publisher of journals and books in such disciplines as chemistry, architecture, civil engineering and law. The cost of the acquisition has been 
allocated on the basis; of preliminary estimates of the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Final asset and liability fair 
values may differ based on appraisals and tax bases; however it is anticipated that any changes will not have a material effect in the aggregate 
on the consolidated financial position of the Company. The excess of cost over the preliminary estimate of the fair value of the tangible assets 
acquired amounted to approximately $115 million relating to acquired publication rights, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis 
over an average life of 30 years. In addition, during the year, the Company acquired various newsletters including the publishing assets of 
Technical Insights, Inc., a publisher of print and electronic newsletters in various areas of science and technology, for purchase prices 
aggregating $4.7 million, which primarily relates to goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years.  

In fiscal 1996, the Company acquired Clinical Psychology Publishing Company (CPPC), a publisher of journals and books in the fields of 
clinical and educational psychology; Preservation Press, consisting of architectural heritage books, technical preservation guides and children's 
architecture books; and certain other smaller publishing properties. In addition, the Company became the publisher of Cancer, the American 
Cancer Society's medical journal. The purchase prices amounted to $4.0 million in cash plus assumed liabilities of $1.3 million. The excess of 
cost over the fair value of the tangible assets acquired amounted to approximately $3.7 million, of which $.9 million related to acquired 
publication rights, $.2 million related to noncompete agreements, and $2.6 million represented goodwill and other intangibles, which are being 
amortized over 5 to 15 years.  

In fiscal 1995, the Company acquired the publishing business of Executive Enterprises, Inc., consisting of books, journals and newsletters for 
environmental management, accounting, law and human resource professionals; ValuSource, which produces specialized business valuation 
software for accountants, entrepreneurs and corporations; the college engineering list of Houghton Mifflin; the book publishing program of 
Oliver Wight Publications, Inc., consisting of general management and manufacturing/quality titles; the OS/2 computer-book list of Van 
Nostrand Reinhold, Inc., and other smaller publishing lists, for purchase prices aggregating $12.3 million in cash plus assumed liabilities of 
$2.9 million. The excess of cost over the fair value of the tangible assets acquired amounted to approximately $13.5 million, of which $6.7 
million related to acquired publication rights, $.5 million related to noncompete agreements, and $6.3 million represented goodwill and other 
intangibles which are being amortized over 10 to 15 years.  

All acquisitions have been accounted for by the purchase method, and the accompanying financial statements include their results of operations 
since their respective dates of acquisition. The following pro forma information presents the results of operations of the Company as if the 
VCH acquisition had been consummated as of May 1, 1995. The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the actual 
results that would have been obtained had the acquisition been consummated as of May 1, 1995, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results 
of operations. The pro forma effects for the other acquisitions were not material.  

Dollars in thousands, except per share data      1997                    1996 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Revenues                                   $    441,650             $    424,570 
Net Income                                 $     18,931             $     17,520 
Net Income Per Share                       $       1.16             $       1.06 

Inventories  

Inventories at April 30 were as follows:  

Dollars in thousands             1997                  1996 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Finished Goods               $  40,859            $  39,616 
Work-in-Process                  7,475                4,865 
Paper, Cloth and Other           2,559                3,026 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                50,893               47,507 
LIFO Reserve                    (1,793)              (3,526) 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total                        $  49,100           $   43,981 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Domestic book inventories aggregating $29.9 million and $32.2 million at April 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively, are stated at cost or market, 
whichever is lower, using the last-in, first-out method. All other inventories are stated at cost or market, whichever is lower, using the first-in, 
first-out method.  

Product Development Assets  

Product development assets consisted of the following at April 30:  

Dollars in thousands                    1997            1996 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Composition Costs                  $  21,819      $   21,505 
Royalty Advances                       9,864           8,777 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total                              $  31,683      $   30,282 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Composition costs are net of accumulated amortization of $33,323 in 1997 and $27,199 in 1996.  

Property and Equipment  

Property and equipment consisted of the following at April 30:  

Dollars in thousands                    1997            1996 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Land and Land Improvements         $   1,419      $     ---- 
Buildings and Leasehold 
   Improvements                       18,345          12,045 
Furniture and Equipment               55,622          45,765 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                      75,386          57,810 
Accumulated Depreciation             (42,687)        (34,821) 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total                              $  32,699      $   22,989 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Intangible Assets  

Intangible assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization, and consisted of the following at April 30:  

Dollars in thousands                    1997          1996 

 
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Acquired Publication Rights        $ 122,240      $    8,007 
Goodwill and Other Intangibles        42,296          43,752 
Noncompete Agreements                    611             635 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total                              $ 165,147      $   52,394 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Other Accrued Liabilities  

Included in other accrued liabilities was accrued compensation of approximately $15.0 million and $13.5 million for 1997 and 1996, 
respectively.  

 
Income Taxes  

The provision for income taxes was as follows:  

Dollars in thousands           1997       1996        1995 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Currently Payable 
   Federal                   $   945    $  1,122   $  1,184 
   Foreign                     5,295       4,142      3,675 
   State and local             1,026       1,000        314 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Total Current Provision     7,266       6,264      5,173 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Deferred Provision 
   Federal                     2,496       5,270      1,716 
   Foreign                       834       1,687        451 
   State and Local               (83)        897        142 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Total Deferred Provision    3,247       7,854      2,309 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Total Provision           $10,513    $ 14,118   $  7,482 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The Company's effective income tax rate as a percent of pretax income differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate as shown below:  

                                     1997       1996     1995 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
U.S. Federal Statutory Rate           35.0%      35.0%    35.0% 
State and Local Income Taxes 
 Net of Federal Income Tax Benefit     2.0        3.2       .8 
Tax Benefit Derived from FSC Income   (4.8)      (3.1)    (6.1) 
Foreign Source Earnings Taxed at 
 Other than U.S. Statutory Rate         .3        1.1     (1.0) 
Nondeductible Amortization 
 of Intangibles                         .9         .7      1.1 
Other-Net                               .7        (.5)     (.8) 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Effective Income Tax Rate             34.1%      36.4%    29.0% 
------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Deferred taxes result from timing differences in the recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial reporting purposes. The 
components of the provision for deferred taxes were as follows:  

Dollars in thousands                    1997         1996        1995 
----------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Depreciation and Amortization      $    (691)  $   (3,684)  $  1,451 
Accrued Expenses                         264        6,100      1,197 
Circulation Costs                       ----        1,471      1,614 
Provision for Sales Returns 
   and Doubtful Accounts                (959)      (1,391)      (255) 
Inventory                                112          578     (1,150) 
Retirement Benefits                      (87)         (66)      (224) 
Divested Operations                     ----       (3,386)      ---- 
Long-Term Liabilities                  1,562        5,102       ---- 
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit 
   and Other Carryforwards               653        1,869       (722) 
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards      (1,150)        ----       ---- 
Valuation Allowance                    2,432         ----       ---- 
Other-Net                              1,111        1,261        398 
----------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total Deferred Provision             $ 3,247     $  7,854   $  2,309 
----------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:  

                                              1997                  1996 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Dollars in thousands                    Current  Long-Term    Current  Long-Term 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Deferred Tax Assets 
  Net Operating Loss 
   Carryforwards                        $ ----   $25,703      $ ----    $  ---- 
  Reserve for Sales Returns 
   and Doubtful Accounts                 8,219      ----       7,100       ---- 
  Costs Capitalized for Taxes             ----     3,282        ----      2,951 

 
 
 
  Retirement and Post- 
   Employment Benefits                    ----     3,387        ----      2,517 
  Amortization of Intangibles             ----     1,140        ----       ---- 
  Other                                     52      ----       1,871       ---- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Total Deferred Tax Assets              8,271    33,512       8,971      5,468 
  Less: Valuation Allowance               ----   (13,344)       ----       ---- 
  Net Deferred Tax Assets                8,271    20,168       8,971      5,468 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Deferred Tax Liabilities 
  Inventory                             (1,128)    ----       (1,294)      ---- 
  Depreciation and Amortization           ----    (5,149)       ----     (3,278) 
  Divested Operations                     ----       (44)       ----        248 
  Accrued Expenses                        ----    (6,230)       ----     (5,664) 
  Long-Term Liabilities                   ----    (8,891)       ----     (6,557) 
  Other                                   ----    (1,552)       ----     (2,626) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Total Deferred Tax Liabilities        (1,128)  (21,866)     (1,294)   (17,877) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liability)  $ 7,143   $(1,698)    $ 7,677   $(12,409) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Approximately $10.9 million of the valuation allowance relates to net deferred tax assets recorded in connection with the VCH acquisition. 
Any amounts realized in future years will reduce the intangible assets recorded at date of acquisition.  

At April 30, 1997, the Company had aggregate unused net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $62.3 million which may be available 
to reduce future taxable income primarily in foreign tax jurisdictions and generally have no expiration date.  

In fiscal 1996, the Company received approximately $6 million of net federal, state and local tax refunds including interest on the favorable 
resolution of amended tax return claims of prior years primarily relating to timing differences. Net income for fiscal 1996 includes interest 
income related thereto of $4.4 million, or $2.6 million after taxes, equal to $.16 per share.  

In general, the Company plans to continue to invest the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries in those businesses, and therefore no 
provision is made for taxes which would be payable if such earnings were distributed. At April 30, 1997, the undistributed earnings of foreign 
subsidiaries approximated $32.3 million and, if remitted currently, would result in additional taxes approximating $5.3 million.  

 
Notes Payable and Debt  

Long-term debt consisted of the following at April 30:  

Dollars in thousands                          1997                1996 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Term Loan Notes Payable Due 
   October 2000 Through 2003                $ 125,000         $   ---- 

The weighted average interest rate on the term-loan was 5.82% during 1997, as well as at April 30, 1997.  

In fiscal 1997, the Company entered into a seven year, $175 million credit agreement expiring on October 31, 2003, with nine banks to obtain 
permanent financing for the VCH acquisition and to replace its existing $50 million revolving credit facility. The new credit agreement consists 
of a term loan of $125 million and a new $50 million revolving credit facility. The Company has the option of borrowing at the following 
floating interest rates: (i) Eurodollars at a rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus an applicable margin ranging 
from .15% to .30% depending on certain coverage ratios or (ii) dollars at a rate based on the current certificate of deposit rate, plus an 
applicable margin ranging from .275% to .425% depending on certain coverage ratios or (iii) dollars at the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate 
plus .5% and  
(b) the banks' prime rate. In addition, the Company pays a facility fee ranging from .10% to .20% on the total facility depending on certain 
coverage ratios.  

In the event of a change of control, as defined, the banks have the option to terminate the agreement and require repayment of any amounts 
outstanding. Amounts outstanding under the term loan have mandatory repayments as follows:  

Dollars in thousands 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002  

$ ---- $ ---- $ ---- $30,000 $30,000  

The credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants related to minimum net worth, funded debt levels, an interest coverage ratio and 
restricted payments, including a cumulative limitation for dividends paid and share repurchases. Under the most restrictive covenant, 
approximately $51 million was available for the payment of future dividends as of April 30, 1997.  

The Company and its subsidiaries have other short-term lines of credit aggregating $51 million at various interest rates. Information relating to 
all short-term lines of credit follows:  

Dollars in thousands                               1997        1996       1995 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
End of Year 
   Amount outstanding                          $   172         ----     $  621 
   Weighted average interest rate                 10.4%        ----       8.5% 
During the Year 
   Maximum amount outstanding                  $26,253      $18,909    $ 1,351 
   Average amount outstanding                  $11,368      $ 5,960     $  529 
   Weighted average interest rate                 6.0%         7.0%       8.7% 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Based on estimates of interest rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of notes 
payable and long-term debt approximates the carrying value.  

