JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC., 10-K filed on 6/26/2023
Annual Report
v3.23.2
Cover Page - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
May 31, 2023
Oct. 31, 2022
Entity Listings [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Apr. 30, 2023    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --04-30    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-11507    
Entity Registrant Name JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code NY    
Entity Tax Identification Number 13-5593032    
Entity Address, Address Line One 111 River Street    
Entity Address, City or Town Hoboken    
Entity Address, State or Province NJ    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 07030    
City Area Code 201    
Local Phone Number 748-6000    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 1,821
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for use in connection with its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on September 28, 2023, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000107140    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share      
Entity Listings [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share    
Trading Symbol WLY    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   46,255,091  
Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share      
Entity Listings [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share    
Trading Symbol WLYB    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   9,026,142  
v3.23.2
Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Name KPMG LLP
Auditor Location New York, New York
Auditor Firm ID 185
v3.23.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 106,714 $ 100,397
Accounts receivable, net 310,121 331,960
Inventories, net 30,733 36,585
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 93,711 81,924
Total current assets 541,279 550,866
Technology, property, and equipment, net 247,149 271,572
Intangible assets, net 854,794 931,429
Goodwill 1,204,050 1,302,142
Operating lease right-of-use assets 91,197 111,719
Other non-current assets 170,341 193,967
Total assets 3,108,810 3,361,695
Current liabilities    
Accounts payable 84,325 77,438
Accrued royalties 113,423 101,596
Short-term portion of long-term debt 5,000 18,750
Contract liabilities 504,695 538,126
Accrued employment costs 80,458 117,121
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities 19,673 20,576
Other accrued liabilities 87,979 95,812
Total current liabilities 895,553 969,419
Long-term debt 743,292 768,277
Accrued pension liability 86,304 78,622
Deferred income tax liabilities 144,042 180,065
Operating lease liabilities 115,540 132,541
Other long-term liabilities 79,052 90,502
Total liabilities 2,063,783 2,219,426
Shareholders’ equity    
Preferred stock, $1 par value: Authorized – 2 million, Issued – 0 0 0
Additional paid-in capital 469,802 459,297
Retained earnings 1,860,872 1,921,160
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:    
Foreign currency translation adjustment (326,346) (329,566)
Unamortized retirement costs, net of tax (206,806) (182,226)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax 4,250 3,646
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (528,902) (508,146)
Less: treasury shares at cost (Class A – 23,983 and 23,515 as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, Class B – 3,925 and 3,924 as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively) (839,927) (813,224)
Total shareholders’ equity 1,045,027 1,142,269
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 3,108,810 3,361,695
Class A    
Shareholders’ equity    
Common stock 70,231 70,226
Class B    
Shareholders’ equity    
Common stock $ 12,951 $ 12,956
v3.23.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Shareholders’ equity    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 1 $ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 2,000,000 2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) 0 0
Class A    
Shareholders’ equity    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 1 $ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 180,000,000 180,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 70,231,000 70,226,000
Treasury stock (in shares) 23,983,000 23,515,000
Class B    
Shareholders’ equity    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 1 $ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 72,000,000 72,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 12,951,000 12,956,000
Treasury stock (in shares) 3,925,000 3,924,000
v3.23.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 2,019,900 $ 2,082,928 $ 1,941,501
Costs and expenses      
Cost of sales 692,541 700,658 625,335
Operating and administrative expenses 1,037,399 1,079,585 1,022,660
Impairment of goodwill 99,800 0 0
Restructuring and related charges (credits) 49,389 (1,427) 33,310
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets 84,881 84,836 74,685
Total costs and expenses 1,964,010 1,863,652 1,755,990
Operating income 55,890 219,276 185,511
Interest expense (37,745) (19,802) (18,383)
Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) 894 (3,192) (7,977)
Gain on sale of businesses and certain assets 10,177 3,694 0
Other income, net 3,884 9,685 16,761
Income before taxes 33,100 209,661 175,912
Provision for income taxes 15,867 61,352 27,656
Net income $ 17,233 $ 148,309 $ 148,256
Earnings per share:      
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 0.31 $ 2.66 $ 2.65
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 0.31 $ 2.62 $ 2.63
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:      
Basic (in shares) 55,558 55,759 55,930
Diluted (in shares) 56,355 56,598 56,461
v3.23.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income $ 17,233 $ 148,309 $ 148,256
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Foreign currency translation adjustment 3,220 (71,625) 82,762
Unamortized retirement costs, net of tax benefit (expense) of $5,967, $(13,440), and $(2,103), respectively (24,580) 45,920 (226)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax (expense) of $(393), $(2,787), and $(657), respectively 604 8,349 2,171
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (20,756) (17,356) 84,707
Comprehensive (loss) income $ (3,523) $ 130,953 $ 232,963
v3.23.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Unamortized retirement costs, tax (expense) benefit $ 5,967 $ (13,440) $ (2,103)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, tax (expense) benefit $ (393) $ (2,787) $ (657)
v3.23.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Operating activities      
Net income $ 17,233 $ 148,309 $ 148,256
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Impairment of goodwill 99,800 0 0
Amortization of intangible assets 84,881 84,836 74,685
Amortization of product development assets 32,366 35,162 34,365
Depreciation and amortization of technology, property, and equipment 96,006 95,172 91,139
Restructuring and related charges (credits) 49,389 (1,427) 33,310
Stock-based compensation expense 26,504 25,705 21,982
Employee retirement plan expense 26,956 19,146 12,975
Foreign exchange transaction (gains) losses (894) 3,192 7,977
Gain on sale of businesses and certain assets (10,217) (3,694) 0
Other noncash (credits) charges (6,319) 37,128 35,138
Changes in operating assets and liabilities      
Accounts receivable, net 26,757 (26,318) (7,263)
Inventories, net (522) 2,311 7,842
Accounts payable and accrued royalties 22,908 16,373 (31,121)
Contract liabilities (36,529) 9,973 14,164
Restructuring payments (26,599) (5,911) (19,667)
Other accrued liabilities (48,787) (13,476) 28,142
Employee retirement plan contributions (45,985) (46,729) (40,676)
Operating lease liabilities (26,919) (29,737) (32,344)
Other (2,958) (10,915) (18,981)
Net cash provided by operating activities 277,071 339,100 359,923
Investing activities      
Product development spending (22,958) (27,015) (25,954)
Additions to technology, property, and equipment (81,155) (88,843) (77,407)
Businesses acquired in purchase transactions, net of cash acquired (7,292) (75,703) (299,942)
Proceeds related to the sale of businesses and certain assets 15,585 3,375 0
Acquisitions of publication rights and other (2,578) (5,838) (29,851)
Net cash used in investing activities (98,398) (194,024) (433,154)
Financing activities      
Repayments of long-term debt (1,044,205) (661,873) (562,752)
Borrowings of long-term debt 1,005,271 650,877 593,405
Payment of debt issuance costs (4,493) 0 0
Purchases of treasury shares (35,000) (30,000) (15,765)
Change in book overdrafts (4,841) (6,327) 18,398
Cash dividends (77,298) (77,205) (76,938)
Impact of tax withholding on stock-based compensation and other (8,002) (7,110) (3,434)
Net cash used in financing activities (168,568) (131,638) (47,086)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (3,570) (7,070) 11,629
Cash reconciliation:      
Cash and cash equivalents 100,397 93,795 202,464
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets 330 564 583
Balance at beginning of year 100,727 94,359 203,047
Increase/(decrease) for year 6,535 6,368 (108,688)
Cash and cash equivalents 106,714 100,397 93,795
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets 548 330 564
Balance at end of year 107,262 100,727 94,359
Cash paid during the year for:      
Interest 36,130 17,834 17,171
Income taxes, net of refunds 50,891 48,887 41,064
Learning House | Warrants      
Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]      
Shares issued in connection with the acquisition of a business $ 0 $ 7,363 $ 0
v3.23.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance $ 1,142,269 $ 1,091,291 $ 933,624
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans 287 274 249
Issuance of Class A common stock related to the acquisition of a business   7,363  
Impact of tax withholding on stock-based compensation and other (8,002) (7,110) (3,434)
Stock-based compensation expense 26,520 26,703 21,982
Purchases of treasury shares (35,000) (30,000)  
Common stock class conversions 0 0 0
Comprehensive income, net of tax (3,523) 130,953 232,963
Balance 1,045,027 1,142,269 1,091,291
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance     (1,390)
Class A      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Purchases of treasury shares     (15,765)
Common stock dividends (64,973) (64,724) (67,614)
Class B      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Common stock dividends (12,551) (12,481) (9,324)
Common Stock | Class A      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance 70,226 70,208 70,166
Common stock class conversions 5 18 42
Balance 70,231 70,226 70,208
Common Stock | Class B      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance 12,956 12,974 13,016
Common stock class conversions (5) (18) (42)
Balance 12,951 12,956 12,974
Additional paid-in capital      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance 459,297 444,358 431,680
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans (16,152) (12,578) (10,206)
Impact of tax withholding on stock-based compensation and other 137 814 902
Stock-based compensation expense 26,520 26,703 21,982
Balance 469,802 459,297 444,358
Retained earnings      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance 1,921,160 1,850,058 1,780,129
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans 3 (2) 1
Comprehensive income, net of tax 17,233 148,309 148,256
Balance 1,860,872 1,921,160 1,850,058
Retained earnings | Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance     (1,390)
Retained earnings | Class A      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Common stock dividends (64,973) (64,724) (67,614)
Retained earnings | Class B      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Common stock dividends (12,551) (12,481) (9,324)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance (508,146) (490,790) (575,497)
Comprehensive income, net of tax (20,756) (17,356) 84,707
Balance (528,902) (508,146) (490,790)
Treasury stock      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Balance (813,224) (795,517) (785,870)
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans 16,436 12,854 10,454
Issuance of Class A common stock related to the acquisition of a business   7,363  
Impact of tax withholding on stock-based compensation and other (8,139) (7,924) (4,336)
Purchases of treasury shares (35,000) (30,000)  
Balance $ (839,927) $ (813,224) (795,517)
Treasury stock | Class A      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Purchases of treasury shares     $ (15,765)
v3.23.2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Class A      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share) $ 1.39 $ 1.38 $ 1.37
Class B      
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]      
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share) $ 1.39 $ 1.38 $ 1.37
v3.23.2
Description of Business
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Description of Business Description of Business
The Company, founded in 1807, was incorporated in the state of New York on January 15, 1904. Throughout this report, when we refer to “Wiley,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us,” we are referring to John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and all our subsidiaries, except where the context indicates otherwise.
Wiley is a global leader in scientific research and career-connected education, unlocking human potential by enabling discovery, powering education, and shaping workforces. We have reorganized our Education lines of business into two new customer-centric segments. The Academic segment addresses the university customer group and includes Academic Publishing and University Services. The Talent segment addresses the corporate customer group and is focused on delivering training, sourcing, and upskilling solutions. Prior period segment results have been revised to the new segment presentation. There were no changes to our consolidated financial results. Our new segment reporting structure consists of three reportable segments, as well as a Corporate expense category (no change), which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments:
Research includes Research Publishing and Research Solutions, and no changes were made as a result of this realignment;
Academic includes the Academic Publishing and University Services lines. Academic Publishing is the combination of the former Education Publishing line and professional publishing offerings;
Talent is the combination of the former Talent Development line, and our assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings.
Through the Research segment, we provide peer-reviewed STM publishing, content, platforms, and related services to academic, corporate, and government customers, academic societies, and individual researchers. The Academic segment provides scientific, professional, and education print and digital books, digital courseware, and test preparation services, as well as engages in the comprehensive management of online degree programs for universities. The Talent segment services include sourcing, training, and preparing aspiring students and professionals to meet the skill needs of today’s technology careers and placing them with large companies and government agencies. It also includes assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings. We have operations primarily located in the US, UK, India, Sri Lanka, and Germany.
v3.23.2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
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 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, 2023 and 2022, book overdrafts of $14.6 million and $19.4 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.
Our customers’ ability to pay is assessed through our internal credit review processes. Based on the 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 geopolitical 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, 2022$21,221 
Current period provision347 
Amounts written off, less recoveries(2,592)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments and other(314)
Balance as of April 30, 2023$18,662 
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 and $19.4 million as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The reserves are reflected in the following accounts of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 30:
20232022
Increase in Inventories, net$6,923 $7,820 
Decrease in Accrued royalties(3,240)(3,893)
Increase in Contract liabilities24,582 31,135 
Print book sales return reserve net liability balance$(14,419)$(19,422)
Inventories:
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. US book inventories aggregating $16.6 million and $20.6 million at April 30, 2023 and 2022, 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 consist of book composition costs and other product development costs and were 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, 2023, the weighted average estimated useful life of other product development costs was approximately 6 years.
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:
Costs incurred for third party shipping and handling are primarily reflected in Operating and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We incurred $27.1 million, $29.0 million, and $27.8 million in shipping and handling costs in the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
Advertising and Marketing Costs:
Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. These costs are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Advertising and marketing costs$93,385 $100,572 $93,646 
Cost of sales(1)
55,907 62,889 56,956 
Operating and administrative expenses37,478 37,683 36,690 
(1)
This includes certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Academic business 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.
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, 2023 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 – 15 years, and covenants not to compete 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.

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.
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 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 Income 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 Accounting Standards
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.” These ASUs provide 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. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848," which extended the date to December 31, 2024. This standard was 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, 2024. On November 30, 2022, we amended the Amended and Restated CA (as defined in Note 14, “Debt and Available Credit Facilities”) and as a result we amended our outstanding interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to change the rates from LIBOR-based rates to SOFR-based rates. We applied ASU 2020-04 at the time of modification, and there was no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. The future impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements will be based on any future contract modifications.
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,” and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance thereafter. 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 required enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses.
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. 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, or our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See above under the caption “Allowance for Credit Losses” for a discussion of our policy.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers
In October 2021, the 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 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. This standard is effective for us on May 1, 2023, including interim periods within the fiscal year. The standard is applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. The impact will be based on future business combinations after we adopt the standard.
v3.23.2
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers
Disaggregation of Revenue
As described in Note 1, "Description of Business", we have reorganized our Education lines of business into two new customer-centric segments. Our new segment reporting structure consists of three reportable segments which includes Research (no changes), Academic, and Talent, as well as a Corporate expense category (no change), which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments. Prior period segment results have been revised to the new segment presentation. There were no changes to our consolidated financial results. As a result of this realignment, we were required to test goodwill for impairment immediately before and after the realignment. See Note 11, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for more details on the interim goodwill impairment test and the impairment charges. See also Note 20, “Segment Information,” for more details regarding our reportable segments.
The following tables present our revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type.
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Research:
Research Publishing (1)
$926,773 $963,715 $892,176 
Research Solutions (1)
153,538 147,628 123,173 
Total Research1,080,311 1,111,343 1,015,349 
Academic:
Academic Publishing481,752 531,705 538,643 
University Services208,656 227,407 230,371 
Total Academic690,408 759,112 769,014 
Talent249,181 212,473 157,138 
Total Revenue$2,019,900 $2,082,928 $1,941,501 
(1)
As previously announced, in May 2022 our revenue by product type previously referred to as Research Platforms was changed to Research Solutions. Research Solutions includes infrastructure and publishing services that help societies and corporations thrive in a complex knowledge ecosystem. In addition to Platforms (Atypon), certain product offerings such as corporate sales which included the recent acquisitions of Madgex Holdings Limited (Madgex), and Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.’s Informatics products (Informatics) that were previously included in Research Publishing moved to Research Solutions to align with our strategic focus. Research Solutions also includes product offerings related to certain recent acquisitions such as J&J, and EJP. Prior period results have been revised to the new presentation. There were no changes to the total Research segment or our consolidated financial results. The revenue reclassified to Research Solutions was $93.3 million and $80.3 million for the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The following information describes our disaggregation of revenue by segment and product type. Overall, the majority of our revenue is recognized over time.
Research
Research customers include academic, corporate, government, and public libraries, funders of research, researchers, scientists, clinicians, engineers and technologists, scholarly and professional societies, and students and professors. Research products are sold and distributed globally through multiple channels, including research libraries and library consortia, independent subscription agents, direct sales to researchers and professional society members, and other customers. Publishing centers include Australia, China, Germany, India, the UK, and the US. The majority of revenue generated from Research products is recognized over time. Total Research revenue was $1,080.3 million in the year ended April 30, 2023.
We disaggregated revenue by Research Publishing and Research Solutions to reflect the different type of products and services provided.
Research Publishing Products

Research Publishing products provide scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, as well as related content and services, to academic, corporate, and government libraries, learned societies, and individual researchers and other professionals. Research Publishing revenue was $926.8 million in the year ended April 30, 2023, and the majority is recognized over time.

In the year ended April 30, 2023, Research Publishing products generated approximately 86% of its revenue from contracts with its customers from Journal Subscriptions (pay to read), Open Access (pay to publish), and Transformational Agreements (read and publish), and the remainder from Licensing, Backfiles, and Other.
Journal Subscriptions, Open Access, and Transformational Models
Journal subscription contracts are negotiated by us directly with customers or their subscription agents. Subscription periods typically cover calendar years. In a typical journal subscription sale, there is a written agreement between us and our customer that covers multiple years. However, we typically account for these agreements as one-year contracts because our enforceable rights under the agreements are subject to an annual confirmation and negotiation process with the customer.
In journal subscriptions, there are generally two performance obligations: a functional intellectual property license with a stand-ready obligation to provide access to new content for one year, which includes online hosting of the content, and a functional intellectual property perpetual license for access to historical journal content, which also includes online hosting of the content. The transaction price consists of fixed consideration. Journal subscription revenue is generally collected in advance when the annual license is granted and no significant financing component exists.
The total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We allocate revenue to the stand-ready obligation to provide access to new content for one year based on its observable standalone selling price which is generally the contractually stated price, and the revenue for new content is recognized over one year as we have a continuous stand-ready obligation to provide the right of access to additional intellectual property. The allocation of revenue to the perpetual licenses for access to historical journal content is done using the expected cost plus a margin approach as permitted by the revenue standard. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when access to historical content is initially granted.
Under the Open Access business model, we have a signed contract with the customer that contains enforceable rights. The Open Access business model in a typical model includes an over-time single performance obligation that combines a promise to host the customer’s content on our open access platform, and a promise to provide an Article Publication Charge (APC) at a discount to eligible users who are defined in the contract, in exchange for an upfront payment. Enforceable right to payment occurs over time as we fulfill our obligation to provide a discount to eligible users, as defined, on future APCs. Therefore, the upfront payment is recorded as a contract liability and revenue is recognized over time.
Transformational agreements (read and publish) are the innovative new model that blends journal subscription and open access offerings. Essentially, for a single fee, a national or regional consortium of libraries pays for and receives full read access to our journal portfolio and the ability to publish under an open access arrangement. Like subscriptions, transformational deals involve recurring revenue under multiyear contracts. Unlike subscriptions, some transformational agreements also allow for further upside depending on how much publishing volume we generate. Transformational models accelerate the transition to open access while maintaining subscription access.

Starting in calendar year 2022, we signed transformational agreements that generally include three performance obligations: (1) a functional intellectual property license with a stand-ready obligation to provide access to new content for one year, which includes online hosting of the content, (2) a functional intellectual property perpetual license for access to historical journal content, which also includes online hosting of the content, and (3) a publishing entitlement that generally allows for a fixed number of articles to be published in hybrid open access journals each contract year. In addition, some of these transformational agreements also include another performance obligation that includes the promise to provide an APC at a discount in gold open access journals and is recognized over time.

Starting in calendar year 2023, we expanded our transformational agreements to include a model that generally includes four performance obligations. The publishing entitlement was expanded to include an additional performance obligation which provided the ability to publish in gold open access journals, as well as in hybrid open access journals as described above. The transaction price consists of fixed consideration and is allocated to the publishing entitlement performance obligation based on its observable standalone selling price, the residual approach for the license to access new content, and the expected cost plus a margin approach for the perpetual license. The revenue for the publishing entitlement and the license to access new content is generally recognized straight-line over the contract year due to the stand-ready obligations. The revenue for the perpetual license is recognized at the point in time when access to historical content is initially granted. Cash is generally collected in advance.
In January 2019, Wiley announced a contractual arrangement in support of open access, a countrywide partnership agreement with Projekt DEAL, a representative of nearly 700 academic institutions in Germany. This three-year agreement, which was extended for two years, provides all Projekt DEAL institutions with access to read Wiley’s academic journals back to the year 1997, and researchers at Projekt DEAL institutions can publish articles open access in Wiley’s journals. The partnership will better support institutions and researchers in advancing open science, driving discovery, and developing and disseminating knowledge. Projekt DEAL includes multiple performance obligations, which include a stand-ready obligation to provide access to new content, perpetual license for access to historical journal content, and accepting articles to be hosted on our open access platform. We are compensated primarily through a fee per article published and a consolidated access fee. The consideration for Projekt DEAL consists of fixed and variable consideration. We allocated the total consideration to the fixed and variable components based on its relative standalone selling prices for each performance obligation.
Licensing, Backfiles, and Other
Within licensing, the revenue derived from these contracts is primarily comprised of advance payments, including minimum guarantees and sales- or usage-based royalty agreements. Our intellectual property is considered to be functional intellectual property. Due to the stand-ready obligation to provide updates during the subscription period, which is generally an annual period, revenue for the minimum guarantee is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. For our sales- or usage-based royalty agreements, we recognize revenue in the period of usage based on the amounts earned. We record revenue under these arrangements for the amounts due and not yet reported to us based on estimates of the sales or usage of these customers and pursuant to the terms of the contracts. We also have certain licenses whereby we receive a non-refundable minimum guarantee against a volume-based royalty throughout the term of the agreement. We recognize volume-based royalty income only when cumulative consideration exceeds the minimum guarantee.
For Backfiles, the performance obligation is the granting of a functional intellectual property license. Revenue is recognized at the time the functional intellectual property license is granted.
Other includes our Article Select offering, whereby we have a single performance obligation to our customers to give access to an article through the purchase of a token. The customer redeems the token for access to the article for a 24-hour period. The customer purchases the tokens with an upfront cash payment. Revenue is recognized when access to the article is provided. In addition, we also provide subscriptions to certain databases in evidence-based medicine (EBM). These subscriptions generally include a functional intellectual property license with a stand-ready promise to provide access to new content for one year. Revenue is generally recognized straight-line over the contract year due to the stand-ready obligations.
Research Solutions Products and Services

Research Solutions revenue was $153.5 million in the year ended April 30, 2023 and the majority is recognized over time. In the year ended April 30, 2023, Research Solutions products and services generated approximately 68% of their revenue from contracts with their customers from corporate and society offerings and 32% from Atypon platforms and services.

Corporate and Society Service Offerings

Corporate and society service offerings includes advertising, spectroscopy software and spectral databases, and job board software and career center services, which includes the products and services from our acquisition of Madgex and Informatics. In addition, it also includes product and service offerings related to recent acquisitions such as J&J and the EJP business. J&J is a publishing services company providing expert offerings in editorial operations, production, copyediting, system support and consulting. EJP is a technology platform company with an established journal submission and peer-review management system.
We generate advertising revenue from print and online journal subscription products, our online publishing platform, Literatum, online events such as webinars and virtual conferences, community interest websites such as spectroscopyNOW.com, and other websites. Journal and article reprints are primarily used by pharmaceutical companies and other industries for marketing and promotional purposes.

Generally these product and service offerings can include either a single or multiple performance obligations, and have a mix of revenue recognized at a point in time and over time.

Atypon Platforms and Services

Atypon is a publishing software and service provider that enables scholarly and professional societies and publishers to deliver, host, enhance, market, and manage their content on the web through the LiteratumTM platform. Atypon services primarily includes a single performance obligation for the implementation and hosting of subscription services. The transaction price is fixed which may include price escalators that are fixed increases per year, and therefore, revenue is recognized upon the initiation of the subscription period and recognized on a straight-line basis over the time of the contractual period. The duration of these contracts is generally multiyear ranging from 2 to 5 years.
Academic

Total Academic revenue was $690.4 million in the year ended April 30, 2023. We disaggregated revenue by type of products provided. Academic products are Academic Publishing and University Services.
Academic Publishing Products

Academic Publishing products revenue was $481.8 million in the year ended April 30, 2023. Products and services include scientific, professional, and education print and digital books, digital courseware, and test preparation services to libraries, corporations, students, professionals, and researchers. Communities served include business, finance, accounting, workplace learning, management, leadership, technology, behavioral health, engineering/architecture, science and medicine, and education. Products are developed for worldwide distribution through multiple channels, including chain and online booksellers, libraries, colleges and universities, corporations, direct to consumer, web sites, distributor networks and other online applications. Publishing centers include Australia, Germany, India, the UK, and the US.

In the year ended April 30, 2023, Academic Publishing products generated approximately 67% of their revenue from contracts with their customers for print and digital publishing, which is recognized at a point in time. Digital Courseware products generate approximately 19% of their revenue from contracts with their customers which is recognized over time. The remainder of their revenues were from Test Preparation and Certification, and Licensing and Other, which has a mix of revenue recognized at a point in time and over time.
Print and Digital Publishing
Our performance obligations as they relate to print and digital publishing are primarily book products delivered in both print and digital form which could include single or multiple performance obligations based on the number of print or digital books purchased. Each is represented by an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), with each ISBN representing a performance obligation. Each ISBN has an observable stand-alone selling price as Wiley sells the books separately.
This revenue stream also includes variable consideration as it relates to discounts and returns for both print and digital books. Discounts are identifiable by performance obligation and therefore are applied at the point of sale by performance obligation. 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 reduction to accrued royalties as a result of the expected returns.
As it relates to print and digital books, revenue is recognized at the point when control of the product transfers, which for print is upon shipment or for digital when fulfillment of the products has been rendered.
Digital Courseware Products
Courseware customers purchase access codes to utilize the product. This could include single or multiple performance obligations based on the number of course ISBNs purchased. Revenue is recognized over time in the period from when the access codes are activated over the applicable semester term to which such product relates.
Test Preparation and Certification Products
Test Preparation and Certification contracts are generally three-year agreements. This revenue stream includes multiple performance obligations as it relates to the online and printed course materials, including such items as textbooks, ebooks, video lectures, flashcards, study guides, and test banks. The transaction price is fixed; however, discounts are offered and returns of certain products are allowed. We allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. This standalone selling price is generally based upon the observable selling prices where the product is sold separately to customers. Depending on the performance obligation, revenue is recognized at the time the product is delivered and control has passed to the customer or over time due to our stand-ready obligation to provide updates to the customer.
In the three months ended April 30, 2023, we sold a portion of our test preparation and certification products referred to as Wiley's Efficient Learning test prep portfolio which focused on test prep for finance, accounting and business certifications. See Note 4, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" for further details.
Licensing and Other
Revenue derived from our licensing contracts is primarily comprised of advance payments and sales- or usage-based royalties. Revenue for advance payments is recognized at the point in time that the functional intellectual property license is granted. For sales- or usage-based royalties, we record revenue under these arrangements for the amounts due and not yet reported to us based on estimates of the sales or usage of these customers and pursuant to the terms of the contracts.
University Services
University Services revenue was $208.7 million in the year ended April 30, 2023 and is mainly recognized over time. Our University Services business offers institutions and their students a rich portfolio of education technology and student and faculty support services, allowing the institutions to reach more students online with their own quality academic programs.
University Services provides institutions with a bespoke suite of services that each institution has determined it needs to serve students, including market research, marketing and recruitment, program development, online platform technology, student retention support, instructional design, faculty development and support, and access to the Engage Learning Management System, which facilitates the online education experience. Graduate degree programs include Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Healthcare, Engineering, Communications, and others.
Revenue is derived from pre-negotiated contracts with institutions that provide for a share of revenue generated after students have enrolled and demonstrated initial persistence. While the majority of our contracts are revenue-share arrangements, we also offer the opportunity to contract on a fee-for-service basis. As of April 30, 2023, the University Services business had 64 university partners under contract. The University Services revenue-share contracts are generally multiyear agreements ranging from a period of 7 to 10 years, with some having optional renewal periods. These optional renewal periods are not a material right and are not considered a separate performance obligation.
University Services revenue-share contracts include a single performance obligation for the services provided because of the integrated technology and services our institutional clients need to attract, enroll, educate, and support students. Consideration is variable since it is based on the number of students enrolled in a program. We begin to recognize revenue at the start of the delivery of the class within a semester overtime, which is also when the variable consideration contingency is resolved.
Talent

Talent revenue was $249.2 million in the year ended April 30, 2023. Our Talent segment consists of talent development (Wiley Edge, formerly mthree) for professionals and businesses, assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings.

