John Wiley & Sons (WLY) 10-Q 5 Mar 21 2021 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Mar. 03, 2021
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000107140
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2021
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-11507
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 Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Common Stock Class A [Member]
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
Trading Symbol	JW.A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		46,817,333
Common Stock Class B [Member]
Entity Listings [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
Trading Symbol	JW.B
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,053,803

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - UNAUDITED - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jan. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 91,321	$ 202,464
Accounts receivable, net		278,939	309,384
Inventories, net		40,685	43,614
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		84,765	59,465
Total Current Assets		495,710	614,927
Product Development Assets, net		48,528	53,643
Royalty Advances, net		43,755	36,710
Technology, Property and Equipment, net		284,638	298,005
Intangible Assets, net		1,024,887	807,405
Goodwill		1,297,059	1,116,790
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets		125,287	142,716
Other Non-Current Assets		106,501	98,598
Total Assets		3,426,365	3,168,794
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable		72,937	93,691
Accrued royalties		143,884	87,408
Short-term portion of long-term debt	[1]	12,500	9,375
Contract liabilities	[2]	398,477	520,214
Accrued employment costs		103,223	108,448
Accrued income taxes		9,168	13,728
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities		20,965	21,810
Other accrued liabilities		80,922	72,595
Total Current Liabilities		842,076	927,269
Long-Term Debt		948,241	765,650
Accrued Pension Liability		167,881	187,969
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities		164,583	119,127
Operating Lease Liabilities		153,031	159,782
Other Long-Term Liabilities		86,751	75,373
Total Liabilities		2,362,563	2,235,170
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred Stock, $1 par value: Authorized - 2 million, Issued 0		0	0
Additional paid-in-capital		441,403	431,680
Retained earnings		1,827,866	1,780,129
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(499,529)	(575,497)
Less Treasury shares at cost (Class A - 23,394 and 23,405 as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020, respectively; Class B - 3,921 and 3,920 as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020, respectively)		(789,120)	(785,870)
Total Shareholders' Equity		1,063,802	933,624
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity		3,426,365	3,168,794
Class A [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Common Stock		70,208	70,166
Class B [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Common Stock		$ 12,974	$ 13,016
[1]	Relates to our term loan A under the Amended and Restated RCA.
[2]	The sales return reserve recorded in Contract Liabilities is $43.4 million and $32.8 million, as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by the negative impact of COVID-19 and the expected increase in print book returns.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - UNAUDITED (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000	2,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Class A [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	180,000	180,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	70,208	70,166
Treasury stock (in shares)	23,394	23,405
Class B [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	72,000	72,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	12,974	13,016
Treasury stock (in shares)	3,921	3,920

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - UNAUDITED - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]
Revenue, net	$ 482,912	$ 467,131	$ 1,405,249	$ 1,356,866
Costs and Expenses
Cost of sales	157,636	153,924	457,298	440,433
Operating and administrative expenses	251,242	245,683	735,778	736,233
Restructuring and related charges	20,675	3,298	24,813	18,034
Amortization of intangibles	19,032	15,732	53,089	45,722
Total Costs and Expenses	448,585	418,637	1,270,978	1,240,422
Operating Income	34,327	48,494	134,271	116,444
Interest Expense	(4,853)	(6,309)	(13,928)	(19,173)
Foreign Exchange Transaction Losses	(5,694)	(1,745)	(6,473)	(1,761)
Other Income	3,612	4,232	11,769	9,602
Income Before Taxes	27,392	44,672	125,639	105,112
Provision for Income Taxes	5,231	9,229	18,712	21,355
Net Income	$ 22,161	$ 35,443	$ 106,927	$ 83,757
Earnings Per Share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.40	$ 0.63	$ 1.91	$ 1.49
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.63	$ 1.90	$ 1.48
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
Basic (in shares)	55,984	56,073	55,967	56,312
Diluted (in shares)	56,332	56,503	56,230	56,698

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]
Net income	$ 22,161	$ 35,443	$ 106,927	$ 83,757
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	48,305	7,895	83,532	10,675
Unamortized retirement (costs) credits, net of tax benefit (expense) of $1,912, $41, $2,621, and $(317), respectively	(6,774)	(816)	(9,036)	776
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(184), $132, $(436) and $412, respectively	582	(393)	1,472	(1,053)
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	42,113	6,686	75,968	10,398
Comprehensive Income	$ 64,274	$ 42,129	$ 182,895	$ 94,155

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Other Comprehensive Income:
Unamortized retirement (costs) credits, tax benefit (expense)	$ 1,912	$ 41	$ 2,621	$ (317)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax (expense) benefit	$ (184)	$ 132	$ (436)	$ 412

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - UNAUDITED - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 22,161	$ 35,443	$ 106,927	$ 83,757
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of intangibles	19,032	15,732	53,089	45,722
Amortization of product development assets			25,323	26,653
Depreciation and amortization of technology, property and equipment			68,841	56,163
Restructuring and related charges	20,675	3,298	24,813	18,034
Stock-based compensation expense	5,600	5,400	14,744	15,662
Employee retirement plan expense			9,080	4,771
Royalty advances			(101,534)	(96,618)
Earned royalty advances			101,163	90,320
Foreign exchange transaction losses	5,694	1,745	6,473	1,761
Other non-cash charges			29,256	17,506
Net change in operating assets and liabilities			(183,349)	(174,844)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities			154,826	88,887
Investing Activities
Product development spending			(17,103)	(17,770)
Additions to technology, property and equipment			(58,176)	(65,924)
Businesses acquired in purchase transactions, net of cash acquired			(298,590)	(200,642)
Acquisitions of publication rights and other			(18,524)	(1,548)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities			(392,393)	(285,884)
Financing Activities
Repayment of long-term debt			(452,927)	(253,006)
Borrowing of long-term debt			627,097	572,423
Payment of debt issuance costs			0	(4,006)
Purchase of treasury shares			(7,063)	(35,000)
Change in book overdrafts			7,929	(301)
Cash dividends			(57,802)	(57,632)
Impact of tax withholding on stock-based compensation and other			(1,391)	(1,596)
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities			115,843	220,882
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash			10,631	530
Cash Reconciliation:
Cash and Cash Equivalents			202,464	92,890	$ 92,890
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets			583	658	658
Balance at Beginning of Period			203,047	93,548	93,548
(Decrease)/Increase for the Period			(111,093)	24,415
Cash and cash equivalents	91,321	117,355	91,321	117,355	202,464
Restricted cash included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets	633	608	633	608	583
Balance at End of Period	$ 91,954	$ 117,963	91,954	117,963	$ 203,047
Cash Paid During the Period for:
Interest			12,697	18,292
Income taxes, net of refunds			$ 46,148	$ 39,397

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]Class A [Member]	Common Stock [Member]Class B [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]Class A [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]Class B [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Class A [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]Class B [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]Class A [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]Class B [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]Class A [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]Class B [Member]	Total	Class A [Member]	Class B [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Common Stock [Member]Class A [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Common Stock [Member]Class B [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Treasury Stock [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]
Balance at Apr. 30, 2019	$ 70,127	$ 13,055	$ 422,305			$ 1,931,074			$ (508,738)			$ (746,476)			$ 1,181,347
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted Shares Issued Under Stock-Based Compensation Plans	0	0	(5,304)			0			0			5,603			299
Impact of Tax Withholding on Stock-Based Compensation and Other	0	0	355			0			0			(1,951)			(1,596)
Stock-based Compensation Expense	0	0	15,662			0			0			0			15,662
Purchase of Treasury Shares	0	0	0			0			0			(35,000)			(35,000)
Common Stock Dividends	0	0		$ 0	$ 0		$ (48,331)	$ (9,301)		$ 0	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0		$ (48,331)	$ (9,301)
Common Stock Class Conversions	29	(29)	0			0			0			0			0
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	0	0	0			83,757			10,398			0			94,155
Balance at Jan. 31, 2020	70,156	13,026	433,018			1,957,199			(498,340)			(777,824)			1,197,235			$ 70,156	$ 13,026	$ 433,018	$ 1,957,199	$ (498,340)	$ (777,824)	$ 1,197,235
Balance at Oct. 31, 2019	70,149	13,033	429,968			1,940,902			(505,026)			(770,030)			1,178,996
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted Shares Issued Under Stock-Based Compensation Plans	0	0	(2,512)			0			0			2,597			85
Impact of Tax Withholding on Stock-Based Compensation and Other	0	0	189			0			0			(391)			(202)
Stock-based Compensation Expense	0	0	5,373			0			0			0			5,373
Purchase of Treasury Shares	0	0	0			0			0			(10,000)			(10,000)
Common Stock Dividends	0	0		0	0		(16,049)	(3,097)		0	0		0	0		(16,049)	(3,097)
Common Stock Class Conversions	7	(7)	0			0			0			0			0
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	0	0	0			35,443			6,686			0			42,129
Balance at Jan. 31, 2020	70,156	13,026	433,018			1,957,199			(498,340)			(777,824)			1,197,235			70,156	13,026	433,018	1,957,199	(498,340)	(777,824)	1,197,235
Balance at Apr. 30, 2020	70,166	13,016	431,680			1,780,129			(575,497)			(785,870)			933,624			$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,390)	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1,390)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted Shares Issued Under Stock-Based Compensation Plans	0	0	(5,392)			2			0			5,575			185
Impact of Tax Withholding on Stock-Based Compensation and Other	0	0	371			0			0			(1,762)			(1,391)
Stock-based Compensation Expense	0	0	14,744			0			0			0			14,744
Purchase of Treasury Shares	0	0	0			0			0			(7,063)			(7,063)
Common Stock Dividends	0	0		0	0		(48,477)	(9,325)		0	0		0	0		(48,477)	(9,325)
Common Stock Class Conversions	42	(42)	0			0			0			0			0
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	0	0	0			106,927			75,968			0			182,895
Balance at Jan. 31, 2021	70,208	12,974	441,403			1,827,866			(499,529)			(789,120)			1,063,802
Balance at Oct. 31, 2020	70,179	13,003	435,851			1,825,025			(541,642)			(782,203)			1,020,213
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Restricted Shares Issued Under Stock-Based Compensation Plans	0	0	(128)			2			0			193			67
Impact of Tax Withholding on Stock-Based Compensation and Other	0	0	2			0			0			(47)			(45)
Stock-based Compensation Expense	0	0	5,678			0			0			0			5,678
Purchase of Treasury Shares	0	0	0			0			0			(7,063)			(7,063)
Common Stock Dividends	0	0		$ 0	$ 0		$ (16,220)	$ (3,102)		$ 0	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0		$ (16,220)	$ (3,102)
Common Stock Class Conversions	29	(29)	0			0			0			0			0
Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	0	0	0			22,161			42,113			0			64,274
Balance at Jan. 31, 2021	$ 70,208	$ 12,974	$ 441,403			$ 1,827,866			$ (499,529)			$ (789,120)			$ 1,063,802