Retirement Plans  

The Company and its principal subsidiaries have contributory and noncontributory retirement plans that cover substantially all employees. The 
plans generally provide for employee retirement between the ages of 60 and 65 and benefits based on length of service and final average 
compensation, as defined. No increase in compensation levels is assumed for the domestic plan, as the Company may, but is not required to, 
update from time to time the ending date (currently December 31, 1993) for the three-year period used to determine final average 
compensation. For funded plans, funds are contributed as necessary to provide for current service and for a portion of any unfunded projected 
benefit obligation. To the extent that these requirements are exceeded by plan assets, a contribution may not be made in a particular year. Plan 
assets consist principally of investments in corporate stocks and bonds and government obligations. The unfunded plan primarily relates to a 
non-U.S. subsidiary and is governed by local statutory requirements.  

 
 
Pension costs for the defined benefit plans were as follows:  

Dollars in thousands               1997        1996       1995 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Service Cost                    $ 2,902    $  2,598   $  2,418 
Interest Cost on Projected 
   Benefit Obligation             4,665       3,757      3,440 
Return on Assets                 (6,826)     (6,331)    (2,937) 
Net Amortization and Deferral     1,014       1,430     (1,764) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Net Periodic Pension Expense    $ 1,755    $  1,454   $  1,157 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The net pension expense included above for the international plans amounted to approximately $1.5 million, $1.1 million and $1.0 million for 
1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively.  

The following table sets forth the status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of financial 
position.  

                                             1997                     1996 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                              Assets Exceed      Accumulated     Assets Exceed 
                               Accumulated         Benefits        Accumulated 
Dollars in thousands            Benefits        Exceed Assets       Benefits 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Fair Value of Plan Assets      $  68,385        $    ----          $ 61,076 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation 
    Vested Benefits              (50,214)         (10,462)          (45,624) 
    Nonvested Benefits            (3,204)            (564)           (2,827) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                 (53,418)         (11,026)          (48,451) 
Projected Compensation Increases  (3,808)          (1,420)           (3,440) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Projected Benefit Obligation     (57,226)         (12,446)          (51,891) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Funded Status                     11,159          (12,446)            9,185 
Unrecognized Net Asset            (3,759)            ----            (4,424) 
Unrecognized Prior Service Cost    1,692              447             2,265 
Unrecognized Net Loss (Gain)      (7,524)             350            (6,696) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Prepaid (Accrued) Pension Cost $   1,568        $ (11,649)         $    330 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The range of assumptions used in 1997 and 1996 were:  

                                             1997                     1996 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                              Assets Exceed      Accumulated     Assets Exceed 
                               Accumulated         Benefits        Accumulated 
                                Benefits        Exceed Assets       Benefits 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discount Rate                    7.5-8.5%           6.5%           7.5%-8.5% 
Expected Long-Term Rate of 
   Return on Plan Assets         7.0-8.0%           ----           7.0%-8.0% 
Rate of Increase in 
   Compensation Levels             0-7.0%           3.7%              0-7.0% 

The Company has agreements with certain officers and senior management personnel that provide for the payment of supplemental retirement 
benefits during each of the 10 years after the termination of employment. Under certain circumstances, including a change of control as 
defined, the payment of such amounts could be accelerated on a present value basis. The cost of these benefits is being charged to expense on a 
present value basis over the estimated term of employment and amounted to approximately $1.1 million, $1.0 million, and $.9 million in 1997, 
1996 and 1995, respectively.  

The Company provides life insurance and health care benefits, subject to certain dollar limitations and retiree contributions, for substantially all 
of its retired domestic employees. The cost of such benefits is expensed over the years that the employees render service and is funded on a 
pay-as-you-go, cash basis. The accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation amounted to $.3 million at April 30, 1997 and 1996 and the 
amount expensed in fiscal 1997 and prior years was not material.  

Commitments and Contingencies  

The following schedule shows the composition of rent expense for operating leases:  

 
 
 
Dollars in thousands           1997        1996       1995 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minimum Rental              $ 13,654    $ 12,550   $ 12,202 
Lease Escalation               2,188       1,913      1,848 
Less: Sublease Rentals           (19)        (19)       (63) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total                       $ 15,823    $ 14,444   $ 13,987 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Future minimum payments under operating leases aggregated $93.4 million at April 30, 1997. Annual payments under these leases are $16.2 
million, $15.6 million, $14.1 million, $13.6 million and $13.3 million for fiscal years 1998 through 2002, respectively.  

The Company is involved in routine litigation in the ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of 
all pending litigation will not have a material effect upon the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.  

Segment Information  

The Company operates in one business segment, namely publishing, and develops, publishes and markets products in print and electronic 
formats including textbooks, professional and reference works, consumer books, and periodicals including journals and other subscription-
based products, for the educational, scientific, technical, professional and trade markets around the world.  

 
The Company's international operations are located in Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia. The following table presents revenues, operating 
income and identifiable assets for the domestic and international operations.  