Talent development includes Wiley Edge which sources, trains, and prepares aspiring students and professionals to meet the skill needs of today’s technology careers, and then places them with some of the world's largest financial institutions, technology companies, and government agencies. Wiley Edge also works with its clients to retrain and retain existing employees so they can continue to meet the changing demands of today’s technology landscape. Wiley Edge revenue is recognized at the point in time the services are provided to its customers.

Talent services also includes assessments (corporate training) for high-demand soft-skills training solutions that are delivered to organizational clients through online digital delivery platforms, either directly or through an authorized distributor network of independent consultants, trainers, and coaches. This corporate training product offering includes multiple performance obligations. This includes a performance obligation that includes an annual membership which includes the right to purchase products and services, access to the platform, support, and training. This performance obligation is recognized over time as we have an obligation to stand-ready for the customer’s use of the services. In addition, there are performance obligations for the assessments and related products or services which are recognized at a point in time when the assessment, product, or service is provided or delivered. The transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its observable standalone selling price which is generally the contractually stated price for the performance obligation related to the annual membership, and for the other performance obligations based on its relative observable selling price when sold separately. In addition, customers’ unexercised rights for situations where we have received a nonrefundable payment for a customer to receive an assessment and the customer is not expected to exercise such right, we will recognize such “breakage” amounts as revenue in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer, which is generally one year.

In addition, Talent services includes corporate learning online learning and training solutions for global corporations, universities, and small and medium-sized enterprises sold on a subscription or fee basis. The transaction price for these corporate learning services consists of fixed consideration that is determined at the beginning of each year and received at the same time. There are multiple performance obligations, which include the licenses to learning content and the learning application. Revenue is recognized over time as we have a continuous obligation to provide the right of access to the intellectual property which includes the licenses and learning applications.
Accounts Receivable, net and Contract Liability Balances
When consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of a contract, a contract liability is recorded. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue when, or as, control of the products or services are transferred to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
The following table provides information about accounts receivable, net and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.
April 30, 2023April 30, 2022Increase/
(Decrease)
Balances from contracts with customers:
Accounts receivable, net$310,121 $331,960 $(21,839)
Contract liabilities(1)
504,695 538,126 (33,431)
Contract liabilities (included in Other long-term liabilities)$17,426 $19,072 $(1,646)
(1)
The sales return reserve recorded in Contract liabilities is $24.6 million and $31.1 million as of April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” for further details of the sales return reserve.
For the year ended April 30, 2023, we estimate that we recognized as revenue substantially all of the current contract liability balance at April 30, 2022.
The decrease in contract liabilities, excluding the sales return reserve, was primarily driven by revenue earned on journal subscription agreements, transformational agreements, and open access and, to a lesser extent, the impact of foreign exchange. This was partially offset by an increase due to renewals of journal subscription agreements, transformational agreements, and open access.
Remaining Performance Obligations included in Contract Liability
As of April 30, 2023, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations is approximately $522.1 million, which includes the sales return reserve of $24.6 million. Excluding the sales return reserve, we expect that approximately $480.1 million will be recognized in the next twelve months with the remaining $17.4 million to be recognized thereafter.
Assets Recognized for the Costs to Fulfill a Contract
Costs to fulfill a contract are directly related to a contract that will be used to satisfy a performance obligation in the future and are expected to be recovered. These costs are amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods or services to which the asset relates. These types of costs are incurred in the following product types: (1) Research Solutions services, which includes customer specific implementation costs per the terms of the contract and (2) University Services, which includes customer specific costs to develop courses per the terms of the contract.
Our assets associated with incremental costs to fulfill a contract were $10.6 million and $10.9 million at April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are included within Other non-current assets on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. We recorded amortization expense of $4.5 million, $5.2 million, and $5.1 million in the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, related to these assets within Cost of sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Sales and value-added taxes are excluded from revenues. Shipping and handling costs, which are primarily incurred within the Academic segment, occur before the transfer of control of the related goods. Therefore, in accordance with the revenue standard, it is not considered a promised service to the customer and would be considered a cost to fulfill our promise to transfer the goods. Costs incurred for third-party shipping and handling are primarily reflected in Operating and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. We incurred $27.1 million, $29.0 million, and $27.8 million in shipping and handling costs in the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
v3.23.2
Acquisitions and Divestitures
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Acquisitions and Divestitures Acquisitions and Divestitures
Acquisitions
Pro forma financial information related to these acquisitions has not been provided as it is not material to our consolidated results of operations.
Fiscal Year 2023
On November 1, 2022, we completed the acquisition of an immaterial business included in our Academic segment. The fair value of consideration transferred was $6.1 million, which included $5.2 million of cash at the acquisition date and $0.9 million to be paid after the acquisition date. The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. We recorded the preliminary aggregate excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which included a preliminary allocation of $3.9 million of goodwill allocated to the Academic segment and $3.7 million of intangible assets subject to amortization.

The allocation of the total consideration transferred to the assets acquired, including intangible assets and goodwill, and the liabilities assumed could be revised as a result of additional information obtained due to tax related matters and contingencies and certain assets and liabilities, including receivables and payables, but such amounts will be finalized within the measurement period, which will not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Fiscal Year 2022
XYZ Media
On December 29, 2021, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of XYZ Media Inc. (XYZ Media). XYZ Media is a company that generates leads for higher education institutions. The results of XYZ Media are included in our Academic segment results. The fair value of consideration transferred at the date of acquisition was $45.4 million, which included $38.0 million of cash and approximately 129 thousand shares of Wiley Class A common stock, or approximately $7.4 million. We financed the payment of the cash consideration with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our Amended and Restated CA (as defined below in Note 14, “Debt and Available Credit Facilities”).
The XYZ Media acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed, has been recorded to Goodwill in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Goodwill represents synergies and economies of scale expected from the combination of services. We recorded the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. The goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes. The acquisition related costs to acquire XYZ Media were expensed when incurred and were approximately $0.1 million for the year ended April 30, 2022. Such costs were allocated to the Academic segment and are reflected in Operating and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended April 30, 2022.
XYZ Media’s incremental revenue and operating loss included in our Academic segment results for the year ended April 30, 2023 was $6.9 million and $(3.1) million, respectively. XYZ Media’s revenue and operating loss included in our Academic segment results for the year ended April 30, 2022 was $3.6 million and $(1.5) million, respectively.
During the year ended April 30, 2023, no revisions were made to the allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to acquire XYZ Media and the final allocation of the purchase price among the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
Final Allocation
Total consideration transferred$45,363 
Assets:
Current assets913 
Intangible assets, net22,711 
Goodwill22,226 
Other non-current assets46 
Total assets$45,896 
Liabilities:
Current liabilities533 
Total liabilities$533 
The following table summarizes the identifiable intangible assets acquired and their weighted-average useful life at the date of acquisition.
Fair ValueWeighted-Average Useful Life
(in Years)
Developed technology$20,930 7
Customer relationships1,340 6
Covenants not to compete323 5
Tradename118 1
Total$22,711 
The allocation of the total consideration transferred to the assets acquired, including intangible assets and goodwill, and the liabilities assumed was finalized during the three months ended January 31, 2023.
Other Acquisitions in Fiscal Year 2022
On November 30, 2021, we acquired the assets of the eJournalPress (EJP) business from Precision Computer Works, Inc. EJP is a technology platform company with an established journal submission and peer review management system. The results of EJP are included in our Research segment results.
On October 1, 2021, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of J&J Editorial Services, LLC. (J&J). J&J is a publishing services company providing expert offerings in editorial operations, production, copyediting, system support, and consulting. The results of J&J are included in our Research segment results.
We also completed in the year ended April 30, 2022 the acquisition of two immaterial businesses included in our Research segment and the acquisition of one immaterial business in our Talent segment.
The aggregate fair value of consideration transferred for these other acquisitions was approximately $41.2 million during the year ended April 30, 2022. This included $36.2 million of cash paid at the acquisition dates and $5.0 million of additional cash to be paid after the acquisition dates, of which $2.0 million was paid in the year ended April 30, 2023. The fair value of the cash consideration transferred, net of $1.2 million of cash acquired was approximately $34.9 million.
These other acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting as of their respective acquisition dates.
Associated with these other acquisitions, the aggregate excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed of $24.8 million has been recorded to Goodwill on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 30, 2022 and $15.6 million of intangible assets subject to amortization have been recorded, including developed technology, customer relationships, trademarks, covenants not to compete, and content that is being amortized over weighted-average useful lives of 4, 8, 2, 4, and 4 years, respectively. The fair value assessed for the majority of the tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed approximated their carrying value. Goodwill represents synergies and economies of scale expected from the combination of services. Goodwill of $24.8 million has been allocated to the Research segment and none has been allocated to the Talent segment. Approximately $18.7 million of the goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes, and $6.1 million will not be deductible for tax purposes. The aggregate acquisition related costs to acquire these other acquisitions was expensed when incurred and was approximately $0.5 million for the year ended April 30, 2022. Such costs were allocated to the Research segment and are reflected in Operating and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended April 30, 2022.
The incremental revenue for the years ended April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022 related to these other acquisitions was approximately $9.5 million and $8.1 million, respectively.
During the year ended April 30, 2023, the allocation of the total consideration transferred to the assets acquired, including intangible assets and goodwill, and the liabilities assumed was finalized for all of these other acquisitions.
Divestitures
As part of our ongoing initiatives to simplify our portfolio and focus our attention on strategic growth areas, we have completed two dispositions during the year ended April 30, 2023. Both were included in our Academic segment.
On February 28, 2023, we completed the sale of Wiley's Efficient Learning test prep portfolio business. In addition, on March 31, 2023, we completed the sale of our advancement courses business.
Neither dispositions constituted a strategic shift, and the impact on our overall operations and financial results was not material. Accordingly, the operations associated with the dispositions are not reported in discontinued operations. The selling price for both dispositions was $16.5 million, which included $15.5 million of cash received net of transaction costs at the date of disposition, and $1.0 million to be received after the disposition date. The pretax gain on sale of $10.2 million, after accounting for the assets sold, liabilities transferred upon sale and transaction costs, is included in Gain on sale of businesses and certain assets in our Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended April 30, 2023. As a result of the closing of the transactions, we derecognized net assets of $6.4 million, including goodwill of $5.3 million and intangible assets of $2.4 million.
v3.23.2
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation of earnings per share follows (shares in thousands):
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Weighted average shares outstanding55,55855,75955,931
Less: Unvested restricted shares(1)
Shares used for basic earnings per share55,55855,75955,930
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units and other stock awards797839531
Shares used for diluted earnings per share56,35556,59856,461
Antidilutive options to purchase Class A common shares, restricted shares, warrants to purchase Class A common shares and contingently issuable restricted stock which are excluded from the table above393772982
The shares associated with performance-based stock awards (PSU) are considered contingently issuable shares and will be included in the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding when they have met the performance conditions, and when their effect is dilutive.We included contingently issuable shares using the treasury stock method for certain PSU in the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding based on the number of contingently issuable shares that would be issued assuming the end of our reporting period was the end of the relevant PSU contingency period.
v3.23.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were as follows:
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Unamortized
Retirement
Costs
Interest
Rate Swaps
Total
Balance at April 30, 2020$(340,703)$(227,920)$(6,874)$(575,497)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications82,762 (6,273)(639)75,850 
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss— 6,047 2,810 8,857 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)82,762 (226)2,171 84,707 
Balance at April 30, 2021$(257,941)$(228,146)$(4,703)$(490,790)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(71,625)40,247 5,165 (26,213)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss— 5,673 3,184 8,857 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income(71,625)45,920 8,349 (17,356)
Balance at April 30, 2022$(329,566)$(182,226)$3,646 $(508,146)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications3,220 (29,053)4,385 (21,448)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss— 4,473 (3,781)692 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)3,220 (24,580)604 (20,756)
Balance at April 30, 2023$(326,346)$(206,806)$4,250 $(528,902)
For the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, pretax actuarial losses included in Unamortized Retirement Costs of approximately $6.0 million, $7.2 million, and $7.8 million, respectively, were amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive loss and recognized as pension and post-retirement benefit (expense) primarily in Operating and administrative expenses and Other income, net on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Our policy for releasing the income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income is to release when the corresponding pretax accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income items are reclassified to earnings.
v3.23.2
Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits) Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program
In May 2022, the Company initiated a global program to restructure and align our cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions (Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program). This program includes severance related charges for the elimination of certain positions, the exit of certain leased office space, and the reduction of our occupancy at other facilities. We are reducing our real estate square footage occupancy by approximately 22%.
The following tables summarize the pretax restructuring charges related to this program:
For the Year Ended April 30,
2023
Charges by Segment:
Research$2,413 
Academic10,335 
Talent3,255 
Corporate Expenses32,879 
Total Restructuring and Related Charges$48,882 
Charges by Activity:
Severance and termination benefits$25,827 
Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment12,696 
Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment2,140 
Facility related charges, net4,150 
Consulting costs2,285 
   Other activities1,784 
Total Restructuring and Related Charges$48,882 

The impairment charges of $12.7 million for the year ended April 30, 2023 included the impairment of operating lease ROU assets of $7.6 million related to certain leases that will be subleased, and the related property and equipment of $5.1 million described further below. These charges were recorded in corporate expenses.

The acceleration of expense of $2.1 million for the year ended April 30, 2023 included the acceleration of rent expense associated with operating lease ROU assets of $0.9 million related to certain leases that will be abandoned or terminated, and the related depreciation and amortization of property and equipment of $1.2 million.

Due to the actions taken above, we tested the operating lease ROU assets and the related property and equipment for those being subleased for recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset group to an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. Based on the results of the recoverability test, we determined that the undiscounted cash flows of the asset groups were below the carrying values. Therefore, there was an indication of impairment. We then determined the fair value of the asset groups by utilizing the present value of the estimated future cash flows attributable to the assets. The fair value of these operating lease ROU assets and the property and equipment immediately subsequent to the impairment was $12.1 million and was categorized as Level 3 within the FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements” fair value hierarchy.

In addition, we also incurred ongoing facility-related costs associated with certain properties that resulted in additional restructuring charges of $4.2 million in the year ended April 30, 2023. We also incurred consulting costs of $2.3 million and other activities of $1.8 million in the year ended April 30, 2023.
In the three months ended January 31, 2023, due to the political instability and military actions between Russia and Ukraine, we made the decision to close our operations in Russia which primarily consists of technology development resources. We were substantially complete with our closure as of April 30, 2023, except for the formal liquidation of the Russian legal entity, which we expect to complete in fiscal year 2024. Since we were substantially liquidated as of April 30, 2023, we wrote off the $1.1 million cumulative translation adjustment gain in earnings. This is reflected in Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Included in the table above are restructuring charges for the year ended April 30, 2023 of $8.3 million, related to these actions, and include the following:
Severance charges of $6.8 million for the elimination of certain positions;
Relocation and other charges of $1.1 million primarily for positions that will remain with the Company but will be in another geographic location; and
Acceleration of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment of $0.3 million.
The following table summarizes the activity for the Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program liability for the year ended April 30, 2023:

April 30, 2022
Charges
Payments
Foreign
Translation
& Other Adjustments
April 30, 2023
Severance and termination benefits$— $25,827 $(21,247)$(8)$4,572 
Consulting costs— 2,285 (2,285)— — 
Other activities— 1,784 (1,986)211 
Total$— $29,896 $(25,518)$203 $4,581 

Approximately $3.8 million of the restructuring liability for accrued severance and termination benefits is reflected in Accrued employment costs and approximately $0.8 million is reflected in Other long-term liabilities on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The liability for Other activities is reflected in Other accrued liabilities on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
Business Optimization Program
Beginning in fiscal year 2020, we initiated a multiyear Business Optimization Program (the Business Optimization Program) to drive efficiency improvement and operating savings.
The following tables summarize the pretax restructuring charges (credits) related to this program:
For the Years Ended April 30,Total Charges Incurred to Date
202320222021
 Charges (Credits) by Segment:
Research$(231)$238 $99 $3,652 
Academic31 (470)3,457 12,447 
Talent(246)23 303 4,900 
Corporate Expenses953 (1,218)29,590 44,343 
Total Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)$507 $(1,427)$33,449 $65,342 
Charges (Credits) by Activity:
Severance and termination benefits$(1,012)$(3,276)$11,531 $34,107 
Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment— — 14,918 15,079 
Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment— — 3,378 3,378 
Facility related charges, net1,519 1,849 3,684 11,038 
Other activities— — (62)1,740 
Total Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)$507 $(1,427)$33,449 $65,342 
The credits in severance and termination benefits activities for the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 primarily reflect changes in the number of headcount reductions and estimates for previously accrued costs.
In November 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Company’s successful transition to a virtual work environment, we increased use of virtual work arrangements for post-pandemic operations. As a result, we expanded the scope of the Business Optimization Program to include the exit of certain leased office space beginning in the three months ended January 31, 2021, and the reduction of our occupancy at other facilities. These actions resulted in a pretax restructuring charge of $18.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2021. This restructuring charge primarily reflects the following noncash charges:
Impairment charges of $14.9 million recorded in our corporate category, which included the impairment of operating lease ROU assets of $10.6 million related to certain leases that will be subleased, and the related property and equipment of $4.3 million described further below, and
Acceleration of expense of $3.4 million, which included the acceleration of rent expense associated with operating lease ROU assets of $2.9 million related to certain leases that will be abandoned or terminated and the related depreciation and amortization of property and equipment of $0.5 million.
Due to the actions taken above, we tested the operating lease ROU assets and the related property and equipment for those being subleased for recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset group to an estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. Based on the results of the recoverability test, we determined that the undiscounted cash flows of the asset groups were below the carrying values. Therefore, there was an indication of impairment. We then determined the fair value of the asset groups by utilizing the present value of the estimated future cash flows attributable to the assets. The fair value of these operating lease ROU assets and the property and equipment immediately subsequent to the impairment was $7.5 million and was categorized as Level 3 within the FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements” fair value hierarchy.
In addition, we also incurred ongoing facility related costs associated with certain properties that resulted in additional restructuring charges of $1.5 million, $1.8 million, and $3.7 million in the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 respectively. Facilities related charges, net include sublease income related to those operating leases we had identified in the year ended April 30, 2021 as part of our Business Optimization Program that would be subleased.
The following table summarizes the activity for the Business Optimization Program liability for the year ended April 30, 2023:
April 30,
2022
(Credits) Payments Foreign
Translation &
Other Adjustments
April 30,
2023
Severance and termination benefits$2,079 $(1,012)$(1,042)$(25)$— 
Total$2,079 $(1,012)$(1,042)$(25)$— 
Severance and termination benefits were paid in full during the year ended April 30, 2023.
We currently do not anticipate any further material charges related to the Business Optimization Program, except for ongoing facility related charges.
v3.23.2
Inventories
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories Inventories
Inventories, net consisted of the following at April 30:
20232022
Finished goods$29,339 $31,270 
Work-in-process1,031 1,729 
Paper and other materials248 275 
Total inventories before estimated sales returns and LIFO reserve30,618 33,274 
Inventory value of estimated sales returns6,923 7,820 
LIFO reserve(6,808)(4,509)
Inventories, net$30,733 $36,585 
See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,” under the caption “Sales Return Reserves,” for a discussion of the Inventory value of estimated sales returns.
Finished goods not recorded at LIFO have been recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which resulted in a reduction of $13.0 million and $11.2 million as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
v3.23.2
Product Development Assets
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Product Development Assets Product Development Assets
Product development assets, net were included in Other non-current assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and consisted of the following at April 30:
20232022
Book composition costs$19,067 $20,574 
Software costs11,338 17,479 
Content development costs1,916 3,405 
Product development assets, net$32,321 $41,458 
Product development assets include $7.4 million and $4.4 million of work-in-process as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of April 30, 2023 and 2022 this is primarily for book composition costs.
Product development assets are net of accumulated amortization of $297.4 million and $269.7 million as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
v3.23.2
Technology, Property, and Equipment
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Technology, Property, and Equipment Technology, Property, and Equipment
Technology, property, and equipment, net consisted of the following at April 30:
20232022
Capitalized software$649,138 $605,503 
Computer hardware57,670 55,386 
Buildings and leasehold improvements89,056 94,861 
Furniture, fixtures, and warehouse equipment34,990 38,816 
Land and land improvements3,316 3,283 
Technology, property, and equipment, gross834,170 797,849 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(587,021)(526,277)
Technology, property, and equipment, net$247,149 $271,572 
The following table details our depreciation and amortization expense for technology, property, and equipment, net:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Capitalized software amortization expense$78,441 $73,847 $69,184 
Depreciation and amortization expense, excluding capitalized software17,565 21,325 21,955 
Total depreciation and amortization expense for technology, property and equipment$96,006 $95,172 $91,139 
Technology, property, and equipment includes $0.1 million and $7.2 million of work-in-process as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, for capitalized software.
The net book value of capitalized software costs was $189.3 million and $201.5 million as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
v3.23.2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The following table summarizes the activity in goodwill by segment as of April 30:
2022(1)
Acquisition(2)
Impairment
Divestitures(3)
Foreign
Translation
Adjustment
2023
Research$610,416 $— $— $— $(687)$609,729 
Academic442,015 3,878 (99,800)(5,306)(89)340,698 
Talent249,711 — — — 3,912 253,623 
Total$1,302,142 $3,878 $(99,800)$(5,306)$3,136 $1,204,050 
(1)
The Academic goodwill balance as of April 30, 2022 includes a cumulative pretax noncash goodwill impairment of $110.0 million.
(2)
Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions and Divestitures,” for more information related to the acquisition that occurred in the year ended April 30, 2023.
(3)
Represents the goodwill allocated to the disposition of Wiley's Efficient Learning test prep and advancement courses businesses. Refer to Note 4, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," for more information.
Change in Segment Reporting Structure and New Reporting Units

In the three months ended January 31, 2023, we reorganized our Education lines of business into two new customer-centric segments. Our new segment reporting structure consists of three reportable segments which includes Research (no changes), Academic, and Talent, as well as a Corporate expense category (no change), which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments. See Note 20, “Segment Information,” for more details. The Academic reportable segment includes two reporting units, Academic Publishing and University Services, and the Talent reportable segment includes two reporting units, Talent Development and Professional Learning.

Due to this realignment, we reallocated goodwill as of April 30, 2022 to our reporting units.

As a result of this realignment, we were required to test goodwill for impairment immediately before and after the realignment. Since there were no changes to the Research reportable segment, no interim impairment test of the Research segment goodwill was required.
We estimated the fair value of the reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from an income and a market approach. Fair value computed by these methods is arrived at using a number of key assumptions including forecasted revenues and related growth rates, forecasted operating cash flows, the discount rate, and the selection of relevant market multiples of comparable publicly-traded companies with similar characteristics to the reporting unit. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on our best estimates of forecasted economic and market conditions over the period including growth rates, expected changes in operating cash flows. The discount rate used is based on a weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of the business and the projected cash flows. The market approach estimates fair value based on market multiples of current and forward 12-month revenue or EBITDA, as applicable, derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit.

Goodwill Impairment Before Realignment

Prior to the realignment, we concluded that the fair value of the Academic & Professional Learning reporting unit was above its carrying value. Therefore, there was no indication of impairment. The carrying value of the Education Services reporting unit was above its fair value, which resulted in a pretax non-cash goodwill impairment of $31.0 million. This charge is reflected in Impairment of goodwill in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Education Services was adversely impacted by market conditions and headwinds for online degree programs. This has led to a decline in projected student enrollments from existing partners, pricing pressures and revenue share concessions, and a decline in new partner additions over both the short-term and long-term, which adversely impacted forecasted revenue growth and operating cash flows. This was partially offset by projected growth in talent placements, partially due to expansion into new regions and the addition of new corporate clients, which are forecasted to have a positive impact on revenue growth and operating cash flows.

Prior to performing the goodwill impairment test for Education Services, we also evaluated the recoverability of long-lived assets of the reporting unit. The carrying value of the long-lived assets that were tested for impairment was approximately $467.0 million. 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. We considered the lower-than-expected revenue and forecasted operating cash flows over a sustained period of time, and downward revisions to our cash flow forecasts for this reporting unit to be indicators of impairment for their long-lived assets. Based on the results of the recoverability test, we determined that the undiscounted cash flows of the asset group of the Education Services reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. Therefore, there was no impairment.

Goodwill Impairment After Realignment

After the realignment, we concluded that the fair value of the Academic Publishing, Talent Development and Professional Learning reporting units were above their carrying values. Therefore, there was no indication of impairment. The carrying value of the University Services reporting unit was above its fair value, which resulted in a pretax non-cash goodwill impairment of $68.8 million. This charge is reflected in Impairment of goodwill in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

University Services was adversely impacted by market conditions and headwinds for online degree programs which led to a decline in projected enrollments from existing partners, pricing pressures and revenue share concessions, and a decline in new partner additions over both the short-term and long-term which adversely impacted forecasted revenue growth and operating cash flows.