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_8

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Class A [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 0.3425	$ 0.34	$ 1.0275	$ 1.02
Class B [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 0.3425	$ 0.34	$ 1.0275	$ 1.02

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Note 1 Basis of Presentation 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. Our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all the accounts of the Company and our subsidiaries. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances in consolidation. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Condition, Results of Operations, Comprehensive Income and Cash Flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year. All amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts, and approximate due to rounding. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the most recent audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 as filed with the SEC on June 26, 2020 (“2020 Form 10-K”). Our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with the interim reporting requirements of the SEC. As permitted under those rules, annual footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The preparation of our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Recent Accounting Standards

Recent Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Standards	Note 2 Recent Accounting Standards Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract.” ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. We adopted ASU 2018-15 on May 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements at the date of adoption. Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 removes, modifies, and added disclosures. We adopted ASU 2018-13 on May 1, 2020. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements or disclosures as a result of adoption. Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” Subsequently, in May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05 - "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief”, in April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses,” in November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses,” and in February 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-02, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842)—Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (SEC Update)”. ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for most financial assets held at the reporting date based on an expected loss model which includes historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will now use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses. ASU 2016-13, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-11 and ASU 2020-02 were effective for us on May 1, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal periods, with early adoption permitted. We adopted the new standard on May 1, 2020, with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Based on financial instruments currently held by us, the adoption of ASU 2016-13 primarily impacted our trade receivables, specifically our allowance for doubtful accounts. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on our , or our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See the table below for further details on the immaterial impact to our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. We are exposed to credit losses through our accounts receivable with customers. Accounts Receivable, net is stated at amortized cost net of provision for credit losses. Our methodology to measure the provision for credit losses requires an estimation of loss rates based upon historical loss experience adjusted for factors that are relevant to determining the expected collectability of accounts receivable such as the impact of COVID-19, delinquency trends, aging behavior of receivables, credit and liquidity indicators for industry groups, customer classes or individual customers 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 customer’s ability to pay is assessed through our internal credit review processes. Based on the dollar value of credit extended, we assess our customers' credit by reviewing the total expected receivable exposure, expected timing of payments and the customer’s established credit rating. In determining customer creditworthiness, we assess our customers' credit utilizing different resources including third-party validations and/or our own assessment through analysis of the customers' financial statements and review of trade/bank references. We also consider contract terms and conditions, country and political risk, and the customer's 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. The following table presents the change in provision for credit losses, which is presented net in Accounts Receivable on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the period indicated: Provision for Credit Losses Balance as of April 30, 2020 $ 18,335 Adjustment due to adoption of new credit losses standard recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings 1,776 Current period provision 5,910 Amounts written off, less recoveries (3,186 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustments and other (1,425 ) Balance as of January 31, 2021 $ 21,410 Recently Issued Accounting Standards Convertible Debt Instruments, Derivatives and EPS In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)”. This ASU reduces the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. As well as amend the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions. In addition, this ASU improves and amends the related EPS guidance. This standard is effective for us on May 1, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption is either a modified retrospective method or a fully retrospective method of transition. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Reference Rate Reform In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” This ASU provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. This would apply to companies meeting certain criteria that have contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This standard is effective for us immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This ASU is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions within Topic 740, “Income Taxes” and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2021, and early adoption is permitted in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” ASU 2018-14 removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and added additional disclosures. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2018-14 would need to be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our disclosures.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 3 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 2021 Hindawi On December 31, 2020, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of Hindawi Limited (“Hindawi”). Hindawi is a scientific research publisher and an innovator in open access publishing. Its results of operations are included in our Research Publishing & Platforms segment. The preliminary fair value of the consideration transferred at the acquisition date was $300.1 million which included $299.3 million of cash and $0.8 million related to the settlement of a preexisting relationship. We financed the payment of the cash consideration primarily through borrowings under our Amended and Restated RCA (as defined below in Note 15, “Debt and Available Credit Facilities”) and using cash on hand. The fair value of the cash consideration transferred, net of $1.0 million of cash acquired was approximately $298.3 million. The Hindawi acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The preliminary excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible and intangible assets has been recorded to Goodwill in our Condensed . Goodwill represents synergies and economies of scale expected from the combination of services. the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. None of the goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes. The acquisition related costs to acquire Hindawi were expensed when incurred and were approximately $ million. Such costs were allocated to the Research Publishing and Platforms segment and are reflected in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended January 31, 2021. Hindawi’s revenue and operating loss included in our Research Publishing and Platforms segment results for the three months ended January 31, 2021 was $1.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the preliminary consideration transferred to acquire Hindawi and the preliminary allocation of the purchase price among the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Preliminary Allocation Total preliminary consideration transferred $ 300,086 Assets: Current Assets 2,902 Technology, Property and Equipment, net 844 Intangible Assets, net 194,400 Goodwill 141,775 Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets 3,716 Other Non-Current Assets 177 Total Assets $ 343,814 Liabilities: Current Liabilities 3,657 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 36,936 Operating Lease Liabilities 3,135 Total Liabilities $ 43,728 The following table summarizes the preliminary identifiable intangible assets acquired and their weighted-average useful life at the date of acquisition. Estimated Fair Value Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years) Content and Publishing Rights $ 188,500 15 Developed Technology 4,500 5 Trademarks 1,000 2 Customer Relationships 400 15 Total $ 194,400 The allocation of the total consideration transferred to the assets acquired, including intangible assets and goodwill, and the liabilities assumed is preliminary, and could be revised as a result of additional information obtained due to the finalization of the third-party valuation report, leases and related commitments, 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 2020 mthree On January 1, 2020, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding stock of mthree. mthree is a rapidly growing education services 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 Education Services segment. The fair value of the consideration transferred was $129.9 million (£98.5 million) which included $122.2 million of cash at the acquisition date, $6.4 that was paid in cash after the acquisition date as part of the assumed liabilities, and $1.3 million of cash to be paid after the acquisition date. We financed the payment of the cash consideration primarily through borrowings under our Amended and Restated RCA (as defined below in Note 15, “Debt and Available Credit Facilities”) and using cash on hand. The fair value of the cash consideration transferred including those amounts paid after the acquisition date in fiscal year 2020, net of $2.2 million of cash acquired was approximately $126.4 million. At the time of the acquisition, Wiley entered into agreements with certain employees of mthree who will remain employees after the acquisition. Cash payments will be made based on reaching certain revenue and EBITDA targets in each year over a four-year period. Such payments are subject to continuing employment and would therefore be considered compensation expense for services provided subsequent to the acquisition. Such expense would be recognized when it becomes probable that the targets will be achieved. The mthree acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible and intangible assets has been recorded to Goodwill in our Condensed . The fair value assessed for the majority of the tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed equaled their carrying value. 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. None of the goodwill will be deductible for tax purposes. The acquisition related costs to acquire mthree were expensed when incurred and were approximately $1.3 million for the twelve months ended April 30, 2020. Such costs were primarily allocated to the Education Services segment and were reflected in Operating and Administrative Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income in the year ended April 30, 2020. mthree’s incremental revenue included in our Education Services segment results for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 was $7.7 million and $32.6 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to acquire mthree and the final allocation of the purchase price among the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Preliminary Allocation as of April 30, 2020 Measurement Period Adjustments Final Allocation as of January 31, 2021 Total cash consideration at the acquisition date and cash to be paid $ 122,242 $ 1,289 $ 123,531 Assets Current Assets 8,750 473 9,223 Technology, Property and Equipment, net 484 — 484 Intangible Assets, net 56,836 — 56,836 Goodwill 82,561 — 82,561 Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets 3,710 — 3,710 Total Assets $ 152,341 $ 473 $ 152,814 Liabilities: Current Liabilities 14,380 (816 ) 13,564 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 12,722 — 12,722 Operating Lease Liabilities 2,692 — 2,692 Other Long-Term Liabilities 305 — 305 Total Liabilities $ 30,099 $ (816 ) $ 29,283 The following table summarizes the identifiable intangible assets acquired and their weighted-average useful life at the date of acquisition. Fair Value Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years) Customer Relationships $ 48,792 12 Trademarks 6,725 10 Content 1,319 4 Total $ 56,836 The allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is final. Zyante Inc. On July 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition of Zyante Inc. (“zyBooks”), a leading provider of computer science and STEM education courseware. The results of operations of zyBooks are included in our Academic & Professional Learning segment results. The fair value of the consideration transferred at the acquisition date was $57.1 million which included $55.9 million of cash and $1.2 million of additional consideration to be paid after the acquisition date, inclusive of purchase price adjustments which were finalized in the three months ended January 31, 2020. The fair value of the cash consideration transferred after the acquisition date, that was paid during the nine months ended January 31, 2021 was $0.3 million. zyBooks incremental revenue included in our Academic & Professional Learning segment results for the ended was and $ million, respectively. The allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed was final as of April 30, 2020. This i ncluded goodwill of $ million allocated to the Academic & Professional Learning segment, and $ million of intangible assets. Other Acquisitions in Fiscal Year 2020 The preliminary fair value of cash consideration transferred during the year ended April 30, 2020 for all other acquisitions was approximately $ million. These other acquisitions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting as of their respective acquisition dates. During the , a revision of $ million from goodwill to intangibles assets was made to the allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the Informatics and Madgex acquisitions, due to additional information obtained related to the third-party valuation. The excess purchase price over identifiable net tangible and intangible assets of $ million has been recorded to Goodwill on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of , and $ million of intangible assets subject to amortization have been recorded, including customer relationships, developed technology, content and trademarks that are being amortized over estimated weighted average useful lives of , , , and years, respectively. The fair value assessed for the majority of the tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed equaled their carrying value. Goodwill represents synergies and economies of scale expected from the combination of services. Goodwill of $ million has been allocated to the Academic & Professional Learning segment, and $ million has been allocated to the Research Publishing & Platforms segment. The incremental revenue for the three and related to these other acquisitions was approximately $ million and $ million, respectively On April 1, 2020, we completed the acquisition of Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.’s Informatics products including the company’s spectroscopy software and spectral databases (“Informatics”). The results of Informatics are included in our Research Publishing & Platforms segment results. On March 2, 2020, we completed the acquisition of Madgex Holdings Limited (“Madgex”), a market-leading provider of advanced job board software and career center services. The results of Madgex are included in our Research Publishing & Platforms segment results. The allocation of the total consideration transferred to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed for Informatics and Madgex is preliminary, and could be revised as a result of additional information obtained due to the finalization of the third-party valuation report, leases and related commitments, 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 dates. On May 31, 2019, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Knewton, Inc. (“Knewton”). Knewton is a provider of affordable courseware and adaptive learning technology. The results of Knewton are included in our Academic & Professional Learning segment results. The allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed for Knewton was final as of April 30, 2020. We also completed in fiscal year 2020 the acquisition of immaterial businesses, which are included in our Research Publishing & Platforms segment, immaterial business included in our Academic & Professional Learning segment results and immaterial business in our Education Services business. The allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed for these other acquisitions was final as of October 31, 2020.