Dollars in thousands            1997         1996         1995 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Revenues 
   Domestic                 $ 297,152    $ 279,998    $ 258,464 
   International              170,638      112,299      102,907 
   Interarea transfers        (35,816)     (29,593)     (30,280) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Total                    $ 431,974    $ 362,704    $ 331,091 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Operating Income 
   Domestic                 $  20,817    $  20,180    $  15,242 
   International               13,980       12,775       11,637 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Total                    $  34,797    $  32,955    $  26,879 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Identifiable Assets 
   Domestic                 $ 186,473    $ 178,442    $ 166,478 
   International              192,355       50,775       46,593 
   Corporate                   79,116       55,284       34,410 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
   Total                    $ 457,944    $ 284,501    $ 247,481 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Transfers between geographic areas are generally made at a fixed discount from list price and principally represent sales from the United States 
to the Company's international operations. Export sales from the United States to unaffiliated international customers amounted to 
approximately $51.4 million, $47.5 million and $41.2 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The pretax income for consolidated 
international operations was approximately $16.5 million, $13.0 million and $11.6 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  

Included in operating and administrative expenses were net foreign exchange gains (losses) of approximately $.7 million, $.2 million and $(.2) 
million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  

Changes in the cumulative translation adjustment account were as follows:  

Dollars in thousands                    1997           1996 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Balance at May 1                   $  (3,086)     $   (2,411) 
Aggregate Translation 
   Adjustments for the Year            3,192            (675) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Balance at April 30                $     106      $   (3,086) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Stock Compensation Plans  

Under the Company's Key Employee Stock Plan, qualified employees are eligible to receive awards that may include stock options, 
performance stock awards and restricted stock awards up to a maximum per year of 3% of Class A stock outstanding and subject to an overall 
maximum of 2,000,000 shares through the year 2000. As of April 30, 1997, approximately 780,689 shares were available for future grants.  

Options granted under the plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. Options are exercisable, in 
part or in full, over a maximum period of 10 years from the date of grant, and generally vest within five years from the date of the grant. Under 
certain circumstances relating to a change of control, as defined, the right to exercise options outstanding could be accelerated.  

The Company elected to apply the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation". Accordingly, no compensation cost is recognized for fixed stock option grants. Had compensation cost been recognized, 
net income would have been reduced on a pro forma basis by $.4 million, or $.02 per share, in 1997 and $.1 million, or $.01 per share, in 1996. 
For the pro forma calculations, the fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing 
model with the following assumptions for 1997 and 1996, respectively: risk-free interest rate of 7.1% and 6.3%, dividend yield of 1.5% and 
2.0%, and volatility of 22% and expected life of nine years for both years.  

 
 
A summary of the activity and status of the company's stock option plans follows:  

                                             1997                  1996 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                 Weighted              Weighted 
                                                 Average               Average 
                                                 Exercise              Exercise 
(Options in thousands)               Options     Price      Options    Price 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Outstanding at 
 Beginning of Year                  1,028,663   $  15.38   1,070,038    $  12.87 
Granted                               143,349      30.36     133,224       28.76 
Exercised                            (107,323)     10.84    (157,099)       9.62 
Canceled                              (22,750)     17.24     (17,500)      15.64 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Outstanding at 
 End of Year                        1,041,939   $  17.87   1,028,663    $  15.38 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Exercisable at 
 End of Year                          603,941   $  12.26     570,170    $  11.07 

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year was $12.05 and $9.88 in 1997 and 1996, respectively.  

A summary of information about stock options outstanding and options exercisable at April 30, 1997, follows:  

                                   Options                       Options 
(Options in thousands)           Outstanding                   Exercisable 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                  Weighted    Weighted                Weighted 
                                  Average     Average                 Average 
Range of                          Remaining   Exercise                Exercise 
Exercise Prices         Options   Term        Price         Options   Price 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
$  6.75 to $ 12.25      524,841  4.7 years    $ 10.04       498,165  $  9.96 
$ 20.69                 204,925  7.1 years    $ 20.69        68,700  $ 20.69 
$ 26.25 to $ 31.63      312,173  8.9 years    $ 29.17        37,076  $ 27.48 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Total                 1,041,939  6.2 years    $ 17.87       603,941  $ 12.26 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Under the terms of the Company's executive long-term incentive plans, upon the achievement of certain three-year financial performance-based 
targets, awards will be payable in restricted shares of the Company's Class A Common stock. The restricted shares vest equally as to 50% on 
the first and second anniversary date after the date the award is earned. Compensation expense is charged to earnings over the respective three-
year period. In addition, the Company granted restricted shares of the Company's Class A Common stock to key executive officers and others 
in connection with their employment. The restricted shares generally vest one-third at the end of the third, fourth and fifth years, respectively, 
following the date of the grant. Under certain circumstances relating to a change of control or termination, as defined, the restrictions would 
lapse and shares would vest earlier. Compensation expense is charged to earnings ratably over five years, or sooner if vesting is accelerated, 
from the dates of grant. Restricted shares issued in connection with the above plans amounted to 25,638, 145,658 and 101,084 shares at 
weighted-average grant-date fair values of $29.00, $28.11, and $21.00 per share, in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Compensation expense 
charged to earnings for the above amounted to $1.5 million, $1.3 million and $.3 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  

Under the terms of the Company's Director Stock Plan, each member of the Board of Directors who is not an employee of the Company is 
awarded Class A Common stock equal to 50% of the board member's annual cash compensation, based on the market value of the stock on the 
date of the shareholders' meeting. Directors may also elect to receive all or a portion of their cash compensation in stock. Under this plan 
10,274, 5,752 and 8,662 shares were issued in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. Compensation expense related to this plan amounted to 
approximately $.3 million, $.2 million, and $.2 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  

Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts  

Preferred stock consists of 2,000,000 authorized shares with $1 par value. To date, no preferred shares have been issued. Common stock 
consists of 30,000,000 authorized shares of Class A Common, $1 par value, and 12,000,000 authorized shares of Class B Common, $1 par 
value.  

Each share of the Company's 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.  