Prior to performing the goodwill impairment test for University Services, we also evaluated the recoverability of long-lived assets of the reporting unit. The carrying value of the long-lived assets that were tested for impairment was approximately $326.0 million. 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. We considered the lower-than-expected revenue and forecasted operating cash flows over a sustained period of time, and downward revisions to our cash flow forecasts for this reporting unit to be indicators of impairment for their long-lived assets. Based on the results of the recoverability test, we determined that the undiscounted cash flows of the asset group of the University Services reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. Therefore, there was no impairment.
Annual Goodwill Impairment Test as of February 1, 2023
As of February 1, 2023, we completed a quantitative assessment for our annual goodwill impairment test for our University Services reporting unit. We concluded that the fair value of the reporting unit was above the carrying value and, therefore, there was no indication of impairment. For our other reporting units, we performed a qualitative assessment by reporting unit as of February 1, 2023. This assessment included consideration of key factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, financial performance, weighted average cost of capital (WACC), market multiples of current and forward 12-month revenue or EBITDA, as applicable, and other relevant entity and reporting unit-specific events. Based on our qualitative assessment, we determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any reporting unit was less than its carrying amount. As such, it was not necessary to perform a quantitative test. There have been no significant events or circumstances affecting the valuation of goodwill subsequent to the qualitative assessment performed as of February 1, 2023.
We estimated the fair value of the University Services reporting unit using a weighting of fair values derived from an income and a market approach. Under the income approach, we determined the fair value of the reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on our best estimates of forecasted economic and market conditions over the period including growth rates, expected changes in operating cash flows. The discount rate used is based on a weighted average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the characteristics of the business and the projected cash flows. The market approach estimates fair value based on market multiples of current and forward 12-month revenue or EBITDA, as applicable, derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit.
If the fair value of these reporting units decreases in future periods, we could potentially have an impairment. As noted above, the University Services reporting unit there was an impairment. If the University Services reporting unit fair value decreases further in future periods, we could potentially have an additional impairment. The future occurrence of a potential indicator of impairment, such as a decrease in expected net earnings, changes in assumptions, adverse equity market conditions, a decline in current market multiples, a decline in our common stock price, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climates, an adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, strategic decisions made in response to economic or competitive conditions, or a more-likely-than-not expectation that a reporting unit or a significant portion of a reporting unit will be sold or disposed of, could require an interim assessment for some or all of the reporting units before the next required annual assessment.
Annual Goodwill Impairment Test as of February 1, 2022
As of February 1, 2022, we completed a quantitative assessment for our annual goodwill impairment test for our reporting units. We concluded that the fair values of our reporting units were above their carrying values and, therefore, there was no indication of impairment.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets, net as of April 30 were as follows:
20232022
CostAccumulated
Amortization
NetCostAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Intangible assets with definite lives, net(1):
Content and publishing rights$1,100,463 $(638,000)$462,463 $1,099,778 $(599,841)$499,937 
Customer relationships407,289 (189,943)217,346 409,097 (167,039)242,058 
Developed technology(2)
76,154 (30,654)45,500 72,398 (17,677)54,721 
Brands and trademarks(3)
44,230 (36,949)7,281 47,533 (31,512)16,021 
Covenants not to compete1,663 (1,363)300 1,655 (1,262)393 
Total intangible assets with definite lives, net1,629,799 (896,909)732,890 1,630,461 (817,331)813,130 
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:     
Brands and trademarks(2)
37,000 — 37,000 37,000 — 37,000 
Publishing rights84,904 — 84,904 81,299 — 81,299 
Total intangible assets with indefinite lives121,904 — 121,904 118,299 — 118,299 
Total intangible assets, net$1,751,703 $(896,909)$854,794 $1,748,760 $(817,331)$931,429 
(1)
Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions and Divestitures,” for more information related to the acquisitions that occurred in the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022.
(2)
The developed technology balance as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 is presented net of accumulated impairments and write-offs of $2.8 million. The indefinite-lived brands and trademarks balance as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 is net of accumulated impairments of $93.1 million.
(3)
On January 1, 2020, Wiley acquired mthree, a talent placement provider that addresses the IT skills gap by finding, training, and placing job-ready technology talent in roles with leading corporations worldwide. Its results of operations are included in our Talent segment. In late May 2022, Wiley renamed the mthree talent development solution to Wiley Edge and discontinued use of the mthree trademark during the three months ended July 31, 2022. As a result of these actions, we determined that a revision of the useful life was warranted and the intangible asset was fully amortized over its remaining useful life resulting in accelerated amortization expense of $4.6 million in the three months ended July 31, 2022.
Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization and assuming current foreign exchange rates, the estimated amortization expense for the following years are as follows:
Fiscal YearAmount
2024$77,287 
202570,583 
202668,077 
202763,429 
202857,347 
Thereafter396,167 
Total$732,890 
Annual Indefinite-lived Intangible Impairment Test as of February 1, 2023 and 2022
We also review our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, which consists of brands and trademarks and certain acquired publishing rights.
For fiscal year 2023, we performed a qualitative assessment for our annual indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test. This assessment included consideration of key factors including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, financial performance, and other relevant entity and reporting unit-specific events. Based on our qualitative assessment, we determined it was not more likely than not that the fair value of any indefinite-lived intangible asset was less than its carrying amount. As such, it was not necessary to perform a quantitative test.
For fiscal year 2022, we estimated the fair value of these indefinite-lived intangible assets using a relief from royalty method under an income approach. The key assumptions for this method were revenue projections, a royalty rate as determined by management in consultation with valuation experts, and a discount rate. We concluded that the fair values of these indefinite-lived intangible assets were above their carrying values and therefore, there was no indication of impairment.
v3.23.2
Operating Leases
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Leases [Abstract]  
Operating Leases Operating Leases
We have contractual obligations as a lessee with respect to offices, warehouses and distribution centers, automobiles, and office equipment.
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception of the contract in accordance with guidance detailed in the lease standard and we perform the lease classification test as of the lease commencement date. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term.
The present value of the lease payments is calculated using an incremental borrowing rate, which was determined based on the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over a similar term. We use an unsecured borrowing rate and risk-adjust that rate to approximate a collateralized rate.

We recognize operating lease expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease payments may be fixed or variable. Only lease payments that are fixed, in-substance fixed or depend on a rate or index are included in determining the lease liability. Variable lease payments include payments made to the lessor for taxes, insurance and maintenance of the leased asset and are recognized as operating costs as incurred.

We apply certain practical expedients allowed by FASB Topic 842, "Leases". Leases that are more than one year in duration are capitalized and recorded on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are recognized as short term lease operating costs on a straight-line basis over the term. We have also elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single component. Some of our leases offer an option to extend the term of such leases. We utilize the reasonably certain threshold criteria in determining which options we will exercise.
For operating leases, the ROU assets and liabilities as of April 30 are presented in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as follows:
20232022
Operating lease ROU assets$91,197 $111,719 
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities19,673 20,576 
Operating lease liabilities, non-current$115,540 $132,541 
During the year ended April 30, 2023, we added $2.4 million to the ROU assets and $2.7 million to the operating lease liabilities due to new leases, as well as modifications and remeasurements to our existing operating leases.
As a result of the Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program, which included the exit of certain leased office space beginning in the three months ended July 31, 2022, we recorded restructuring charges. These charges included severance, impairment charges and acceleration of expense associated with certain operating lease ROU assets. See Note 7, “Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)” for more information on this program and the charges incurred.
Our total net lease costs were as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Operating lease cost$18,620 $24,180 $24,862 
Variable lease cost1,326 1,496 2,135 
Short-term lease cost744 187 248 
Sublease income(770)(945)(722)
Total net lease cost(1)
$19,920 $24,918 $26,523 
(1)
Total net lease cost does not include those costs and sublease income included in Restructuring and related charges (credits) on our Consolidated Statements of Income. This includes those operating leases we had identified as part of our restructuring programs that would be subleased. See Note 7, “Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)” for more information on these programs.
Other supplemental information includes the following:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Weighted-average remaining contractual lease term (years)899
Weighted-average discount rate5.95 %5.84 %5.89 %
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$26,919 $29,737 $32,344 
The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for the first five years and total of the remaining years to the operating lease liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of April 30, 2023:
Fiscal YearOperating Lease
Liabilities
2024$26,508 
202525,263 
202623,225 
202718,470 
202813,848 
Thereafter64,186 
Total future undiscounted minimum lease payments171,500 
 
Less: Imputed interest36,287 
 
Present value of minimum lease payments135,213 
 
Less: Current portion19,673 
Noncurrent portion$115,540 
v3.23.2
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
The provisions for income taxes were as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Current Provision
US – Federal$2,857 $(324)$(6,631)
International48,694 57,905 43,269 
State and local1,797 221 1,359 
Total current provision$53,348 $57,802 $37,997 
Deferred provision (benefit)
US – Federal$(24,368)$(9,793)$(11,996)
International(8,705)15,882 1,175 
State and local(4,408)(2,539)480 
Total deferred provision (benefit)$(37,481)$3,550 $(10,341)
Total provision$15,867 $61,352 $27,656 
International and United States pretax income were as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
International$204,055 $256,456 $202,490 
United States(170,955)(46,795)(26,578)
Total$33,100 $209,661 $175,912 
Our effective income tax rate as a percentage of pretax income differed from the US federal statutory rate as shown below:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
US federal statutory rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
Cost (benefit) of higher (lower) taxes on non-US income(9.2)%9.7 %1.1 %
Foreign tax credits related to CARES Act carryback and audit— %(11.9)%12.3 %
Change in valuation allowance(7.4)%11.9 %(12.3)%
State income taxes, net of US federal tax benefit(7.2)%(1.0)%0.8 %
US NOL carryback under CARES Act— %— %(8.0)%
Tax credits and related net benefits(10.4)%(0.5)%(0.5)%
Impairment of goodwill66.7 %— %— %
Other(5.6)%0.1 %1.3 %
Effective income tax rate47.9 %29.3 %15.7 %
The effective tax rate was 47.9% for the year ended April 30, 2023, compared to 29.3% for the year ended April 30, 2022. Our US GAAP effective tax rate for the year ended April 30, 2023, was higher primarily due to the rate differential with respect to certain restructuring items, which includes the impairment of non-deductible goodwill resulting from the segment realignment described in Note 11, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets," offset by the release of valuation allowances associated with foreign tax credits, and a more favorable mix of non-US income by jurisdiction. Our US GAAP effective tax rate for the year ended April 30, 2022, included an increase in the UK statutory rate from 19% to 25% enacted during the period, which resulted in a $21.4 million noncash, nonrecurring deferred tax expense from the remeasurement of applicable UK net deferred tax liabilities.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes:
As of April 30, 2023, and April 30, 2022, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits were $9.4 million and $8.6 million, respectively, of which $0.3 million and $0.6 million represented accruals for interest and penalties recorded as additional tax expense in accordance with our accounting policy. We recorded net interest expense on reserves for unrecognized and recognized tax benefits of $0.2 million in each of the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022. As of April 30, 2023, and April 30, 2022, the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce our income tax provision, if recognized, were approximately $9.4 million and $8.6 million, respectively. We do not expect any significant changes to the unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.
A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits included within the Other long-term liabilities line item on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position is as follows:
20232022
Balance at May 1$8,592 $9,144 
Additions for current year tax positions1,236 947 
Additions for prior year tax positions533 16 
Reductions for prior year tax positions— — 
Foreign translation adjustment(24)(55)
Payments and settlements— — 
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations(916)(1,460)
Balance at April 30$9,421 $8,592 
Tax Audits:
We file income tax returns in the US and various states and non-US tax jurisdictions. Our major taxing jurisdictions are the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. We are no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to fiscal year 2014 in the major jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax.
Deferred Taxes:
Deferred taxes result from temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial reporting purposes.
We believe that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the net deferred tax assets. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of April 30 were as follows:
2023
2022 (1)
Net operating losses$27,434 $20,847 
Reserve for sales returns and doubtful accounts2,523 3,771 
Accrued employee compensation24,928 26,722 
Foreign and federal credits31,930 34,537 
Other accrued expenses2,513 2,700 
Retirement and post-employment benefits16,880 15,769 
Operating lease liabilities26,631 28,111 
Total gross deferred tax assets$132,839 $132,457 
Less valuation allowance(27,448)(30,000)
Total deferred tax assets$105,391 $102,457 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets$(2,927)$(2,684)
Unremitted foreign earnings(2,835)(2,685)
Intangible and fixed assets(216,251)(249,104)
Right-of-use assets(16,049)(19,286)
Total deferred tax liabilities$(238,062)$(273,759)
Net deferred tax liabilities$(132,671)$(171,302)
Reported As
Deferred tax assets$11,371 $8,763 
Deferred tax liabilities(144,042)(180,065)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities$(132,671)$(171,302)
(1)Prior year amounts were updated to reflect an immaterial correction of previous netting of certain deferred taxes.
The decrease in net deferred taxes was due to the decrease in net deferred tax liabilities, which was primarily attributable to a decrease in intangible and fixed assets. In addition, we had an increase in net deferred tax assets related to net operating losses and retirement and post-employment benefits. We have concluded that, after valuation allowances, it is more likely than not that we will realize substantially all of the net deferred tax assets at April 30, 2023. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we take into account related deferred tax liabilities and estimated future reversals of existing temporary differences, future taxable earnings and tax planning strategies to determine which deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in the future. Changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates and future taxable earnings can have an impact on our valuation allowances.
We have provided a $27.4 million valuation allowance as of April 30, 2023, based primarily on the uncertainty of utilizing the tax benefits related to our deferred tax assets for foreign tax credits. This valuation allowance is decreased by approximately $2.6 million from the valuation allowance as of April 30, 2022.
As of April 30, 2023, we have apportioned state net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $111 million, with a tax effected value of $6.3 million net of federal benefits. Our state and federal NOLs and credits, to the extent they expire, expire in various amounts over 1 to 20 years.
We intend to repatriate earnings from our non-US subsidiaries, and to the extent we repatriate these funds to the US, we will be required to pay income taxes in various US state and local jurisdictions and applicable non-US withholding or similar taxes in the periods in which such repatriation occurs. As of April 30, 2023, we have recorded a $2.8 million liability related to the estimated taxes that would be incurred upon repatriating certain non-US earnings to the US.
v3.23.2
Debt and Available Credit Facilities
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt and Available Credit Facilities Debt and Available Credit Facilities
Our total debt outstanding as of April 30 consisted of the amounts set forth in the following table:
20232022
Short-term portion of long-term debt (1)
$5,000 $18,750 
Term loan A - Amended and Restated CA(2)
191,757 204,343 
Revolving credit facility - Amended and Restated CA551,535 563,934 
Total long-term debt, less current portion743,292 768,277 
Total debt$748,292 $787,027 
(1)
Relates to our term loan A under the Amended and Restated CA.
(2)
Amounts are shown net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.7 million as of April 30, 2023 and $0.3 million as of April 30, 2022.
The following table summarizes the scheduled annual maturities for the next five years of our long-term debt, including the short-term portion of long-term debt. This schedule represents the principal portion amount of debt outstanding and therefore excludes unamortized issuance costs.
Fiscal YearAmount
2024$5,000 
202512,500 
202622,500 
202735,000 
2028674,035 
Total$749,035 
Amended and Restated CA
On November 30, 2022, we entered into the second amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (collectively, the Amended and Restated CA). The Amended and Restated CA as of November 30, 2022 provided for senior unsecured credit facilities comprised of a (i) five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount up to $1.115 billion, (ii) a five-year term loan A facility consisting of $200 million, and (iii) $185 million aggregate principal amount revolving credit facility through May 2024.

Under the terms of the Amended and Restated CA, which can be drawn in multiple currencies, we have the option of borrowing at the following floating interest rates depending on the currency borrowed: (i) at a rate based on the US Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), the Sterling Overnight Index Average Rate (SONIA) or a EURIBOR-based rate, each rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.98% to 1.50%, depending on our consolidated net leverage ratio, as defined, or (ii) at the lender’s base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from zero to 0.50%, depending on our consolidated net leverage ratio. With respect to SOFR loans, there is a SOFR adjustment of between 0.10% and 0.25% depending on the duration of the loan. The lender’s base rate is defined as the highest of (i) the US federal funds effective rate plus a 0.50% margin, (ii) the Daily SOFR rate, as defined, plus a 1.00% margin, or (iii) the Bank of America prime lending rate. In addition, we pay a facility fee for the Amended and Restated CA ranging from 0.15% to 0.25% depending on our consolidated net leverage ratio. We also have the option to request an increase in the revolving credit facility by an amount not to exceed $500 million, in minimum increments of $50 million, subject to the approval of the lenders.
The Amended and Restated CA contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including a financial covenant in the form of a consolidated net leverage ratio and consolidated interest coverage ratio, which we were in compliance with as of April 30, 2023.
In the three months ended January 31, 2023, we incurred $4.5 million of costs related to the second amendment of the Amended and Restated CA which resulted in total costs capitalized of $5.8 million for the Amended and Restated CA. The amount related to the term loan A facility was $0.8 million, consisting of lender fees of $0.8 million recorded as a reduction to Long-term debt and non-lender fees of less than $0.1 million included in Other non-current assets on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The amount related to the revolving credit facility of which a portion matures in May 2024 and in November 2027 was $0.2 million and $4.8 million, respectively, all of which is included in Other non-current assets on our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
In the three months ended January 31, 2023, we incurred a loss of $(0.2) million on the write-off of unamortized deferred costs in connection with the second amendment of the Amended and Restated CA which is reflected in Other income, net on our Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended April 30, 2023.

The amortization expense of the costs incurred related to the Amended and Restated CA related to the lender and non-lender fees is recognized over a five-year term for credit commitments that mature in November 2027 and an 18-month term for credit commitments that mature in May 2024. Total amortization expense was $1.1 million for each of the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 and is included in Interest expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Lines of Credit
We have other lines of credit aggregating $1.0 million at various interest rates. There were no outstanding borrowings under these credit lines at April 30, 2023, and 2022.
Our total available lines of credit as of April 30, 2023 were approximately $1.5 billion, of which approximately $0.7 billion was unused. The weighted average interest rates on total debt outstanding during the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 were 4.05% and 2.02%, respectively. As of April 30, 2023 and 2022, the weighted average interest rates for total debt were 4.76% and 2.55%, respectively.
Based on estimates of interest rates currently available to us for loans with similar terms and maturities, the fair value of our debt approximates its carrying value.
v3.23.2
Derivative Instruments and Activities
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Instruments and Activities Derivative Instruments and Activities
From time to time, we enter into forward exchange 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 sales and 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.
Interest Rate Contracts
As of April 30, 2023, we had total debt outstanding of $748.3 million, net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.7 million, of which $749.0 million are variable rate loans outstanding under the Amended and Restated CA, which approximated fair value.
As of April 30, 2023 and 2022, the interest rate swap agreements we maintained were designated as fully effective cash flow hedges as defined under FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (ASC Topic 815). As a result, there was no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income from changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps, as they were fully offset by changes in the interest expense on the underlying variable rate debt instruments. Under 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. It is management’s intention that the notional amount of interest rate swaps be less than the variable rate loans outstanding during the life of the derivatives.
The following table summarizes our interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Notional Amount
As of April 30,
Hedged Item (1)
Date entered intoNature of Swap20232022Fixed Interest Rate Variable Interest Rate
Amended and Restated CAMarch 15, 2023Pay fixed/receive variable$50,000 $— 3.565 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending April 15, 2026
Amended and Restated CAMarch 14, 2023Pay fixed/receive variable50,000 — 4.053 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending March 15, 2026
Amended and Restated CAMarch 13, 2023Pay fixed/receive variable50,000 — 3.720 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending March 15, 2026
Amended and Restated CADecember 13, 2022Pay fixed/receive variable50,000 — 3.772 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending December 15, 2025
Amended and Restated CAJune 16, 2022Pay fixed/receive variable100,000 — 3.467 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 2-year period ending May 15, 2024 (2)
Amended and Restated CAApril 06, 2022Pay fixed/receive variable100,000 100,000 2.588 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 2-year period ending April 15, 2024 (2)
Amended and Restated CAApril 12, 2021Pay fixed/receive variable100,000 100,000 0.465 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending April 15, 2024 (2)
Amended and Restated CAFebruary 26, 2020Pay fixed/receive variable— 100,000 1.168 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending March 15, 2023 (2)
Amended and Restated CAAugust 07, 2019Pay fixed/receive variable— 100,000 1.400 %
1-month LIBOR reset every month for a 3-year period ending August 15, 2022
Amended and Restated CAJune 24, 2019Pay fixed/receive variable— 100,000 1.650 %
1-month LIBOR reset every month for a 3-year period ending July 15, 2022
$500,000 $500,000 
(1)On November 30, 2022, we entered into the second amendment to our Amended and Restated CA. Refer to Note 14, “Debt and Available Credit Facilities” for more information related to our Amended and Restated CA.
(2)
On November 30, 2022, we amended the Amended and Restated CA (as defined in Note 14, “Debt and Available Credit Facilities”) and as a result we amended our outstanding interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to change the rates from LIBOR-based rates to SOFR-based rates. We applied ASU 2020-04 at the time of modification, and there was no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
We record the fair value of our interest rate swaps on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs of quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. The fair value of the interest rate swaps as of April 30, 2023 was a deferred loss of $(0.6) million and a deferred gain of $7.8 million. Based on the maturity dates of the contracts, the entire deferred loss as of April 30, 2023 was recorded within Other long-term liabilities, $6.4 million of the deferred gain was recorded within Prepaid expenses and other current assets, and $1.4 million was recorded within Other non-current assets.
The fair value of the interest rate swaps as of April 30, 2022 was a deferred loss of $(0.2) million and a deferred gain of $5.8 million. Based on the maturity dates of the contracts, the entire deferred loss as of April 30, 2022 was recorded within Other accrued liabilities, $0.9 million of the deferred gain was recorded within Prepaid expenses and other current assets, and $4.9 million was recorded within Other non-current assets.
The pretax gains (losses) that were reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into Interest expense for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were $5.0 million, $(4.2) million, and $(3.7) million, respectively. Based on the amount in Accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2023, approximately $7.2 million, net of tax, would be reclassified into Net income in the next twelve months.
Foreign Currency Contracts
We may enter into forward exchange contracts to manage our exposure on certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The forward exchange contracts are marked to market through Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) on our Consolidated Statements of Income and carried at fair value on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are remeasured at spot rates in effect on the balance sheet date, with the affects of changes in spot rates reported in Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
As of April 30, 2023 and 2022, we did not maintain any open forward exchange contracts. In addition, we did not maintain any open forward contracts during the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022.
During the year ended April 30, 2021, to manage foreign currency exposures on an intercompany loan, we entered into one forward exchange contract to sell €32 million and buy $38.8 million. This forward contract expired on April 15, 2021. We did not designate this forward exchange contract as a hedge under the applicable sections of ASC Topic 815 as the benefits of doing so were not material due to the short-term nature of the contract. The fair value changes in the forward exchange contract substantially mitigated the changes in the value of the applicable foreign currency denominated liability. The fair value of the open forward exchange contract was measured on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs of quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. For the year ended April 30, 2021, the loss recognized on this forward contract was $0.8 million and included in Foreign exchange transaction gains (losses) on our Consolidated Statement of Income.
v3.23.2
Commitment and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitment and Contingencies Commitment and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
We are involved in routine litigation in the ordinary course of our business. A provision for litigation is accrued when information available to us indicates that it is probable a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment may be required to determine both the probability and estimates of loss. When the amount of the loss can only be estimated within a range, the most likely outcome within that range is accrued. If no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount within the range is accrued. When uncertainties exist related to the probable outcome of litigation and/or the amount or range of loss, we do not record a liability, but disclose facts related to the nature of the contingency and possible losses if management considers the information to be material. Reserves for legal defense costs are recognized when incurred. The accruals for loss contingencies and legal costs are reviewed regularly and may be adjusted to reflect updated information on the status of litigation and advice of legal counsel. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of all pending litigation as of April 30, 2023, will not have a material effect upon our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Non-Income Tax Matters
We conduct operations in many tax jurisdictions, and non-income-based taxes, such as sales, use, value-added, goods and services, and other taxes, are assessed on our operations in many jurisdictions. Although we are diligent in collecting and remitting such taxes, there is uncertainty as to the appropriate tax treatment of digital goods and services in many jurisdictions. No assessment has been made, and we have received no indication that an assessment will be made, with respect to such taxes. Therefore, no provisions have been recorded for uncertainties in sales, use, value-added, goods and services, or other indirect tax liabilities in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Nonetheless, changes in law or interpretation may occur in the future, which may have a material effect on the consolidated results of operations or cash flows in the period in which a new determination is made.
v3.23.2
Retirement Plans
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Retirement Plans Retirement Plans
We have retirement plans that cover substantially all employees. The plans generally provide for employee retirement between the ages 60 and 65, and benefits based on length of service and compensation, as defined.
Our Board of Directors approved plan amendments that froze the following retirement plans:
Retirement Plan for the Employees of John Wiley & Sons, Canada was frozen effective December 31, 2015;
Retirement Plan for the Employees of John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., a UK plan was frozen effective April 30, 2015 and;
U.S. Employees’ Retirement Plan, Supplemental Benefit Plan, and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, were frozen effective June 30, 2013.
We maintain the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for certain officers and senior management which provides for the payment of supplemental retirement benefits after the termination of employment for 10 years, or in a lifetime annuity. Under certain circumstances, including a change of control as defined, the payment of such amounts could be accelerated on a present value basis. Future accrued benefits to this plan have been discontinued as noted above.
The components of net pension expense (income) for the defined benefit plans and the weighted average assumptions were as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
US Non-US US Non-US US Non-US
Service cost$— $796 $— $1,196 $— $1,396 
Interest cost11,242 13,389 9,451 11,148 9,504 8,901 
Expected return on plan assets(9,924)(23,134)(12,144)(28,118)(11,969)(26,971)
Amortization of prior service cost(154)60 (154)67 (154)58 
Amortization of net actuarial loss2,295 3,851 2,617 4,846 3,501 4,516 
Curtailment/settlement (credit)— (1,828)— (39)— — 
Net pension expense (income)$3,459 $(6,866)$(230)$(10,900)$882 $(12,100)
Discount rate4.6 %3.0 %3.2 %1.9 %3.1 %1.6 %
Rate of compensation increaseN/A3.1 %N/A3.0 %N/A3.0 %
Expected return on plan assets5.0 %5.5 %5.3 %5.5 %5.8 %5.7 %