Revenue Recognition, Contracts

Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers	Note 4 Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers Disaggregation of Revenue The following table presents our revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type. Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Research Publishing & Platforms: Research Publishing $ 229,327 $ 223,393 $ 700,482 $ 668,405 Research Platforms 10,523 10,163 31,512 29,235 Total Research Publishing & Platforms 239,850 233,556 731,994 697,640 Academic & Professional Learning: Education Publishing 98,160 100,982 265,349 268,246 Professional Learning 75,955 77,296 206,269 232,615 Total Academic & Professional Learning 174,115 178,278 471,618 500,861 Education Services: Education Services OPM (1) 56,725 50,263 163,248 151,200 mthree (1) 12,222 5,034 38,389 7,165 Total Education Services 68,947 55,297 201,637 158,365 Total Revenue $ 482,912 $ 467,131 $ 1,405,249 $ 1,356,866 (1) In May 2020, we moved the IT bootcamp business acquired as part of The Learning House acquisition from Education Services Online Program Management (“OPM”) to mthree. As a result, the prior period revenue related to the IT bootcamp business has been included in mthree. There were no changes to our total Education Services or our consolidated financial results. 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. January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Increase/ (Decrease) Balances from contracts with customers: Accounts receivable, net $ 278,939 $ 309,384 $ (30,445 ) Contract liabilities (1) 398,477 520,214 (121,737 ) Contract liabilities (included in Other Long-Term Liabilities) $ 18,145 $ 14,949 $ 3,196 (1) The sales return reserve recorded in Contract Liabilities is $43.4 million and $32.8 million, as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by the negative impact of COVID-19 and the expected increase in print book returns. For the nine months ended January 31, 2021, we estimate that we recognized revenue of approximately 97% that was included in the current contract liability balance at April 30, 2020. The decrease in contract liabilities as of January 31, 2021 was driven by revenue earned primarily on journal subscriptions, open access and comprehensive agreements, test preparation and certification offerings and digital courseware, partially offset by renewals of journal subscription agreements, and comprehensive agreements and, to a lesser extent, the impact of foreign exchange. Remaining Performance Obligations included in Contract Liability As of January 31, 2021, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations is approximately $416.6 million, which included the sales return reserve of $43.4 million. Excluding the sales return reserve, we expect that approximately $355.1 million will be recognized in the next twelve months with the remaining $18.1 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 revenue streams, (1) Research Platforms and (2) Education Services. Our assets associated with incremental costs to fulfill a contract were $11.8 million and $11.5 million at January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020, respectively, and are included within Other Non-Current Assets on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. We recorded amortization expense of $1.3 million and $3.9 million during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, respectively, related to these assets within Cost of Sales on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We recorded amortization expense of $1.0 million and $3.1 million during the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, respectively, related to these assets within Cost of Sales on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Sales and value-added taxes are excluded from revenues. Shipping and handling costs, which are primarily incurred within the Academic & Professional Learning 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 our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. We incurred $7.1 million and $20.3 million in shipping and handling costs in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, respectively. We incurred $7.7 million and $22.7 million in shipping and handling costs in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, respectively.

Operating Leases

Operating Leases	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases	Note 5 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. Right-of-use (“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 is 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. Under the leasing standard, leases that are more than one year in duration are capitalized and recorded on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. 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. Furthermore, some of our lease payments are based on index rates with minimum annual increases. These represent fixed payments and are captured in the future minimum lease payments calculation. For operating leases, the ROU assets and liabilities are presented on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as follows: January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 125,287 $ 142,716 Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities 20,965 21,810 Operating lease liabilities, non-current $ 153,031 $ 159,782 During the nine months ended January 31, 2021, we added $6.2 million to the ROU assets and $6.1 million to the operating lease liabilities due to new leases, including due to acquisitions, as well as modifications and remeasurements to our existing operating leases. As a result of expanding the scope of the Business Optimization Program to include the exit of certain leased office space beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we incurred an initial pre-tax restructuring charge of $18.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2021. This initial charge included impairment charges and acceleration of expense associated with certain operating lease ROU assets. See Note 9 , “Restructuring and Related Charges” for more information on this program and the charges incurred. Our total net lease costs are as follows: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 5,652 $ 6,286 $ 18,898 $ 19,346 Variable lease cost 449 1,004 1,700 3,122 Short-term lease cost 34 — 214 — Sublease income (181 ) (180 ) (526 ) (519 ) Total net lease cost (1) $ 5,954 $ 7,110 $ 20,286 $ 21,949 (1) Total net lease cost does not include those costs included in Restructuring and Related Charges on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9 , “Restructuring and Related Charges” for more information on these programs. Other supplemental information includes the following for our operating leases: Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 Weighted-average remaining contractual lease term (years) 9 10 Weighted-average discount rate 5.89 % 5.91 % Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 24,563 $ 22,029 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 our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of January 31, 2021: Fiscal Year Operating Lease Liabilities 2021 (remaining 3 months) $ 8,081 2022 29,957 2023 26,722 2024 24,681 2025 23,191 Thereafter 115,451 Total future undiscounted minimum lease payments 228,083 Less: Imputed interest 54,087 Present Value of Minimum Lease Payments 173,996 Less: Current portion 20,965 Noncurrent portion $ 153,031

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Note 6 Stock-Based Compensation We have stock-based compensation plans under which employees may be granted performance-based stock awards and other restricted stock awards. Prior to fiscal year 2017, we also granted options to purchase shares of our common stock at the fair market value at the time of grant. We recognize the grant date fair value of stock-based compensation in net income on a straight-line basis, net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period. The measurement of performance for performance-based stock awards is based on actual financial results for targets established up to three years in advance, or less. For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, we recognized stock-based compensation expense, on a pre-tax basis of $5.6 million and $14.7 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, we recognized stock-based compensation expense, on a pre-tax basis of $5.4 million and $15.7 million, respectively. The following table summarizes restricted stock awards we granted to employees (shares in thousands): Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 Restricted Stock: Awards granted 691 738 Weighted average fair value of grant $ 41.26 $ 44.85

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Note 7 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by component, net of tax, for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Unamortized Retirement Costs Interest Rate Swaps Total Balance at October 31, 2020 $ (305,476 ) $ (230,182 ) $ (5,984 ) $ (541,642 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 48,305 (8,237 ) (381 ) 39,687 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1,463 963 2,426 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 48,305 (6,774 ) 582 42,113 Balance at January 31, 2021 $ (257,171 ) $ (236,956 ) $ (5,402 ) $ (499,529 ) Balance at April 30, 2020 $ (340,703 ) $ (227,920 ) $ (6,874 ) $ (575,497 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 83,532 (13,527 ) (1,302 ) 68,703 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 4,491 2,774 7,265 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 83,532 (9,036 ) 1,472 75,968 Balance at January 31, 2021 $ (257,171 ) $ (236,956 ) $ (5,402 ) $ (499,529 ) Foreign Currency Translation Unamortized Retirement Costs Interest Rate Swaps Total Balance at October 31, 2019 $ (309,327 ) $ (194,465 ) $ (1,234 ) $ (505,026 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 7,895 (2,063 ) (271 ) 5,561 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1,247 (122 ) 1,125 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 7,895 (816 ) (393 ) 6,686 Balance at January 31, 2020 $ (301,432 ) $ (195,281 ) $ (1,627 ) $ (498,340 ) Balance at April 30, 2019 $ (312,107 ) $ (196,057 ) $ (574 ) $ (508,738 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 10,675 (2,893 ) (424 ) 7,358 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 3,669 (629 ) 3,040 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 10,675 776 (1,053 ) 10,398 Balance at January 31, 2020 $ (301,432 ) $ (195,281 ) $ (1,627 ) $ (498,340 ) During the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, pre-tax actuarial losses included in Unamortized Retirement Costs of approximately $1.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively, and in the three and , approximately $ million and $ million, respectively,

Reconciliation of Weighted Aver

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	Note 8 Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation of earnings per share follows (shares in thousands): Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Weighted average shares outstanding 55,984 56,083 55,968 56,328 Less: Unvested restricted shares — (10 ) (1 ) (16 ) Shares used for basic earnings per share 55,984 56,073 55,967 56,312 Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units and other stock awards 348 430 263 386 Shares used for diluted earnings per share 56,332 56,503 56,230 56,698 Since their inclusion in the calculation of diluted earnings per share would have been anti-dilutive, options to purchase 0.1 million and 0.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock have been excluded for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, respectively, and options to purchase 0.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock have been excluded for both the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, respectively. Nominal number of restricted shares have been excluded in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, respectively as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. No restricted shares were excluded for the three months ended January 31, 2020, and 0.1 million shares have been excluded for the nine months ended January 31, 2020 as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Warrants to purchase 0.5 million shares of Class A Common Stock have been excluded for both the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, respectively as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Warrants to purchase 0.5 million shares of Class A Common Stock have been excluded for both the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, respectively as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The shares associated with performance-based stock awards 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. The number of shares related to performance-based stock awards outstanding which were not included in diluted earnings per share was 0.6 million shares for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, respectively, and 0.5 million shares for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, respectively.