 
 
Changes in selected capital accounts were as follows:  

                                                          Additional 
                                      Common Stock          Paid-In     Treasury 
Dollars in thousands               Class A      Class B     Capital       Stock 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Balance at April 30, 1994          $8,045    $2,091        $33,008     $(31,033) 
Restricted Share Issuance            ----      ----          1,266          618 
Director Stock Plan Issuance         ----      ----            124           59 
Executive Long-Term 
   Incentive Plan Issuance           ----      ----            162           76 
Exercise of Stock Options              35      ----            601          (46) 
Purchase of Treasury Shares          ----      ----           ----         (212) 
Other                                   7        (7)           455         ---- 
Retroactive effect of 
   2 for 1 stock split              8,086     2,084        (10,170)        ---- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Balance at April 30, 1995         $16,173    $4,168        $25,446     $(30,538) 
Director Stock Plan Issuance         ----      ----            124           41 
Executive Long-Term 
   Incentive Plan Issuance           ----      ----            182           60 
Purchase of Treasury Shares          ----      ----           ----       (3,323) 
Restricted Share Issuance            ----      ----          3,054          948 
Issuance of Shares Under 
   Employee Savings Plan             ----      ----            674          208 
Exercise of Stock Options             157      ----          1,354         (889) 
Other                                  82       (82)           781         ---- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Balance at May 1, 1996            $16,412    $4,086        $31,615     $(33,493) 
Director Stock Plan Issuance         ----      ----            217           85 
Executive Long-Term 
   Incentive Plan Issuance           ----      ----            132           47 
Purchase of Treasury Shares          ----      ----           ----      (10,506) 
Restricted Share Issuance            ----      ----            337          149 
Issuance of Shares Under 
   Employee Savings Plan             ----      ----            212           84 
Exercise of Stock Options             108      ----          1,056         ---- 
Other                                  49       (49)           763            4 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Balance at April 30, 1997         $16,569    $4,037        $34,332     $(43,630) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  

Results of Operations:  
Fiscal 1997 Compared to Fiscal 1996  

The Company continued to expand its global operations and grow its core businesses.  

In fiscal 1997, the Company acquired a 90% interest in the German based VCH Publishing Group ("VCH") through the purchase of 90% of the 
shares of VCH Verlagsgesellschaft mbH for approximately $99 million in cash. VCH is a leading scientific, technical and professional 
publisher of journals and books in such disciplines as chemistry, architecture, civil engineering and law. During the year, the Company also 
acquired various newsletters including the publishing assets of Technical Insights, Inc., a publisher of print and electronic newsletters in 
various areas of science and technology, for purchase prices aggregating $4.7 million.  

Revenues for the year advanced 19% to $432.0 million. Excluding VCH, revenues increased 6% over the prior year driven by the Company's 
scientific, technical and medical journal programs, by its college division and by its international operations. The Company's worldwide 
scientific, technical, and medical publishing revenues advanced 36% over the prior year, and 9% excluding VCH. Educational publishing 
revenues increased 7% and professional/trade revenues increased marginally over the prior year. Similar to the experience of other companies 
in the trade publishing markets, professional/trade results were adversely affected by a change in a small number of domestic wholesalers and 
retailers to just-in-time inventory management policies, which also resulted in higher returns.  

Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 35.9% in 1997 compared with 34.9% in the prior year primarily reflecting increased author 
royalties and inventory write-offs.  

Operating and administrative expenses, excluding VCH, increased by 3.6% over the prior year. Expenses declined as a percentage of revenues 
to 54.1% in 1997 from 54.7%, as the rate of growth in expenses was contained at less than the revenue growth rate.  

Operating income increased 6% over the prior year to $34.8 million primarily due to the effects of the higher revenue base. Operating income 
margins declined to 8.1% of revenue from 9.1% in the prior year primarily due to the amortization of intangibles related to the VCH 
acquisition.  

Interest expense increased by $5.8 million due to the financing costs related to the VCH acquisition. Interest income decreased by $3.9 million 
primarily as a result of interest received in the prior year on the favorable resolution of amended tax return claims amounting to $4.4 million.  

The effective tax rate was 34.1% compared with 36.4% in the prior year primarily due to higher tax benefits related to the foreign sales 
corporation and lower state and local income taxes.  

Net income declined $4.3 million to $20.3 million primarily due to VCH's acquisition related financing and amortization costs in the current 
year, as well as the special income item in the prior year of $2.6 million after taxes, equal to $.16 per share, related to interest received on the 
resolution of amended tax return claims.  

Results of Operations:  
Fiscal 1996 Compared to Fiscal 1995  

In fiscal 1996, the Company invested a total of $4.0 million during the year to acquire the Clinical Psychology Publishing Company (CPPC), a 
publisher of journals and books in the fields of clinical and educational psychology; Preservation Press consisting of architectural heritage 
books, technical preservation guides and children's architecture books; and certain other smaller publishing properties. The Company also 
became the publisher of Cancer, the American Cancer Society's medical journal.  

Revenues for the year advanced 10% to $362.7 million led by the Company's worldwide scientific, technical and medical journal programs, 
college texts and the professional/trade computer and business book lines. Worldwide scientific, technical, and medical publishing revenues 
increased 13% and professional/trade revenues increased 10% over the prior year. Educational publishing revenues increased 5% over the prior 
year.  

Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 34.9% in 1996 compared with 34.2% in the prior year primarily reflecting increased paper costs.  

Operating and administrative expenses increased by 6.2% but declined as a percentage of revenues to 54.7% in 1996 from 56.5% as the rate of 
growth in expenses was contained at less than the revenue growth rate.  

Operating income increased 23% over the prior year to $33.0 million primarily due to the effects of the higher revenue base coupled with a 
cost- contained infrastructure. Operating income margins improved to 9.1% of revenue from 8.1% in the prior year.  

Net interest income increased by $6.9 million over the prior year primarily as a result of interest received on the favorable resolution of 
amended tax return claims amounting to $4.4 million, or $2.6 million after taxes, equal to $.16 per share. The improvement was also due to the 
prepayment of high-cost long-term debt at the end of fiscal 1995.  

The effective tax rate was 36.4%, compared with 29.0% in the prior year, due to higher effective tax rates on state, local and foreign sourced 
earnings.  