In the year ended April 30, 2023, because of a reduction in force, there was a curtailment credit of $0.3 million related to the retirement allowances for employees of CrossKnowledge, a France Pension Plan, which is reflected in Other income, net on our Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, in the year ended April 30, 2023 due to the closure of our operations in Russia, there was a curtailment and a settlement credit due to the wind up of the Russia Pension Plan of $1.5 million which is primarily reflected in Other income, net on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
In the year ended April 30, 2022, because of a reduction in force, there was a curtailment credit of less than $0.1 million related to the Retirement Indemnity Plan for the Employees of Cross Knowledge, a France pension Plan, which is reflected in Restructuring and related charges (credits) in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The service cost component of net pension expense (income) is reflected in Operating and administrative expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The other components of net pension expense (income) are reported separately from the service cost component and below Operating income. Such amounts are reflected in Other income, net on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Recognized Net Actuarial Loss for each fiscal year is calculated using the “corridor method,” which reflects the amortization of the net loss at the beginning of the fiscal year in excess of 10% of the greater of the market value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation. The amortization period is based on the average expected life of plan participants for plans with all or almost all inactive participants and frozen plans, and on the average remaining working lifetime of active plan participants for all other plans.
We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation, on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The change in the funded status of the plan is recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Plan assets and obligations are measured at fair value as of our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position date.
The following table sets forth the changes in, and the status of, our defined benefit plans’ assets and benefit obligations:
20232022
USNon-USUSNon-US
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year$204,455 $442,259 $237,129 $523,886 
Actual return on plan assets(5,953)(133,855)(21,257)(37,543)
Employer contributions3,701 11,600 3,812 12,595 
Employee contributions— — — — 
Settlements— (394)— — 
Benefits paid(15,596)(10,458)(15,229)(10,703)
Foreign currency rate changes— (7,097)— (45,976)
Fair value, end of year$186,607 $302,055 $204,455 $442,259 
CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$(249,570)$(474,802)$(302,632)$(609,614)
Service cost— (796)— (1,196)
Interest cost(11,242)(13,389)(9,451)(11,148)
Actuarial gains9,328 127,635 47,284 84,746 
Benefits paid15,596 10,458 15,229 10,703 
Foreign currency rate changes— 5,416 — 51,660 
Settlements and other— 2,470 — 47 
Benefit obligation, end of year$(235,888)$(343,008)$(249,570)$(474,802)
Underfunded status, end of year$(49,281)$(40,953)$(45,115)$(32,543)
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED ON THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION    
Noncurrent assets— 830 — 5,855 
Current pension liability(3,557)(1,203)(3,545)(1,346)
Noncurrent pension liability(45,724)(40,580)(41,570)(37,052)
Net amount recognized in statement of financial position$(49,281)$(40,953)$(45,115)$(32,543)
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (BEFORE TAX) CONSIST OF
Net actuarial losses$(84,367)$(197,701)$(80,114)$(171,274)
Prior service cost gains (losses)1,792 (1,058)1,946 (1,165)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss$(82,575)$(198,759)$(78,168)$(172,439)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss$(4,407)$(26,320)$16,345 $42,818 
INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH AN ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS
Accumulated benefit obligation$235,888 $35,068 $249,570 $37,801 
Fair value of plan assets$186,607 $496 $204,455 $475 
INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH A PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS
Projected benefit obligation$235,888 $335,109 $249,570 $38,871 
Fair value of plan assets$186,607 $293,326 $204,455 $475 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED IN DETERMINING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Discount rate5.1 %4.8 %4.6 %3.0 %
Rate of compensation increaseN/A3.0 %N/A 3.1 %
Accumulated benefit obligations$(235,888)$(329,329)$(249,570)$(450,037)
Actuarial gains in the US resulting in a decrease to our projected benefit obligation for the year ended April 30, 2023 were primarily due to an increase in the discount rate. Actuarial gains for the non-US plans, resulting in a decrease to our projected benefit obligation for the year ended April 30, 2023 were primarily due to significant increases in the discount rates.
Actuarial gains in the US resulting in a decrease to our projected benefit obligation for the year ended April 30, 2022 were primarily due to an increase in the discount rate. Actuarial gains in non-US countries resulting in a decrease to our projected benefit obligation for the year ended April 30, 2022 were primarily due to an increase in the discount rate partially offset by an increase in the UK inflation rate.
Pension plan assets/investments:
The investment guidelines for the defined benefit pension plans are established based upon an evaluation of market conditions, plan liabilities, cash requirements for benefit payments, and tolerance for risk. Investment guidelines include the use of actively and passively managed securities. The investment objective is to ensure that funds are available to meet the plans' benefit obligations when they are due. The investment strategy is to invest in high quality and diversified equity and debt securities to achieve our long-term expectation. The plans’ risk management practices provide guidance to the investment managers, including guidelines for asset concentration, credit rating, and liquidity. For those plan assets measured at NAV as defined below, a redemption request can be executed within a 7-day notice. Asset allocation favors a balanced portfolio, with a global aggregated target allocation of approximately 47% equity securities and 53% fixed income securities and cash. Due to volatility in the market, the target allocation is not always desirable and asset allocations will fluctuate between acceptable ranges of plus or minus 5%. We regularly review the investment allocations and periodically rebalance investments to the target allocations. We categorize our pension assets into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price the assets. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Level 2: Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset.
We did not maintain any level 3 assets during the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022. In accordance with ASU 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent),” certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value (NAV) per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient do not have to be classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the following tables are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented for the total pension benefit plan assets.
The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, pension plan assets at their fair value as of April 30:
20232022
Level 1Level 2NAVTotalLevel 1Level 2NAVTotal
US Plan Assets
Global Equity Securities: Limited Partnership$6,537 $73,469 $80,006 $7,477  $77,849 $85,326 
Fixed Income Securities: Commingled Trust Funds 106,601 106,601   119,129 119,129 
Total Assets$6,537 $180,070 $186,607 $7,477 $196,978 $204,455 
Non-US Plan Assets
Equity securities:
US equities$— $48,806 $48,806 $— $48,443 $48,443 
Non-US equities— 39,618 39,618 — 112,162 112,162 
Balanced managed funds— 58,036 58,036 — 94,623 94,623 
Fixed income securities: Commingled funds— 133,878 133,878 — 185,192 185,192 
Other:    
Real estate/other— 496 496 — 475 475 
Cash and cash equivalents1,902 19,319 21,221 1,338 26 1,364 
Total Non-US plan assets$1,902 $300,153 $— $302,055 $1,338 $440,921 $— $442,259 
Total plan assets$1,902 $306,690 $180,070 $488,662 $8,815 $440,921 $196,978 $646,714 
Expected employer contributions to the defined benefit pension plans in the year ended April 30, 2024 will be approximately $15.5 million, including $11.8 million of minimum amounts required for our non-US plans. From time to time, we may elect to make voluntary contributions to our defined benefit plans to improve their funded status.
Benefit payments to retirees from all defined benefit plans are expected to be the following in the fiscal year indicated:
Fiscal YearUSNon-USTotal
2024$15,889 $11,986 $27,875 
202515,529 14,064 29,593 
202615,333 13,124 28,457 
202715,398 13,882 29,280 
202815,482 14,485 29,967 
2029–203376,729 86,148 162,877 
Total$154,360 $153,689 $308,049 
Retiree Health Benefits
We provide contributory life insurance and health care benefits, subject to certain dollar limitations, for substantially all of our eligible retired US employees. The retiree health benefit is no longer available for any employee who retires after December 31, 2017. The cost of such benefits is expensed over the years the employee renders service and is not funded in advance. The accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, was $0.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. Annual credits for these plans were less than $(0.1) million for the year ended April 30, 2023. Annual credits for these plans were $(0.1) million for each of the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021.
Defined Contribution Savings Plans
We have defined contribution savings plans. Our contribution is based on employee contributions and the level of our match. We may make discretionary contributions to all employees as a group. The expense recorded for these plans was approximately $30.7 million, $30.3 million, and $24.3 million in the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.
v3.23.2
Stock-Based Compensation
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Stock-Based Compensation tock-Based Compensation
The Company provides stock-based compensation to its employees and non-employee directors, which may include restricted stock units (RSUs), PSU, and stock options, (collectively, stock-based awards). All equity compensation plans have been approved by shareholders. On September 29, 2022, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2022 Omnibus Stock and Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2022 Plan), which replaced, with respect to new award grants, our 2014 Key Employee Stock Plan and 2018 Director Stock Plan (the Prior Plans) that were previously in effect. Following the approval of the 2022 Plan, no further awards were available to be issued under the Prior Plans, but awards outstanding under the Prior Plans as of that date remain outstanding in accordance with their terms. A total number of 6.2 million shares of our Class A stock was authorized under the 2022 Plan. In addition, any outstanding awards cancelled from the Prior Plans are added to the shares available under the 2022 Plan. As of April 30, 2023, there were approximately 6.3 million securities remaining available for future issuance under the 2022 Plan. We issue treasury shares to fund awards issued under the 2022 Plan.
Stock Option Activity
Under the terms of our stock option plan, the exercise price of stock options granted may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock at the date of grant. Options are exercisable over a maximum period of ten years from the date of grant.
Options Granted in Fiscal Years 2023 and 2022
During the year ended April 30, 2023, we granted 20,000 stock option awards to other leaders at fair market value on the date of grant. During the year ended April 30, 2022, we granted 300,000 stock option awards. The grants in the year ended April 30, 2022 included 260,000 stock options to our executive leadership team, at a grant price of $63.07, which was generally 10% above the fair market value at the time of grant, and 40,000 stock options granted to other leaders at fair market value on date of grant. For the options granted in the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022, such 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 years ended April 30 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and the significant weighted average assumptions used in their determination.
20232022
Weighted average fair value of options on grant date$9.24 $11.75 
Weighted average assumptions:
Expected life of options (years)5.96.3
Risk-free interest rate2.0 %1.2 %
Expected volatility32.4 %30.7 %
Expected dividend yield3.4 %2.4 %
Fair value of common stock on grant date$41.30 $56.51 
Exercise price of stock option grant$41.30 $61.84 
Options Granted Prior to Fiscal Year 2022
Prior to the stock options granted in the year ended April 30, 2022, we did not grant any stock option awards since the year ended April 30, 2016. As of April 30, 2019, all outstanding options vested, allowing the participant the right to exercise their awards, and there was no unrecognized share-based compensation expense remaining related to these stock options.
The fair value of the options granted in the year ended April 30, 2016 was $14.77 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The significant weighted average assumptions used in the fair value determination was the expected life, which represented an estimate of the period of time stock options will be outstanding based on the historical exercise behavior of option recipients. The risk-free interest rate was based on the corresponding US Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of our Common Stock price over the estimated life of the option, while the dividend yield was based on the expected dividend payments to be made by us.
As of April 30, 2023, there was $1.7 million of unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to options, which is expected to be recognized over a period up to 4 years, or 2.2 years on a weighted average basis.
A summary of the activity and status of our stock option plans follows during the year ended April 30, 2023:
Number
of Options
(in 000’s)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
(in years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
Outstanding at beginning of year310$59.89 
Granted20$41.30 
Exercised(14)$39.53 
Expired or forfeited(4)$48.06 
Outstanding at end of year312$59.77 7.6$— 
Exercisable at end of year103$60.49 6.1$— 
Vested and expected to vest in the future at April 30302$60.18 7.6$— 
The intrinsic value is the difference between our common stock price and the option grant price. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $0.1 million, $0.4 million, and $0.2 million, respectively. The total grant date fair value of stock options vested during the year ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 was $0.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively. As noted above, as of April 30, 2019, all outstanding stock options, prior to those granted in the year ended April 30, 2022 vested allowing the participant the right to exercise their awards.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at April 30, 2023:
Options OutstandingOptions Exercisable
Range of Exercise PricesNumber
of Options
(in 000’s)
Weighted Average
Remaining
Term
(in years)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Number
of Options
(in 000’s)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$36.60 to $39.53
137.7$37.26 3$39.53 
$45.99 to $53.79
408.7$51.43 3$53.24 
$55.62 to $63.07
2597.5$62.17 97$61.34 
Total/average3127.6$59.77 103$60.49 
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. Beginning in the year ended April 30, 2018, restricted performance share units vest 100% on June 30 following the end of the three-year performance cycle.
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. Starting with the year ended April 30, 2016 grants, restricted shares generally vest ratably 25% per year.
Under certain circumstances relating to a change of control or termination, as defined, the restrictions would lapse and shares would vest earlier.
Activity for performance-based and other restricted stock awards during the years ended April 30, was as follows (shares in thousands):
202320222021
Restricted
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Value
Restricted
Shares
Restricted
Shares
Nonvested shares at beginning of year1,274$49.17 1,280943
Granted540$45.23 658706
Change in shares due to performance(44)$43.29 (3)118
Vested and issued(544)$47.27 (432)(362)
Forfeited(153)$48.39 (229)(125)
Nonvested shares at end of year1,073$48.49 1,2741,280
For the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized stock-based compensation expense (including stock options), on a pretax basis, of $26.5 million, $25.7 million and $22.0 million, respectively.
As of April 30, 2023, there was $30.7 million of unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to performance-based and other restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a period up to 4, or 2.3 on a weighted average basis.
Compensation expense for restricted stock awards is measured using the closing market price of our Class A Common Stock at the date of grant. The total grant date value of shares vested during the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $25.7 million, $22.0 million, and $17.6 million, respectively.
President and CEO New Hire Equity Awards
On October 17, 2017, we announced Brian A. Napack as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Wiley effective December 4, 2017 (the Commencement Date). Upon the Commencement Date, Mr. Napack also became a member of our Board of Directors. In connection with his appointment, Wiley and Mr. Napack entered into an employment offer letter (the Employment Agreement).
The Employment Agreement provides that beginning with the year ended April 30, 2018–2020 performance cycle, eligibility to participate in annual grants under our Executive Long-Term Incentive Program (ELTIP). Targeted long-term incentive for this cycle was equal to 300% of base salary, or $2.7 million. Sixty percent of the ELTIP value was delivered in the form of target performance share units and forty percent in restricted share units. The grant date fair value for restricted share units was $59.15 per share and included 20,611 restricted share units, which vested 25% each year starting on April 30, 2018 to April 30, 2021. In addition, there was a performance share unit award with a target of 30,916 units and a grant date fair value of $59.15. The performance metrics were based on cumulative EBITDA for the year ended April 30, 2018–2020 and cumulative normalized free cash flow for the year ended April 30, 2018–2020.
In addition, the Employment Agreement provided for a sign-on grant of restricted share units, with a grant value of $4.0 million, converted to shares using our Class A closing stock price as of the Commencement Date, and vesting in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the employment date. The grant date fair value for this award was $59.15 per share and included 67,625 units at the date of grant. Grants were subject to forfeiture in the case of voluntary termination prior to vesting and accelerated vesting in the case of earlier termination of employment without Cause, due to death or Disability or Constructive Discharge, or upon a Change in Control (as such terms are defined in the Employment Agreement).
Director Stock Awards
On September 29, 2022, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2022 Plan, which replaced, with respect to new award grants, the 2018 Director Stock Plan (the 2018 Plan) that was previously in effect. Under the terms of the 2022 Plan, each nonemployee director is eligible to receive an annual award of restricted shares of our Class A Common Stock equal in value to 100% of the annual director stock retainer fee, based on the stock price at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. Such restricted shares will vest on the earliest of (i) the day before the next annual meeting of stockholders following the grant, (ii) the nonemployee director’s death or disability (as determined by the Governance Committee of the Board of Directors (Governance Committee)), or (iii) a change in control (as defined in the 2022 Plan). The granted shares may not be sold or transferred during the time the nonemployee director remains a director. There were 30,706, 18,384, and 28,360 restricted shares awarded under the 2022 Plan, or the 2018 Plan, as the case may be, for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. In addition, pursuant to the John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors’ 2005 & After Compensation, as amended through September 20, 2022 (Deferred Compensation Plan), each nonemployee director has the option of receiving all or part of the annual retainer in the form of deferred stock and receive dividends in the form of deferred stock. The annual retainers deferred as stock and the dividends received in the form of deferred stock, all pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan, are nominal.
v3.23.2
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts
Each share of our Class B Common Stock is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock. The holders of Class A stock are entitled to elect 30% of the entire Board of Directors and the holders of Class B stock are entitled to elect the remainder. On all other matters, each share of Class A stock is entitled to one tenth of one vote and each share of Class B stock is entitled to one vote.
Share Repurchases
During the year ended April 30, 2020, our Board of Directors approved an additional share repurchase program of $200 million of Class A or B Common Stock. As of April 30, 2023, we had authorization from our Board of Directors to purchase up to $162.5 million that was remaining under this program.
The share repurchase program described above is in addition to the share repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors during the year ended April 30, 2017 of four million shares of Class A or B Common Stock. As of April 30, 2022, no additional shares were remaining under this program for purchase.
The following table summarizes the share repurchases of Class A and B Common Stock during the years ended April 30 (shares in thousands):
202320222021
Shares repurchased – Class A831542308
Shares repurchased – Class B122
Average price – Class A and Class B$42.07 $55.14 $50.93 
Dividends
The following table summarizes the cash dividends paid during the year ended April 30, 2023:
Date of Declaration by Board of DirectorsQuarterly Cash DividendTotal DividendClass of Common StockDividend Paid DateShareholders of Record as of Date
June 22, 2022
$0.3475 per common share
$19.4
million
Class A and
Class B
July 20, 2022July 6, 2022
September 29, 2022
$0.3475 per common share
$19.3
million
Class A and
Class B
October 26, 2022October 11, 2022
December 15, 2022
$0.3475 per common share
$19.3
 million
Class A and
Class B
January 11, 2023December 27, 2022
March 29, 2023
$0.3475 per common share
$19.2
million
Class A and
Class B
April 25, 2023April 11, 2023
Changes in Common Stock
The following is a summary of changes during the years ended April 30, in shares of our common stock and common stock in treasury (shares in thousands).
Changes in Class A Common Stock:202320222021
Number of shares, beginning of year70,22670,20870,166
Common stock class conversions51842
Number of shares issued, end of year70,23170,22670,208
Changes in Class A Common Stock in treasury:
Number of shares held, beginning of year23,51523,41923,405
Purchases of treasury shares831542308
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans – non-PSU Awards(394)(323)(268)
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans – PSU Awards(150)(108)(88)
Shares issued to directors(2)(6)
Restricted shares issued from exercise of stock options(14)(49)(60)
Shares issued related to the acquisition of a business(129)
Shares withheld for taxes195167129
Other(2)(1)
Number of shares held, end of year23,98323,51523,419
Number of Class A Common Stock outstanding, end of year46,24846,71146,789
Changes in Class B Common Stock:202320222021
Number of shares, beginning of year12,95612,97413,016
Common stock class conversions(5)(18)(42)
Number of shares issued, end of year12,95112,95612,974
Changes in Class B Common Stock in treasury:
Number of shares held, beginning of year3,9243,9223,920
Purchases of treasury shares122
Number of shares held, end of year3,9253,9243,922
Number of Class B Common Stock outstanding, end of year9,0269,0329,052
Warrants
In connection with the acquisition of The Learning House, Inc. on November 1, 2018, a portion of the fair value of the consideration transferred was $0.6 million of warrants. The warrants were classified as equity and allowed the holder to purchase 400,000 shares of our Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $90.00, subject to adjustments. The term of the warrants was three years and expired on November 1, 2021. The fair value of the warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
v3.23.2
Segment Information
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Information Segment Information
We have reorganized our Education lines of business into two new customer-centric segments. The Academic segment addresses the university customer group and includes Academic Publishing and University Services. The Talent segment addresses the corporate customer group and will be focused on delivering training, sourcing, and upskilling solutions. Prior period segment results have been revised to the new segment presentation. There were no changes to our consolidated financial results. Our new segment reporting structure consists of three reportable segments, which are listed below, as well as a Corporate expense category (no change), which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments:

Research includes Research Publishing and Research Solutions. No changes were made as a result of this realignment;
Academic includes the Academic Publishing and University Services lines. Academic Publishing is the combination of the former Education Publishing line and professional publishing offerings;
Talent is the combination of the former Talent Development line, and our assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings.

We report our segment information in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting.” These segments reflect the way our chief operating decision maker evaluates our business performance and manages the operations. The performance metric used by our chief operating decision maker to evaluate performance of our reportable segments is Adjusted Contribution to Profit.
Segment information is as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Revenue:
Research$1,080,311 $1,111,343 $1,015,349 
Academic690,408 759,112 769,014 
Talent249,181 212,473 157,138 
Total revenue$2,019,900 $2,082,928 $1,941,501 
Adjusted Contribution to Profit:
Research$283,984 $295,227 $273,023 
Academic68,279 91,247 117,005 
Talent (1)
33,007 23,959 (4,154)
Total adjusted contribution to profit$385,270 $410,433 $385,874 
Adjusted corporate contribution to profit(171,926)(192,584)(167,053)
Total adjusted operating income$213,344 $217,849 $218,821 
Depreciation and Amortization:
Research$93,008 $94,899 $83,866 
Academic79,741 81,721 77,823 
Talent (1)
24,042 21,997 23,828 
Total depreciation and amortization$196,791 $198,617 $185,517 
Corporate depreciation and amortization16,462 16,553 14,672 
Total depreciation and amortization$213,253 $215,170 $200,189 
(1)
On January 1, 2020, Wiley acquired mthree, a talent placement provider that addresses the IT skills gap by finding, training, and placing job-ready technology talent in roles with leading corporations worldwide. Its results of operations are included in our Talent segment. In late May 2022, Wiley renamed the mthree talent development solution to Wiley Edge and discontinued use of the mthree trademark during the three months ended July 31, 2022. As a result of these actions, we determined that a revision of the useful life was warranted and the intangible asset was fully amortized over its remaining useful life resulting in accelerated amortization expense of $4.6 million in the three months ended July 31, 2022. This amortization expense was an adjustment to the Talent Adjusted contribution to profit. In addition, it was included in Depreciation and amortization in the table above for segment reporting.
The following table shows a reconciliation of our consolidated US GAAP Operating Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
US GAAP Operating Income$55,890 $219,276 $185,511 
Adjustments:   
Restructuring and related charges (credits) (1)
49,389 (1,427)33,310 
Impairment of goodwill (1)
99,800 — — 
Legal settlement (2)
3,671 — — 
Accelerated amortization of an intangible asset (3)
4,594 — — 
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income$213,344 $217,849 $218,821 
(1)
See Note 7, “Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)” and Note 11, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for these charges by segment.
(2)
In the three months ended January 31, 2023, we settled a litigation matter related to consideration for a previous acquisition for $3.7 million which is included in our Corporate category.
(3)As described above, this accelerated amortization relates to the mthree trademark.
See Note 3, “Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers,” for revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
The following tables show assets allocated by reportable segment and by the corporate category as of April 30 as follows:
20232022
Research$1,521,450 $1,593,297 
Academic870,586 1,023,887 
Talent394,866 413,137 
Corporate321,908 331,374 
Total$3,108,810 $3,361,695 
The following tables show product development spending and additions to technology, property, and equipment by reportable segment and by the corporate category:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Research$(29,424)$(30,139)$(24,284)
Academic(39,069)(43,580)(36,831)
Talent(5,865)(7,810)(8,515)
Corporate(29,755)(34,329)(33,731)
Total$(104,113)$(115,858)$(103,361)
Revenue for the years ended April 30 from external customers is based on the location of the customer, and technology, property and equipment, net by geographic area as of April 30 were as follows:
Revenue, netTechnology, Property, and Equipment, Net
202320222021202320222021
United States$995,918 $1,011,716 $990,499 $210,547 $232,824 $241,217 
China150,939 140,323 92,305 1,905 2,609 567 
United Kingdom150,601 164,205 145,806 19,664 19,260 19,436 
Japan89,084 94,040 91,957 675 807 234 
Canada83,039 80,640 67,635 61 194 1,067 
Australia79,802 80,993 57,569 196 476 890 
Germany59,867 75,805 78,035 8,333 7,267 8,459 
India43,505 38,279 32,228 814 984 1,012 
France34,260 43,007 45,681 1,977 3,284 4,329 
Other Countries332,885 353,920 339,786 2,977 3,867 5,059 
Total$2,019,900 $2,082,928 $1,941,501 $247,149 $271,572 $282,270 
v3.23.2
Subsequent Events
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events Subsequent Events
Fiscal Year 2024 Dispositions, Segment Realignment, and Restructuring

On June 1, 2023, Wiley’s Board of Directors approved a plan to dispose of certain education businesses. Those businesses are University Services (formerly Online Program Management) in our Academic segment, and Wiley Edge (formerly Talent Development) and CrossKnowledge in our Talent segment. These dispositions are expected to be completed in fiscal year 2024, and will be reported as held for sale in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. In fiscal year 2023, these businesses, combined with the two dispositions disclosed in Note 4, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" generated approximately $393 million of revenue (approximately 19% of our consolidated revenue) and $43 million of Adjusted EBITDA (approximately 10% of our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA). We are evaluating the financial statement impact of these planned dispositions.
During fiscal year 2024, it is anticipated that additional restructuring actions will be undertaken to rightsize the Company’s expenses. The timing of much of these restructuring actions will be influenced by the completion of the dispositions. The amount of such charges has not yet been determined.
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, we are realigning our segments. Our new segment structure will consist of two reportable segments which includes (1) Research (no change) and (2) Learning, as well as a Corporate expense category (no change), which includes certain costs that are not allocated to the reportable segments. Research will continue to have reporting lines of Research Publishing and Research Solutions. Learning will include reporting lines of Academic (education publishing) and Professional (professional publishing and assessments).
Dividend
On June 26, 2023, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.3500 per share, or approximately $19.3 million, on our Class A and Class B Common Stock. The dividend is payable on July 20, 2023 to shareholders of record on July 6, 2023.
v3.23.2
Schedule II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure
Schedule II
JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED APRIL 30, 2023, 2022, AND 2021
(Dollars in thousands)
DescriptionBalance at
Beginning
of Period
Cumulative Effect of
Change in Accounting
Principle(1)
Charged to
Expenses
Deductions
From Reserves
and Other(2)
Balance at
End of Period
Year Ended April 30, 2023
Allowance for sales returns(4)
$19,422 $— $24,439 $29,442 $14,419 
Allowance for doubtful accounts$21,221 $— $347 $2,906 $18,662 
Allowance for inventory obsolescence$11,219 $— $7,222 $5,451 $12,990 
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets(3)
$30,000 $— $(4,037)$(1,485)$27,448 
Year Ended April 30, 2022
Allowance for sales returns(4)
$22,199 $— $29,191 $31,968 $19,422 
Allowance for doubtful accounts$21,474 $— $4,029 $4,282 $21,221 
Allowance for inventory obsolescence$13,970 $— $6,786 $9,537 $11,219 
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets(3)
$4,855 $— $230 $(24,915)$30,000 
Year Ended April 30, 2021
Allowance for sales returns(4)
$19,642 $— $36,997 $34,440 $22,199 
Allowance for doubtful accounts$18,335 $1,776 $6,957 $5,594 $21,474 
Allowance for inventory obsolescence$16,067 $— $9,236 $11,333 $13,970 
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets(3)
$23,287 $— $3,213 $21,645 $4,855 
(1)
See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding the adoption of ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” 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.
(2)
Deductions From Reserves and Other for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 include foreign exchange translation adjustments. Included in Allowance for doubtful accounts are accounts written off, less recoveries. Included in Allowance for inventory obsolescence are items removed from inventory.
(3)
Included in Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 are valuation allowances related to, and required with respect to, foreign tax credits generated by tax reform enacted in December 2017. In connection with a 5-year loss carryback and a subsequent audit, certain foreign tax credits requiring a valuation allowance were reinstated.
(4)
Allowance for sales returns represents anticipated returns net of a recovery of inventory and royalty costs. The provision is reported as a reduction of gross sales to arrive at revenue and the reserve balance is reported as an increase in Contract liabilities with a corresponding increase in Inventories, net and a reduction in Accrued royalties for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
v3.23.2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
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 in thousands, except per share amounts, and approximate due to rounding.
Reclassification
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, 2023 and 2022, book overdrafts of $14.6 million and $19.4 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:
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.
Our customers’ ability to pay is assessed through our internal credit review processes. Based on the 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 geopolitical 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, 2022$21,221 
Current period provision347 
Amounts written off, less recoveries(2,592)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments and other(314)
Balance as of April 30, 2023$18,662 
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 $14.4 million and $19.4 million as of April 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The reserves are reflected in the following accounts of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 30:
20232022
Increase in Inventories, net$6,923 $7,820 
Decrease in Accrued royalties(3,240)(3,893)
Increase in Contract liabilities24,582 31,135 
Print book sales return reserve net liability balance$(14,419)$(19,422)
Inventories
Inventories:
Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. US book inventories aggregating $16.6 million and $20.6 million at April 30, 2023 and 2022, 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 and were 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, 2023, 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. We incurred $27.1 million, $29.0 million, and $27.8 million in shipping and handling costs in the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Advertising and marketing costs$93,385 $100,572 $93,646 
Cost of sales(1)
55,907 62,889 56,956 
Operating and administrative expenses37,478 37,683 36,690 
(1)
This includes certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Academic 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, 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
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.

See Note 11, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for further details of our policy.
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 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, 2023 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 – 15 years, and covenants not to compete 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.
Leases
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
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:

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
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 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 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 Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
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.” These ASUs provide 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. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848," which extended the date to December 31, 2024. This standard was 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, 2024. On November 30, 2022, we amended the Amended and Restated CA (as defined in Note 14, “Debt and Available Credit Facilities”) and as a result we amended our outstanding interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to change the rates from LIBOR-based rates to SOFR-based rates. We applied ASU 2020-04 at the time of modification, and there was no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. The future impact of this ASU on our consolidated financial statements will be based on any future contract modifications.
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,” and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance thereafter. 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 required enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses.
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. 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, or our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See above under the caption “Allowance for Credit Losses” for a discussion of our policy.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers
In October 2021, the 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 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. This standard is effective for us on May 1, 2023, including interim periods within the fiscal year. The standard is applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments. The impact will be based on future business combinations after we adopt the standard.
Research
Research
Research customers include academic, corporate, government, and public libraries, funders of research, researchers, scientists, clinicians, engineers and technologists, scholarly and professional societies, and students and professors. Research products are sold and distributed globally through multiple channels, including research libraries and library consortia, independent subscription agents, direct sales to researchers and professional society members, and other customers. Publishing centers include Australia, China, Germany, India, the UK, and the US. The majority of revenue generated from Research products is recognized over time. Total Research revenue was $1,080.3 million in the year ended April 30, 2023.
We disaggregated revenue by Research Publishing and Research Solutions to reflect the different type of products and services provided.
Research Publishing Products

Research Publishing products provide scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, as well as related content and services, to academic, corporate, and government libraries, learned societies, and individual researchers and other professionals. Research Publishing revenue was $926.8 million in the year ended April 30, 2023, and the majority is recognized over time.