Restructuring and Related Charg

Restructuring and Related Charges	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Restructuring and Related Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Charges	Note 9 Restructuring and Related Charges Business Optimization Program Beginning in fiscal year 2020, we initiated a multi-year Business Optimization Program (the “Business Optimization Program”) to drive efficiency improvement and operating savings. The following tables summarize the pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) related to this program: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, Total Charges 2021 2020 2021 2020 Incurred to Date Charges (Credits) by Segment: Research Publishing & Platforms $ 83 $ 66 $ (217 ) $ 2,731 $ 3,329 Academic & Professional Learning 314 1,556 1,628 5,098 12,103 Education Services 71 4 294 1,721 4,068 Corporate Expenses 20,193 2,167 23,247 8,267 38,265 Total Restructuring and Related Charges $ 20,661 $ 3,793 $ 24,952 $ 17,817 $ 57,765 Charges (Credits) by Activity: Severance and termination benefits $ 825 $ 2,313 $ 3,618 $ 13,600 $ 30,482 Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment 14,924 — 14,924 161 15,085 Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment 3,378 — 3,378 — 3,378 Facility related charges 1,614 1,480 3,112 2,720 7,098 Other activities (80 ) — (80 ) 1,336 1,722 Total Restructuring and Related Charges $ 20,661 $ 3,793 $ 24,952 $ 17,817 $ 57,765 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 third quarter of fiscal 2021, and the reduction of our occupancy at other facilities. We are reducing our real estate square footage occupancy by approximately 12%. These actions resulted in an initial pre-tax restructuring charge of $18.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2021. This initial restructuring charge primarily reflects the following non-cash charges: • impairment charges of $14.9 million, 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 operating lease In addition, we also incurred ongoing facility-related costs associated with certain properties that resulted in additional restructuring charges of $1.6 million and $3.1 million in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021, respectively. Other Activities for the nine months ended January 31, 2020 relate to reserves associated with the cessation of certain offerings and the impairment of certain software licenses. The following table summarizes the activity for the Business Optimization Program liability for the nine months ended January 31, 2021: April 30, 2020 Charges (Credits) Payments Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments January 31, 2021 Severance and termination benefits $ 17,632 $ 3,618 $ (16,825 ) $ 589 $ 5,014 Other activities 430 (80 ) (262 ) (88 ) — Total $ 18,062 $ 3,538 $ (17,087 ) $ 501 $ 5,014 The restructuring liability as of January 31, 2021 for accrued severance and termination benefits is reflected in Accrued Employment Costs on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Restructuring and Reinvestment Program Beginning in the year ended April 30, 2013, we initiated a global program (the “Restructuring and Reinvestment Program”) to restructure and realign our cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions. We are targeting a majority of the expected cost savings achieved to improve margins and earnings, while the remainder will be reinvested in high-growth digital business opportunities. The following tables summarize the pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) related to this program: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, Total Charges 2021 2020 2021 2020 Incurred to Date Charges (Credits) by Segment: Research Publishing & Platforms $ — $ (26 ) $ (135 ) $ 655 $ 26,749 Academic & Professional Learning 14 (15 ) 274 48 43,108 Education Services — — — (103 ) 3,764 Corporate Expenses — (454 ) (278 ) (383 ) 95,662 Total Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits) $ 14 $ (495 ) $ (139 ) $ 217 $ 169,283 Charges (Credits) by Activity: Severance and termination benefits $ 14 $ (324 ) $ (139 ) $ 173 $ 115,870 Consulting and contract termination costs — (171 ) — (171 ) 20,984 Other activities — — — 215 32,429 Total Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits) $ 14 $ (495 ) $ (139 ) $ 217 $ 169,283 Other activities for the nine months ended January 31, 2020 include facility related costs. The following table summarizes the activity for the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability for the nine months ended January 31, 2021: April 30, 2020 (Credits) Payments Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments January 31, 2021 Severance and termination benefits $ 1,360 $ (139 ) $ (888 ) $ 69 $ 402 Other activities 230 — (145 ) 345 430 Total $ 1,590 $ (139 ) $ (1,033 ) $ 414 $ 832 The restructuring liability as of January 31, 2021 for accrued severance and termination benefits is reflected in Accrued Employment Costs on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The restructuring liability as of January 31, 2021 of $0.4 million of other activities is reflected in Other Long-Term Liabilities on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and relate to facility related costs. The amount included in Other Long-Term Liabilities is expected to be paid in the year ended April 30, 2022. We currently do not anticipate any further material charges related to the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 10 Segment Information We report our segment information in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting”. These segments reflect the way our chief operating decision maker evaluates our business performance and manages the operations. Segment information is as follows: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenue Research Publishing & Platforms $ 239,850 $ 233,556 $ 731,994 $ 697,640 Academic & Professional Learning 174,115 178,278 471,618 500,861 Education Services 68,947 55,297 201,637 158,365 Total Revenue $ 482,912 $ 467,131 $ 1,405,249 $ 1,356,866 Contribution to Profit: Research Publishing & Platforms $ 60,782 $ 63,861 $ 204,688 $ 182,798 Academic & Professional Learning 32,606 28,793 62,104 68,754 Education Services 5,427 (5,166 ) 13,410 (9,782 ) Total Contribution to Profit $ 98,815 $ 87,488 $ 280,202 $ 241,770 Corporate Expenses (64,488 ) (38,994 ) (145,931 ) (125,326 ) Operating Income $ 34,327 $ 48,494 $ 134,271 $ 116,444 Adjusted Contribution to Profit: (1) Research Publishing & Platforms $ 60,865 $ 63,901 $ 204,336 $ 186,184 Academic & Professional Learning 32,934 30,334 64,006 73,900 Education Services 5,498 (5,162 ) 13,704 (8,164 ) Total Adjusted Contribution to Profit $ 99,297 $ 89,073 $ 282,046 $ 251,920 Adjusted Corporate Expenses (44,295 ) (37,281 ) (122,962 ) (117,442 ) Total Adjusted Operating Income $ 55,002 $ 51,792 $ 159,084 $ 134,478 Depreciation and Amortization: Research Publishing & Platforms $ 20,997 $ 17,056 $ 60,463 $ 51,246 Academic & Professional Learning 17,233 17,806 53,757 51,679 Education Services 7,493 5,987 21,982 17,007 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 45,723 $ 40,849 $ 136,202 $ 119,932 Corporate Depreciation and Amortization 3,593 2,832 11,051 8,606 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 49,316 $ 43,681 $ 147,253 $ 128,538 Adjusted EBITDA: (2) Research Publishing & Platforms $ 81,862 $ 80,957 $ 264,799 $ 237,430 Academic & Professional Learning 50,167 48,140 117,763 125,579 Education Services 12,991 825 35,686 8,843 Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA $ 145,020 $ 129,922 $ 418,248 $ 371,852 Corporate Adjusted EBITDA (40,702 ) (34,449 ) (111,911 ) (108,836 ) Total Adjusted EBITDA $ 104,318 $ 95,473 $ 306,337 $ 263,016 (1) Adjusted Contribution to Profit is calculated as Contribution to Profit adjusted for restructuring and related charges. See Note 9, “Restructuring and Related Charges” for these charges by segment. (2) Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Adjusted Contribution to Profit with depreciation and amortization added back. The following table shows a reconciliation of our consolidated U.S. GAAP net income to Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net Income $ 22,161 $ 35,443 $ 106,927 $ 83,757 Interest expense 4,853 6,309 13,928 19,173 Provision for income taxes 5,231 9,229 18,712 21,355 Depreciation and amortization 49,316 43,681 147,253 128,538 Non-GAAP EBITDA $ 81,561 $ 94,662 $ 286,820 $ 252,823 Restructuring and related charges 20,675 3,298 24,813 18,034 Foreign exchange transaction losses 5,694 1,745 6,473 1,761 Other income (3,612 ) (4,232 ) (11,769 ) (9,602 ) Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA $ 104,318 $ 95,473 $ 306,337 $ 263,016

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Note 11 Inventories Inventories, net consisted of the following: January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Finished Goods $ 29,996 $ 36,014 Work-in-Process 1,660 1,398 Paper and Other Materials 269 331 Total Inventories Before Estimated Sales Returns and LIFO Reserve $ 31,925 $ 37,743 Inventory Value of Estimated Sales Returns 11,800 8,686 LIFO Reserve (3,040 ) (2,815 ) Total Inventories $ 40,685 $ 43,614

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Note 12 Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill The following table summarizes the activity in goodwill by segment as of January 31, 2021: April 30, 2020 Acquisitions (1) Foreign Translation Adjustment January 31, 2021 Research Publishing & Platforms $ 448,130 $ 130,864 $ 30,090 $ 609,084 Academic & Professional Learning 501,091 — 11,871 512,962 Education Services 167,569 — 7,444 175,013 Total $ 1,116,790 $ 130,864 $ 49,405 $ 1,297,059 (1) Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions,” for more information related to the acquisition that occurred in fiscal year 2021 and the revisions that were made to the allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the related to the fiscal year 2020 acquisitions. Intangible Assets Intangible assets, net were as follows: January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Intangible Assets with Definite Lives, net: Content and Publishing Rights (1) $ 561,888 $ 362,106 Customer Relationships (1) 274,398 290,418 Developed Technology (1) 37,248 13,111 Brands and Trademarks (1) 20,331 20,188 Covenants not to Compete 98 246 Total 893,963 686,069 Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives: Brands and Trademarks 37,000 37,000 Publishing Rights 93,924 84,336 Total 130,924 121,336 Total Intangible Assets, Net $ 1,024,887 $ 807,405 (1) Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions,” for more information related to the acquisition that occurred in fiscal year 2021 and the revisions that were made to the allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the related to the fiscal year 2020 acquisitions.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 13 Income Taxes The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 was 19.1% and 14.9%, respectively, compared with 20.7% and 20.3% for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020, respectively. The decrease in the three-month tax rate as compared to the prior year was primarily attributed to a higher tax rate applicable to the tax benefits from restructuring costs related to our Business Optimization Program, substantially all of which were incurred in the U.S. The decrease for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 primarily resulted from our carry back of our U.S. net operating loss (“NOL”) in connection with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) and certain regulations issued in late July 2020. In connection with the CARES Act and certain regulations, we carried back our April 30, 2020 U.S. NOL to our year ended April 30, 2015 and claimed a $20.7 million refund and is reflected in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of January 31, 2021. This refund was received on February 9, 2021. The NOL was carried back to fiscal year 2015 when the U.S. corporate tax rate was 35%. The carryback to a year with a higher rate, plus certain additional net permanent deductions included in the carryback resulted in a $14.0 million tax benefit. As described below, the benefit for the nine months ended January 31, 2021 was partially offset by an increase in the U.K. statutory rate. During the three months ended July 31, 2020, the U.K. officially enacted legislation that increased its statutory rate from 17% to 19%. This resulted in a $6.7 million non-cash deferred tax expense from the re-measurement of our applicable U.K. net deferred tax liabilities.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	Note 14 Retirement Plans The components of net pension income for the Company’s defined benefit plans were as follows: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Service cost $ 356 $ 283 $ 1,036 $ 1,600 Interest cost 4,564 5,919 13,695 18,103 Expected return on plan assets (9,853 ) (10,217 ) (28,880 ) (30,162 ) Amortization of prior service cost (23 ) (18 ) (72 ) (56 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,944 1,623 5,964 4,804 Net pension income $ (3,012 ) $ (2,410 ) $ (8,257 ) $ (5,711 ) The service cost component of net pension income is reflected in Operating and Administrative Expenses on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The other components of net pension income are reported separately from the service cost component and below Operating Income. Such amounts are reflected in Other Income on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Employer defined benefit pension plan contributions were $3.6 million and $ and million and $ million for the three and , respectively. Defined Contribution Savings Plans The expense for employer defined contribution savings plans was approximately $5.6 million and $ , and million and $ million for the three and , respectively

