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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards (Policies) | 12 Months Ended
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Apr. 30, 2021
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards [Abstract] |
Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation: Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all of the accounts of the Company and our subsidiaries. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances in consolidation. All amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts, and approximate due to rounding. In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, a UK entity acquired in connection with the acquisition of mthree (See Note 4, “Acquisitions” for further details of this acquisition) was erroneously dissolved by the Company in accordance with UK Companies Act regulations while still holding assets. This entity, along with its subsidiaries, (the entity) had various net intercompany receivables owed to them from other Wiley companies of approximately $188.8 million, which upon a dissolution technically revert to the British Crown (Crown). Wiley has petitioned to Companies House to reinstate the entity without prejudice. The Company believes the likelihood that reinstatement will not occur is remote as it entails an administrative exercise to remedy, not a negotiation. As a result of these events, the Company evaluated whether it was appropriate to consolidate the assets, liabilities, and operations of the entity as part of its consolidated financial statements as of April 30, 2021 and for the period from the entity being dissolved through April 30, 2021, and also whether there was a liability to the Crown and a related loss associated with the dissolution of the entity under US GAAP in the fiscal year 2021. The Company evaluated the criteria in Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, “Consolidations” to determine if consolidating the entity was appropriate under US GAAP. Based on that evaluation and the administrative nature of the process to restore, the Company concluded that although the entity was dissolved, we maintained control of the assets of the entity and, therefore, appropriately consolidated the assets, liabilities and operations of the entity it in our consolidated financial statements as of April 30, 2021. In connection with that conclusion, the Company also concluded that it does not have conditions to require a loss or liability to the Crown to be recorded in fiscal year 2021, other than immaterial fees associated with the restoration process. The Company anticipates the restoration of the entity, with the entirety of its net assets, to be completed by the second quarter of fiscal year 2022.
Reclassifications | Reclassifications: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.
Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates: The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in conformity with US GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include, among other items, sales return reserves, allocation of acquisition purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, intangible assets with definite lives and other long-lived assets, and retirement plans. We review these estimates and assumptions periodically using historical experience and other factors and reflect the effects of any revisions on the Consolidated Financial Statements in the period we determine any revisions to be necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates, which could affect the reported results.
Book Overdrafts | Book Overdrafts: Under our cash management system, a book overdraft balance exists for our primary disbursement accounts. This overdraft represents uncleared checks in excess of cash balances in individual bank accounts. Our funds are transferred from other existing bank account balances or from lines of credit as needed to fund checks presented for payment. As of April 30, 2021 and 2020, book overdrafts of $25.8 million and $7.4 million, respectively, were included in Accounts payable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition: Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized using a five-step model consisting of the following: (1) identify the contract with a customer, (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy a performance obligation. Performance obligations are satisfied when we transfer control of a good or service to a customer, which can occur over time or at a point in time. The amount of revenue recognized is based on the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, including the expected value of variable consideration. The customer’s ability and intent to pay the transaction price is assessed in determining whether a contract exists with the customer. If collectability of substantially all the consideration in a contract is not probable, consideration received is not recognized as revenue unless the consideration is nonrefundable, and we no longer have an obligation to transfer additional goods or services to the customer, or collectability becomes probable. See Note 3, “Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers,” for further details of our revenue recognition policy.
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase and are stated at cost, which approximates market value, because of the short-term maturity of the instruments.
Allowance for Credit Losses | Allowance for Credit Losses: See the section below, “Recently Adopted - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” for further details of our policy for credit losses.