In the year ended April 30, 2023, Research Publishing products generated approximately 86% of its revenue from contracts with its customers from Journal Subscriptions (pay to read), Open Access (pay to publish), and Transformational Agreements (read and publish), and the remainder from Licensing, Backfiles, and Other.
Journal Subscriptions, Open Access, and Transformational Models
Journal subscription contracts are negotiated by us directly with customers or their subscription agents. Subscription periods typically cover calendar years. In a typical journal subscription sale, there is a written agreement between us and our customer that covers multiple years. However, we typically account for these agreements as one-year contracts because our enforceable rights under the agreements are subject to an annual confirmation and negotiation process with the customer.
In journal subscriptions, there are generally two performance obligations: a functional intellectual property license with a stand-ready obligation to provide access to new content for one year, which includes online hosting of the content, and a functional intellectual property perpetual license for access to historical journal content, which also includes online hosting of the content. The transaction price consists of fixed consideration. Journal subscription revenue is generally collected in advance when the annual license is granted and no significant financing component exists.
The total transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. We allocate revenue to the stand-ready obligation to provide access to new content for one year based on its observable standalone selling price which is generally the contractually stated price, and the revenue for new content is recognized over one year as we have a continuous stand-ready obligation to provide the right of access to additional intellectual property. The allocation of revenue to the perpetual licenses for access to historical journal content is done using the expected cost plus a margin approach as permitted by the revenue standard. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when access to historical content is initially granted.
Under the Open Access business model, we have a signed contract with the customer that contains enforceable rights. The Open Access business model in a typical model includes an over-time single performance obligation that combines a promise to host the customer’s content on our open access platform, and a promise to provide an Article Publication Charge (APC) at a discount to eligible users who are defined in the contract, in exchange for an upfront payment. Enforceable right to payment occurs over time as we fulfill our obligation to provide a discount to eligible users, as defined, on future APCs. Therefore, the upfront payment is recorded as a contract liability and revenue is recognized over time.
Transformational agreements (read and publish) are the innovative new model that blends journal subscription and open access offerings. Essentially, for a single fee, a national or regional consortium of libraries pays for and receives full read access to our journal portfolio and the ability to publish under an open access arrangement. Like subscriptions, transformational deals involve recurring revenue under multiyear contracts. Unlike subscriptions, some transformational agreements also allow for further upside depending on how much publishing volume we generate. Transformational models accelerate the transition to open access while maintaining subscription access.

Starting in calendar year 2022, we signed transformational agreements that generally include three performance obligations: (1) a functional intellectual property license with a stand-ready obligation to provide access to new content for one year, which includes online hosting of the content, (2) a functional intellectual property perpetual license for access to historical journal content, which also includes online hosting of the content, and (3) a publishing entitlement that generally allows for a fixed number of articles to be published in hybrid open access journals each contract year. In addition, some of these transformational agreements also include another performance obligation that includes the promise to provide an APC at a discount in gold open access journals and is recognized over time.

Starting in calendar year 2023, we expanded our transformational agreements to include a model that generally includes four performance obligations. The publishing entitlement was expanded to include an additional performance obligation which provided the ability to publish in gold open access journals, as well as in hybrid open access journals as described above. The transaction price consists of fixed consideration and is allocated to the publishing entitlement performance obligation based on its observable standalone selling price, the residual approach for the license to access new content, and the expected cost plus a margin approach for the perpetual license. The revenue for the publishing entitlement and the license to access new content is generally recognized straight-line over the contract year due to the stand-ready obligations. The revenue for the perpetual license is recognized at the point in time when access to historical content is initially granted. Cash is generally collected in advance.
In January 2019, Wiley announced a contractual arrangement in support of open access, a countrywide partnership agreement with Projekt DEAL, a representative of nearly 700 academic institutions in Germany. This three-year agreement, which was extended for two years, provides all Projekt DEAL institutions with access to read Wiley’s academic journals back to the year 1997, and researchers at Projekt DEAL institutions can publish articles open access in Wiley’s journals. The partnership will better support institutions and researchers in advancing open science, driving discovery, and developing and disseminating knowledge. Projekt DEAL includes multiple performance obligations, which include a stand-ready obligation to provide access to new content, perpetual license for access to historical journal content, and accepting articles to be hosted on our open access platform. We are compensated primarily through a fee per article published and a consolidated access fee. The consideration for Projekt DEAL consists of fixed and variable consideration. We allocated the total consideration to the fixed and variable components based on its relative standalone selling prices for each performance obligation.
Licensing, Backfiles, and Other
Within licensing, the revenue derived from these contracts is primarily comprised of advance payments, including minimum guarantees and sales- or usage-based royalty agreements. Our intellectual property is considered to be functional intellectual property. Due to the stand-ready obligation to provide updates during the subscription period, which is generally an annual period, revenue for the minimum guarantee is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. For our sales- or usage-based royalty agreements, we recognize revenue in the period of usage based on the amounts earned. We record revenue under these arrangements for the amounts due and not yet reported to us based on estimates of the sales or usage of these customers and pursuant to the terms of the contracts. We also have certain licenses whereby we receive a non-refundable minimum guarantee against a volume-based royalty throughout the term of the agreement. We recognize volume-based royalty income only when cumulative consideration exceeds the minimum guarantee.
For Backfiles, the performance obligation is the granting of a functional intellectual property license. Revenue is recognized at the time the functional intellectual property license is granted.
Other includes our Article Select offering, whereby we have a single performance obligation to our customers to give access to an article through the purchase of a token. The customer redeems the token for access to the article for a 24-hour period. The customer purchases the tokens with an upfront cash payment. Revenue is recognized when access to the article is provided. In addition, we also provide subscriptions to certain databases in evidence-based medicine (EBM). These subscriptions generally include a functional intellectual property license with a stand-ready promise to provide access to new content for one year. Revenue is generally recognized straight-line over the contract year due to the stand-ready obligations.
Research Solutions Products and Services

Research Solutions revenue was $153.5 million in the year ended April 30, 2023 and the majority is recognized over time. In the year ended April 30, 2023, Research Solutions products and services generated approximately 68% of their revenue from contracts with their customers from corporate and society offerings and 32% from Atypon platforms and services.

Corporate and Society Service Offerings

Corporate and society service offerings includes advertising, spectroscopy software and spectral databases, and job board software and career center services, which includes the products and services from our acquisition of Madgex and Informatics. In addition, it also includes product and service offerings related to recent acquisitions such as J&J and the EJP business. J&J is a publishing services company providing expert offerings in editorial operations, production, copyediting, system support and consulting. EJP is a technology platform company with an established journal submission and peer-review management system.
We generate advertising revenue from print and online journal subscription products, our online publishing platform, Literatum, online events such as webinars and virtual conferences, community interest websites such as spectroscopyNOW.com, and other websites. Journal and article reprints are primarily used by pharmaceutical companies and other industries for marketing and promotional purposes.

Generally these product and service offerings can include either a single or multiple performance obligations, and have a mix of revenue recognized at a point in time and over time.

Atypon Platforms and Services

Atypon is a publishing software and service provider that enables scholarly and professional societies and publishers to deliver, host, enhance, market, and manage their content on the web through the LiteratumTM platform. Atypon services primarily includes a single performance obligation for the implementation and hosting of subscription services. The transaction price is fixed which may include price escalators that are fixed increases per year, and therefore, revenue is recognized upon the initiation of the subscription period and recognized on a straight-line basis over the time of the contractual period. The duration of these contracts is generally multiyear ranging from 2 to 5 years.
Academic

Total Academic revenue was $690.4 million in the year ended April 30, 2023. We disaggregated revenue by type of products provided. Academic products are Academic Publishing and University Services.
Academic Publishing Products

Academic Publishing products revenue was $481.8 million in the year ended April 30, 2023. Products and services include scientific, professional, and education print and digital books, digital courseware, and test preparation services to libraries, corporations, students, professionals, and researchers. Communities served include business, finance, accounting, workplace learning, management, leadership, technology, behavioral health, engineering/architecture, science and medicine, and education. Products are developed for worldwide distribution through multiple channels, including chain and online booksellers, libraries, colleges and universities, corporations, direct to consumer, web sites, distributor networks and other online applications. Publishing centers include Australia, Germany, India, the UK, and the US.

In the year ended April 30, 2023, Academic Publishing products generated approximately 67% of their revenue from contracts with their customers for print and digital publishing, which is recognized at a point in time. Digital Courseware products generate approximately 19% of their revenue from contracts with their customers which is recognized over time. The remainder of their revenues were from Test Preparation and Certification, and Licensing and Other, which has a mix of revenue recognized at a point in time and over time.
Print and Digital Publishing
Our performance obligations as they relate to print and digital publishing are primarily book products delivered in both print and digital form which could include single or multiple performance obligations based on the number of print or digital books purchased. Each is represented by an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), with each ISBN representing a performance obligation. Each ISBN has an observable stand-alone selling price as Wiley sells the books separately.
This revenue stream also includes variable consideration as it relates to discounts and returns for both print and digital books. Discounts are identifiable by performance obligation and therefore are applied at the point of sale by performance obligation. 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 reduction to accrued royalties as a result of the expected returns.
As it relates to print and digital books, revenue is recognized at the point when control of the product transfers, which for print is upon shipment or for digital when fulfillment of the products has been rendered.
Digital Courseware Products
Courseware customers purchase access codes to utilize the product. This could include single or multiple performance obligations based on the number of course ISBNs purchased. Revenue is recognized over time in the period from when the access codes are activated over the applicable semester term to which such product relates.
Test Preparation and Certification Products
Test Preparation and Certification contracts are generally three-year agreements. This revenue stream includes multiple performance obligations as it relates to the online and printed course materials, including such items as textbooks, ebooks, video lectures, flashcards, study guides, and test banks. The transaction price is fixed; however, discounts are offered and returns of certain products are allowed. We allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. This standalone selling price is generally based upon the observable selling prices where the product is sold separately to customers. Depending on the performance obligation, revenue is recognized at the time the product is delivered and control has passed to the customer or over time due to our stand-ready obligation to provide updates to the customer.
In the three months ended April 30, 2023, we sold a portion of our test preparation and certification products referred to as Wiley's Efficient Learning test prep portfolio which focused on test prep for finance, accounting and business certifications. See Note 4, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" for further details.
Licensing and Other
Revenue derived from our licensing contracts is primarily comprised of advance payments and sales- or usage-based royalties. Revenue for advance payments is recognized at the point in time that the functional intellectual property license is granted. For sales- or usage-based royalties, we record revenue under these arrangements for the amounts due and not yet reported to us based on estimates of the sales or usage of these customers and pursuant to the terms of the contracts.
University Services
University Services revenue was $208.7 million in the year ended April 30, 2023 and is mainly recognized over time. Our University Services business offers institutions and their students a rich portfolio of education technology and student and faculty support services, allowing the institutions to reach more students online with their own quality academic programs.
University Services provides institutions with a bespoke suite of services that each institution has determined it needs to serve students, including market research, marketing and recruitment, program development, online platform technology, student retention support, instructional design, faculty development and support, and access to the Engage Learning Management System, which facilitates the online education experience. Graduate degree programs include Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Healthcare, Engineering, Communications, and others.
Revenue is derived from pre-negotiated contracts with institutions that provide for a share of revenue generated after students have enrolled and demonstrated initial persistence. While the majority of our contracts are revenue-share arrangements, we also offer the opportunity to contract on a fee-for-service basis. As of April 30, 2023, the University Services business had 64 university partners under contract. The University Services revenue-share contracts are generally multiyear agreements ranging from a period of 7 to 10 years, with some having optional renewal periods. These optional renewal periods are not a material right and are not considered a separate performance obligation.
University Services revenue-share contracts include a single performance obligation for the services provided because of the integrated technology and services our institutional clients need to attract, enroll, educate, and support students. Consideration is variable since it is based on the number of students enrolled in a program. We begin to recognize revenue at the start of the delivery of the class within a semester overtime, which is also when the variable consideration contingency is resolved.
Talent

Talent revenue was $249.2 million in the year ended April 30, 2023. Our Talent segment consists of talent development (Wiley Edge, formerly mthree) for professionals and businesses, assessments (corporate training) and corporate learning offerings.

Talent development includes Wiley Edge which sources, trains, and prepares aspiring students and professionals to meet the skill needs of today’s technology careers, and then places them with some of the world's largest financial institutions, technology companies, and government agencies. Wiley Edge also works with its clients to retrain and retain existing employees so they can continue to meet the changing demands of today’s technology landscape. Wiley Edge revenue is recognized at the point in time the services are provided to its customers.

Talent services also includes assessments (corporate training) for high-demand soft-skills training solutions that are delivered to organizational clients through online digital delivery platforms, either directly or through an authorized distributor network of independent consultants, trainers, and coaches. This corporate training product offering includes multiple performance obligations. This includes a performance obligation that includes an annual membership which includes the right to purchase products and services, access to the platform, support, and training. This performance obligation is recognized over time as we have an obligation to stand-ready for the customer’s use of the services. In addition, there are performance obligations for the assessments and related products or services which are recognized at a point in time when the assessment, product, or service is provided or delivered. The transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on its observable standalone selling price which is generally the contractually stated price for the performance obligation related to the annual membership, and for the other performance obligations based on its relative observable selling price when sold separately. In addition, customers’ unexercised rights for situations where we have received a nonrefundable payment for a customer to receive an assessment and the customer is not expected to exercise such right, we will recognize such “breakage” amounts as revenue in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer, which is generally one year.

In addition, Talent services includes corporate learning online learning and training solutions for global corporations, universities, and small and medium-sized enterprises sold on a subscription or fee basis. The transaction price for these corporate learning services consists of fixed consideration that is determined at the beginning of each year and received at the same time. There are multiple performance obligations, which include the licenses to learning content and the learning application. Revenue is recognized over time as we have a continuous obligation to provide the right of access to the intellectual property which includes the licenses and learning applications.
Accounts Receivable, net and Contract Liability Balances
When consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of a contract, a contract liability is recorded. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue when, or as, control of the products or services are transferred to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
v3.23.2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Schedule of Change in Provision for Credit Losses
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, 2022$21,221 
Current period provision347 
Amounts written off, less recoveries(2,592)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments and other(314)
Balance as of April 30, 2023$18,662 
Schedule of Net Sales Return Reserves by Balance Sheet Account
The reserves are reflected in the following accounts of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of April 30:
20232022
Increase in Inventories, net$6,923 $7,820 
Decrease in Accrued royalties(3,240)(3,893)
Increase in Contract liabilities24,582 31,135 
Print book sales return reserve net liability balance$(14,419)$(19,422)
Schedule of Advertising and Marketing Costs
Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. These costs are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Advertising and marketing costs$93,385 $100,572 $93,646 
Cost of sales(1)
55,907 62,889 56,956 
Operating and administrative expenses37,478 37,683 36,690 
(1)
This includes certain advertising and marketing costs incurred by our Academic business to fulfill performance obligations from contracts with educational institutions.
v3.23.2
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Revenue from Contracts With Customers Disaggregated by Segment and Product Type
The following tables present our revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type.
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Research:
Research Publishing (1)
$926,773 $963,715 $892,176 
Research Solutions (1)
153,538 147,628 123,173 
Total Research1,080,311 1,111,343 1,015,349 
Academic:
Academic Publishing481,752 531,705 538,643 
University Services208,656 227,407 230,371 
Total Academic690,408 759,112 769,014 
Talent249,181 212,473 157,138 
Total Revenue$2,019,900 $2,082,928 $1,941,501 
(1)
As previously announced, in May 2022 our revenue by product type previously referred to as Research Platforms was changed to Research Solutions. Research Solutions includes infrastructure and publishing services that help societies and corporations thrive in a complex knowledge ecosystem. In addition to Platforms (Atypon), certain product offerings such as corporate sales which included the recent acquisitions of Madgex Holdings Limited (Madgex), and Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.’s Informatics products (Informatics) that were previously included in Research Publishing moved to Research Solutions to align with our strategic focus. Research Solutions also includes product offerings related to certain recent acquisitions such as J&J, and EJP. Prior period results have been revised to the new presentation. There were no changes to the total Research segment or our consolidated financial results. The revenue reclassified to Research Solutions was $93.3 million and $80.3 million for the years ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Schedule of Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable
The following table provides information about accounts receivable, net and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.
April 30, 2023April 30, 2022Increase/
(Decrease)
Balances from contracts with customers:
Accounts receivable, net$310,121 $331,960 $(21,839)
Contract liabilities(1)
504,695 538,126 (33,431)
Contract liabilities (included in Other long-term liabilities)$17,426 $19,072 $(1,646)
(1)
The sales return reserve recorded in Contract liabilities is $24.6 million and $31.1 million as of April 30, 2023 and April 30, 2022, respectively. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards” for further details of the sales return reserve.
v3.23.2
Acquisitions and Divestitures (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to acquire XYZ Media and the final allocation of the purchase price among the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
Final Allocation
Total consideration transferred$45,363 
Assets:
Current assets913 
Intangible assets, net22,711 
Goodwill22,226 
Other non-current assets46 
Total assets$45,896 
Liabilities:
Current liabilities533 
Total liabilities$533 
Schedule of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired and Weighted-Average Useful Life
The following table summarizes the identifiable intangible assets acquired and their weighted-average useful life at the date of acquisition.
Fair ValueWeighted-Average Useful Life
(in Years)
Developed technology$20,930 7
Customer relationships1,340 6
Covenants not to compete323 5
Tradename118 1
Total$22,711 
v3.23.2
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares
A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation of earnings per share follows (shares in thousands):
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Weighted average shares outstanding55,55855,75955,931
Less: Unvested restricted shares(1)
Shares used for basic earnings per share55,55855,75955,930
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units and other stock awards797839531
Shares used for diluted earnings per share56,35556,59856,461
Antidilutive options to purchase Class A common shares, restricted shares, warrants to purchase Class A common shares and contingently issuable restricted stock which are excluded from the table above393772982
v3.23.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component, Net of Tax
Changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the years ended April 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 were as follows:
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Unamortized
Retirement
Costs
Interest
Rate Swaps
Total
Balance at April 30, 2020$(340,703)$(227,920)$(6,874)$(575,497)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications82,762 (6,273)(639)75,850 
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss— 6,047 2,810 8,857 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)82,762 (226)2,171 84,707 
Balance at April 30, 2021$(257,941)$(228,146)$(4,703)$(490,790)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications(71,625)40,247 5,165 (26,213)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss— 5,673 3,184 8,857 
Total other comprehensive (loss) income(71,625)45,920 8,349 (17,356)
Balance at April 30, 2022$(329,566)$(182,226)$3,646 $(508,146)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications3,220 (29,053)4,385 (21,448)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss— 4,473 (3,781)692 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)3,220 (24,580)604 (20,756)
Balance at April 30, 2023$(326,346)$(206,806)$4,250 $(528,902)
v3.23.2
Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs
The following tables summarize the pretax restructuring charges related to this program:
For the Year Ended April 30,
2023
Charges by Segment:
Research$2,413 
Academic10,335 
Talent3,255 
Corporate Expenses32,879 
Total Restructuring and Related Charges$48,882 
Charges by Activity:
Severance and termination benefits$25,827 
Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment12,696 
Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment2,140 
Facility related charges, net4,150 
Consulting costs2,285 
   Other activities1,784 
Total Restructuring and Related Charges$48,882 
The following tables summarize the pretax restructuring charges (credits) related to this program:
For the Years Ended April 30,Total Charges Incurred to Date
202320222021
 Charges (Credits) by Segment:
Research$(231)$238 $99 $3,652 
Academic31 (470)3,457 12,447 
Talent(246)23 303 4,900 
Corporate Expenses953 (1,218)29,590 44,343 
Total Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)$507 $(1,427)$33,449 $65,342 
Charges (Credits) by Activity:
Severance and termination benefits$(1,012)$(3,276)$11,531 $34,107 
Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment— — 14,918 15,079 
Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment— — 3,378 3,378 
Facility related charges, net1,519 1,849 3,684 11,038 
Other activities— — (62)1,740 
Total Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)$507 $(1,427)$33,449 $65,342 
Schedule of Activity for Restructuring Liability
The following table summarizes the activity for the Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program liability for the year ended April 30, 2023:

April 30, 2022
Charges
Payments
Foreign
Translation
& Other Adjustments
April 30, 2023
Severance and termination benefits$— $25,827 $(21,247)$(8)$4,572 
Consulting costs— 2,285 (2,285)— — 
Other activities— 1,784 (1,986)211 
Total$— $29,896 $(25,518)$203 $4,581 
The following table summarizes the activity for the Business Optimization Program liability for the year ended April 30, 2023:
April 30,
2022
(Credits) Payments Foreign
Translation &
Other Adjustments
April 30,
2023
Severance and termination benefits$2,079 $(1,012)$(1,042)$(25)$— 
Total$2,079 $(1,012)$(1,042)$(25)$— 
v3.23.2
Inventories (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Inventories
Inventories, net consisted of the following at April 30:
20232022
Finished goods$29,339 $31,270 
Work-in-process1,031 1,729 
Paper and other materials248 275 
Total inventories before estimated sales returns and LIFO reserve30,618 33,274 
Inventory value of estimated sales returns6,923 7,820 
LIFO reserve(6,808)(4,509)
Inventories, net$30,733 $36,585 
v3.23.2
Product Development Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Product Development Assets
Product development assets, net were included in Other non-current assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and consisted of the following at April 30:
20232022
Book composition costs$19,067 $20,574 
Software costs11,338 17,479 
Content development costs1,916 3,405 
Product development assets, net$32,321 $41,458 
v3.23.2
Technology, Property, and Equipment (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment
Technology, property, and equipment, net consisted of the following at April 30:
20232022
Capitalized software$649,138 $605,503 
Computer hardware57,670 55,386 
Buildings and leasehold improvements89,056 94,861 
Furniture, fixtures, and warehouse equipment34,990 38,816 
Land and land improvements3,316 3,283 
Technology, property, and equipment, gross834,170 797,849 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(587,021)(526,277)
Technology, property, and equipment, net$247,149 $271,572 
The following table details our depreciation and amortization expense for technology, property, and equipment, net:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Capitalized software amortization expense$78,441 $73,847 $69,184 
Depreciation and amortization expense, excluding capitalized software17,565 21,325 21,955 
Total depreciation and amortization expense for technology, property and equipment$96,006 $95,172 $91,139 
v3.23.2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
The following table summarizes the activity in goodwill by segment as of April 30:
2022(1)
Acquisition(2)
Impairment
Divestitures(3)
Foreign
Translation
Adjustment
2023
Research$610,416 $— $— $— $(687)$609,729 
Academic442,015 3,878 (99,800)(5,306)(89)340,698 
Talent249,711 — — — 3,912 253,623 
Total$1,302,142 $3,878 $(99,800)$(5,306)$3,136 $1,204,050 
(1)
The Academic goodwill balance as of April 30, 2022 includes a cumulative pretax noncash goodwill impairment of $110.0 million.
(2)
Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions and Divestitures,” for more information related to the acquisition that occurred in the year ended April 30, 2023.
(3)
Represents the goodwill allocated to the disposition of Wiley's Efficient Learning test prep and advancement courses businesses. Refer to Note 4, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," for more information.
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets, net as of April 30 were as follows:
20232022
CostAccumulated
Amortization
NetCostAccumulated
Amortization
Net
Intangible assets with definite lives, net(1):
Content and publishing rights$1,100,463 $(638,000)$462,463 $1,099,778 $(599,841)$499,937 
Customer relationships407,289 (189,943)217,346 409,097 (167,039)242,058 
Developed technology(2)
76,154 (30,654)45,500 72,398 (17,677)54,721 
Brands and trademarks(3)
44,230 (36,949)7,281 47,533 (31,512)16,021 
Covenants not to compete1,663 (1,363)300 1,655 (1,262)393 
Total intangible assets with definite lives, net1,629,799 (896,909)732,890 1,630,461 (817,331)813,130 
Intangible assets with indefinite lives:     
Brands and trademarks(2)
37,000 — 37,000 37,000 — 37,000 
Publishing rights84,904 — 84,904 81,299 — 81,299 
Total intangible assets with indefinite lives121,904 — 121,904 118,299 — 118,299 
Total intangible assets, net$1,751,703 $(896,909)$854,794 $1,748,760 $(817,331)$931,429 
(1)
Refer to Note 4, “Acquisitions and Divestitures,” for more information related to the acquisitions that occurred in the years ended April 30, 2023 and 2022.
(2)
The developed technology balance as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 is presented net of accumulated impairments and write-offs of $2.8 million. The indefinite-lived brands and trademarks balance as of April 30, 2023 and 2022 is net of accumulated impairments of $93.1 million.
(3)
On January 1, 2020, Wiley acquired mthree, a talent placement provider that addresses the IT skills gap by finding, training, and placing job-ready technology talent in roles with leading corporations worldwide. Its results of operations are included in our Talent segment. In late May 2022, Wiley renamed the mthree talent development solution to Wiley Edge and discontinued use of the mthree trademark during the three months ended July 31, 2022. As a result of these actions, we determined that a revision of the useful life was warranted and the intangible asset was fully amortized over its remaining useful life resulting in accelerated amortization expense of $4.6 million in the three months ended July 31, 2022.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization and assuming current foreign exchange rates, the estimated amortization expense for the following years are as follows:
Fiscal YearAmount
2024$77,287 
202570,583 
202668,077 
202763,429 
202857,347 
Thereafter396,167 
Total$732,890 
v3.23.2
Operating Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Leases [Abstract]  
ROU Assets and Lease Liabilities
For operating leases, the ROU assets and liabilities as of April 30 are presented in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as follows:
20232022
Operating lease ROU assets$91,197 $111,719 
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities19,673 20,576 
Operating lease liabilities, non-current$115,540 $132,541 
Total Net Lease Costs
Our total net lease costs were as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Operating lease cost$18,620 $24,180 $24,862 
Variable lease cost1,326 1,496 2,135 
Short-term lease cost744 187 248 
Sublease income(770)(945)(722)
Total net lease cost(1)
$19,920 $24,918 $26,523 
(1)
Total net lease cost does not include those costs and sublease income included in Restructuring and related charges (credits) on our Consolidated Statements of Income. This includes those operating leases we had identified as part of our restructuring programs that would be subleased. See Note 7, “Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)” for more information on these programs.
Other Supplemental Information for Operating Leases
Other supplemental information includes the following:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Weighted-average remaining contractual lease term (years)899
Weighted-average discount rate5.95 %5.84 %5.89 %
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$26,919 $29,737 $32,344 
Reconciliation of Undiscounted Cash Flows to Operating Lease Liabilities
The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for the first five years and total of the remaining years to the operating lease liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of April 30, 2023:
Fiscal YearOperating Lease
Liabilities
2024$26,508 
202525,263 
202623,225 
202718,470 
202813,848 
Thereafter64,186 
Total future undiscounted minimum lease payments171,500 
 