Debt and Available Credit Facil

Debt and Available Credit Facilities	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities	Note 15 Debt and Available Credit Facilities Our total debt outstanding consisted of the amounts set forth in the following table: January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Short-term portion of long-term debt (1) $ 12,500 $ 9,375 Term loan A - Amended and Restated RCA (2) 226,013 235,263 Revolving credit facility - Amended and Restated RCA 722,228 530,387 Total long-term debt, less current portion 948,241 765,650 Total Debt $ 960,741 $ 775,025 (1) Relates to our term loan A under the Amended and Restated RCA. (2) Amounts are shown net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.6 million as of January 31, 2021 and $0.7 million as of April 30, 2020. Amended and Restated RCA On May 30, 2019, we entered into a credit agreement that amended and restated our existing revolving credit agreement (“Amended and Restated RCA”). The Amended and Restated RCA provides for senior unsecured credit facilities comprised of a (i) five-year revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount up to $1.25 billion, and (ii) a five-year term loan A facility consisting of $250 million. Under the terms of the Amended and Restated RCA, which can be drawn in multiple currencies, we have the option of borrowing at the following floating interest rates: (i) at a rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) 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. The lender’s base rate is defined as the highest of (i) the U.S. federal funds effective rate plus a 0.50% margin, (ii) the Eurocurrency 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 revolving credit facility 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. As of January 31, 2021, we had approximately $528.8 million of unused borrowing capacity under our Amended and Restated RCA and other facilities. The Amended and Restated RCA In the three months ended July 31, 2019, we incurred an immaterial loss on the write-off of unamortized deferred costs in connection with the refinancing of our revolving credit agreement at that time which is reflected in Other Income on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended July 31, 2019. In the three months ended July 31, 2019, we incurred $4.0 million of costs related to the Amended and Restated RCA which resulted in total costs capitalized of $5.2 million. The amount related to the term loan A facility was $0.9 million, consisting of $0.8 million of lender fees and recorded as a reduction to Long-Term Debt and $0.1 million of non-lender fees included in Other Non-Current Assets on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The amount related to the five-year revolving credit facility was $4.3 million, all of which is included in Other Non-Current Assets on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. The amortization expense of the lender and non-lender fees is recognized over the five-year term of the Amended and Restated RCA. Total amortization expense in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 was $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and is included in Interest Expense on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. Total amortization expense in the three and nine months ended January 31, 2020 was $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and is included in Interest Expense on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Note 16 Derivative Instruments and Hedging 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 on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. 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 January 31, 2021, we had total debt outstanding of $960.7 million, net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.6 million of which $961.3 million are variable rate loans outstanding under the Amended and Restated RCA, which approximated fair value. We had outstanding interest rate swap agreements with combined notional amounts of $300.0 million as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020. These agreements were accounted for as cash flow hedges which fixed a portion of the variable interest due on our Amended and Restated RCA 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 January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020 was a deferred loss of $6.5 million and $8.3 million, respectively. Based on the maturity dates of the contracts, the entire deferred loss as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020 was recorded within Other Long-Term Liabilities. The pre-tax losses that were reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Interest Expense for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 were $1.0 million and $ The pre-tax gains that were reclassified from Accumulated Other Compensation Loss into Interest Expense for the three and months ended were million and $ million, respectively. 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 Losses on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and carried at fair value on our Unaudited Condensed 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 effects of changes in spot rates reported in Foreign Exchange Transaction Losses on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. As of January 31, 2021, there was an open forward exchange contract to sell €32.0 million and buy $38.8 million to manage foreign currency exposures on intercompany loans. This forward contract expires on April 15, 2021. We did not designate this forward exchange contract as a hedge under the applicable sections of ASC Topic 815 , “Derivatives and Hedging” 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. As of January 31, 2021 , the fair value of the open forward exchange contracts was an immaterial gain and recorded within Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets. The fair value of the open forward exchange contract was measured on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs . For the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 , the gain recognized on this forward contract was immaterial and included in Foreign Exchange Transaction Losses on o . As of April 30, 2020, we did not maintain any open forward exchange contracts. In addition, we did not maintain any open forward contracts during the nine months ended January 31, 2020.

Capital Stock and Changes in Ca

Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts [Abstract]
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts	Note 17 Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts Share Repurchases The following table summarizes the share repurchases of Class A and B Common Stock for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020 (shares in thousands). Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Shares repurchased – Class A 146 205 146 757 Shares repurchased – Class B 1 — 1 — Average Price – Class A and Class B $ 48.09 $ 48.69 $ 48.09 $ 46.22 Dividends The following table summarizes the cash dividends paid during the nine months ended January 31, 2021: Date of Declaration by Board of Directors Quarterly Cash Dividend Total Dividend Class of Common Stock Dividend Paid Date Shareholders of Record as of Date June 25, 2020 $0.3425 per common share $19.2 million Class A and Class B July 22, 2020 July 7, 2020 September 23, 2020 $0.3425 per common share $19.2 million Class A and Class B October 21, 2020 October 6, 2020 December 16, 2020 $0.3425 per common share $19.2 million Class A and Class B January 13, 2021 December 30, 2020 Changes in Common Stock The following is a summary of changes during the nine months ended January 31, in shares of our common stock and common stock in treasury (shares in thousands): Changes in Common Stock A: 2021 2020 Number of shares, beginning of year 70,166 70,127 Common stock class conversions 42 29 Number of shares issued, end of period 70,208 70,156 Changes in Common Stock A in treasury: Number of shares held, beginning of year 23,405 22,634 Purchase of treasury shares 146 757 Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans – non-PSU Awards (100) (154) Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans – PSU Awards (88) (43) Shares issued under the Director Stock Plan to Directors (6) — Restricted shares, forfeited — 1 Restricted shares issued from exercise of stock options (33) (34) Shares withheld for taxes 70 63 Number of shares held, end of period 23,394 23,224 Number of Common Stock A outstanding, end of period 46,814 46,932 Changes in Common Stock B: 2021 2020 Number of shares, beginning of year 13,016 13,055 Common stock class conversions (42) (29) Number of shares issued, end of period 12,974 13,026 Changes in Common Stock B in treasury: Number of shares held, beginning of year 3,920 3,918 Purchase of treasury shares 1 — Number of shares held, end of period 3,921 3,918 Number of Common Stock B outstanding, end of period 9,053 9,108

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 18 Commitments and Contingencies 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 January 31, 2021, will not have a material effect upon our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position or Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	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. Our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all the accounts of the Company and our subsidiaries. We have eliminated all intercompany transactions and balances in consolidation. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Condition, Results of Operations, Comprehensive Income and Cash Flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year. All amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts, and approximate due to rounding. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the most recent audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2020 as filed with the SEC on June 26, 2020 (“2020 Form 10-K”). Our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with the interim reporting requirements of the SEC. As permitted under those rules, annual footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The preparation of our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Recent Accounting Standards (Po

Recent Accounting Standards (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract.” ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. We adopted ASU 2018-15 on May 1, 2020 on a prospective basis. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements at the date of adoption. Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” ASU 2018-13 removes, modifies, and added disclosures. We adopted ASU 2018-13 on May 1, 2020. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements or disclosures as a result of adoption. Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” Subsequently, in May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05 - "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief”, in April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments,” in November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses,” in November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses,” and in February 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-02, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842)—Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (SEC Update)”. ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for most financial assets held at the reporting date based on an expected loss model which includes historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Entities will now use forward-looking information to better form their credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 also requires enhanced disclosures to help financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses. ASU 2016-13, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-11 and ASU 2020-02 were effective for us on May 1, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal periods, with early adoption permitted. We adopted the new standard on May 1, 2020, with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Based on financial instruments currently held by us, the adoption of ASU 2016-13 primarily impacted our trade receivables, specifically our allowance for doubtful accounts. The adoption of the standard did not have an impact on our , or our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See the table below for further details on the immaterial impact to our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity. We are exposed to credit losses through our accounts receivable with customers. Accounts Receivable, net is stated at amortized cost net of provision for credit losses. Our methodology to measure the provision for credit losses requires an estimation of loss rates based upon historical loss experience adjusted for factors that are relevant to determining the expected collectability of accounts receivable such as the impact of COVID-19, delinquency trends, aging behavior of receivables, credit and liquidity indicators for industry groups, customer classes or individual customers 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 customer’s ability to pay is assessed through our internal credit review processes. Based on the dollar value of credit extended, we assess our customers' credit by reviewing the total expected receivable exposure, expected timing of payments and the customer’s established credit rating. In determining customer creditworthiness, we assess our customers' credit utilizing different resources including third-party validations and/or our own assessment through analysis of the customers' financial statements and review of trade/bank references. We also consider contract terms and conditions, country and political risk, and the customer's 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. The following table presents the change in provision for credit losses, which is presented net in Accounts Receivable on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the period indicated: Provision for Credit Losses Balance as of April 30, 2020 $ 18,335 Adjustment due to adoption of new credit losses standard recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings 1,776 Current period provision 5,910 Amounts written off, less recoveries (3,186 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustments and other (1,425 ) Balance as of January 31, 2021 $ 21,410 Recently Issued Accounting Standards Convertible Debt Instruments, Derivatives and EPS In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)”. This ASU reduces the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock. As well as amend the guidance for the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions. In addition, this ASU improves and amends the related EPS guidance. This standard is effective for us on May 1, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption is either a modified retrospective method or a fully retrospective method of transition. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Reference Rate Reform In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” This ASU provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. This would apply to companies meeting certain criteria that have contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This standard is effective for us immediately and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2022. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.” This ASU is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions within Topic 740, “Income Taxes” and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2021, and early adoption is permitted in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements. Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans.” ASU 2018-14 removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and added additional disclosures. The standard is effective for us on May 1, 2021, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in ASU 2018-14 would need to be applied on a retrospective basis. We are currently assessing the impact the new guidance will have on our disclosures.

