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Restructuring and Related Charges
 6 Months Ended
Oct. 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
October 31,
    
Six Months Ended
October 31,
  
   
2019
    
2019
  
Charges (Credits) by Segment:
            
Research Publishing & Platforms
  
$
29
    
$
2,665
  
Academic & Professional Learning
    
765
      
3,542
  
Education Services
    
(475
)
    
1,717
  
Corporate Expenses
    
2,835
      
6,100
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
3,154
    
$
14,024
  
                 
Charges by Activity:
                
Severance and termination benefits
  
$
578
    
$
11,287
  
Operating lease right-of-use asset impairment
    
—
      
161
  
Facility related charges
    
1,240
      
1,240
  
Other Activities
    
1,336
      
1,336
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
3,154
    
$
14,024
  

Other Activities for the three and six months ended October 31, 2019 relate to reserves associated with the cessation of certain offerings and the impairment of certain software licenses.

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

  
April 30, 2019
    
Charges
    
Payments
    
Foreign
Translation
& Other Adjustments
    
October 31, 2019
  
Severance and termination benefits
  
$
—
    
$
11,287
    
$
(2,760
)
  
$
(168
)
  
$
8,359
  
Other Activities
    
—
      
1,336
      
—
      
(365
)
    
971
  
Total
  
$
—
    
$
12,623
    
$
(2,760
)
  
$
(533
)
  
$
9,330
  

The restructuring liability as of October 31, 2019 for accrued severance and termination benefits is reflected in Accrued Employment Costs in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The restructuring liability as of October 31, 2019 for other activities is reflected in Other Accrued Liabilities 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 charges related to this program:


  
Three Months Ended
October 31,
    
Six Months Ended
October 31,
    
Total Charges
  
   
2019
    
2018 (1)
    
2019
    
2018 (1)
    
Incurred to Date
  
Charges (Credits) by Segment:
                              
Research Publishing & Platforms
  
$
697
    
$
2,282
    
$
681
    
$
1,302
    
$
27,225
  
Academic & Professional Learning
    
35
      
2,194
      
63
      
1,477
      
42,902
  
Education Services
    
—
      
310
      
(103
)
    
102
      
3,764
  
Corporate Expenses
    
115
      
5,210
      
71
      
1,029
      
96,449
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
847
    
$
9,996
    
$
712
    
$
3,910
    
$
170,340
  
                                         
Charges by Activity:
                                        
Severance and termination benefits
  
$
847
    
$
8,672
    
$
497
    
$
2,894
    
$
116,756
  
Consulting and Contract Termination Costs
    
—
      
90
      
—
      
225
      
21,155
  
Other Activities
    
—
      
1,234
      
215
      
791
      
32,429
  
Total Restructuring and Related Charges
  
$
847
    
$
9,996
    
$
712
    
$
3,910
    
$
170,340
  

(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.

Other Activities for the three and six months ended October 31, 2019 include facility related costs. Other Activities for the three and six months ended October 31, 2018 include lease impairment related costs.

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

  
April 30, 2019
    
Charges
    
Payments
    
Adoption of
New Lease
Standard (1)
    
Foreign
Translation &
Other Adjustments
    
October 31, 2019
  
Severance and termination benefits
  
$
4,887
    
$
497
    
$
(3,125
)
  
$
—
    
$
203
    
$
2,462
  
Consulting and Contract Termination Costs
    
303
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
—
      
303
  
Other Activities
    
2,544
      
—
      
—
      
(2,258
)
    
(34
)
    
252
  
Total
  
$
7,734
    
$
497
    
$
(3,125
)
  
$
(2,258
)
  
$
169
    
$
3,017
  

(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 October 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 October 31, 2019, for Consulting and Contract Termination Costs is reflected in Other Accrued Liabilities.

As of October 31, 2019, $0.3 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.