Less: Imputed interest36,287 
 
Present value of minimum lease payments135,213 
 
Less: Current portion19,673 
Noncurrent portion$115,540 
v3.23.2
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Income Tax Expense
The provisions for income taxes were as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Current Provision
US – Federal$2,857 $(324)$(6,631)
International48,694 57,905 43,269 
State and local1,797 221 1,359 
Total current provision$53,348 $57,802 $37,997 
Deferred provision (benefit)
US – Federal$(24,368)$(9,793)$(11,996)
International(8,705)15,882 1,175 
State and local(4,408)(2,539)480 
Total deferred provision (benefit)$(37,481)$3,550 $(10,341)
Total provision$15,867 $61,352 $27,656 
Schedule of Income Before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign
International and United States pretax income were as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
International$204,055 $256,456 $202,490 
United States(170,955)(46,795)(26,578)
Total$33,100 $209,661 $175,912 
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
Our effective income tax rate as a percentage of pretax income differed from the US federal statutory rate as shown below:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
US federal statutory rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
Cost (benefit) of higher (lower) taxes on non-US income(9.2)%9.7 %1.1 %
Foreign tax credits related to CARES Act carryback and audit— %(11.9)%12.3 %
Change in valuation allowance(7.4)%11.9 %(12.3)%
State income taxes, net of US federal tax benefit(7.2)%(1.0)%0.8 %
US NOL carryback under CARES Act— %— %(8.0)%
Tax credits and related net benefits(10.4)%(0.5)%(0.5)%
Impairment of goodwill66.7 %— %— %
Other(5.6)%0.1 %1.3 %
Effective income tax rate47.9 %29.3 %15.7 %
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits included within the Other long-term liabilities line item on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position is as follows:
20232022
Balance at May 1$8,592 $9,144 
Additions for current year tax positions1,236 947 
Additions for prior year tax positions533 16 
Reductions for prior year tax positions— — 
Foreign translation adjustment(24)(55)
Payments and settlements— — 
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations(916)(1,460)
Balance at April 30$9,421 $8,592 
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities e believe that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the net deferred tax assets. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of April 30 were as follows:
2023
2022 (1)
Net operating losses$27,434 $20,847 
Reserve for sales returns and doubtful accounts2,523 3,771 
Accrued employee compensation24,928 26,722 
Foreign and federal credits31,930 34,537 
Other accrued expenses2,513 2,700 
Retirement and post-employment benefits16,880 15,769 
Operating lease liabilities26,631 28,111 
Total gross deferred tax assets$132,839 $132,457 
Less valuation allowance(27,448)(30,000)
Total deferred tax assets$105,391 $102,457 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets$(2,927)$(2,684)
Unremitted foreign earnings(2,835)(2,685)
Intangible and fixed assets(216,251)(249,104)
Right-of-use assets(16,049)(19,286)
Total deferred tax liabilities$(238,062)$(273,759)
Net deferred tax liabilities$(132,671)$(171,302)
Reported As
Deferred tax assets$11,371 $8,763 
Deferred tax liabilities(144,042)(180,065)
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities$(132,671)$(171,302)
(1)Prior year amounts were updated to reflect an immaterial correction of previous netting of certain deferred taxes.
v3.23.2
Debt and Available Credit Facilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Total Debt Outstanding
Our total debt outstanding as of April 30 consisted of the amounts set forth in the following table:
20232022
Short-term portion of long-term debt (1)
$5,000 $18,750 
Term loan A - Amended and Restated CA(2)
191,757 204,343 
Revolving credit facility - Amended and Restated CA551,535 563,934 
Total long-term debt, less current portion743,292 768,277 
Total debt$748,292 $787,027 
(1)
Relates to our term loan A under the Amended and Restated CA.
(2)
Amounts are shown net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.7 million as of April 30, 2023 and $0.3 million as of April 30, 2022.
Schedule of Annual Maturities of Long-term Debt, Including Short-term Portion
The following table summarizes the scheduled annual maturities for the next five years of our long-term debt, including the short-term portion of long-term debt. This schedule represents the principal portion amount of debt outstanding and therefore excludes unamortized issuance costs.
Fiscal YearAmount
2024$5,000 
202512,500 
202622,500 
202735,000 
2028674,035 
Total$749,035 
v3.23.2
Derivative Instruments and Activities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges he following table summarizes our interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Notional Amount
As of April 30,
Hedged Item (1)
Date entered intoNature of Swap20232022Fixed Interest Rate Variable Interest Rate
Amended and Restated CAMarch 15, 2023Pay fixed/receive variable$50,000 $— 3.565 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending April 15, 2026
Amended and Restated CAMarch 14, 2023Pay fixed/receive variable50,000 — 4.053 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending March 15, 2026
Amended and Restated CAMarch 13, 2023Pay fixed/receive variable50,000 — 3.720 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending March 15, 2026
Amended and Restated CADecember 13, 2022Pay fixed/receive variable50,000 — 3.772 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending December 15, 2025
Amended and Restated CAJune 16, 2022Pay fixed/receive variable100,000 — 3.467 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 2-year period ending May 15, 2024 (2)
Amended and Restated CAApril 06, 2022Pay fixed/receive variable100,000 100,000 2.588 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 2-year period ending April 15, 2024 (2)
Amended and Restated CAApril 12, 2021Pay fixed/receive variable100,000 100,000 0.465 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending April 15, 2024 (2)
Amended and Restated CAFebruary 26, 2020Pay fixed/receive variable— 100,000 1.168 %
1-month SOFR reset every month for a 3-year period ending March 15, 2023 (2)
Amended and Restated CAAugust 07, 2019Pay fixed/receive variable— 100,000 1.400 %
1-month LIBOR reset every month for a 3-year period ending August 15, 2022
Amended and Restated CAJune 24, 2019Pay fixed/receive variable— 100,000 1.650 %
1-month LIBOR reset every month for a 3-year period ending July 15, 2022
$500,000 $500,000 
(1)On November 30, 2022, we entered into the second amendment to our Amended and Restated CA. Refer to Note 14, “Debt and Available Credit Facilities” for more information related to our Amended and Restated CA.
(2)
On November 30, 2022, we amended the Amended and Restated CA (as defined in Note 14, “Debt and Available Credit Facilities”) and as a result we amended our outstanding interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to change the rates from LIBOR-based rates to SOFR-based rates. We applied ASU 2020-04 at the time of modification, and there was no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
v3.23.2
Retirement Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Schedule of Net Periodic Pension Expense (Income) for Defined Benefit Plans and Weighted-Average Assumptions
The components of net pension expense (income) for the defined benefit plans and the weighted average assumptions were as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
US Non-US US Non-US US Non-US
Service cost$— $796 $— $1,196 $— $1,396 
Interest cost11,242 13,389 9,451 11,148 9,504 8,901 
Expected return on plan assets(9,924)(23,134)(12,144)(28,118)(11,969)(26,971)
Amortization of prior service cost(154)60 (154)67 (154)58 
Amortization of net actuarial loss2,295 3,851 2,617 4,846 3,501 4,516 
Curtailment/settlement (credit)— (1,828)— (39)— — 
Net pension expense (income)$3,459 $(6,866)$(230)$(10,900)$882 $(12,100)
Discount rate4.6 %3.0 %3.2 %1.9 %3.1 %1.6 %
Rate of compensation increaseN/A3.1 %N/A3.0 %N/A3.0 %
Expected return on plan assets5.0 %5.5 %5.3 %5.5 %5.8 %5.7 %
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures
The following table sets forth the changes in, and the status of, our defined benefit plans’ assets and benefit obligations:
20232022
USNon-USUSNon-US
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year$204,455 $442,259 $237,129 $523,886 
Actual return on plan assets(5,953)(133,855)(21,257)(37,543)
Employer contributions3,701 11,600 3,812 12,595 
Employee contributions— — — — 
Settlements— (394)— — 
Benefits paid(15,596)(10,458)(15,229)(10,703)
Foreign currency rate changes— (7,097)— (45,976)
Fair value, end of year$186,607 $302,055 $204,455 $442,259 
CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$(249,570)$(474,802)$(302,632)$(609,614)
Service cost— (796)— (1,196)
Interest cost(11,242)(13,389)(9,451)(11,148)
Actuarial gains9,328 127,635 47,284 84,746 
Benefits paid15,596 10,458 15,229 10,703 
Foreign currency rate changes— 5,416 — 51,660 
Settlements and other— 2,470 — 47 
Benefit obligation, end of year$(235,888)$(343,008)$(249,570)$(474,802)
Underfunded status, end of year$(49,281)$(40,953)$(45,115)$(32,543)
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED ON THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION    
Noncurrent assets— 830 — 5,855 
Current pension liability(3,557)(1,203)(3,545)(1,346)
Noncurrent pension liability(45,724)(40,580)(41,570)(37,052)
Net amount recognized in statement of financial position$(49,281)$(40,953)$(45,115)$(32,543)
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (BEFORE TAX) CONSIST OF
Net actuarial losses$(84,367)$(197,701)$(80,114)$(171,274)
Prior service cost gains (losses)1,792 (1,058)1,946 (1,165)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss$(82,575)$(198,759)$(78,168)$(172,439)
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss$(4,407)$(26,320)$16,345 $42,818 
INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH AN ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS
Accumulated benefit obligation$235,888 $35,068 $249,570 $37,801 
Fair value of plan assets$186,607 $496 $204,455 $475 
INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH A PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS
Projected benefit obligation$235,888 $335,109 $249,570 $38,871 
Fair value of plan assets$186,607 $293,326 $204,455 $475 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED IN DETERMINING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Discount rate5.1 %4.8 %4.6 %3.0 %
Rate of compensation increaseN/A3.0 %N/A 3.1 %
Accumulated benefit obligations$(235,888)$(329,329)$(249,570)$(450,037)
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets at Fair Value by Level Within Fair Value Hierarchy
The following tables set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, pension plan assets at their fair value as of April 30:
20232022
Level 1Level 2NAVTotalLevel 1Level 2NAVTotal
US Plan Assets
Global Equity Securities: Limited Partnership$6,537 $73,469 $80,006 $7,477  $77,849 $85,326 
Fixed Income Securities: Commingled Trust Funds 106,601 106,601   119,129 119,129 
Total Assets$6,537 $180,070 $186,607 $7,477 $196,978 $204,455 
Non-US Plan Assets
Equity securities:
US equities$— $48,806 $48,806 $— $48,443 $48,443 
Non-US equities— 39,618 39,618 — 112,162 112,162 
Balanced managed funds— 58,036 58,036 — 94,623 94,623 
Fixed income securities: Commingled funds— 133,878 133,878 — 185,192 185,192 
Other:    
Real estate/other— 496 496 — 475 475 
Cash and cash equivalents1,902 19,319 21,221 1,338 26 1,364 
Total Non-US plan assets$1,902 $300,153 $— $302,055 $1,338 $440,921 $— $442,259 
Total plan assets$1,902 $306,690 $180,070 $488,662 $8,815 $440,921 $196,978 $646,714 
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments
Benefit payments to retirees from all defined benefit plans are expected to be the following in the fiscal year indicated:
Fiscal YearUSNon-USTotal
2024$15,889 $11,986 $27,875 
202515,529 14,064 29,593 
202615,333 13,124 28,457 
202715,398 13,882 29,280 
202815,482 14,485 29,967 
2029–203376,729 86,148 162,877 
Total$154,360 $153,689 $308,049 
v3.23.2
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions The following table provides the estimated weighted average fair value for options granted during the years ended April 30 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, and the significant weighted average assumptions used in their determination.
20232022
Weighted average fair value of options on grant date$9.24 $11.75 
Weighted average assumptions:
Expected life of options (years)5.96.3
Risk-free interest rate2.0 %1.2 %
Expected volatility32.4 %30.7 %
Expected dividend yield3.4 %2.4 %
Fair value of common stock on grant date$41.30 $56.51 
Exercise price of stock option grant$41.30 $61.84 
Schedule of Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity
A summary of the activity and status of our stock option plans follows during the year ended April 30, 2023:
Number
of Options
(in 000’s)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Term
(in years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
Outstanding at beginning of year310$59.89 
Granted20$41.30 
Exercised(14)$39.53 
Expired or forfeited(4)$48.06 
Outstanding at end of year312$59.77 7.6$— 
Exercisable at end of year103$60.49 6.1$— 
Vested and expected to vest in the future at April 30302$60.18 7.6$— 
Schedule of Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at April 30, 2023:
Options OutstandingOptions Exercisable
Range of Exercise PricesNumber
of Options
(in 000’s)
Weighted Average
Remaining
Term
(in years)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Number
of Options
(in 000’s)
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$36.60 to $39.53
137.7$37.26 3$39.53 
$45.99 to $53.79
408.7$51.43 3$53.24 
$55.62 to $63.07
2597.5$62.17 97$61.34 
Total/average3127.6$59.77 103$60.49 
Schedule of Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity
Activity for performance-based and other restricted stock awards during the years ended April 30, was as follows (shares in thousands):
202320222021
Restricted
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Value
Restricted
Shares
Restricted
Shares
Nonvested shares at beginning of year1,274$49.17 1,280943
Granted540$45.23 658706
Change in shares due to performance(44)$43.29 (3)118
Vested and issued(544)$47.27 (432)(362)
Forfeited(153)$48.39 (229)(125)
Nonvested shares at end of year1,073$48.49 1,2741,280
v3.23.2
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Schedule of Shares Repurchased
The following table summarizes the share repurchases of Class A and B Common Stock during the years ended April 30 (shares in thousands):
202320222021
Shares repurchased – Class A831542308
Shares repurchased – Class B122
Average price – Class A and Class B$42.07 $55.14 $50.93 
Schedule of Dividends Payable
The following table summarizes the cash dividends paid during the year ended April 30, 2023:
Date of Declaration by Board of DirectorsQuarterly Cash DividendTotal DividendClass of Common StockDividend Paid DateShareholders of Record as of Date
June 22, 2022
$0.3475 per common share
$19.4
million
Class A and
Class B
July 20, 2022July 6, 2022
September 29, 2022
$0.3475 per common share
$19.3
million
Class A and
Class B
October 26, 2022October 11, 2022
December 15, 2022
$0.3475 per common share
$19.3
 million
Class A and
Class B
January 11, 2023December 27, 2022
March 29, 2023
$0.3475 per common share
$19.2
million
Class A and
Class B
April 25, 2023April 11, 2023
Schedule of Stock by Class
The following is a summary of changes during the years ended April 30, in shares of our common stock and common stock in treasury (shares in thousands).
Changes in Class A Common Stock:202320222021
Number of shares, beginning of year70,22670,20870,166
Common stock class conversions51842
Number of shares issued, end of year70,23170,22670,208
Changes in Class A Common Stock in treasury:
Number of shares held, beginning of year23,51523,41923,405
Purchases of treasury shares831542308
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans – non-PSU Awards(394)(323)(268)
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans – PSU Awards(150)(108)(88)
Shares issued to directors(2)(6)
Restricted shares issued from exercise of stock options(14)(49)(60)
Shares issued related to the acquisition of a business(129)
Shares withheld for taxes195167129
Other(2)(1)
Number of shares held, end of year23,98323,51523,419
Number of Class A Common Stock outstanding, end of year46,24846,71146,789
Changes in Class B Common Stock:202320222021
Number of shares, beginning of year12,95612,97413,016
Common stock class conversions(5)(18)(42)
Number of shares issued, end of year12,95112,95612,974
Changes in Class B Common Stock in treasury:
Number of shares held, beginning of year3,9243,9223,920
Purchases of treasury shares122
Number of shares held, end of year3,9253,9243,922
Number of Class B Common Stock outstanding, end of year9,0269,0329,052
v3.23.2
Segment Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
Segment information is as follows:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Revenue:
Research$1,080,311 $1,111,343 $1,015,349 
Academic690,408 759,112 769,014 
Talent249,181 212,473 157,138 
Total revenue$2,019,900 $2,082,928 $1,941,501 
Adjusted Contribution to Profit:
Research$283,984 $295,227 $273,023 
Academic68,279 91,247 117,005 
Talent (1)
33,007 23,959 (4,154)
Total adjusted contribution to profit$385,270 $410,433 $385,874 
Adjusted corporate contribution to profit(171,926)(192,584)(167,053)
Total adjusted operating income$213,344 $217,849 $218,821 
Depreciation and Amortization:
Research$93,008 $94,899 $83,866 
Academic79,741 81,721 77,823 
Talent (1)
24,042 21,997 23,828 
Total depreciation and amortization$196,791 $198,617 $185,517 
Corporate depreciation and amortization16,462 16,553 14,672 
Total depreciation and amortization$213,253 $215,170 $200,189 
(1)
On January 1, 2020, Wiley acquired mthree, a talent placement provider that addresses the IT skills gap by finding, training, and placing job-ready technology talent in roles with leading corporations worldwide. Its results of operations are included in our Talent segment. In late May 2022, Wiley renamed the mthree talent development solution to Wiley Edge and discontinued use of the mthree trademark during the three months ended July 31, 2022. As a result of these actions, we determined that a revision of the useful life was warranted and the intangible asset was fully amortized over its remaining useful life resulting in accelerated amortization expense of $4.6 million in the three months ended July 31, 2022. This amortization expense was an adjustment to the Talent Adjusted contribution to profit. In addition, it was included in Depreciation and amortization in the table above for segment reporting.
Schedule of Reconciliation of Consolidated US GAAP Operating Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income
The following table shows a reconciliation of our consolidated US GAAP Operating Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
US GAAP Operating Income$55,890 $219,276 $185,511 
Adjustments:   
Restructuring and related charges (credits) (1)
49,389 (1,427)33,310 
Impairment of goodwill (1)
99,800 — — 
Legal settlement (2)
3,671 — — 
Accelerated amortization of an intangible asset (3)
4,594 — — 
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income$213,344 $217,849 $218,821 
(1)
See Note 7, “Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits)” and Note 11, “Goodwill and Intangible Assets” for these charges by segment.
(2)
In the three months ended January 31, 2023, we settled a litigation matter related to consideration for a previous acquisition for $3.7 million which is included in our Corporate category.
(3)As described above, this accelerated amortization relates to the mthree trademark.
Schedule of Total Assets and Expenditure for Long-Lived Assets by Segment
The following tables show assets allocated by reportable segment and by the corporate category as of April 30 as follows:
20232022
Research$1,521,450 $1,593,297 
Academic870,586 1,023,887 
Talent394,866 413,137 
Corporate321,908 331,374 
Total$3,108,810 $3,361,695 
The following tables show product development spending and additions to technology, property, and equipment by reportable segment and by the corporate category:
For the Years Ended April 30,
202320222021
Research$(29,424)$(30,139)$(24,284)
Academic(39,069)(43,580)(36,831)
Talent(5,865)(7,810)(8,515)
Corporate(29,755)(34,329)(33,731)
Total$(104,113)$(115,858)$(103,361)
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas
Revenue for the years ended April 30 from external customers is based on the location of the customer, and technology, property and equipment, net by geographic area as of April 30 were as follows:
Revenue, netTechnology, Property, and Equipment, Net
202320222021202320222021
United States$995,918 $1,011,716 $990,499 $210,547 $232,824 $241,217 
China150,939 140,323 92,305 1,905 2,609 567 
United Kingdom150,601 164,205 145,806 19,664 19,260 19,436 
Japan89,084 94,040 91,957 675 807 234 
Canada83,039 80,640 67,635 61 194 1,067 
Australia79,802 80,993 57,569 196 476 890 
Germany59,867 75,805 78,035 8,333 7,267 8,459 
India43,505 38,279 32,228 814 984 1,012 
France34,260 43,007 45,681 1,977 3,284 4,329 
Other Countries332,885 353,920 339,786 2,977 3,867 5,059 
Total$2,019,900 $2,082,928 $1,941,501 $247,149 $271,572 $282,270 
v3.23.2
Description of Business (Details)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Number of customer-centric segments 2
Number of reportable segments 3
v3.23.2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Recently Issued, and Recently Adopted Accounting Standards (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Book Overdrafts [Abstract]      
Bank Overdrafts $ 14,600 $ 19,400  
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of period 21,221    
Current period provision 347    
Amounts written off, less recoveries (2,592)    
Foreign exchange translation adjustments and other (314)    
Balance, end of period 18,662 21,221  
Sales Return Reserves [Abstract]      
Increase in Inventories, net 6,923 7,820  
Decrease in Accrued royalties (3,240) (3,893)  
Increase in Contract liabilities 24,582 31,135  
Print book sales return reserve net liability balance 14,419 19,422  
Inventories [Abstract]      
LIFO Inventory Amount 16,600 20,600  
Shipping and Handling Costs [Abstract]      
Operating and administrative expenses 1,037,399 1,079,585 $ 1,022,660
Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract]      
Advertising and Marketing Costs 93,385 100,572 93,646
Cost of Sales      
Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract]      
Advertising and Marketing Costs 55,907 62,889 56,956
Operating and administrative expenses      
Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract]      
Advertising and Marketing Costs 37,478 37,683 36,690
Shipping and Handling      
Shipping and Handling Costs [Abstract]      
Operating and administrative expenses $ 27,100 $ 29,000 $ 27,800
Book composition costs | Minimum      
Product Development Assets [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life 1 year    
Book composition costs | Maximum      
Product Development Assets [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life 3 years    
Other Product Development Costs | Weighted Average      
Product Development Assets [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life 6 years    
Computer Software | Minimum      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 3 years    
Computer Software | Maximum      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 10 years    
Computer Hardware | Minimum      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 3 years    
Computer Hardware | Maximum      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 5 years    
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements | Maximum      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 40 years    
Furniture, Fixtures, and Warehouse Equipment | Minimum      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 5 years    
Furniture, Fixtures, and Warehouse Equipment | Maximum      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 10 years    
Enterprise Resource Planning and Related Systems      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 10 years    
Software Development | Minimum      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 3 years    
Software Development | Maximum      
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Abstract]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 5 years    
Content and publishing rights | Weighted Average      
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life 27 years    
Trademarks | Weighted Average      
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life 15 years    
Customer relationships | Weighted Average      
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life 16 years    
Brands | Weighted Average      
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life 15 years    
Developed technology      
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life 7 years    
Covenants not to compete | Weighted Average      
Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life [Abstract]      
Estimated useful life 5 years    
Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Abstract]      
Target period for stock-based compensation expense in advance of actual financial results 3 years    
v3.23.2
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Segment
Apr. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2021
USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]      
Number of customer-centric segments | Segment 2    
Number of reportable segments | Segment 3    
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 2,019,900 $ 2,082,928 $ 1,941,501
Operating Segments      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 2,019,900 2,082,928 1,941,501
Operating Segments | Academic      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 690,408 759,112 769,014
Operating Segments | Academic | Education Publishing      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 481,752 531,705 538,643
Operating Segments | Academic | Professional Learning      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 208,656 227,407 230,371
Operating Segments | Talent      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 249,181 212,473 157,138
Operating Segments | Research      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 1,080,311 1,111,343 1,015,349
Operating Segments | Research | Research      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 926,800    
Operating Segments | Research Publishing and Platforms      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 1,080,311 1,111,343 1,015,349
Operating Segments | Research Publishing and Platforms | Research      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 926,773 963,715 892,176
Operating Segments | Research Publishing and Platforms | Research Platforms      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 153,538 147,628 123,173
Operating Segments | Research Publishing and Platforms Segment | Research Solutions | Revision of Prior Period, Reclassification, Adjustment [Member]      
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]      
Revenue, net   $ 93,300 $ 80,300
v3.23.2
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers - Description of Revenue Generating Activities (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
partner
Institution
Performanceobligation
Apr. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2021
USD ($)
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 2,019,900 $ 2,082,928 $ 1,941,501
University partners under contract | partner 64    
Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 2,019,900 2,082,928 1,941,501
Research | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net 1,080,311 1,111,343 1,015,349
Research | Research | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 926,800    
Research | Research | Journals Subscriptions      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Number of performance obligations | Performanceobligation 2    
Duration of contract 1 year    
Research | Research | Open Access      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Number of academic institutions | Institution 700    
Duration of contract 3 years    
Extended duration of contracts 2 years    
Academic | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 690,408 759,112 769,014
Academic | Education Publishing | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 481,752 531,705 538,643
Academic | Education Publishing | Test Preparation and Certification      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Duration of contract 3 years    
Academic | Education Publishing | Print and Digital | Revenue from Contract with Customers | Product Concentration Risk | Transferred at Point in Time      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue percentage 67.00%    
Academic | Education Publishing | Digital Courseware | Revenue from Contract with Customers | Product Concentration Risk | Transferred at Point in Time      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue percentage 19.00%    
Academic | Professional Learning | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 208,656 227,407 230,371
Academic | Professional Learning | Corporate Training      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Duration of contract 1 year    
Talent | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 249,181 212,473 157,138
Talent | Education Services OPM | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 208,700    
Talent | Education Services OPM | Minimum      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Duration of contract 7 years    
Talent | Education Services OPM | Maximum      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Duration of contract 10 years    
Research Solutions Products and Services | Education Publishing | Atypon Platforms and Services | Minimum      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Duration of contract 2 years    
Research Solutions Products and Services | Education Publishing | Atypon Platforms and Services | Maximum      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Duration of contract 5 years    
Research Solutions Products and Services | Research Solutions Products and Services | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 153,500    
Research Solutions Products and Services | Research Solutions Products and Services | Atypon Platforms and Services | Revenue from Contract with Customers | Product Concentration Risk | Transferred at Point in Time      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue percentage 32.00%    
Research Solutions Products and Services | Research Solutions Products and Services | Print and Digital | Revenue from Contract with Customers | Product Concentration Risk | Transferred at Point in Time      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue percentage 68.00%    
Research Publishing and Platforms | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 1,080,311 1,111,343 1,015,349
Research Publishing and Platforms | Research | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 926,773 963,715 892,176
Research Publishing and Platforms | Research | Journal Subscriptions, Open Access and Comprehensive Agreements | Revenue from Contract with Customers | Product Concentration Risk      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue percentage 86.00%    
Research Publishing and Platforms | Research Platforms | Operating Segments      
Description of Revenue Generating Activities [Abstract]      
Revenue, net $ 153,538 $ 147,628 $ 123,173
v3.23.2
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers - Accounts Receivable, Net and Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable, net $ 310,121 $ 331,960
Contract liabilities 504,695 538,126
Contract liabilities (included in Other long-term liabilities) 17,426 19,072
Changes in operating assets and liabilities    
Accounts receivable, net (21,839)  
Contract liabilities (33,431)  
Contract liabilities (included in Other long-term liabilities) (1,646)  
Sales return reserve recorded in contract liability $ 24,600 $ 31,100
v3.23.2
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers - Remaining Performance Obligations included in Contract Liability (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Revenue, Performance Obligation Satisfied over Time [Abstract]    
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount $ 522,100  
Increase in Contract liabilities 24,582 $ 31,135
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-05-01    
Revenue, Performance Obligation Satisfied over Time [Abstract]    
Remaining performance obligations excluding sales return reserve $ 480,100  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period 12 months  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-05-01    
Revenue, Performance Obligation Satisfied over Time [Abstract]    
Remaining performance obligations excluding sales return reserve $ 17,400  
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period  
v3.23.2
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers - Assets Recognized for the Costs to Fulfill a Contract (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Capitalized Contract Cost [Abstract]      
Costs capitalized $ 10,600 $ 10,900  
Capitalized contract cost, amortization 4,500 5,200 $ 5,100
Cost of revenue [Abstract]      
Operating and administrative expenses 1,037,399 1,079,585 1,022,660
Shipping and Handling      
Cost of revenue [Abstract]      
Operating and administrative expenses $ 27,100 $ 29,000 $ 27,800
v3.23.2
Acquisitions and Divestitures - Narrative (Details)
shares in Thousands
1 Months Ended 2 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 01, 2022
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 29, 2021
USD ($)
shares
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Business
Apr. 30, 2021
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Goodwill   $ 1,302,142,000   $ 1,204,050,000   $ 1,204,050,000 $ 1,204,050,000 $ 1,302,142,000  
Revenue, net             2,019,900,000 2,082,928,000 $ 1,941,501,000
Operating income (loss)             55,890,000 219,276,000 185,511,000
Payments to acquire businesses             7,292,000 75,703,000 $ 299,942,000
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Wiley's Effective Learning And Advancement Courses Business                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Proceeds from divestiture of businesses       1,000,000 $ 15,500,000 16,500,000      
Gain (loss) on disposition of business         10,200,000        
Goodwill         5,300,000        
Discontinued assets         6,400,000        
Intangible assets         $ 2,400,000        
Academic and Professional Learning                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Goodwill   442,015,000   340,698,000   340,698,000 340,698,000 442,015,000  
Talent                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Goodwill   249,711,000   253,623,000   253,623,000 253,623,000 249,711,000  
Research                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Goodwill   610,416,000   $ 609,729,000   $ 609,729,000 609,729,000 610,416,000  
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Fair value of consideration transferred $ 6,100,000                
Total cash consideration transferred 5,200,000                
Cash to be paid after acquisition date 900,000                
Intangible assets, net 3,700,000                
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions | Academic and Professional Learning                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Goodwill $ 3,900,000                
XYZ Media                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Fair value of consideration transferred   45,363,000 $ 45,400,000            
Total cash consideration transferred     $ 38,000,000            
Goodwill   22,226,000           22,226,000  
Intangible assets, net   $ 22,711,000           22,711,000  
Issuance of common shares in consideration transferred (in shares) | shares     129            
Issuance of warrants     $ 7,400,000            
Acquisition related costs               100,000  
Revenue, net             6,900,000 3,600,000  
Operating income (loss)             (3,100,000) (1,500,000)  
XYZ Media | Developed technology                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years)   7 years              
XYZ Media | Customer relationships                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years)   6 years              
XYZ Media | Trademarks                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years)   1 year              
XYZ Media | Covenants not to compete                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years)   5 years              
Other Acquisitions                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Fair value of consideration transferred               41,200,000  
Total cash consideration transferred             2,000,000 36,200,000  
Cash to be paid after acquisition date               5,000,000  
Acquisition related costs               500,000  
Revenue, net             $ 9,500,000 8,100,000  