Recent Accounting Standards (Ta

Recent Accounting Standards (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]
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 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for the period indicated: Provision for Credit Losses Balance as of April 30, 2020 $ 18,335 Adjustment due to adoption of new credit losses standard recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings 1,776 Current period provision 5,910 Amounts written off, less recoveries (3,186 ) Foreign exchange translation adjustments and other (1,425 ) Balance as of January 31, 2021 $ 21,410

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Hindawi [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration Transferred and Allocation of Purchase Price	The following table summarizes the preliminary consideration transferred to acquire Hindawi and the preliminary allocation of the purchase price among the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Preliminary Allocation Total preliminary consideration transferred $ 300,086 Assets: Current Assets 2,902 Technology, Property and Equipment, net 844 Intangible Assets, net 194,400 Goodwill 141,775 Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets 3,716 Other Non-Current Assets 177 Total Assets $ 343,814 Liabilities: Current Liabilities 3,657 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 36,936 Operating Lease Liabilities 3,135 Total Liabilities $ 43,728
Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired and Weighted-Average Useful Life	The following table summarizes the preliminary identifiable intangible assets acquired and their weighted-average useful life at the date of acquisition. Estimated Fair Value Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years) Content and Publishing Rights $ 188,500 15 Developed Technology 4,500 5 Trademarks 1,000 2 Customer Relationships 400 15 Total $ 194,400
mthree [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration Transferred and Allocation of Purchase Price	The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to acquire mthree and the final allocation of the purchase price among the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Preliminary Allocation as of April 30, 2020 Measurement Period Adjustments Final Allocation as of January 31, 2021 Total cash consideration at the acquisition date and cash to be paid $ 122,242 $ 1,289 $ 123,531 Assets Current Assets 8,750 473 9,223 Technology, Property and Equipment, net 484 — 484 Intangible Assets, net 56,836 — 56,836 Goodwill 82,561 — 82,561 Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets 3,710 — 3,710 Total Assets $ 152,341 $ 473 $ 152,814 Liabilities: Current Liabilities 14,380 (816 ) 13,564 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities 12,722 — 12,722 Operating Lease Liabilities 2,692 — 2,692 Other Long-Term Liabilities 305 — 305 Total Liabilities $ 30,099 $ (816 ) $ 29,283
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 Value Weighted-Average Useful Life (in Years) Customer Relationships $ 48,792 12 Trademarks 6,725 10 Content 1,319 4 Total $ 56,836

Revenue Recognition, Contract_2

Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers [Abstract]
Revenue from Contracts With Customers Disaggregated by Segment and Product Type	The following table presents our revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type. Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Research Publishing & Platforms: Research Publishing $ 229,327 $ 223,393 $ 700,482 $ 668,405 Research Platforms 10,523 10,163 31,512 29,235 Total Research Publishing & Platforms 239,850 233,556 731,994 697,640 Academic & Professional Learning: Education Publishing 98,160 100,982 265,349 268,246 Professional Learning 75,955 77,296 206,269 232,615 Total Academic & Professional Learning 174,115 178,278 471,618 500,861 Education Services: Education Services OPM (1) 56,725 50,263 163,248 151,200 mthree (1) 12,222 5,034 38,389 7,165 Total Education Services 68,947 55,297 201,637 158,365 Total Revenue $ 482,912 $ 467,131 $ 1,405,249 $ 1,356,866 (1) In May 2020, we moved the IT bootcamp business acquired as part of The Learning House acquisition from Education Services Online Program Management (“OPM”) to mthree. As a result, the prior period revenue related to the IT bootcamp business has been included in mthree. There were no changes to our total Education Services or our consolidated financial results.
Receivables and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers	The following table provides information about accounts receivable, net and contract liabilities from contracts with customers. January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Increase/ (Decrease) Balances from contracts with customers: Accounts receivable, net $ 278,939 $ 309,384 $ (30,445 ) Contract liabilities (1) 398,477 520,214 (121,737 ) Contract liabilities (included in Other Long-Term Liabilities) $ 18,145 $ 14,949 $ 3,196 (1) The sales return reserve recorded in Contract Liabilities is $43.4 million and $32.8 million, as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by the negative impact of COVID-19 and the expected increase in print book returns.

Operating Leases (Tables)

Operating Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Operating Leases [Abstract]
ROU Assets and Lease Liabilities	For operating leases, the ROU assets and liabilities are presented on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as follows: January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 125,287 $ 142,716 Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities 20,965 21,810 Operating lease liabilities, non-current $ 153,031 $ 159,782
Total Net Lease Costs	Our total net lease costs are as follows: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Operating lease cost $ 5,652 $ 6,286 $ 18,898 $ 19,346 Variable lease cost 449 1,004 1,700 3,122 Short-term lease cost 34 — 214 — Sublease income (181 ) (180 ) (526 ) (519 ) Total net lease cost (1) $ 5,954 $ 7,110 $ 20,286 $ 21,949 (1) Total net lease cost does not include those costs included in Restructuring and Related Charges on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9 , “Restructuring and Related Charges” for more information on these programs.
Other Supplemental Information for Operating Leases	Other supplemental information includes the following for our operating leases: Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 Weighted-average remaining contractual lease term (years) 9 10 Weighted-average discount rate 5.89 % 5.91 % Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 24,563 $ 22,029
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 our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of January 31, 2021: Fiscal Year Operating Lease Liabilities 2021 (remaining 3 months) $ 8,081 2022 29,957 2023 26,722 2024 24,681 2025 23,191 Thereafter 115,451 Total future undiscounted minimum lease payments 228,083 Less: Imputed interest 54,087 Present Value of Minimum Lease Payments 173,996 Less: Current portion 20,965 Noncurrent portion $ 153,031

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Restricted Stock Awards Granted to Employees	The following table summarizes restricted stock awards we granted to employees (shares in thousands): Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 Restricted Stock: Awards granted 691 738 Weighted average fair value of grant $ 41.26 $ 44.85

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [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 three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Unamortized Retirement Costs Interest Rate Swaps Total Balance at October 31, 2020 $ (305,476 ) $ (230,182 ) $ (5,984 ) $ (541,642 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 48,305 (8,237 ) (381 ) 39,687 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1,463 963 2,426 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 48,305 (6,774 ) 582 42,113 Balance at January 31, 2021 $ (257,171 ) $ (236,956 ) $ (5,402 ) $ (499,529 ) Balance at April 30, 2020 $ (340,703 ) $ (227,920 ) $ (6,874 ) $ (575,497 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 83,532 (13,527 ) (1,302 ) 68,703 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 4,491 2,774 7,265 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 83,532 (9,036 ) 1,472 75,968 Balance at January 31, 2021 $ (257,171 ) $ (236,956 ) $ (5,402 ) $ (499,529 ) Foreign Currency Translation Unamortized Retirement Costs Interest Rate Swaps Total Balance at October 31, 2019 $ (309,327 ) $ (194,465 ) $ (1,234 ) $ (505,026 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 7,895 (2,063 ) (271 ) 5,561 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 1,247 (122 ) 1,125 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 7,895 (816 ) (393 ) 6,686 Balance at January 31, 2020 $ (301,432 ) $ (195,281 ) $ (1,627 ) $ (498,340 ) Balance at April 30, 2019 $ (312,107 ) $ (196,057 ) $ (574 ) $ (508,738 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 10,675 (2,893 ) (424 ) 7,358 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 3,669 (629 ) 3,040 Total other comprehensive income (loss) 10,675 776 (1,053 ) 10,398 Balance at January 31, 2020 $ (301,432 ) $ (195,281 ) $ (1,627 ) $ (498,340 )

Reconciliation of Weighted Av_2

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Shares used in Computation of Earnings Per Share	A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation of earnings per share follows (shares in thousands): Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Weighted average shares outstanding 55,984 56,083 55,968 56,328 Less: Unvested restricted shares — (10 ) (1 ) (16 ) Shares used for basic earnings per share 55,984 56,073 55,967 56,312 Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units and other stock awards 348 430 263 386 Shares used for diluted earnings per share 56,332 56,503 56,230 56,698

