Wiley released its 10-Q financial report over the weekend, reporting that revenue for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 of $388.6 million increased 48% from $263.4 million in the prior year’s first quarter, or 46% excluding the favorable impact of foreign exchange. Gross profit margin for the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 decreased to 63.8% from 67.7% in the prior year mainly due to a lower gross margin on Blackwell sales and the adverse impact of a $6.2 million acquisition accounting adjustment to revenue and gross profit. Excluding the acquisition accounting adjustment, Blackwell’s gross margin was approximately 57.8%. Excluding Blackwell and the effect of foreign exchange, gross profit margin declined 40 basis points to 67.3%.
Operating and administrative expenses increased 37% over the prior year mainly due to $43.7 million of incremental operating expenses related to Blackwell. Operating and administrative expenses excluding Blackwell and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange increased 4%, principally due to employment costs to support business growth. Amortization of intangibles increased $6.1 million, principally due to acquisitions. The Blackwell acquisition contributed approximately $5.6 million of the increase.