Liquidity and Capital Resources  

The Company's cash and cash equivalents balance was $79.1 million at the end of fiscal 1997, compared with $55.3 at the end of the prior year. 
Cash provided by operating activities was $63.9 million in fiscal 1997, a decrease of $4.2 million compared with the prior year. The prior year 
included $6 million of cash flow related to the favorable resolution of amended tax return claims.  

The Company's operating cash flow is strongly affected by the seasonality of its domestic college business and receipts from its journal 
subscriptions. Receipts from journal subscriptions occur primarily during November and December from companies commonly referred to as 
independent subscription agents. These companies facilitate the journal ordering process by consolidating the subscription orders/billings of 
each subscriber with various publishers. Monies are collected in advance from subscribers by the subscription agents and are remitted to the 
Company, generally prior to the commencement of the subscriptions. Although, at fiscal year-end the Company had minimal credit-risk 
exposure to these agents, future calendar-year subscription receipts from these agents are highly dependent on their financial position and 
liquidity. Subscription agents account for approximately 25% of total consolidated revenues and no one agent accounts for more than 6% of 
total consolidated revenues.  

Sales to the domestic college market tend to be concentrated in June through August, and again in November through January. Cash 
disbursements for inventory are relatively large during the spring in anticipation of these college sales. The Company normally requires 
increased funds for working capital from the beginning of the fiscal year into September. Subject to variations that may be caused by 
fluctuations in inventory accumulation or in patterns of customer payments, the Company's normal operating cash flow is not expected to vary 
materially in the near term.  

To finance its short-term seasonal working capital requirements and its growth opportunities, the Company has adequate cash and cash 
equivalents available, as well as both domestic and foreign short-term lines of credit, as more fully described in the note to the consolidated 
financial statements entitled "Notes Payable and Debt".  

The capital expenditures of the Company consist primarily of investments in product development and property and equipment. Capital 
expenditures for fiscal 1998 are expected to increase approximately 40% over 1997, primarily representing increased investments in product 
development, including electronic media products, and computer equipment upgrades to support the higher volume of business to ensure 
efficient, quality-driven customer service. These investments will be funded primarily from internal cash generation or from the liquidation of 
cash equivalents.  

Effects of Inflation and Cost Increases  

Although the impact of inflation is somewhat minimized, as the business does not require a high level of investment in property and equipment, 
the Company does experience continuing cost increases reflecting, in part, general inflationary factors. To mitigate the effects of paper and 
other cost increases, the Company has taken a number of initiatives including various steps to lower overall production and manufacturing 
costs including substitution of paper grades. In addition, selling prices have been selectively increased as competitive conditions permit. The 
Company anticipates that it will be able to continue this approach in the future. Paper prices decreased in fiscal 1997 after a few years of an 
increasing price environment.  

                         Results by Quarter (Unaudited) 

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Dollars in thousands except per share data               1997         1996 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Revenues 
   First quarter                                      $ 99,217     $ 88,092 
   Second quarter                                      107,070       86,831 
   Third quarter                                       118,105       97,409 
   Fourth quarter                                      107,582       90,372 

   Fiscal year                                        $431,974     $362,704 

Operating Income 
   First quarter                                      $ 11,716     $ 11,496 
   Second quarter                                        7,189        7,119 
   Third quarter                                        11,913       10,710 
   Fourth quarter                                        3,979        3,630 

   Fiscal year                                        $ 34,797     $ 32,955 

Net Income 
   First quarter                                      $  7,229     $  7,118 
   Second quarter                                        3,494        4,240 
   Third quarter                                         6,731        9,835 
   Fourth quarter                                        2,886        3,487 

   Fiscal year                                        $ 20,340     $ 24,680 

Income Per Share 
Primary and Fully Diluted 
   First quarter                                      $    .44     $    .43 
   Second quarter                                          .21          .26 
   Third quarter                                           .41          .59 
   Fourth quarter                                          .18          .21 

   Fiscal year                                        $   1.24     $   1.49 

 Includes interest income after taxes in 1996 of $2.6 million, equal to $.16 per share, relating to interest received on the favorable 
resolution of amended tax return claims.  

The Company's Class A and Class B shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWA and JWB, respectively. 
Dividends per share and the market price range by fiscal quarter for the past two fiscal years were as follows:  

                     Class A Common Stock            Class B Common Stock 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                   Divi-     Market     Price     Divi-     Market    Price 
                   dends      High       Low      dends      High      Low 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1997 
First quarter     $ .10      $35.13    $27.50    $.0875     $34.75    $28.75 
Second quarter      .10       30.75     27.75     .0875      30.50     28.00 
Third quarter       .10       32.25     27.50     .0875      32.00     27.50 
Fourth quarter      .10       31.88     28.13     .0875      31.25     28.75 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1996 
First quarter    $.0875      $28.75    $27.13    $.0775     $29.00    $27.75 
Second quarter    .0875       30.50     27.13     .0775      30.00     28.00 
Third quarter     .0875       35.00     28.88     .0775      34.75     28.75 
Fourth quarter    .0875       35.00     29.63     .0775      34.63     29.50 

As of April 30, 1997, the approximate number of holders of the Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock were 1,290 and 200, 
respectively, based on the holders of record and other information available to the Company.  