Restructuring and Related Cha_2

Restructuring and Related Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Business Optimization Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax Restructuring Charges (Credits)	The following tables summarize the pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) related to this program: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, Total Charges 2021 2020 2021 2020 Incurred to Date Charges (Credits) by Segment: Research Publishing & Platforms $ 83 $ 66 $ (217 ) $ 2,731 $ 3,329 Academic & Professional Learning 314 1,556 1,628 5,098 12,103 Education Services 71 4 294 1,721 4,068 Corporate Expenses 20,193 2,167 23,247 8,267 38,265 Total Restructuring and Related Charges $ 20,661 $ 3,793 $ 24,952 $ 17,817 $ 57,765 Charges (Credits) by Activity: Severance and termination benefits $ 825 $ 2,313 $ 3,618 $ 13,600 $ 30,482 Impairment of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment 14,924 — 14,924 161 15,085 Acceleration of expense related to operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment 3,378 — 3,378 — 3,378 Facility related charges 1,614 1,480 3,112 2,720 7,098 Other activities (80 ) — (80 ) 1,336 1,722 Total Restructuring and Related Charges $ 20,661 $ 3,793 $ 24,952 $ 17,817 $ 57,765
Activity for Restructuring Program Liability	The following table summarizes the activity for the Business Optimization Program liability for the nine months ended January 31, 2021: April 30, 2020 Charges (Credits) Payments Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments January 31, 2021 Severance and termination benefits $ 17,632 $ 3,618 $ (16,825 ) $ 589 $ 5,014 Other activities 430 (80 ) (262 ) (88 ) — Total $ 18,062 $ 3,538 $ (17,087 ) $ 501 $ 5,014
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax Restructuring Charges (Credits)	The following tables summarize the pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) related to this program: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, Total Charges 2021 2020 2021 2020 Incurred to Date Charges (Credits) by Segment: Research Publishing & Platforms $ — $ (26 ) $ (135 ) $ 655 $ 26,749 Academic & Professional Learning 14 (15 ) 274 48 43,108 Education Services — — — (103 ) 3,764 Corporate Expenses — (454 ) (278 ) (383 ) 95,662 Total Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits) $ 14 $ (495 ) $ (139 ) $ 217 $ 169,283 Charges (Credits) by Activity: Severance and termination benefits $ 14 $ (324 ) $ (139 ) $ 173 $ 115,870 Consulting and contract termination costs — (171 ) — (171 ) 20,984 Other activities — — — 215 32,429 Total Restructuring and Related Charges (Credits) $ 14 $ (495 ) $ (139 ) $ 217 $ 169,283
Activity for Restructuring Program Liability	The following table summarizes the activity for the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability for the nine months ended January 31, 2021: April 30, 2020 (Credits) Payments Foreign Translation & Other Adjustments January 31, 2021 Severance and termination benefits $ 1,360 $ (139 ) $ (888 ) $ 69 $ 402 Other activities 230 — (145 ) 345 430 Total $ 1,590 $ (139 ) $ (1,033 ) $ 414 $ 832

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment information is as follows: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenue Research Publishing & Platforms $ 239,850 $ 233,556 $ 731,994 $ 697,640 Academic & Professional Learning 174,115 178,278 471,618 500,861 Education Services 68,947 55,297 201,637 158,365 Total Revenue $ 482,912 $ 467,131 $ 1,405,249 $ 1,356,866 Contribution to Profit: Research Publishing & Platforms $ 60,782 $ 63,861 $ 204,688 $ 182,798 Academic & Professional Learning 32,606 28,793 62,104 68,754 Education Services 5,427 (5,166 ) 13,410 (9,782 ) Total Contribution to Profit $ 98,815 $ 87,488 $ 280,202 $ 241,770 Corporate Expenses (64,488 ) (38,994 ) (145,931 ) (125,326 ) Operating Income $ 34,327 $ 48,494 $ 134,271 $ 116,444 Adjusted Contribution to Profit: (1) Research Publishing & Platforms $ 60,865 $ 63,901 $ 204,336 $ 186,184 Academic & Professional Learning 32,934 30,334 64,006 73,900 Education Services 5,498 (5,162 ) 13,704 (8,164 ) Total Adjusted Contribution to Profit $ 99,297 $ 89,073 $ 282,046 $ 251,920 Adjusted Corporate Expenses (44,295 ) (37,281 ) (122,962 ) (117,442 ) Total Adjusted Operating Income $ 55,002 $ 51,792 $ 159,084 $ 134,478 Depreciation and Amortization: Research Publishing & Platforms $ 20,997 $ 17,056 $ 60,463 $ 51,246 Academic & Professional Learning 17,233 17,806 53,757 51,679 Education Services 7,493 5,987 21,982 17,007 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 45,723 $ 40,849 $ 136,202 $ 119,932 Corporate Depreciation and Amortization 3,593 2,832 11,051 8,606 Total Depreciation and Amortization $ 49,316 $ 43,681 $ 147,253 $ 128,538 Adjusted EBITDA: (2) Research Publishing & Platforms $ 81,862 $ 80,957 $ 264,799 $ 237,430 Academic & Professional Learning 50,167 48,140 117,763 125,579 Education Services 12,991 825 35,686 8,843 Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA $ 145,020 $ 129,922 $ 418,248 $ 371,852 Corporate Adjusted EBITDA (40,702 ) (34,449 ) (111,911 ) (108,836 ) Total Adjusted EBITDA $ 104,318 $ 95,473 $ 306,337 $ 263,016 (1) Adjusted Contribution to Profit is calculated as Contribution to Profit adjusted for restructuring and related charges. See Note 9, “Restructuring and Related Charges” for these charges by segment. (2) Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Adjusted Contribution to Profit with depreciation and amortization added back.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA	The following table shows a reconciliation of our consolidated U.S. GAAP net income to Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net Income $ 22,161 $ 35,443 $ 106,927 $ 83,757 Interest expense 4,853 6,309 13,928 19,173 Provision for income taxes 5,231 9,229 18,712 21,355 Depreciation and amortization 49,316 43,681 147,253 128,538 Non-GAAP EBITDA $ 81,561 $ 94,662 $ 286,820 $ 252,823 Restructuring and related charges 20,675 3,298 24,813 18,034 Foreign exchange transaction losses 5,694 1,745 6,473 1,761 Other income (3,612 ) (4,232 ) (11,769 ) (9,602 ) Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA $ 104,318 $ 95,473 $ 306,337 $ 263,016

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories, net consisted of the following: January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Finished Goods $ 29,996 $ 36,014 Work-in-Process 1,660 1,398 Paper and Other Materials 269 331 Total Inventories Before Estimated Sales Returns and LIFO Reserve $ 31,925 $ 37,743 Inventory Value of Estimated Sales Returns 11,800 8,686 LIFO Reserve (3,040 ) (2,815 ) Total Inventories $ 40,685 $ 43,614

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Activity in Goodwill by Segment	The following table summarizes the activity in goodwill by segment as of January 31, 2021: April 30, 2020 Acquisitions (1) Foreign Translation Adjustment January 31, 2021 Research Publishing & Platforms $ 448,130 $ 130,864 $ 30,090 $ 609,084 Academic & Professional Learning 501,091 — 11,871 512,962 Education Services 167,569 — 7,444 175,013 Total $ 1,116,790 $ 130,864 $ 49,405 $ 1,297,059 (1) Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions,” for more information related to the acquisition that occurred in fiscal year 2021 and the revisions that were made to the allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the related to the fiscal year 2020 acquisitions.
Intangible Assets, Net	Intangible assets, net were as follows: January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Intangible Assets with Definite Lives, net: Content and Publishing Rights (1) $ 561,888 $ 362,106 Customer Relationships (1) 274,398 290,418 Developed Technology (1) 37,248 13,111 Brands and Trademarks (1) 20,331 20,188 Covenants not to Compete 98 246 Total 893,963 686,069 Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives: Brands and Trademarks 37,000 37,000 Publishing Rights 93,924 84,336 Total 130,924 121,336 Total Intangible Assets, Net $ 1,024,887 $ 807,405 (1) Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions,” for more information related to the acquisition that occurred in fiscal year 2021 and the revisions that were made to the allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the related to the fiscal year 2020 acquisitions.

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Components of Net Pension Income for Defined Benefit Plans	The components of net pension income for the Company’s defined benefit plans were as follows: Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Service cost $ 356 $ 283 $ 1,036 $ 1,600 Interest cost 4,564 5,919 13,695 18,103 Expected return on plan assets (9,853 ) (10,217 ) (28,880 ) (30,162 ) Amortization of prior service cost (23 ) (18 ) (72 ) (56 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,944 1,623 5,964 4,804 Net pension income $ (3,012 ) $ (2,410 ) $ (8,257 ) $ (5,711 )

Debt and Available Credit Fac_2

Debt and Available Credit Facilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Total Debt Outstanding	Our total debt outstanding consisted of the amounts set forth in the following table: January 31, 2021 April 30, 2020 Short-term portion of long-term debt (1) $ 12,500 $ 9,375 Term loan A - Amended and Restated RCA (2) 226,013 235,263 Revolving credit facility - Amended and Restated RCA 722,228 530,387 Total long-term debt, less current portion 948,241 765,650 Total Debt $ 960,741 $ 775,025 (1) Relates to our term loan A under the Amended and Restated RCA. (2) Amounts are shown net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.6 million as of January 31, 2021 and $0.7 million as of April 30, 2020.

Capital Stock and Changes in _2

Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021
Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts [Abstract]
Summary of Shares Repurchased	The following table summarizes the share repurchases of Class A and B Common Stock for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2021 and 2020 (shares in thousands). Three Months Ended January 31, Nine Months Ended January 31, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Shares repurchased – Class A 146 205 146 757 Shares repurchased – Class B 1 — 1 — Average Price – Class A and Class B $ 48.09 $ 48.69 $ 48.09 $ 46.22
Summary of Cash Dividends	The following table summarizes the cash dividends paid during the nine months ended January 31, 2021: Date of Declaration by Board of Directors Quarterly Cash Dividend Total Dividend Class of Common Stock Dividend Paid Date Shareholders of Record as of Date June 25, 2020 $0.3425 per common share $19.2 million Class A and Class B July 22, 2020 July 7, 2020 September 23, 2020 $0.3425 per common share $19.2 million Class A and Class B October 21, 2020 October 6, 2020 December 16, 2020 $0.3425 per common share $19.2 million Class A and Class B January 13, 2021 December 30, 2020
Summary of Changes of Common Stock and Common Stock in Treasury	The following is a summary of changes during the nine months ended January 31, in shares of our common stock and common stock in treasury (shares in thousands): Changes in Common Stock A: 2021 2020 Number of shares, beginning of year 70,166 70,127 Common stock class conversions 42 29 Number of shares issued, end of period 70,208 70,156 Changes in Common Stock A in treasury: Number of shares held, beginning of year 23,405 22,634 Purchase of treasury shares 146 757 Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans – non-PSU Awards (100) (154) Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans – PSU Awards (88) (43) Shares issued under the Director Stock Plan to Directors (6) — Restricted shares, forfeited — 1 Restricted shares issued from exercise of stock options (33) (34) Shares withheld for taxes 70 63 Number of shares held, end of period 23,394 23,224 Number of Common Stock A outstanding, end of period 46,814 46,932 Changes in Common Stock B: 2021 2020 Number of shares, beginning of year 13,016 13,055 Common stock class conversions (42) (29) Number of shares issued, end of period 12,974 13,026 Changes in Common Stock B in treasury: Number of shares held, beginning of year 3,920 3,918 Purchase of treasury shares 1 — Number of shares held, end of period 3,921 3,918 Number of Common Stock B outstanding, end of period 9,053 9,108