Cash acquired from acquisition               1,200,000  
Payments to acquire businesses               34,900,000  
Goodwill               24,800,000  
Intangible assets, net               15,600,000  
Goodwill deductible for tax purposes   $ 18,700,000           18,700,000  
Goodwill - not tax deductible   $ 6,100,000           $ 6,100,000  
Other Acquisitions | Talent                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Number of immaterial businesses acquired | Business               1  
Goodwill               $ 0  
Other Acquisitions | Research                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Number of immaterial businesses acquired | Business               2  
Goodwill               $ 24,800,000  
Other Acquisitions | Developed technology                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years)               4 years  
Other Acquisitions | Customer relationships                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years)               8 years  
Other Acquisitions | Trademarks                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years)               2 years  
Other Acquisitions | Covenants not to compete                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years)               4 years  
Other Acquisitions | Content                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years)               4 years  
v3.23.2
Acquisitions and Divestitures - Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 30, 2022
Dec. 29, 2021
Apr. 30, 2023
Assets:      
Goodwill $ 1,302,142   $ 1,204,050
XYZ Media      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Total consideration transferred 45,363 $ 45,400  
Assets:      
Current assets 913    
Intangible assets, net 22,711    
Goodwill 22,226    
Other non-current assets 46    
Total assets 45,896    
Liabilities:      
Current liabilities 533    
Total liabilities $ 533    
v3.23.2
Acquisitions and Divestitures - Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired and Weighted-Average Useful Life (Details) - XYZ Media
$ in Thousands
Apr. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Fair Value $ 22,711
Developed technology  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Fair Value $ 20,930
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years) 7 years
Customer relationships  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Fair Value $ 1,340
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years) 6 years
Covenants not to compete  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Fair Value $ 323
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years) 5 years
Trademarks  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Fair Value $ 118
Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years) 1 year
v3.23.2
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) 55,558 55,759 55,931
Less: Unvested restricted shares (in shares) 0 0 (1)
Shares used for basic earnings (loss) per share (in shares) 55,558 55,759 55,930
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units and other stock awards (in shares) 797 839 531
Shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares) 56,355 56,598 56,461
Antidilutive options to purchase Class A common shares, restricted shares, warrants to purchase Class A common shares and contingently issuable restricted stock which are excluded from the table above (in shares) 393 772 982
v3.23.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Balance $ 1,142,269 $ 1,091,291 $ 933,624
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (21,448) (26,213) 75,850
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss 692 8,857 8,857
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (20,756) (17,356) 84,707
Balance 1,045,027 1,142,269 1,091,291
Total      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Balance (508,146) (490,790) (575,497)
Balance (528,902) (508,146) (490,790)
Foreign Currency Translation      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Balance (329,566) (257,941) (340,703)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 3,220 (71,625) 82,762
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss 0 0 0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income 3,220 (71,625) 82,762
Balance (326,346) (329,566) (257,941)
Unamortized Retirement Costs      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Balance (182,226) (228,146) (227,920)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (29,053) 40,247 (6,273)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss 4,473 5,673 6,047
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (24,580) 45,920 (226)
Balance (206,806) (182,226) (228,146)
Interest Rate Swaps      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Balance 3,646 (4,703) (6,874)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 4,385 5,165 (639)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,781) 3,184 2,810
Total other comprehensive (loss) income 604 8,349 2,171
Balance $ 4,250 $ 3,646 $ (4,703)
v3.23.2
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income      
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]      
Pension expense $ 6.0 $ 7.2 $ 7.8
v3.23.2
Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits) - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
May 31, 2022
Jan. 31, 2022
Jan. 31, 2021
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       $ 49,389 $ (1,427) $ 33,310
Restructuring liability       3,800    
Restructuring reserve, noncurrent       800    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Occupancy square footage (percent) 22.00%          
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       48,882    
Operating leases right of use asset fair value       12,100    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       12,696    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Impairment of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Certain Leases            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       7,600    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Impairment of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Property and Equipment            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       5,100    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       2,140    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Acceleration of Expense of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Certain Leases            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       900    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Acceleration of Expense of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Property and Equipment            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       1,200    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Facility related charges, net            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       4,150    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Consulting costs            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       2,285    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Other activities            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       1,784    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Severance and termination benefits            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       25,827    
Fiscal Year2023 Restructuring Program Closure Of Operations In Russia            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Cumulative translation adjustment gain, writeoff       1,100    
Restructuring charges       8,300    
Fiscal Year2023 Restructuring Program Closure Of Operations In Russia | Severance and termination benefits            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring charges       6,800    
Fiscal Year2023 Restructuring Program Closure Of Operations In Russia | Employee Relocation And Other Charges            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring charges       1,100    
Fiscal Year2023 Restructuring Program Closure Of Operations In Russia | Acceleration Of Depreciation And Amortization Of Property And Equipment            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring charges       300    
Business Optimization Program            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       507 (1,427) 33,449
Restructuring charges   $ 18,300        
Fair value of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment immediately subsequent to impairment       7,500    
Business Optimization Program | Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)     $ 14,900 0 0 14,918
Business Optimization Program | Impairment of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Certain Leases            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)     10,600      
Business Optimization Program | Impairment of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Property and Equipment            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)     4,300      
Business Optimization Program | Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)     3,400 0 0 3,378
Business Optimization Program | Acceleration of Expense of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Certain Leases            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)     2,900      
Business Optimization Program | Acceleration of Expense of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Property and Equipment            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)     $ 500      
Business Optimization Program | Facility related charges, net            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       1,519 1,849 3,684
Business Optimization Program | Other activities            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       0 0 (62)
Business Optimization Program | Severance and termination benefits            
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]            
Restructuring and related charges (credits)       $ (1,012) $ (3,276) $ 11,531
v3.23.2
Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits) - Pretax Restructuring Charges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   $ 49,389 $ (1,427) $ 33,310
Business Optimization Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   507 (1,427) 33,449
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   65,342    
Business Optimization Program | Severance and termination benefits        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   (1,012) (3,276) 11,531
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   34,107    
Business Optimization Program | Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits) $ 14,900 0 0 14,918
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   15,079    
Business Optimization Program | Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits) $ 3,400 0 0 3,378
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   3,378    
Business Optimization Program | Facility related charges, net        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   1,519 1,849 3,684
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   11,038    
Business Optimization Program | Other activities        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   0 0 (62)
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   1,740    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   48,882    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Severance and termination benefits        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   25,827    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   12,696    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   2,140    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Facility related charges, net        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   4,150    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Other activities        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   1,784    
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Consulting costs        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   2,285    
Research | Business Optimization Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   (231) 238 99
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   3,652    
Research | Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   2,413    
Academic | Business Optimization Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   31 (470) 3,457
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   12,447    
Academic | Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   10,335    
Talent | Business Optimization Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   (246) 23 303
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   4,900    
Talent | Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   3,255    
Corporate Expenses | Business Optimization Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   953 $ (1,218) $ 29,590
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date   44,343    
Corporate Expenses | Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   $ 32,879    
v3.23.2
Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits) - Activity for Restructuring Liability (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Business Optimization Program  
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]  
Restructuring liability, beginning of period $ 2,079
Charges (credits) (1,012)
Payments (1,042)
Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments 25
Restructuring liability, end of period 0
Business Optimization Program | Severance and termination benefits  
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]  
Restructuring liability, beginning of period 2,079
Charges (credits) (1,012)
Payments (1,042)
Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments 25
Restructuring liability, end of period 0
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program  
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]  
Restructuring liability, beginning of period 0
Charges (credits) 29,896
Payments (25,518)
Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments 203
Restructuring liability, end of period 4,581
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Severance and termination benefits  
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]  
Restructuring liability, beginning of period 0
Charges (credits) 25,827
Payments (21,247)
Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments (8)
Restructuring liability, end of period 4,572
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Consulting costs  
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]  
Restructuring liability, beginning of period 0
Charges (credits) 2,285
Payments (2,285)
Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments 0
Restructuring liability, end of period 0
Fiscal Year 2023 Restructuring Program | Other activities  
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]  
Restructuring liability, beginning of period 0
Charges (credits) 1,784
Payments (1,986)
Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments 211
Restructuring liability, end of period $ 9
v3.23.2
Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]    
Finished goods $ 29,339 $ 31,270
Work-in-process 1,031 1,729
Paper and other materials 248 275
Total inventories before estimated sales returns and LIFO reserve 30,618 33,274
Inventory value of estimated sales returns 6,923 7,820
LIFO reserve (6,808) (4,509)
Inventories, net 30,733 36,585
Adjustment for lower of cost or net realizable value $ 13,000 $ 11,200
v3.23.2
Product Development Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Product development assets, net $ 32,321 $ 41,458
Accumulated amortization 297,400 269,700
Book composition costs    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Product development assets, net 19,067 20,574
Work in process 7,400 4,400
Software costs    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Product development assets, net 11,338 17,479
Content development costs    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Product development assets, net $ 1,916 $ 3,405
v3.23.2
Technology, Property, and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Technology, property, and equipment, gross $ 834,170 $ 797,849  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (587,021) (526,277)  
Technology, property, and equipment, net 247,149 271,572 $ 282,270
Capitalized software amortization expense 78,441 73,847 69,184
Depreciation and amortization expense, excluding capitalized software 17,565 21,325 21,955
Total depreciation and amortization expense for technology, property and equipment 96,006 95,172 $ 91,139
Net book value of capitalized software costs 189,300 201,500  
Capitalized software      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Technology, property, and equipment, gross 649,138 605,503  
Work in process 100 7,200  
Computer hardware      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Technology, property, and equipment, gross 57,670 55,386  
Buildings and leasehold improvements      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Technology, property, and equipment, gross 89,056 94,861  
Furniture, fixtures, and warehouse equipment      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Technology, property, and equipment, gross 34,990 38,816  
Land and land improvements      
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]      
Technology, property, and equipment, gross $ 3,316 $ 3,283  
v3.23.2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of period $ 1,302,142    
Acquisitions 3,878    
Impairment (99,800) $ 0 $ 0
Divestitures (5,306)    
Foreign Translation Adjustment 3,136    
Balance, end of period 1,204,050 1,302,142  
Research      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of period 610,416    
Acquisitions 0    
Impairment 0    
Divestitures 0    
Foreign Translation Adjustment (687)    
Balance, end of period 609,729 610,416  
Academic      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of period 442,015    
Acquisitions 3,878    
Impairment (99,800)    
Divestitures (5,306)    
Foreign Translation Adjustment (89)    
Balance, end of period 340,698 442,015  
Talent      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of period 249,711    
Acquisitions 0    
Impairment 0    
Divestitures 0    
Foreign Translation Adjustment 3,912    
Balance, end of period $ 253,623 249,711  
Goodwill, accumulated impairment loss   $ 110,000  
v3.23.2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Segment
Apr. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2021
USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Number of customer-centric segments | Segment 2    
Number of reportable segments | Segment 3    
Impairment $ 99,800 $ 0 $ 0
Education Services      
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Impairment 31,000    
Long-lived assets 467,000    
University Services      
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Impairment 68,800    
Long-lived assets $ 326,000    
Academic      
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Number of reporting units | Segment 2    
Talent      
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Number of reporting units | Segment 2    
v3.23.2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2022
Jul. 31, 2021
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Intangible assets with definite lives, net        
Cost     $ 1,629,799 $ 1,630,461
Accumulated Amortization     (896,909) (817,331)
Total     732,890 813,130
Intangible assets with indefinite lives        
Cost     121,904 118,299
Total     121,904 118,299
Total intangible assets, net        
Cost     1,751,703 1,748,760
Total Intangible Assets, Net     854,794 931,429
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets $ 4,600 $ 4,600    
Brands and trademarks        
Intangible assets with indefinite lives        
Cost     37,000 37,000
Total     37,000 37,000
Publishing rights        
Intangible assets with indefinite lives        
Cost     84,904 81,299
Total     84,904 81,299
Publishing rights        
Intangible assets with definite lives, net        
Cost     1,100,463 1,099,778
Accumulated Amortization     (638,000) (599,841)
Total     462,463 499,937
Customer relationships        
Intangible assets with definite lives, net        
Cost     407,289 409,097
Accumulated Amortization     (189,943) (167,039)
Total     217,346 242,058
Developed technology        
Intangible assets with definite lives, net        
Cost     76,154 72,398
Accumulated Amortization     (30,654) (17,677)
Total     45,500 54,721
Accumulated impairment     2,800 2,800
Brands and trademarks        
Intangible assets with definite lives, net        
Cost     44,230 47,533
Accumulated Amortization     (36,949) (31,512)
Total     7,281 16,021
Accumulated impairment     93,100 93,100
Covenants not to compete        
Intangible assets with definite lives, net        
Cost     1,663 1,655
Accumulated Amortization     (1,363) (1,262)
Total     $ 300 $ 393
v3.23.2
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Future Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
2024 $ 77,287  
2025 70,583  
2026 68,077  
2027 63,429  
2028 57,347  
Thereafter 396,167  
Total $ 732,890 $ 813,130
v3.23.2
Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating lease ROU assets $ 91,197 $ 111,719
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities 19,673 20,576
Operating lease liabilities, non-current 115,540 $ 132,541
Increase (decrease) in ROU assets due to new leases as well as modifications and remeasurements to existing operating leases 2,400  
Increase (decrease) in operating lease liabilities due to new leases as well as modifications and remeasurements to existing operating leases $ 2,700  
v3.23.2
Operating Leases - Total Net Lease Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Leases [Abstract]      
Operating lease cost $ 18,620 $ 24,180 $ 24,862
Variable lease cost 1,326 1,496 2,135
Short-term lease cost 744 187 248
Sublease income (770) (945) (722)
Total net lease cost $ 19,920 $ 24,918 $ 26,523
v3.23.2
Operating Leases - Other Supplemental Information for Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Leases [Abstract]      
Weighted-average remaining contractual lease term (years) 8 years 9 years 9 years
Weighted-average discount rate 5.95% 5.84% 5.89%
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:      
Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 26,919 $ 29,737 $ 32,344
v3.23.2
Operating Leases - Reconciliation of Undiscounted Cash Flows to Operating Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Leases [Abstract]    
2024 $ 26,508  
2025 25,263  
2026 23,225  
2027 18,470  
2028 13,848  
Thereafter 64,186  
Total future undiscounted minimum lease payments 171,500  
Less: Imputed interest 36,287  
Present value of minimum lease payments 135,213  
Less: Current portion 19,673 $ 20,576
Noncurrent portion $ 115,540 $ 132,541
v3.23.2
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Current Provision      
US – Federal $ 2,857 $ (324) $ (6,631)
International 48,694 57,905 43,269
State and local 1,797 221 1,359
Total current provision 53,348 57,802 37,997
Deferred provision (benefit)      
US – Federal (24,368) (9,793) (11,996)
International (8,705) 15,882 1,175
State and local (4,408) (2,539) 480
Total deferred provision (benefit) (37,481) 3,550 (10,341)
Total provision 15,867 61,352 27,656
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]      
International 204,055 256,456 202,490
United States (170,955) (46,795) (26,578)
Income before taxes $ 33,100 $ 209,661 $ 175,912
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]      
US federal statutory rate 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
Cost (benefit) of higher (lower) taxes on non-US income (9.20%) 9.70% 1.10%
Foreign tax credits related to CARES Act carryback and audit 0.00% (11.90%) 12.30%
Change in valuation allowance (7.40%) 11.90% (12.30%)
State income taxes, net of US federal tax benefit (7.20%) (1.00%) 0.80%
US NOL carryback under CARES Act 0.00% 0.00% (8.00%)
Tax credits and related net benefits (10.40%) (0.50%) (0.50%)
Impairment of goodwill 66.70% 0.00% 0.00%
Other (5.60%) 0.10% 1.30%
Effective income tax rate 47.90% 29.30% 15.70%
Income Taxes [Abstract]      
Effective income tax rate reconciliation, percent 47.90% 29.30% 15.70%
Income Tax Uncertainties [Abstract]      
Unrecognized tax benefits $ 9,421 $ 8,592 $ 9,144
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued 300 600  
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes expense 200 200  
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate 9,400 8,600  
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]      
Balance, beginning of period 8,592 9,144  
Additions for current year tax positions 1,236 947  
Additions for prior year tax positions 533 16  
Reductions for prior year tax positions 0 0  
Foreign translation adjustment (24) (55)  
Payments and settlements 0 0  
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations (916) (1,460)  
Balance, end of period 9,421 8,592 $ 9,144
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]      
Net operating losses 27,434 20,847  
Reserve for sales returns and doubtful accounts 2,523 3,771  
Accrued employee compensation 24,928 26,722  
Foreign and federal credits 31,930 34,537  
Other accrued expenses 2,513 2,700  
Retirement and post-employment benefits 16,880 15,769  
Operating lease liabilities 26,631 28,111  
Total gross deferred tax assets 132,839 132,457  
Less valuation allowance (27,448) (30,000)  
Total deferred tax assets 105,391 102,457  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (2,927) (2,684)  
Unremitted foreign earnings (2,835) (2,685)  
Intangible and fixed assets (216,251) (249,104)  
Right-of-use assets (16,049) (19,286)  
Total deferred tax liabilities (238,062) (273,759)  
Net deferred tax liabilities (132,671) (171,302)  
Reported As      
Deferred tax assets 11,371 8,763  
Deferred tax liabilities (144,042) (180,065)  
Net deferred tax liabilities (132,671) $ (171,302)  
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Decrease to valuation allowance 2,600    
UK      
Income Taxes [Abstract]      
Non-cash deferred tax expense from re-measurement of net deferred tax liabilities $ 21,400    
UK | Minimum      
Income Taxes [Abstract]      
Foreign statutory tax rate 19.00%    
UK | Maximum      
Income Taxes [Abstract]      
Foreign statutory tax rate 25.00%    
State and Local Jurisdiction      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Operating loss carryforwards $ 111,000    
Apportioned state net operating loss carryforwards, tax effected value $ 6,300    
State and Local Jurisdiction | Minimum      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration period 1 year    
State and Local Jurisdiction | Maximum      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration period 20 years    
Foreign Tax Authority      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Estimated taxes upon repatriation $ 2,800    
v3.23.2
Debt and Available Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2022
Jan. 31, 2023
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Components of Total Debt Outstanding [Abstract]          
Short-term portion of long-term debt     $ 5,000 $ 18,750  
Long-term debt     743,292 768,277  
Total debt     748,292 787,027  
Unamortized debt issuance costs     700 300  
Annual Maturities of Long-term Debt, Including Short-term Portion [Abstract]          
2024     5,000    
2025     12,500    
2026     22,500    
2027     35,000    
2028     674,035    
Total     749,035    
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Payments of debt issuance costs     4,493 0 $ 0
Amended and Restated RCA          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Amortization expense of the lender and non-lender fees in interest expense     1,100 1,100 $ 1,100
Term Loan A Facility | Amended and Restated RCA          
Components of Total Debt Outstanding [Abstract]          
Long-term debt     191,757 204,343  
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Term of credit facility 5 years        
Debt instrument, face amount $ 200,000        
Debt issuance costs, line of credit arrangements, net   $ 800      
Debt issuance costs line of credit arrangements net lender fees   800      
Debt issuance costs, non-lender fees   100      
Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA          
Components of Total Debt Outstanding [Abstract]          
Long-term debt     551,535 $ 563,934  
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Term of credit facility 5 years        
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,115,000        
Payments of debt issuance costs   4,500      
Debt issuance costs, line of credit arrangements, net   5,800      
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost   (200)      
Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | Secured Overnight Financing Rate | Minimum          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate 0.10%        
Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | Secured Overnight Financing Rate | Maximum          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate 0.25%        
Line of Credit          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity     1,500,000    
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity     $ 700,000    
Weighted average interest rate on total debt outstanding during the period     4.05% 2.02%  
Debt, weighted average interest rate     4.76% 2.55%  
Revolving Credit Facility Through May 2024 | Amended and Restated RCA          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Term of credit facility     18 months    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 185,000        
Debt issuance costs, line of credit arrangements, net   200      
Revolving Credit Facility Through November 2027 | Amended and Restated RCA          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Term of credit facility     5 years    
Debt issuance costs, line of credit arrangements, net   $ 4,800      
Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Optional credit limit increase available on request 500,000        
Minimum increments in which optional credit limit increase may be requested $ 50,000        
Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | Minimum          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Line of credit facility fee percentage 0.15%        
Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | Maximum          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Line of credit facility fee percentage 0.25%        
Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | SOFR SONIA And EURIBOR Based Rates | Minimum          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Applicable margin 0.98%        
Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | SOFR SONIA And EURIBOR Based Rates | Maximum          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Applicable margin 1.50%        
Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | Base Rate          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Margin rate over reference rate used in determining base rate 0.50%        
Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | Base Rate | Minimum          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Applicable margin 0.00%        
Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | Daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate SOFR          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Margin rate over reference rate used in determining base rate 1.00%        
Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended and Restated RCA | Federal Funds Effective Rate | Maximum          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Applicable margin     0.50%    
Other Credit Facilities | Line of Credit          
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]          
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity     $ 1,000    
Outstanding borrowings under revolving credit facilities     $ 0 $ 0  
v3.23.2
Derivative Instruments and Activities (Details)
$ in Thousands, € in Millions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2021
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2023
EUR (€)
Derivative [Line Items]        
Long-term debt $ 748,292 $ 787,027    
Unamortized debt issuance costs 700 300    
Long-term debt, variable interest, amount 749,000      
Foreign exchange transaction losses 894 (3,192) $ (7,977)  
Fair Value, Recurring | Level 2 | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative asset   900    
Fair Value, Recurring | Level 2 | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging | Other Non-current Assets        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative asset   4,900    
Interest Rate Swap | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount 500,000 500,000    
Accumulated other comprehensive income, interest expense 5,000 (4,200) $ (3,700)  
Unrecognized gains to be reclassified into net income in the next twelve months 7,200      
Interest Rate Swap | Fair Value, Recurring | Level 2 | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative liability (600) (200)    
Derivative asset 7,800 5,800    
Interest Rate Swap | Fair Value, Recurring | Level 2 | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative asset 6,400      
Interest Rate Swap | Fair Value, Recurring | Level 2 | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging | Other Non-current Assets        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative asset 1,400      
Interest Rate Swap | March 15, 2023 Interest Rate Swap Variable Rate Loans | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 50,000 0    
Fixed Interest Rate 3.565%     3.565%
Term of derivative instrument 3 years      
Interest Rate Swap | March 14, 2023 Interest Rate Swap Variable Rate Loans | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 50,000 0    
Fixed Interest Rate 4.053%     4.053%
Term of derivative instrument 3 years      
Interest Rate Swap | March 13, 2023 Interest Rate Swap Variable Rate Loans | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 50,000 0    
Fixed Interest Rate 3.72%     3.72%
Term of derivative instrument 3 years      
Interest Rate Swap | December 13, 2022 Interest Rate Swap (Variable Rate Loans) | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 50,000 0    
Fixed Interest Rate 3.772%     3.772%
Term of derivative instrument 3 years      
Interest Rate Swap | June 16, 2022 Interest Rate Swap Variable Rate Loans | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 100,000 0    
Fixed Interest Rate 3.467%     3.467%
Term of derivative instrument 2 years      
Interest Rate Swap | April 06, 2022 Interest Rate Swap Variable Rate Loans | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 100,000 100,000    
Fixed Interest Rate 2.588%     2.588%
Term of derivative instrument 2 years      
Interest Rate Swap | April 12, 2021 Interest Rate Swap Variable Rate Loans | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 100,000 100,000    
Fixed Interest Rate 0.465%     0.465%
Term of derivative instrument 3 years      
Interest Rate Swap | February 26, 2020 Interest Rate Swap Variable Rate Loans | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 0 100,000    
Fixed Interest Rate 1.168%     1.168%
Term of derivative instrument 3 years      
Interest Rate Swap | August 07, 2019 Interest Rate Swap Variable Rate Loans | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) 1 | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 0 100,000    
Fixed Interest Rate 1.40%     1.40%
Term of derivative instrument 3 years      
Interest Rate Swap | June 24, 2019 Interest Rate Swap (Variable Rate Loans) | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) 1 | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Notional Amount $ 0 100,000    
Fixed Interest Rate 1.65%     1.65%
Term of derivative instrument 3 years      
Foreign Exchange Forward | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Open derivative contract $ 38,800     € 32
Foreign exchange transaction losses   $ (800)    
v3.23.2
Retirement Plans (Details)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Term of supplemental retirement benefits 10 years
Minimum  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee retirement age limit under retirement plans 60 years
Maximum  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Employee retirement age limit under retirement plans 65 years
v3.23.2
Retirement Plans - Components of Net Pension Expense (Income) and Weighted-Average Assumptions (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Retirement Indemnity Plan for the Employees of Cross Knowledge      
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]      
Curtailment credit $ 300 $ 100  
US      
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]      
Service cost 0 0 $ 0
Interest cost 11,242 9,451 9,504
Expected return on plan assets (9,924) (12,144) (11,969)
Amortization of prior service cost (154) (154) (154)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 2,295 2,617 3,501
Curtailment/settlement (credit) 0 0 0
Net pension expense (income) $ 3,459 $ (230) $ 882
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]      
Discount rate 4.60% 3.20% 3.10%
Expected return on plan assets 5.00% 5.30% 5.80%
Cost due to settlement and curtailment $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Non-US      