The Company's credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants related to the payment of dividends. Under the most restrictive 
covenant, approximately $51 million was available for the payment of future dividends. Subject to the foregoing, the Board of Directors 
considers quarterly the payment of cash dividends based upon its review of earnings, the financial position of the Company and other relevant 
factors.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Financial Data  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and Subsidiaries  

For the years ended April 30  

Dollars in thousands except per share data  

                                    1997       1996          1995       1994       1993 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Revenues                         $431,974   $362,704      $331,091   $294,289   $272,894 
Operating Income                   34,797     32,955        26,879     18,883     13,016 
Net Income                         20,340     24,680    18,311     12,117      7,718 
Working Capital                    39,783     31,515        11,241     35,059     31,804 
Total Assets                      457,944    284,501       247,481    243,940    220,593 
Long-Term Debt                    125,000       --            --       26,000     32,000 
Shareholders' Equity              128,983    117,982        98,832     82,330     71,276 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Per Share Data 
Net Income 
     Primary and Fully Diluted       1.24       1.49      1.12        .76       .50 
Cash Dividends 
     Class A Common                   .40        .35           .31       .275       .275 
     Class B Common                   .35        .31          .275       .245       .245 
Book Value-End of Year               8.11       7.32          6.21       5.23       4.63 

 Fiscal  1996  net  income  includes  interest  income  after  taxes of $2.6 
     million, or $.16 per share, received on the favorable resolution of amended 
     tax return claims. 

 
 
JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS  
FOR THE YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 1997, 1996 AND 1995  

(Dollars in Thousands)  

                                                Balance at                  Additions                   Deductions         Balance 
                                                Beginning          Charged to             From             from           at End of 
     Description                                of Period       Costs and Expenses    Acquisitions       Reserves          Period 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Year Ended April 30, 1997 
     Allowance for sales returns           $   20,786         $   26,396         $     357         $   20,440       $   27,099 
     Allowance for doubtful accounts           $    6,049         $    2,591         $   1,548         $    2,774   $    7,414 

Year Ended April 30, 1996 
     Allowance for sales returns           $   17,519         $   17,744                           $   14,477       $   20,786 
     Allowance for doubtful accounts           $    5,114         $    5,499                           $    4,564   $    6,049 

Year Ended April 30, 1995 
     Allowance for sales returns           $   15,558         $   16,110                           $   14,149       $   17,519 
     Allowance for doubtful accounts           $    4,385         $    4,014                           $    3,285   $    5,114 

 Allowance for sales returns represents anticipated returns net of inventory 
     and royalty costs. 
 Accounts written off, less recoveries. 

 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be 
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  

SIGNATURES  

JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.  
(Company)  

                        By:  /s/  Charles R. Ellis 
                                  --------------------------------------------- 
                                  Charles R. Ellis 
                                  President and Chief Executive Officer 

                        By:  /s/  Robert D. Wilder 
                                  --------------------------------------------- 
                                  Robert D. Wilder 
                                  Executive Vice President and 
                                  Chief Financial & Support Operations Officer 

                        By:  /s/  Peter W. Clifford 
                                  --------------------------------------------- 
                                  Peter W. Clifford 
                                  Senior Vice President, Finance 
                                  Corporate Controller 
                                  & Chief Accounting Officer 

Dated:  June 26, 1997 

 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons constituting 
directors of the Company on June 26, 1997.  

/s/  Franklin E. Agnew                       /s/  Henry A. McKinnell, Jr 
     --------------------                         ------------------------- 
     Franklin E. Agnew                            Henry A. McKinnell, Jr. 

/s/  Warren J. Baker                         /s/  Chester O. Macey 
     --------------------                         ------------------------- 
     Warren J. Baker                              Chester O. Macey 

/s/  Charles R. Ellis                        /s/  William R. Sutherland 
     --------------------                         ------------------------- 
     Charles R. Ellis                             William R. Sutherland 

/s/  H. Allen Fernald                        /s/  Thomas M. Taylor 
     --------------------                         ------------------------- 
     H. Allen Fernald                             Thomas M. Taylor 

                                             /s/  Leo J. Thomas 
     --------------------                         ------------------------- 
     Gary J. Fernandes                            Leo J. Thomas 

/s/  Larry Franklin                          /s/  Bradford Wiley II 
     --------------------                         ------------------------- 
     Larry Franklin                               Bradford Wiley II 

/s/  John S. Herrington                      /s/  Deborah E. Wiley 
     --------------------                         ------------------------- 
     John S. Herrington                           Deborah E. Wiley 

                                             /s/  Peter Booth Wiley 
                                                  ------------------------- 
                                                  Peter Booth Wiley 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 16, 1997  

Richard S. Rudick, Esq.  
125 East 63rd Street  
New York, N.Y. 10021  

Dear Dick:  

This letter, when signed by both of us, will confirm our understanding as follows regarding certain matters relating to your employment.  

Your employment as a Senior Vice President of the Company is "at will", and may be terminated by the Company or by you at any time, for 
any reason, subject however to the provisions of this agreement.  

If your employment is terminated by the Company other than for cause as defined below, you shall be entitled to severance as follows:  

Continuation of base salary then in effect for 15 months ("the Severance Period") from the date of termination. If during the Severance Period 
you obtain regular employment, you agree to promptly notify the Company, and the payments due hereunder shall be reduced dollar for dollar 
by the amount of cash compensation in excess of $90,000 from such employment during the Severance Period. If as a result of any such offset, 
the Company has overpaid you, you agree to promptly reimburse the Company.  

Coverage during the Severance Period (at the levels in effect for comparable employees from time to time,) under the following employee 
benefit plans or provisions for comparable benefits outside such plans, but only to the extent comparable coverage is not provided by any new 
employer: (1) Group Health Insurance Program; (2) Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, taking into account any 
waiver of coverage under the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") in which you participate.  

Outplacement services, in accordance with the policy of the Company for senior executives at the time of termination.  

If within 18 months following a "change of control" as defined in the SERP, you are terminated by the Company other than for cause as 
defined below, or elect to terminate your contract for "good reason" as defined in the SERP, in either case you shall, in addition to the amounts 
specified above, be entitled to your "target incentive amount" under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan ("EAIP") for a fiscal year ending 
during the Severance Period, (and if not otherwise determined prior to termination, for any prior fiscal year) and the same amount (pro- rated to 
the end of the Severance Period), for the EAIP for a fiscal year beginning during the Severance Period, or the equivalent under any comparable 
bonus or variable compensation plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company in lieu of the EAIP.  

