XML 76 R12.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.25.2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Apr. 30, 2025
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 United States (US) dollars, unless otherwise specified. All amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts, and are 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 Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (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, assets and liabilities held-for-sale, 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, 2025 and 2024, book overdrafts of $14.8 million and $10.1 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 based on its stand-alone selling price. We use an observable price to determine the stand-alone selling price for separate performance obligations if available or, when not available, an estimate that maximizes the use of observable inputs and faithfully depicts the selling price of the promised goods or services if we sold those goods or services separately to a similar customer in similar circumstances. Suitable methods for estimating the standalone selling price include adjusted market assessment approach, expected cost plus a margin approach, and the residual approach. Any contract discount within the agreement is allocated across all performance obligations unless observable evidence exists that the discount relates to a specific performance obligation or 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. We are also exposed to potential credit losses through our notes receivable issued in connection with our divestitures. As of April 30, 2025 and 2024, notes receivable inclusive of interest are $121.5 million and $92.5 million, respectively, and are reflected in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. We evaluate the co llectability of outstanding notes receivable and record an allowance to represent an estimate of future expected credit losses, as applicable. As of April 30, 2025 and 2024, we did not record an allowance on the notes receivable. On June 5, 2025, Wiley entered into an agreement to sell the University Services Seller Note and other assets. The cash consideration was also fully paid in June 2025. See Note 4, “Acquisitions and Divestitures” for more details on the notes receivable issued in connection with our divestitures and the sale. 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 $9.0 million and $14.4 million as of April 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The reserves are reflected in the following accounts of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 30:
| 2025 |  | 2024
Increase in Inventories, net | $ | 4,042 |  |  | $ | 7,833 |
Decrease in Accrued royalties | (2,067) |  |  | (3,112) |
Increase in Contract liabilities | 15,093 |  |  | 25,393 |
Print book sales return reserve net liability balance | $ | (8,984) |  |  | $ | (14,448) |
Inventories: Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. US book inventories aggregating $10.9 million and $11.4 million at April 30, 2025 and 2024, 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, 2025, 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 Income (Loss) as follows:
| For the Years Ended April 30,
| 2025 |  | 2024 |  | 2023
Advertising and marketing costs | $ | 31,235 |  |  | $ | 61,709 |  |  | $ | 93,385 |
Cost of sales(1) | 29 |  |  | 28,809 |  |  | 55,907 |
Operating and administrative expenses | 31,206 |  |  | 32,900 |  |  | 37,478 |
(1) | For the years ended April 30, 2024 and 2023, this includes certain advertising and marketing costs to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions incurred by the University Services business, which was sold on January 1, 2024 and previously included in our Held for Sale or Sold segment.
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, 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. Maintenance, training, and upgrade costs that do not result in additional functionality are expensed as incurred. Cloud Computing Arrangements: We incur costs to implement cloud computing arrangements that are hosted by third parties. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized if they consist of internal and external costs directly attributable to developing and configuring the cloud computing software for its intended use. Once a project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, such costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the cloud computing arrangement in Operating and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). As of April 30, 2025 and 2024, the unamortized implementation costs related to our cloud computing arrangements were $24.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively, and are reflected in Other non-current assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Payments for capitalized implementation costs are included in Net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 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 when management commits to a plan to sell, the assets are available for immediate sale in their present condition, we have initiated an active program to find a buyer, and the sale is probable within one year. Assets must be actively marketed at a reasonable price, and the plan should indicate completion is likely without significant changes. Assets classified as held-for-sale are measured at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Fair value determination may involve significant estimates regarding forecasted information and discount rates. Upon classification 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. Any impairment is recognized in Net (loss) gain on sale of businesses, assets, and impairment charges related to assets held-for-sale on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) 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. We reassess fair value each reporting period and adjust the carrying value as necessary, without exceeding the original carrying value when first classified as held-for-sale. Gains are only recognized upon actual sale. 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, 2025 are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following weighted average estimated useful lives: content and publishing rights – 26 years, customer relationships – 15 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 Accounting Standards Codification (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 Income (Loss). 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. For derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement, we do not offset fair value amounts of interest rate swaps in liability positions with the ones in asset positions in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. 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: 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. Judgment was also required in estimating the number of stock-based awards that may be forfeited. If actual results differ significantly from estimates, our stock-based compensation expense and Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) 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. 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 Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (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 that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), the disclosure and description of other segment items, the inclusion of all current annual disclosures about a reportable segment in interim periods, allows for disclosure of multiple measures of a reportable segment's profit or loss, requires disclosure of the CODM's title and position, and requires a description of how the CODM uses reported measures in assessing the performance of reportable segments and in making decisions pertaining to allocation of resources. We adopted ASU 2023-07 for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2025. This standard was applied retrospectively for all periods presented in the financial statements. See Note 20, “Segment Information” for new disclosures related to significant expenses, the CODM, and other segment items. The adoption did not impact our consolidated financial statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses.” In January 2025, the FASB clarified the effective date of this guidance with the issuance of ASU 2025-01, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date.” This ASU requires disclosure about specific types of expenses included in expense captions, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization, and depletion. This ASU is effective for our annual disclosures starting fiscal year 2028 and interim periods starting in fiscal year 2029. 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. 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.

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for the general note to the financial statements for the reporting entity which may include, descriptions of the basis of presentation, business description, significant accounting policies, consolidations, reclassifications, new pronouncements not yet adopted and changes in accounting principles. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/235/tableOfContent Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 275 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/275/tableOfContent Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 810 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/810/tableOfContent Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 250 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/250/tableOfContent + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration