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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards | 12 Months Ended
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Apr. 30, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation: Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all the accounts of the Company and our subsidiaries. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances in consolidation. All amounts are presented in US dollars, unless otherwise specified. All amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts, and approximate due to rounding. Reclassifications: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. 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: 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, 2024 and 2023, book overdrafts of $10.1 million and $14.6 million, respectively, were included in Accounts payable on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. 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 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: 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, 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 and geopolitical 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. We write off receivables only when deemed no longer collectible. 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 $14.4 million as of both April 30, 2024 and 2023. The reserves are reflected in the following accounts of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 30:
| 2024 |  | 2023
Increase in Inventories, net | $ | 7,833 |  |  | $ | 6,923 |
Decrease in Accrued royalties | (3,112) |  |  | (3,240) |
Increase in Contract liabilities | 25,393 |  |  | 24,582 |
Print book sales return reserve net liability balance | $ | (14,448) |  |  | $ | (14,419) |
Inventories: Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. US book inventories aggregating $11.4 million and $16.6 million at April 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. All other inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Product Development Assets: Product development assets consist of book composition costs and other product development costs and are included in Other non-current assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Costs associated with developing a book for 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, 2024, the weighted average estimated useful life of other product development costs was approximately 3 years. Royalty Advances: Royalty advances are capitalized in Other non-current assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 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. Advertising and Marketing Costs: Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. These costs are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income as follows:
| For the Years Ended April 30,
| 2024 |  | 2023 |  | 2022
Advertising and marketing costs | $ | 61,709 |  |  | $ | 93,385 |  |  | $ | 100,572 |
Cost of sales(1) | 28,809 |  |  | 55,907 |  |  | 62,889 |
Operating and administrative expenses | 32,900 |  |  | 37,478 |  |  | 37,683 |
(1) | This includes certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by the University Services business previously included in our Held for Sale or Sold segment to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions.
Technology, Property, and Equipment: Technology, property, and equipment is recorded at cost, except for property and equipment that have been impaired, for which we reduce the carrying amount to the estimated fair value at the impairment date. 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: 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. Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale: We classify assets as held-for-sale in the period when the following conditions are met: (i) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group; (ii) the disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such disposal group; (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the disposal group have been initiated; (iv) the sale of the disposal group is probable, and transfer of the disposal group is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year, except if events or circumstances beyond our control extend the period of time required to sell the disposal group beyond one year; (v) the disposal group is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value; and (vi) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The disposal group that is classified as held-for-sale is initially measured at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less any costs to sell. The determination of the fair value less costs to sell is based on indicative sales values and may require us to make judgments on significant estimates and assumptions regarding forecasted information such as revenue growth, EBITDA, depreciation and amortization, and capital expenditures, and discount rates. The fair value less costs to sell is also subject to changes from the continued progression of the selling process and indications of changes in the consideration for the business, as well as changes in the carrying amounts of the disposal group. We may use a third-party valuation consultant to assist in the determination of such estimates. Any impairment loss resulting from this measurement is recognized in (Losses) gains on sale of businesses and certain assets and impairment charges related to assets held-for-sale on the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and is included as a valuation allowance or contra-asset account within Current assets held-for-sale or Non-current assets held-for-sale or both on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Gains are not recognized on a disposal group held-for-sale until the date of sale. The fair value of a disposal group less any costs to sell is assessed each reporting period it remains classified as held-for-sale and any subsequent change is reported as an adjustment to the carrying value of the disposal group, as long as the new carrying value does not exceed the carrying value of the asset at the time it was initially classified as held-for-sale. Upon determining that a disposal group meets the criteria to be classified as held-for-sale, we report the assets and liabilities of the disposal group as held-for-sale in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. 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. See Note 11, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for further details of our policy. 