XML 43 R15.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.24.0.1
Stock-Based Compensation
 9 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation
We have stock-based compensation plans under which employees may be granted performance-based stock awards, other restricted stock awards and options. We recognize the grant date fair value of stock-based compensation in net income generally on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period. The measurement of performance for performance-based stock awards is based on actual financial results for targets established up to three years in advance, or less. For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2024, we recognized stock-based compensation expense, on a pretax basis, of $6.3 million and $19.1 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2023, we recognized stock-based compensation expense, on a pretax basis, of $6.6 million and $20.6 million, respectively.

Performance-Based and Other Restricted Stock Activity
Under the terms of our long-term incentive plans, performance-based restricted unit awards are payable in restricted shares of our Class A Common Stock upon the achievement of certain three-year or less financial performance-based targets. During each three-year period or less, we adjust compensation expense based upon our best estimate of expected performance.
We may also grant individual restricted unit awards payable in restricted shares of our Class A Common Stock to key employees in connection with their employment.
The following table summarizes awards we granted to employees (shares in thousands):
Nine Months Ended
January 31,
20242023
Restricted Stock:
Awards granted (shares)1,086546
Weighted average fair value of grant$31.32 $45.31 
Stock Option Activity
We granted 170,000 and 10,000 stock option awards during the nine months ended January 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The grants in the nine months ended January 31, 2024 included 160,000 stock options to our executive leadership team, at a premium grant price of $35.00, which was above the fair market value at the time of grant, and 10,000 stock options granted to other leaders at fair market value on date of grant. Options are exercisable over a maximum period of ten years from the date of grant. These options generally vest 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% on April 30, or on each anniversary date after the award is granted.
The following table provides the estimated weighted average fair value for options granted during the nine months ended January 31, 2024 and 2023 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and the significant weighted average assumptions used in their determination.
Nine Months Ended
January 31,
20242023
Weighted average fair value of options on grant date$6.47 $9.42 
Weighted average assumptions:
Expected life of options (years)6.35.9
Risk-free interest rate4.6 %0.5 %
Expected volatility34.0 %31.2 %
Expected dividend yield4.6 %3.0 %
Fair value of common stock on grant date$30.37 $45.99 
Exercise price of stock option grant$34.86 $45.99 
Interim President and CEO New Hire Equity Awards
On October 10, 2023, the Company named Mr. Matthew Kissner interim President and CEO and entered into an employment agreement (Employment Agreement) with him. Under the Employment Agreement, Mr. Kissner will be eligible to participate in the 2024 Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan (ELTIP), with a target long-term incentive equal to $1.8 million.
Sixty percent of the ELTIP value will be delivered in the form of target performance share units and forty percent in restricted share units. The grant date fair value for the restricted share units which were granted in the three months ended October 31, 2023 was $30.95 per share and included 20,028 restricted share units which vest 25% each year starting on April 30, 2024 to April 30, 2027. The grant date fair value for the performance share units which were granted in the three months ended January 31, 2024 was $30.23 per share and included 35,538 performance share units which vest 100% on June 30, 2026. Awards are subject to forfeiture in the case of voluntary termination prior to vesting, and continued vesting in the case of earlier termination of employment without cause or due to constructive discharge. All other terms and conditions are the same as for other executives, as outlined in the ELTIP grant agreements.