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]      
Service cost 796 1,196 1,396
Interest cost 13,389 11,148 8,901
Expected return on plan assets (23,134) (28,118) (26,971)
Amortization of prior service cost 60 67 58
Amortization of net actuarial loss 3,851 4,846 4,516
Curtailment/settlement (credit) (1,828) (39) 0
Net pension expense (income) $ (6,866) $ (10,900) $ (12,100)
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]      
Discount rate 3.00% 1.90% 1.60%
Rate of compensation increase 3.10% 3.00% 3.00%
Expected return on plan assets 5.50% 5.50% 5.70%
Cost due to settlement and curtailment $ 1,828 $ 39 $ 0
Russia | Russia Pension Plan | Maximum      
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]      
Curtailment/settlement (credit) (1,500)    
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]      
Cost due to settlement and curtailment $ 1,500    
v3.23.2
Retirement Plans - Changes in and Status of Defined Benefit Plans' Assets and Benefit Obligations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS      
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year $ 646,714    
Fair value, end of year 488,662 $ 646,714  
US      
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS      
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year 204,455 237,129  
Actual return on plan assets (5,953) (21,257)  
Employer contributions 3,701 3,812  
Employee contributions 0 0  
Settlements 0 0  
Benefits paid (15,596) (15,229)  
Foreign currency rate changes 0 0  
Fair value, end of year 186,607 204,455 $ 237,129
CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION      
Benefit obligation, beginning of year (249,570) (302,632)  
Service cost 0 0 0
Interest cost (11,242) (9,451) (9,504)
Actuarial gains 9,328 47,284  
Benefits paid 15,596 15,229  
Foreign currency rate changes 0 0  
Settlements and other 0 0  
Benefit obligation, end of year (235,888) (249,570) (302,632)
Underfunded status, end of year (49,281) (45,115)  
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED ON THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION      
Noncurrent assets 0 0  
Current pension liability (3,557) (3,545)  
Noncurrent pension liability (45,724) (41,570)  
Net amount recognized in statement of financial position (49,281) (45,115)  
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]      
Net actuarial losses (84,367) (80,114)  
Prior service cost gains (losses) 1,792 1,946  
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (82,575) (78,168)  
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,407) 16,345  
INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH AN ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS [Abstract]      
Accumulated benefit obligation 235,888 249,570  
Fair value of plan assets 186,607 204,455  
INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH A PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS      
Projected benefit obligation 235,888 249,570  
Fair value of plan assets $ 186,607 $ 204,455  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED IN DETERMINING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES      
Discount rate 5.10% 4.60%  
Accumulated benefit obligations $ (235,888) $ (249,570)  
Non-US      
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS      
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year 442,259 523,886  
Actual return on plan assets (133,855) (37,543)  
Employer contributions 11,600 12,595  
Employee contributions 0 0  
Settlements (394) 0  
Benefits paid (10,458) (10,703)  
Foreign currency rate changes (7,097) (45,976)  
Fair value, end of year 302,055 442,259 523,886
CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION      
Benefit obligation, beginning of year (474,802) (609,614)  
Service cost (796) (1,196) (1,396)
Interest cost (13,389) (11,148) (8,901)
Actuarial gains 127,635 84,746  
Benefits paid 10,458 10,703  
Foreign currency rate changes 5,416 51,660  
Settlements and other 2,470 47  
Benefit obligation, end of year (343,008) (474,802) $ (609,614)
Underfunded status, end of year (40,953) (32,543)  
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED ON THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION      
Noncurrent assets 830 5,855  
Current pension liability (1,203) (1,346)  
Noncurrent pension liability (40,580) (37,052)  
Net amount recognized in statement of financial position (40,953) (32,543)  
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]      
Net actuarial losses (197,701) (171,274)  
Prior service cost gains (losses) (1,058) (1,165)  
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss (198,759) (172,439)  
Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (26,320) 42,818  
INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH AN ACCUMULATED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS [Abstract]      
Accumulated benefit obligation 35,068 37,801  
Fair value of plan assets 496 475  
INFORMATION FOR PENSION PLANS WITH A PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION IN EXCESS OF PLAN ASSETS      
Projected benefit obligation 335,109 38,871  
Fair value of plan assets $ 293,326 $ 475  
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ASSUMPTIONS USED IN DETERMINING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES      
Discount rate 4.80% 3.00%  
Rate of compensation increase 3.00% 3.10%  
Accumulated benefit obligations $ (329,329) $ (450,037)  
v3.23.2
Retirement Plans - Pension Plan Assets/Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Notice period for redemption request 7 years    
Acceptable ranges within which asset allocations will fluctuate 5.00%    
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount $ 488,662 $ 646,714  
Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 1,902 8,815  
Level 2      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 306,690 440,921  
NAV      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount $ 180,070 196,978  
Equity securities:      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Target allocation percentage 47.00%    
Fixed Income Securities and Cash      
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]      
Target allocation percentage 53.00%    
US      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount $ 186,607 204,455 $ 237,129
US | Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 6,537 7,477  
US | NAV      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 180,070 196,978  
US | Global Equity Securities: Limited Partnership      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 80,006 85,326  
US | Global Equity Securities: Limited Partnership | Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 6,537 7,477  
US | Global Equity Securities: Limited Partnership | NAV      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 73,469 77,849  
US | Fixed income securities: Commingled funds      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 106,601 119,129  
US | Fixed income securities: Commingled funds | NAV      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 106,601 119,129  
Non-US      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 302,055 442,259 $ 523,886
Non-US | Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 1,902 1,338  
Non-US | Level 2      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 300,153 440,921  
Non-US | NAV      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 0 0  
Non-US | US equities      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 48,806 48,443  
Non-US | US equities | Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 0 0  
Non-US | US equities | Level 2      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 48,806 48,443  
Non-US | Non-US equities      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 39,618 112,162  
Non-US | Non-US equities | Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 0 0  
Non-US | Non-US equities | Level 2      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 39,618 112,162  
Non-US | Balanced managed funds      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 58,036 94,623  
Non-US | Balanced managed funds | Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 0 0  
Non-US | Balanced managed funds | Level 2      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 58,036 94,623  
Non-US | Fixed income securities: Commingled funds      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 133,878 185,192  
Non-US | Fixed income securities: Commingled funds | Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 0 0  
Non-US | Fixed income securities: Commingled funds | Level 2      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 133,878 185,192  
Non-US | Real estate/other      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 496 475  
Non-US | Real estate/other | Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 0 0  
Non-US | Real estate/other | Level 2      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 496 475  
Non-US | Cash and cash equivalents      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 21,221 1,364  
Non-US | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount 1,902 1,338  
Non-US | Cash and cash equivalents | Level 2      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]      
Defined benefit plan, plan assets, amount $ 19,319 $ 26  
v3.23.2
Retirement Plans - Expected Employer Contributions and Benefit Payments and Other Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Expected future employer contributions, next fiscal year $ 15,500    
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]      
2024 27,875    
2025 29,593    
2026 28,457    
2027 29,280    
2028 29,967    
2029–2033 162,877    
Total 308,049    
Defined Contribution Savings Plans [Abstract]      
Defined contribution plan, cost 30,700 $ 30,300 $ 24,300
US      
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]      
2024 15,889    
2025 15,529    
2026 15,333    
2027 15,398    
2028 15,482    
2029–2033 76,729    
Total 154,360    
Retiree Health Benefits [Abstract]      
Pension expense 3,459 (230) 882
Non-US      
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]      
2024 11,986    
2025 14,064    
2026 13,124    
2027 13,882    
2028 14,485    
2029–2033 86,148    
Total 153,689    
Retiree Health Benefits [Abstract]      
Pension expense (6,866) (10,900) (12,100)
Non-US | Minimum      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Expected future employer contributions, next fiscal year 11,800    
Postretirement Life Insurance and Health Care Benefits      
Retiree Health Benefits [Abstract]      
Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation 700 1,300  
Pension expense $ (100) $ (100) $ (100)
v3.23.2
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - 2014 Key Employee Stock Plan - Class A Common Stock
shares in Millions
Apr. 30, 2023
shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Number of shares authorized (in shares) 6.2
Number of shares available for grant (in shares) 6.3
v3.23.2
Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Apr. 30, 2016
Estimated weighted average fair value for options granted and significant weighted average assumptions used [Abstract]        
Weighted average fair value of options on grant date (in dollars per share)       $ 14.77
Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]        
Options Outstanding, Number of Options (in shares) 312,000      
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years) 7 years 7 months 6 days      
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 59.77      
Options Exercisable, Number of Options (in shares) 103,000      
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 60.49      
$36.60 to $39.53        
Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]        
Weighted average grant date, fair value (in dollars per share) 36.60      
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share) $ 39.53      
Options Outstanding, Number of Options (in shares) 13,000      
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years) 7 years 8 months 12 days      
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 37.26      
Options Exercisable, Number of Options (in shares) 3,000      
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 39.53      
$45.99 to $53.79        
Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]        
Weighted average grant date, fair value (in dollars per share) 45.99      
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share) $ 53.79      
Options Outstanding, Number of Options (in shares) 40,000      
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years) 8 years 8 months 12 days      
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 51.43      
Options Exercisable, Number of Options (in shares) 3,000      
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 53.24      
$55.62 to $63.07        
Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]        
Weighted average grant date, fair value (in dollars per share) 55.62      
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share) $ 63.07      
Options Outstanding, Number of Options (in shares) 259,000      
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years) 7 years 6 months      
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 62.17      
Options Exercisable, Number of Options (in shares) 97,000      
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) $ 61.34      
Options        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Stock options granted (in shares) 20,000 300,000    
Estimated weighted average fair value for options granted and significant weighted average assumptions used [Abstract]        
Weighted average fair value of options on grant date (in dollars per share) $ 9.24 $ 11.75    
Weighted Average Assumptions [Abstract]        
Expected life of options (years) 5 years 10 months 24 days 6 years 3 months 18 days    
Risk-free interest rate 2.00% 1.20%    
Expected volatility 32.40% 30.70%    
Expected dividend yield 3.40% 2.40%    
Fair value of common stock on grant date (in dollars per share) $ 41.30 $ 56.51    
Exercise price of stock option grant (in dollars per share) $ 41.30 $ 61.84    
Number of Options (in 000’s)        
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares) 310,000      
Granted (in shares) 20,000 300,000    
Exercised (in shares) (14,000)      
Expired or forfeited (in shares) (4,000)      
Outstanding at end of year (in shares) 312,000 310,000    
Exercisable (in shares) 103,000      
Vested and expected to vest in the future (in shares) 302,000      
Weighted Average Exercise Price        
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share) $ 59.89      
Granted (in dollars per share) 41.30      
Exercised (in dollars per share) 39.53      
Expired or forfeited (in dollars per share) 48.06      
Outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share) 59.77 $ 59.89    
Exercisable (in dollars per share) 60.49      
Vested and expected to vest in the future (in dollars per share) $ 60.18      
Weighted Average Remaining Term (in years)        
Outstanding at end of year 7 years 7 months 6 days      
Exercisable at end of year 6 years 1 month 6 days      
Vested and expected to vest in the future at end of year 7 years 7 months 6 days      
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions)        
Outstanding at end of year $ 0.0      
Exercisable at end of year 0.0      
Vested and expected to vest in the future 0.0      
Options, Additional Disclosure [Abstract]        
Award vesting amount $ 1.7      
Award vesting period 4 years      
Weighted average recognition period for unrecognized share-based compensation 2 years 2 months 12 days      
Options, exercises in period, intrinsic value $ 0.1 $ 0.4 $ 0.2  
Total grant date fair value of stock options vested $ 0.5 $ 1.3    
Options | Minimum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Exercise price of stock options granted as percentage of fair market value of stock at date of grant as required by the plan 100.00%      
Options | Maximum        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Exercisable period 10 years      
Options | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting percentage 10.00%      
Options | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Two        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting percentage 20.00%      
Options | Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Three        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting percentage 30.00%      
Options | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Four        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Award vesting percentage 40.00%      
Executive Leadership Team        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Stock options granted (in shares) 260,000      
Grant price (in dollars per share) $ 63.07      
Number of Options (in 000’s)        
Granted (in shares) 260,000      
Other Leaders        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Stock options granted (in shares) 40,000      
Number of Options (in 000’s)        
Granted (in shares) 40,000      
v3.23.2
Stock-Based Compensation - Performance-Based and Other Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2019
Apr. 30, 2017
Restricted Stock, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]            
Stock-based compensation expense $ 26,504 $ 25,705 $ 21,982      
Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards            
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Period for achievement of performance-based targets 3 years 3 years        
Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards | Key Employees | Vesting on June 30 Following End of Performance Cycle            
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Award vesting percentage 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%  
Restricted Stock Awards            
Restricted Shares            
Nonvested shares at beginning of year (in shares) 1,274 1,280 943      
Granted (in shares) 540 658 706      
Change in shares due to performance (in shares)     118      
Change in shares due to performance (in shares) (44) (3)        
Vested and issued (in shares) (544) (432) (362)      
Forfeited (in shares) (153) (229) (125)      
Nonvested shares at end of year (in shares) 1,073 1,274 1,280 943    
Weighted Average Grant Date Value            
Nonvested shares at beginning of year (in dollars per share) $ 49.17          
Granted (in dollars per share) 45.23          
Change in shares due to performance (in dollars per share) 43.29          
Vested and issued (in dollars per share) 47.27          
Forfeited (in dollars per share) 48.39          
Nonvested shares at end of year (in dollars per share) $ 48.49 $ 49.17        
Restricted Stock, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]            
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense $ 30,700          
Award vesting period 4 years          
Weighted average recognition period for unrecognized share-based compensation 2 years 3 months 18 days          
Grant date fair value of shares vested $ 25,700 $ 22,000 $ 17,600      
Restricted Stock Awards | Key Employees | Annual Vesting on Anniversary of Grant            
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]            
Award vesting percentage           25.00%
v3.23.2
Stock-Based Compensation - President and CEO New Hire Equity Awards (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Installment
$ / shares
shares
ELTIP  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Targeted long-term incentive as percentage of base salary 300.00%
Targeted long-term incentive value | $ $ 2.7
ELTIP | PSU Awards  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Percentage of targeted long-term incentive value 60.00%
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 59.15
Awards granted (in shares) | shares 30,916
ELTIP | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Percentage of targeted long-term incentive value 40.00%
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 59.15
Awards granted (in shares) | shares 20,611
ELTIP | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Vesting on April 30, 2018  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Award vesting percentage 25.00%
ELTIP | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Vesting on April 30, 2019  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Award vesting percentage 25.00%
ELTIP | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Vesting on April 30, 2020  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Award vesting percentage 25.00%
ELTIP | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Vesting on April 30, 2021  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Award vesting percentage 25.00%
Sign-On Grant | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 59.15
Awards granted (in shares) | shares 67,625
Grant value | $ $ 4.0
Number of equal installments | Installment 2
v3.23.2
Stock-Based Compensation - Director Stock Awards (Details) - Director Stock Plan - Class A Common Stock - Non-Employee Directors - shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]      
Value of annual award as percentage of annual director retainer fee based on stock price on date of grant 100.00%    
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, shares issued 30,706 18,384 28,360
v3.23.2
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts (Details)
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Vote
shares
Class A  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Class A common shares into which each share of class B common stock is convertible (in shares) | shares 1
Percentage of the board of directors elected by class A common stockholders 30.00%
Number of votes to which each share of common stock is entitled 0.1
Class B  
Class of Stock [Line Items]  
Number of votes to which each share of common stock is entitled 1
v3.23.2
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts - Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Apr. 30, 2020
Apr. 30, 2017
Class A          
Share Repurchases [Abstract]          
Stock repurchased during period, shares 831 542 308    
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share $ 42.07 $ 55.14 $ 50.93    
Class B          
Share Repurchases [Abstract]          
Stock repurchased during period, shares 1 2 2    
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share $ 42.07 $ 55.14 $ 50.93    
2017 Share Repurchase Program          
Capital Stock [Abstract]          
Additional shares of common stock approved for repurchase under the share repurchase program (in shares)         4,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased   0      
2020 Share Repurchase Program          
Capital Stock [Abstract]          
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount       $ 200.0  
Remaining amount authorized to be repurchased under the share repurchase program $ 162.5        
v3.23.2
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts - Dividends (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 20, 2022
Jan. 12, 2022
Oct. 27, 2021
Jul. 21, 2021
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Total dividend         $ 77,298 $ 77,205 $ 76,938
Class A              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         $ 1.39 $ 1.38 $ 1.37
Class A | Dividend Declared in Q1 2023              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         0.3475    
Total dividend       $ 19,400      
Class A | Dividend Declared in Q2 2023              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         0.3475    
Total dividend     $ 19,300        
Class A | Dividend Declared in Q3 2023              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         0.3475    
Total dividend   $ 19,300          
Class A | Dividend Declared in Q4 2023              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         0.3475    
Total dividend $ 19,200            
Class B              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         1.39 $ 1.38 $ 1.37
Class B | Dividend Declared in Q1 2023              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         0.3475    
Total dividend       $ 19,400      
Class B | Dividend Declared in Q2 2023              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         0.3475    
Total dividend     $ 19,300        
Class B | Dividend Declared in Q3 2023              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         0.3475    
Total dividend   $ 19,300          
Class B | Dividend Declared in Q4 2023              
Dividends Payable [Line Items]              
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)         $ 0.3475    
Total dividend $ 19,200            
v3.23.2
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts - Changes in Common Stock (Details) - shares
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Class A      
Changes in Common Stock [Abstract]      
Number of shares, beginning of year (in shares) 70,226,000 70,208,000 70,166,000
Common stock class conversions (in shares) 5,000 18,000 42,000
Number of shares issued, end of year (in shares) 70,231,000 70,226,000 70,208,000
Changes in Common Stock in Treasury [Abstract]      
Number of shares held, beginning of year (in shares) 23,515,000 23,419,000 23,405,000
Purchases of treasury shares (in shares) 831,000 542,000 308,000
Shares issued to directors (in shares) 0 (2,000) (6,000)
Restricted shares issued from exercise of stock options (in shares) (14,000) (49,000) (60,000)
Shares issued related to the acquisition of a business (in shares) 0 (129,000) 0
Shares withheld for taxes (in shares) 195,000 167,000 129,000
Other (in shares) 0 (2,000) (1,000)
Number of shares held, end of year (in shares) 23,983,000 23,515,000 23,419,000
Number of Class A Common Stock outstanding, end of year (in shares) 46,248,000 46,711,000 46,789,000
Class A | Non-PSU Awards      
Changes in Common Stock in Treasury [Abstract]      
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans (in shares) (394,000) (323,000) (268,000)
Class A | PSU Awards      
Changes in Common Stock in Treasury [Abstract]      
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans (in shares) (150,000) (108,000) (88,000)
Class B      
Changes in Common Stock [Abstract]      
Number of shares, beginning of year (in shares) 12,956,000 12,974,000 13,016,000
Common stock class conversions (in shares) (5,000) (18,000) (42,000)
Number of shares issued, end of year (in shares) 12,951,000 12,956,000 12,974,000
Changes in Common Stock in Treasury [Abstract]      
Number of shares held, beginning of year (in shares) 3,924,000 3,922,000 3,920,000
Purchases of treasury shares (in shares) 1,000 2,000 2,000
Number of shares held, end of year (in shares) 3,925,000 3,924,000 3,922,000
Number of Class A Common Stock outstanding, end of year (in shares) 9,026,000 9,032,000 9,052,000
v3.23.2
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts - Warrants (Details) - Learning House - Warrants
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
Nov. 01, 2018
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Acquisitions [Abstract]  
Issuance of warrants | $ $ 0.6
Warrants and rights outstanding, term 3 years
Class A Common Stock  
Acquisitions [Abstract]  
Class of warrant or right, number of securities called by warrants or rights (in shares) | shares 400,000
Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 90.00
v3.23.2
Segment Information (Details)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Segment
Apr. 30, 2022
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2021
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Number of customer-centric segments | Segment     2    
Number of reportable segments | Segment     3    
Segment Information [Abstract]          
Revenue, net     $ 2,019,900 $ 2,082,928 $ 1,941,501
Total adjusted operating income     213,344 217,849 218,821
Depreciation and amortization     213,253 215,170 200,189
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets $ 4,600 $ 4,600      
Operating Segments          
Segment Information [Abstract]          
Revenue, net     2,019,900 2,082,928 1,941,501
Adjusted corporate contribution to profit     385,270 410,433 385,874
Depreciation and amortization     196,791 198,617 185,517
Operating Segments | Research          
Segment Information [Abstract]          
Revenue, net     1,080,311 1,111,343 1,015,349
Adjusted corporate contribution to profit     283,984 295,227 273,023
Depreciation and amortization     93,008 94,899 83,866
Operating Segments | Academic          
Segment Information [Abstract]          
Revenue, net     690,408 759,112 769,014
Adjusted corporate contribution to profit     68,279 91,247 117,005
Depreciation and amortization     79,741 81,721 77,823
Operating Segments | Talent          
Segment Information [Abstract]          
Revenue, net     249,181 212,473 157,138
Adjusted corporate contribution to profit     33,007 23,959 (4,154)
Depreciation and amortization     24,042 21,997 23,828
Corporate Expenses          
Segment Information [Abstract]          
Adjusted corporate contribution to profit     (171,926) (192,584) (167,053)
Depreciation and amortization     $ 16,462 $ 16,553 $ 14,672
v3.23.2
Segment Information - Reconciliation of Consolidated U.S. GAAP Operating Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2023
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]        
US GAAP Operating Income   $ 55,890 $ 219,276 $ 185,511
Adjustments:        
Restructuring and related charges (credits)   49,389 (1,427) 33,310
Impairment of goodwill   99,800 0 0
Legal settlement $ 3,700 3,671 0 0
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets   84,881 84,836 74,685
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income   213,344 217,849 218,821
Brands        
Adjustments:        
Accelerated amortization of intangible assets   $ 4,594 $ 0 $ 0
v3.23.2
Segment Information - Total Assets by Segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Assets $ 3,108,810 $ 3,361,695
Operating Segments | Research    
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Assets 1,521,450 1,593,297
Operating Segments | Academic    
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Assets 870,586 1,023,887
Operating Segments | Talent    
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Assets 394,866 413,137
Corporate Expenses    
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Assets $ 321,908 $ 331,374
v3.23.2
Segment Information - Other Significant Reconciling Items by Segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Expenditures for long lived assets $ (104,113) $ (115,858) $ (103,361)
Operating Segments | Research      
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Expenditures for long lived assets (29,424) (30,139) (24,284)
Operating Segments | Academic      
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Expenditures for long lived assets (39,069) (43,580) (36,831)
Operating Segments | Talent      
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Expenditures for long lived assets (5,865) (7,810) (8,515)
Corporate Expenses      
Segment Reporting, Other Significant Reconciling Item [Line Items]      
Expenditures for long lived assets $ (29,755) $ (34,329) $ (33,731)
v3.23.2
Segment Information - Revenues from External Customers and Technology, Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net $ 2,019,900 $ 2,082,928 $ 1,941,501
Technology, property, and equipment, net 247,149 271,572 282,270
Reportable Geographical Components | United States      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 995,918 1,011,716 990,499
Technology, property, and equipment, net 210,547 232,824 241,217
Reportable Geographical Components | United Kingdom      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 150,601 164,205 145,806
Technology, property, and equipment, net 19,664 19,260 19,436
Reportable Geographical Components | China      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 150,939 140,323 92,305
Technology, property, and equipment, net 1,905 2,609 567
Reportable Geographical Components | Japan      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 89,084 94,040 91,957
Technology, property, and equipment, net 675 807 234
Reportable Geographical Components | Australia      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 79,802 80,993 57,569
Technology, property, and equipment, net 196 476 890
Reportable Geographical Components | Canada      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 83,039 80,640 67,635
Technology, property, and equipment, net 61 194 1,067
Reportable Geographical Components | Germany      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 59,867 75,805 78,035
Technology, property, and equipment, net 8,333 7,267 8,459
Reportable Geographical Components | France      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 34,260 43,007 45,681
Technology, property, and equipment, net 1,977 3,284 4,329
Reportable Geographical Components | India      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 43,505 38,279 32,228
Technology, property, and equipment, net 814 984 1,012
Reportable Geographical Components | Other Countries      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Revenue, net 332,885 353,920 339,786
Technology, property, and equipment, net $ 2,977 $ 3,867 $ 5,059
v3.23.2
Subsequent Events (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 26, 2023
USD ($)
$ / shares
Jul. 31, 2023
Segment
Apr. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Segment
$ / shares
Apr. 30, 2022
USD ($)
$ / shares
Apr. 30, 2021
USD ($)
$ / shares
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Revenue, net     $ 2,019,900 $ 2,082,928 $ 1,941,501
Number of reportable segments | Segment     3    
Total dividend     $ 77,298 $ 77,205 $ 76,938
Class A          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid | $ / shares     $ 1.39 $ 1.38 $ 1.37
Class B          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid | $ / shares     $ 1.39 $ 1.38 $ 1.37
Subsequent Event | Dividend Declared in Q1 2023          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Total dividend $ 19,300        
Subsequent Event | Dividend Declared in Q1 2023 | Class A          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid | $ / shares $ 0.3500        
Subsequent Event | Dividend Declared in Q1 2023 | Class B          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid | $ / shares $ 0.3500        
Subsequent Event | Forecast          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Number of reportable segments | Segment   2      
University Services, Wiley Edge, Cross Knowledge, Wiley’s Effective Learning, And Advancement Courses Business          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Revenue, net     $ 393,000    
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization     $ 43,000    
Revenue from Contract with Customers | University Services, Wiley Edge, Cross Knowledge, Wiley’s Effective Learning, And Advancement Courses Business | Disposal Group Concentration Risk          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Revenue percentage     19.00%    
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation And Amortization Benchmark | University Services, Wiley Edge, Cross Knowledge, Wiley’s Effective Learning, And Advancement Courses Business | Disposal Group Concentration Risk          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Revenue percentage     10.00%    
v3.23.2
Schedule II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2023
Apr. 30, 2022
Apr. 30, 2021
Allowance for sales returns      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of period $ 19,422 $ 22,199 $ 19,642
Charged to Expenses 24,439 29,191 36,997
Deductions From Reserves and Other 29,442 31,968 34,440
Balance at end of period 14,419 19,422 22,199
Allowance for sales returns | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 | Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of period 0 0 0
Balance at end of period   0 0
Allowance for doubtful accounts      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of period 21,221 21,474 18,335
Charged to Expenses 347 4,029 6,957
Deductions From Reserves and Other 2,906 4,282 5,594
Balance at end of period 18,662 21,221 21,474
Allowance for doubtful accounts | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 | Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of period 0 0 1,776
Balance at end of period   0 0
Allowance for inventory obsolescence      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of period 11,219 13,970 16,067
Charged to Expenses 7,222 6,786 9,236
Deductions From Reserves and Other 5,451 9,537 11,333
Balance at end of period 12,990 11,219 13,970
Allowance for inventory obsolescence | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 | Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of period 0 0 0
Balance at end of period   0 0
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets(3)      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of period 30,000 4,855 23,287
Charged to Expenses (4,037) 230 3,213
Deductions From Reserves and Other (1,485) (24,915) 21,645
Balance at end of period 27,448 30,000 4,855
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets(3) | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 | Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at beginning of period $ 0 0 0
Balance at end of period   $ 0 $ 0