XML 18 R18.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.19.2
Restructuring and Related Charges
 3 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Charges [Abstract]  
Restructuring and Related Charges
Note 9 — Restructuring and Related Charges

Business Optimization Program

Beginning in fiscal year 2020, we initiated a multi-year Business Optimization Program (the “Business Optimization Program”) to drive efficiency improvement and operating savings.

The following tables summarize the pre-tax restructuring charges related to this program:


  
Three Months Ended
  
   
July 31, 2019
  
Charges by Segment:
      
Research Publishing & Platforms
  
$
2,636
  
Education Publishing & Professional Learning
    
2,777
  
Education Services
    
2,192
  
Corporate Expenses
    
3,265
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
10,870
  
         
Charges by Activity:
        
Severance and termination benefits
  
$
10,709
  
Operating lease right-of-use asset impairment
    
161
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
10,870
  

The following table summarizes the activity for the Business Optimization Program liability for the three months ended July 31, 2019:


  
April 30, 2019
    
Charges
    
Payments
    
Foreign
Translation
    
July 31, 2019
  
Severance and termination benefits
  
$
—
    
$
10,709
    
$
(1,337
)
  
$
(33
)
  
$
9,339
  
Total
  
$
—
    
$
10,709
    
$
(1,337
)
  
$
(33
)
  
$
9,339
  

The restructuring liability as of July 31, 2019 for accrued severance and termination benefits is reflected in Accrued Employment Costs in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Restructuring and Reinvestment Program

Beginning in the year ended April 30, 2013, we initiated a global program (the “Restructuring and Reinvestment Program”) to restructure and realign our cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions. We are targeting a majority of the expected cost savings achieved to improve margins and earnings, while the remainder will be reinvested in high-growth digital business opportunities.

The following tables summarize the pre-tax restructuring credits related to this program:


  
Three Months Ended July 31,
    
Total Charges
  
   
2019
    
2018 (1)
    
Incurred to Date (1)
  
(Credits) Charges by Segment:
                  
Research Publishing & Platforms
  
$
(16
)
  
$
(980
)
  
$
26,528
  
Education Publishing & Professional Learning
    
28
      
(717
)
    
42,867
  
Education Services
    
(103
)
    
(208
)
    
3,764
  
Corporate Expenses
    
(44
)
    
(4,181
)
    
96,334
  
Total Restructuring and Related Credits
  
$
(135
)
  
$
(6,086
)
  
$
169,493
  
                         
(Credits) Charges by Activity:
                        
Severance and termination benefits
  
$
(350
)
  
$
(5,778
)
  
$
115,909
  
Consulting and Contract Termination Costs
    
—
      
135
      
21,155
  
Other Activities
    
215
      
(443
)
    
32,429
  
Total Restructuring and Related Credits
  
$
(135
)
  
$
(6,086
)
  
$
169,493
  

(1)
As previously announced, we have changed our segment reporting structure to align with our strategic focus areas. See Note 10, “Segment Information,” for more details.


The credits in severance and termination benefits activities for the three months ended July 31, 2019 and 2018 primarily reflect changes in the number of headcount reductions and estimates for previously accrued benefit costs. Other Activities for the three months ended July 31, 2018 reflects costs for leased facility consolidations.

The following table summarizes the activity for the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability for the three months ended July 31, 2019:


  
April 30, 2019
    
Credits
    
Payments
    
Adoption of
New Lease
Standard (1)
    
Foreign
Translation &
Other Adjustments
    
July 31, 2019
  
Severance and termination benefits
  
$
4,887
    
$
(350
)
  
$
(1,477
)
  
$
—
    
$
29
    
$
3,089
  
Consulting and Contract Termination Costs
    
303
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
303
  
Other Activities
    
2,544
      
—
      
—
      
(2,258
)
    
(76
)
    
210
  
Total
  
$
7,734
    
$
(350
)
  
$
(1,477
)
  
$
(2,258
)
  
$
(47
)
  
$
3,602
  

(1)
Refer to Note 2, “Recent Accounting Standards,” and Note 5, “Operating Leases” for more information related to the adoption of the new lease standard.

The restructuring liability as of July 31, 2019 for accrued severance and termination benefits is reflected in Accrued Employment Costs in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The liability as of July 31, 2019, for Consulting and Contract Termination Costs is reflected in Other Accrued Liabilities. As of July 31, 2019, $0.2 million of Other Activities are reflected in Other Accrued Liabilities and mainly relate to facility relocation and lease impairment related costs. We currently do not anticipate any further material charges related to the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program.