Richard S. Rudick, Esq. January 16, 1997  

You agree that the payments and benefits set forth above shall be full and adequate compensation for all damages you may suffer as result of 
termination of your employment.  

If, without cause or your consent, or other than on account of disability as defined in the Company's programs, your cash compensation is 
reduced from the current levels (other than as a result of targets not being met in any EAIP or equivalent program) and within 30 days 
thereafter you elect to terminate your employment by written notice, or if you elect to terminate your employment for "good reason" within 18 
months following a "change of control", in either case such termination shall be treated as a termination by the Company without cause for 
purposes of this agreement.  

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any rights or benefits you may have under the employment and benefit plans and programs of the Company 
(other than for severance, which shall be determined hereunder), including without limitation the SERP shall be determined in accordance with 
such plans and programs, and nothing in this agreement shall modify or reduce any rights you may have resulting from a "change of control" as 
defined in the SERP.  

For purposes of this agreement, "cause" shall be limited to:  

a substantial failure or refusal to devote your full business time, and your knowledge and skills, to the best of your ability, to the performance 
of your duties, after notice by the Company, or serious willful misconduct relating to your duties and obligations as an employee.  

Conviction of a crime, perpetuation of a fraud, habitual intoxication or illegal use of controlled or habit forming substances, or knowingly 
making a material false statement to the Company's board or management.  

In consideration of our entering into this agreement, you agree that for period of five months after termination of your employment for any 
reason other than termination by the Company without cause, or termination by you for "good reason" following a "change of control" as 
defined in the SERP, you will not directly or indirectly be employed by, render services to, or participate in the management, operation or 
control (as a consultant or otherwise), of a business  

Richard S. Rudick, Esq. January 16,1997  

of the same nature as that carried on by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. You further agree that for one year after termination of your 
employment for any reason (including termination by the company without cause) except for a termination by the company, or by you for 
"good reason within 18 months following a change of control", you will not directly or indirectly solicit for employment or hire any employee 
of the company, without our prior written consent.  

Except as otherwise provided above, this is our entire agreement concerning your employment, and no modification shall be binding unless it is 
in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. This agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with 
the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to its conflict of laws provisions, and shall be binding upon the Corporation and its 
successors and assigns.  

Please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letter to confirm our agreement.  

Sincerely,  

Agreed:  

JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.  

By: ______________________  
Charles R. Ellis  
President & Chief Executive  
Officer  

SUBSIDIARIES OF JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.  

Jurisdiction In Which Incorporated  
Wiley Europe Limited England Wiley Heyden Limited England John Wiley & Sons Limited England Academy Group Limited 
England Chancery Law Publishing Limited England  

Jacaranda Wiley Limited                                 Australia 
John Wiley & Sons (HK) Limited                          Hong Kong 
Wiley Interscience, Inc.                                New York 
John Wiley & Sons International Rights, Inc.            Delaware 
Wiley-Liss, Inc.                                        Delaware 
Wiley Publishing Services, Inc.                         Delaware 
Wiley Subscription Services, Inc.                       Delaware 
Clinical Psychology Publishing Company, Inc.            Delaware 
John Wiley & Sons Canada Limited                        Canada 
Wiley Foreign Sales Corporation                         Barbados 
John Wiley & Sons (Asia) Pte Ltd.                       Singapore 
Scripta Technica, Inc.                                  District of Columbia 
John Wiley & Sons GmbH                                  Germany 
     VCH Verlagsgesellschaft mbH                        Germany 
         Wilhelm Ernst & Sohn, Verlag fur 
              Architektur und technische 
              Wissenschaften, GmbH                      Germany 
         Akademie Verlag GmbH                           Germany 
         Chemical Concepts Gesellschaft fur 
              Chemie-Informationssysteme mbH            Germany 
         VCH Publishers (U.K.) Limited                  England 

VCH Verlags AG Switzerland Verlag Chemie GmbH Germany Physik-Verlag GmbH Germany  

 The names of other subsidiaries which would not constitute a significant subsidiary in the aggregate have been omitted.  Subsidiary 
of Wiley Europe Limited.  Subsidiary of John Wiley & Sons GmbH.  

 Subsidiary of VCH Verlagsgesellschaft mbH.  

 
ARTICLE 5 
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF FINANCIAL POSITION AND THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY 
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 
CIK: 0000107140 
NAME: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 
MULTIPLIER: 1000 

PERIOD TYPE 
FISCAL YEAR END 
PERIOD START 
PERIOD END 
CASH 
SECURITIES 
RECEIVABLES 
ALLOWANCES 
INVENTORY 
CURRENT ASSETS 
PP&E 
DEPRECIATION 
TOTAL ASSETS 
CURRENT LIABILITIES 
BONDS 
PREFERRED MANDATORY 
PREFERRED 
COMMON 
OTHER SE 
TOTAL LIABILITY AND EQUITY 
SALES 
TOTAL REVENUES 
CGS 
TOTAL COSTS 
OTHER EXPENSES 
LOSS PROVISION 
INTEREST EXPENSE 
INCOME PRETAX 
INCOME TAX 
INCOME CONTINUING 
DISCONTINUED 
EXTRAORDINARY 
CHANGES 
NET INCOME 
EPS PRIMARY 
EPS DILUTED 

End of Filing  

12 MOS 
APR 30 1997 
MAY 01 1996 
APR 30 1997 
79,116 
0 
96,354 
34,513 
49,100 
204,135 
75,386 
42,687 
457,944 
164,352 
125,000 
0 
0 
20,606 
108,377 
457,944 
0 
431,974 
155,245 
397,177 
0 
0 
6,225 
30,853 
10,513 
20,340 
0 
0 
0 
20,340 
1.24 
1.24 

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