Sales Return Reserves | Sales Return Reserves: The process that we use to determine our sales returns and the related reserve provision charged against revenue is based on applying an estimated return rate to current year returnable print book sales. This rate is based upon an analysis of actual historical return experience in the various markets and geographic regions in which we do business. We collect, maintain, and analyze significant amounts of sales returns data for large volumes of homogeneous transactions. This allows us to make reasonable estimates of the amount of future returns. All available data is utilized to identify the returns by market and to which fiscal year the sales returns apply. This enables management to track the returns in detail and identify and react to trends occurring in the marketplace, with the objective of being able to make the most informed judgments possible in setting reserve rates. Associated with the estimated sales return reserves, we also include a related increase to inventory and a reduction to accrued royalties as a result of the expected returns. Print book sales return reserves amounted to a net liability balance of $22.2 million and $19.6 million as of April 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The reserves are reflected in the following accounts of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 30:
|  | 2021 |  |  | 2020 |
Increase in Inventories, net |  | $ | 10,886 |  |  | $ | 8,686 |
Decrease in Accrued royalties |  | $ | (4,949 | ) |  | $ | (4,441 | )
Increase in Contract liabilities |  | $ | 38,034 |  |  | $ | 32,769 |
Print book sales return reserve net liability balance |  | $ | (22,199 | ) |  | $ | (19,642 | )
Inventories | Inventories: Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. US book inventories aggregating $20.4 million and $24.3 million at April 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. All other inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Finished goods not recorded at LIFO have been recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
Product Development Assets | Product Development Assets: Product development assets consist of book composition costs and other product development costs. Costs associated with developing a book publication are expensed until the product is determined to be commercially viable. Book composition costs represent the costs incurred to bring an edited commercial manuscript to publication, which include typesetting, proofreading, design, illustration costs, and digital formatting. Book composition costs are capitalized and are generally amortized on a double-declining basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 1 to 3 years. Other product development costs represent the costs incurred in developing software, platforms, and digital content to be sold and licensed to third parties. Other product development costs are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. As of April 30, 2021, the weighted average estimated useful life of other product development costs was approximately 6 years.
Royalty Advances | Royalty Advances: Royalty advances are capitalized and, upon publication, are expensed as royalties earned based on sales of the published works. Royalty advances are reviewed for recoverability and a reserve for loss is maintained, if appropriate.
Shipping and Handling Costs | Shipping and Handling Costs: Costs incurred for third party shipping and handling are primarily reflected in Operating and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). We incurred $27.8 million, $28.8 million, and $32.7 million in shipping and handling costs in the years ended April 30, 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively.
Advertising and Marketing Costs | Advertising and Marketing Costs: Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. These costs are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) as follows:
|  | For the Years Ended April 30, |
|  | 2021 |  |  | 2020 |  |  | 2019 |
Advertising and marketing costs |  | $ | 93.6 |  |  | $ | 103.1 |  |  | $ | 89.5 |
Cost of sales (1) |  |  | 57.0 |  |  |  | 65.8 |  |  |  | 53.7 |
Operating and administrative expenses |  |  | 36.6 |  |  |  | 37.3 |  |  |  | 35.8 |
(1) | This includes certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Education Services business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions.
Technology, Property, and Equipment | Technology, Property, and Equipment: Technology, property, and equipment is recorded at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Technology, property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method based upon the following estimated useful lives: Computer Software – 3 to 10 years, Computer Hardware – 3 to 5 years; Buildings and Leasehold Improvements – the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset up to 40 years or the duration of the lease; Furniture, Fixtures, and Warehouse Equipment – 5 to 10 years. Costs incurred for computer software internally developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized during the application development stage and expensed as incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages. Costs incurred during the application development stage include costs of materials, services and payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with the software project. Such costs are amortized over the expected useful life of the related software, which is generally 3 to 5 years. Costs related to the investment in our Enterprise Resource Planning and related systems are amortized over an expected useful life of 10 years. Maintenance, training, and upgrade costs that do not result in additional functionality are expensed as incurred.
Allocation of Acquisition Purchase Price to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed | Allocation of Acquisition Purchase Price to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed: In connection with acquisitions, we allocate the cost of the acquisition to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the estimates of fair value for such items, including intangible assets and technology acquired. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. The determination of the acquisition date fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, such as forecasted revenue growth rates and operating cash flows, royalty rates, customer attrition rates, obsolescence rates of developed technology, and discount rates. We may use a third-party valuation consultant to assist in the determination of such estimates.
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets | Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of the following: (1) consideration transferred, (2) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, and (3) if the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition-date fair value of our previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily consist of brands and trademarks, and publishing rights and are typically characterized by intellectual property with a long and well-established revenue stream resulting from strong and well-established imprint/brand recognition in the market. We use the acquisition method of accounting for all business combinations and do not amortize goodwill or intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for possible impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.
Intangible Assets with Definite Lives and Other Long-Lived Assets | Intangible Assets with Definite Lives and Other Long-Lived Assets: Definite-lived intangible assets principally consist of content and publishing rights, customer relationships, developed technology, brands and trademarks, and noncompete agreements and are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The most significant factors in determining the estimated lives of these intangibles are the history and longevity of the brands, trademarks, and content and publication rights and developed technology acquired combined with the strength and pattern of projected cash flows. Intangible assets with definite lives as of April 30, 2021, are amortized on a straight line basis over the following weighted average estimated useful lives: content and publishing rights – 28 years, customer relationships – 17 years, developed technology – 7 years, brands and trademarks – 13 years, and noncompete agreements – 5 years. Assets with definite lives are evaluated for impairment upon a significant change in the operating or macroeconomic environment. In these circumstances, if an evaluation of the projected undiscounted cash flows indicates impairment, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value based on the discounted future cash flows.
Derivative Financial Instruments | Derivative Financial Instruments: From time to time, we enter into foreign exchange forward and interest rate swap contracts as a hedge against foreign currency asset and liability commitments, changes in interest rates, and anticipated transaction exposures, including intercompany purchases. All derivatives are recognized as assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. Derivatives that are not determined to be effective hedges are adjusted to fair value with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Foreign Currency Gains/Losses | Foreign Currency Gains/Losses: We maintain operations in many non-US locations. Assets and liabilities are translated into US dollars using end-of-period exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated into US dollars using weighted average rates. Our significant investments in non-US businesses are exposed to foreign currency risk. Foreign currency translation adjustments are reported as a separate component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss within Shareholders’ Equity. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation: We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock-based awards on the grant date, reduced by an estimate for future forfeited awards. As such, stock-based compensation expense is only recognized for those awards that are expected to ultimately vest. The fair value of stock-based awards is recognized in net income generally on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Stock-based compensation expense associated with performance-based stock awards is based on actual financial results for targets established up to three years in advance, or less. The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in the estimated number of performance share awards, or estimated forfeiture rate, is recognized as an adjustment to earnings in the period of the revision. If actual results differ significantly from estimates, our stock-based compensation expense and Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) could be impacted. The grant date fair value for stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model include the expected life of an option, the expected volatility of our common stock over the estimated life of the option, a risk-free interest rate, and the expected dividend yield. Judgment was also required in estimating the amount of stock-based awards that may be forfeited.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards | Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” ASU 2018-14 removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and added additional disclosures. The standard is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. We have adopted the new standard for the year ended April 30, 2021 retrospectively for all periods presented. See Note 17, “Retirement Plans” for all periods presented with the new required disclosures. Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” Subsequently, in May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05 - “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief”; in April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses,” in November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses,” and in February 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-02, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842)—Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (SEC Update)”. ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for most financial assets held at the reporting date based on an expected loss model which includes historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will now use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses. ASU 2016-13, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-11, and ASU 2020-02 were effective for us on May 1, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal periods, with early adoption permitted. We adopted the new standard on May 1, 2020, with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Based on financial instruments currently held by us, the adoption of ASU 2016-13 primarily impacted our trade receivables, specifically our allowance for doubtful accounts. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), or our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See the table below for further details on the immaterial impact to our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. We are exposed to credit losses through our accounts receivable with customers. Accounts receivable, net is stated at amortized cost net of provision for credit losses. Our methodology to measure the provision for credit losses requires an estimation of loss rates based upon historical loss experience adjusted for factors that are relevant to determining the expected collectability of accounts receivable such as the impact of COVID-19, delinquency trends, aging behavior of receivables, credit and liquidity indicators for industry groups, customer classes or individual customers and reasonable and supportable forecasts of the economic conditions that may exist through the contractual life of the asset. Our provision for credit losses is reviewed and revised periodically. Our accounts receivable is evaluated on a pool basis that is based on customer groups with similar risk characteristics. This includes consideration of the following factors to develop these pools: size of the customer, industry, geographical location, historical risk, and types of services or products sold. Our customers’ ability to pay is assessed through our internal credit review processes. Based on the dollar value of credit extended, we assess our customers’ credit by reviewing the total expected receivable exposure, expected timing of payments and the customers’ established credit rating. In determining customer creditworthiness, we assess our customers’ credit utilizing different resources including third-party validations and/or our own assessment through analysis of the customers’ financial statements and review of trade/bank references. We also consider contract terms and conditions, country and political risk, and the customers’ mix of products purchased in our evaluation. A credit limit is established for each customer based on the outcome of this review. Credit limits are periodically reviewed for existing customers and whenever an increase in the credit limit is being considered. When necessary, we utilize collection agencies and legal counsel to pursue recovery of defaulted receivables. We write off receivables only when deemed no longer collectible. The following table presents the change in provision for credit losses, which is presented net in Accounts receivable on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the period indicated:
|  | Provision for Credit Losses |
Balance as of April 30, 2020 |  | $ | 18,335 |
Adjustment due to adoption of new credit losses standard recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings |  |  | 1,776 |
Current period provision |  |  | 6,957 |
Amounts written off, less recoveries |  |  | (4,463 | )
Foreign exchange translation adjustments and other |  |  | (1,131 | )
Balance as of April 30, 2021 |  | $ | 21,474 |
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract.” ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. We adopted ASU 2018-15 on May 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements at the date of adoption. Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 removes, modifies, and adds disclosures. We adopted ASU 2018-13 on May 1, 2020. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements or disclosures as a result of adoption. Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance thereafter. ASU 2016-02 requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset (ROU) and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months and provide enhanced disclosures. Recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses depends on classification as a finance or operating lease. Similar modifications have been made to lessor accounting in-line with revenue recognition guidance. The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We elected the practical expedients to forgo a reassessment of (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) initial direct costs. We did not elect the practical expedient allowing the use-of-hindsight which would have required us to reassess the lease term of our leases based on all facts and circumstances through the effective date. In addition, we did not elect the practical expedient pertaining to land easements. In addition, the new standard provides as a practical expedient, certain policy elections for ongoing lease accounting which we elected at the date of adoption and included the following, (i) to not separate nonlease components from the associated lease component if certain conditions are met, and (ii) to not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for leases that qualify as short-term. A modified retrospective transition approach was required, applying the standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. A company could choose to use either (1) its effective date or (2) the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as of its date of initial application. We adopted the new standard on May 1, 2019 and used the effective date as the date of initial application. Accordingly, previously reported financial information was not updated, and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before May 1, 2019. At adoption, we recognized operating lease liabilities of $178 million based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments for existing operating leases and ROU assets of $142 million on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The difference between the ROU assets and operating lease liabilities represents the existing deferred rent liabilities, prepaid rent balances, and applicable restructuring liabilities, which were reclassified upon adoption to reduce the measurement of the ROU assets. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on our Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity, Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) or Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow. See Note 12, “Operating Leases”, for further details on our operating leases. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Convertible Debt Instruments, Derivatives and EPS In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)”. This ASU reduces the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. As well as amend the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions. In addition, this ASU improves and amends the related EPS guidance. This standard is effective for us on May 1, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption is either a modified retrospective method or a fully retrospective method of transition. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Reference Rate Reform In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” In January 2021, the FASB clarified the scope of that guidance with the issuance of ASU 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform: Scope.” This ASU provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. This would apply to companies meeting certain criteria that have contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This standard is effective for us immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This ASU is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions within Topic 740, “Income Taxes” and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2021, and early adoption is permitted in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. We will adopt the new standard on May 1, 2021. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2019-12 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements at the time of adoption. The impact in the future would depend on any changes in tax laws and the applicable enactment dates. In accordance with ASU 2019-12, the enactment date is when any effects are recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

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