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 covenants not to compete 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, combined with the strength and pattern of projected cash flows. Intangible assets with definite lives as of April 30, 2024 are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following weighted average estimated useful lives: content and publishing rights – 27 years, customer relationships – 16 years, developed technology – 7 years, brands and trademarks – 16 years, and covenants not to compete agreements – 4 years. Assets with definite lives are evaluated for indicators of impairment upon a significant change in the operating or macroeconomic environment. When indicators of impairment are present, we test definite lived and long-lived assets for recoverability by comparing the carrying value of an asset group to an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. 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. Leases: We have contractual obligations as a lessee with respect to offices, warehouses and distribution centers, automobiles, and office equipment. See Note 12, “Operating Leases” for further details of our policy. Employee Benefit Plans: We provide various defined benefit plans to our employees. We use actuarial assumptions to calculate pension and benefit costs as well as pension assets and liabilities included in the consolidated financial statements. See Note 17, “Retirement Plans” for further details of our policy. Income Taxes: Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Deferred taxes are measured using rates the Company expects to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The financial effect of changes in tax laws or rates is accounted for in the period of enactment. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that the realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Valuation allowances are established when management determines that it is more likely than not that some or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. From time to time, the Company engages in transactions in which the tax consequences may be subject to uncertainty. Judgment is required in assessing and estimating the tax consequences of these transactions. The Company prepares and files tax returns based on its interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax returns are subject to examination by various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in future tax and interest assessments by these taxing authorities. In determining the Company’s tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions, unless such positions are determined to be more likely than not of being sustained upon examination based on their technical merits, including the resolution of any appeals or litigation processes. The Company includes interest and, where appropriate, penalties as a component of income tax expense. There is judgment involved in determining whether positions taken on the Company’s tax returns are more likely than not of being sustained, which involve the use of estimates and assumptions with respect to the potential outcome of positions taken on tax returns that may be reviewed by tax authorities. 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. Under FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (ASC Topic 815), derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges have changes in their fair value recorded initially within Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As interest expense is recognized based on the variable rate loan agreements, the corresponding deferred gain or loss on the interest rate swaps is reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income. The interest settlement payments associated with the interest rate swap agreements are classified as cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 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 (Loss) Income as incurred. 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 (Loss) Income could be impacted. We accelerate expense on performance-based awards using a graded vesting schedule for employees who meet retirement eligibility requirements prior to the end of the award’s service period. 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 number of stock-based awards that may be forfeited. Fair Value Measurement: The carrying value of financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value is measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value at the end of every reporting period. Financial assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis are those that are adjusted to fair value when a significant event occurs. In accordance with FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (ASC Topic 820), assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement disclosures are classified according to the three-level fair value hierarchy with respect to the inputs used to determine fair value. The level in which an asset or liability is disclosed within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the related fair value measurement in its entirety. The levels of input are defined as follows: •Level 1: Quoted prices unadjusted for identical assets or liabilities in an active market. •Level 2: Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. •Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the entity’s own assumptions which market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers In October 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2021-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers.” This ASU requires that an acquirer recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) as if it had originated the contracts. Generally, this would result in an acquirer recognizing and measuring the acquired contract assets and contract liabilities consistent with how they were recognized and measured in the acquiree’s financial statements if the acquiree prepared financial statements in accordance with US GAAP. We adopted ASU 2021-08 on May 1, 2023. The standard is applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements at the time of adoption. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This ASU enhances the transparency, effectiveness, and comparability of income tax disclosures by requiring consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information related to income tax rate reconciliations and the jurisdictions in which income taxes are paid. This ASU is effective for our annual disclosures starting fiscal year 2026. Early adoption is permitted. A public entity should apply the amendments in this ASU on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. We are currently assessing the impact of the disclosure requirements on our consolidated financial statements. Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280) - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” This ASU improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This ASU is effective for our annual fiscal year 2025, and interim periods starting in fiscal year 2026. Early adoption is permitted. A public entity should apply the amendments in this ASU retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently assessing the impact of the disclosure requirements on our consolidated financial statements.

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