Recent Accounting Standards (De

Recent Accounting Standards (Details) - ASU 2016-13 [Member] $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021USD ($)
Change in Provision for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 18,335
Current period provision	5,910
Amounts written off, less recoveries	(3,186)
Foreign exchange translation adjustments and other	(1,425)
Balance, end of period	21,410
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]
Change in Provision for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,776

Acquisitions (Details)

Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands, £ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2020GBP (£)	Jul. 01, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)Business
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Fair value of cash consideration transferred, including those amounts paid after acquisition, net of cash acquired									$ 298,590	$ 200,642
Revenue							$ 482,912	$ 467,131	1,405,249	1,356,866
Operating loss							(34,327)	(48,494)	(134,271)	(116,444)
Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 1,297,059		$ 1,116,790				1,297,059		1,297,059		$ 1,116,790
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets	125,287		142,716				125,287		125,287		142,716
Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating Lease Liabilities	173,996						173,996		173,996
Research Publishing & Platforms [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Revenue							239,850	233,556	731,994	697,640
Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	609,084		448,130				609,084		609,084		448,130
Academic & Professional Learning [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Revenue							174,115	178,278	471,618	500,861
Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	512,962		501,091				512,962		512,962		501,091
Education Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Revenue							68,947	$ 55,297	201,637	$ 158,365
Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	175,013		167,569				175,013		$ 175,013		167,569
Hindawi [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership interest acquired		100.00%
Fair value of consideration transferred		$ 300,086
Total cash consideration transferred		299,300
Settlement of preexisting relationship		800
Cash acquired		1,000
Fair value of cash consideration transferred, including those amounts paid after acquisition, net of cash acquired		298,300
Acquisition costs		2,300
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets		2,902
Technology, Property and Equipment, net		844
Intangible Assets, net		194,400
Goodwill		141,775
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets		3,716
Other non-current assets		177
Total Assets		343,814
Liabilities [Abstract]
Current Liabilities		3,657
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities		36,936
Operating Lease Liabilities		3,135
Total Liabilities		43,728
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired		194,400
Hindawi [Member] | Research Publishing & Platforms [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Revenue							1,600
Operating loss							3,700
Hindawi [Member] | Content and Publishing Rights [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired		188,500
Weighted-average useful life									15 years
Hindawi [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired		4,500
Weighted-average useful life									5 years
Hindawi [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired		400
Weighted-average useful life									15 years
Hindawi [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired		$ 1,000
Weighted-average useful life									2 years
mthree [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership interest acquired				100.00%	100.00%
Fair value of consideration transferred	123,531		122,242	$ 129,900	£ 98.5
Total cash consideration transferred				122,200
Cash acquired				2,200
Fair value of cash consideration transferred, including those amounts paid after acquisition, net of cash acquired				126,400
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets	9,223		8,750				9,223		$ 9,223		8,750
Technology, Property and Equipment, net	484		484				484		484		484
Intangible Assets, net	56,836		56,836				56,836		56,836		56,836
Goodwill	82,561		82,561				82,561		82,561		82,561
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets	3,710		3,710				3,710		3,710		3,710
Total Assets	152,814		152,341				152,814		152,814		152,341
Liabilities [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	13,564		14,380				13,564		13,564		14,380
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	12,722		12,722				12,722		12,722		12,722
Operating Lease Liabilities	2,692		2,692				2,692		2,692		2,692
Other Long-Term Liabilities	305		305				305		305		305
Total Liabilities	29,283		30,099				29,283		29,283		30,099
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired				56,836
mthree [Member] | Education Services [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Revenue							7,700		$ 32,600
mthree [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired				48,792
Weighted-average useful life									12 years
mthree [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired				6,725
Weighted-average useful life									10 years
mthree [Member] | Content [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired				$ 1,319
Weighted-average useful life									4 years
mthree [Member] | Adjustment [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Fair value of consideration transferred	1,289
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets	473						473		$ 473
Technology, Property and Equipment, net	0						0		0
Intangible Assets, net	0						0		0
Goodwill	0						0		0
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets	0						0		0
Total Assets	473						473		473
Liabilities [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	(816)						(816)		(816)
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0						0		0
Operating Lease Liabilities	0						0		0
Other Long-Term Liabilities	0						0		0
Total Liabilities	(816)						(816)		(816)
zyBooks [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Total cash consideration transferred						$ 55,900
Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, net			24,500								24,500
zyBooks [Member] | Academic & Professional Learning [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Fair value of consideration transferred						57,100
Fair value of additional consideration to be paid after the acquisition date						$ 1,200			300
Revenue							0		1,300
Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill			$ 36,900								36,900
Other Acquisitions [Member]
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Fair value of cash consideration transferred, including those amounts paid after acquisition, net of cash acquired											$ 48,500
Revenue							4,700		11,100
Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, net	39,400						39,400		39,400
Goodwill	16,900						16,900		16,900
Other Acquisitions [Member] | Revision of Prior Period, Reclassification, Adjustment [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, net	11,700						11,700		11,700
Other Acquisitions [Member] | Research Publishing & Platforms [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	8,400						8,400		8,400
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Number of immaterial businesses acquired | Business											2
Other Acquisitions [Member] | Academic & Professional Learning [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 8,500						$ 8,500		$ 8,500
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Number of immaterial businesses acquired | Business											1
Other Acquisitions [Member] | Education Services [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Number of immaterial businesses acquired | Business											1
Other Acquisitions [Member] | Developed Technology [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Weighted-average useful life									8 years
Other Acquisitions [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Weighted-average useful life									7 years
Other Acquisitions [Member] | Trademarks [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Weighted-average useful life									10 years
Other Acquisitions [Member] | Content [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets acquired and weighted-average useful life [Abstract]
Weighted-average useful life									10 years

Revenue Recognition, Contract_3

Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers, Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		$ 482,912	$ 467,131	$ 1,405,249	$ 1,356,866
Research Publishing & Platforms [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		239,850	233,556	731,994	697,640
Research Publishing & Platforms [Member] | Research Publishing [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		229,327	223,393	700,482	668,405
Research Publishing & Platforms [Member] | Research Platforms [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		10,523	10,163	31,512	29,235
Academic & Professional Learning [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		174,115	178,278	471,618	500,861
Academic & Professional Learning [Member] | Education Publishing [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		98,160	100,982	265,349	268,246
Academic & Professional Learning [Member] | Professional Learning [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		75,955	77,296	206,269	232,615
Education Services [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		68,947	55,297	201,637	158,365
Education Services [Member] | Education Services OPM [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue	[1]	56,725	50,263	163,248	151,200
Education Services [Member] | mthree [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue	[1]	12,222	5,034	38,389	7,165
Operating Segments [Member] | Research Publishing & Platforms [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		239,850	233,556	731,994	697,640
Operating Segments [Member] | Academic & Professional Learning [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		174,115	178,278	471,618	500,861
Operating Segments [Member] | Education Services [Member]
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by segment and product type [Abstract]
Revenue		$ 68,947	$ 55,297	$ 201,637	$ 158,365
[1]	In May 2020, we moved the IT bootcamp business acquired as part of The Learning House acquisition from Education Services Online Program Management (“OPM”) to mthree. As a result, the prior period revenue related to the IT bootcamp business has been included in mthree. There were no changes to our total Education Services or our consolidated financial results.

Revenue Recognition, Contract_4

Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers, Accounts Receivable, net and Contract Liability Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Jan. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
Balances from contracts with customers [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net		$ 278,939	$ 309,384
Contract liabilities	[1]	398,477	520,214
Contract liabilities (included in Other Long-Term Liabilities)		18,145	14,949
Increase/(decrease) [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net		(30,445)
Contract liabilities	[1]	(121,737)
Contract liabilities (included in Other Long-Term Liabilities)		3,196
Sales return reserve recorded in contract liability		$ 43,400	$ 32,800
Revenue recognized from beginning contract liability, percentage		97.00%
[1]	The sales return reserve recorded in Contract Liabilities is $43.4 million and $32.8 million, as of January 31, 2021 and April 30, 2020, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by the negative impact of COVID-19 and the expected increase in print book returns.

Revenue Recognition, Contract_5

Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers, Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
Remaining Performance Obligations [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 416.6
Sales return reserve recorded in contract liability	43.4	$ 32.8
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-02-01
Remaining Performance Obligations [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligations excluding sales return reserve	$ 355.1
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	12 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2022-02-01
Remaining Performance Obligations [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligations	$ 18.1
Expected timing of satisfaction, period

Revenue Recognition, Contract_6

Revenue Recognition, Contracts with Customers, Assets Recognized for the Costs to Fulfill a Contract (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Assets Recognized for the Costs to Obtain or Fulfill a Contract [Abstract]
Costs capitalized	$ 11,800		$ 11,800		$ 11,500
Amortization	1,300	$ 1,000	3,900	$ 3,100
Cost of revenue [Abstract]
Operating and administrative expenses	251,242	245,683	735,778	736,233
Shipping and Handling [Member]
Cost of revenue [Abstract]
Operating and administrative expenses	$ 7,100	$ 7,700	$ 20,300	$ 22,700

Operating Leases (Details)

Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
ROU Assets and Lease Liabilities [Abstract]
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 125,287	$ 125,287	$ 142,716
Short-term portion of operating lease liabilities	20,965	20,965	21,810
Operating lease liabilities, non-current	153,031	153,031	$ 159,782
Increase (decrease) in ROU assets due to new leases as well as modifications and remeasurements to existing operating leases		6,200
Increase (decrease) in operating lease liabilities due to new leases as well as modifications and remeasurements to existing operating leases		$ 6,100
Business Optimization Program [Member]
ROU Assets and Lease Liabilities [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	$ 18,300

Operating Leases, Total Net Lea

Operating Leases, Total Net Lease Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Net Lease Costs [Abstract]
Operating lease cost		$ 5,652	$ 6,286	$ 18,898	$ 19,346
Variable lease cost		449	1,004	1,700	3,122
Short-term lease cost		34	0	214	0
Sublease income		(181)	(180)	(526)	(519)
Total net lease cost	[1]	$ 5,954	$ 7,110	$ 20,286	$ 21,949
[1]	Total net lease cost does not include those costs included in Restructuring and Related Charges on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 9, “Restructuring and Related Charges” for more information on these programs.

Operating Leases, Other Supplem

Operating Leases, Other Supplemental Information for Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Other Supplemental Information for Operating Leases [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining contractual lease term (years)	9 years	10 years
Weighted-average discount rate	5.89%	5.91%
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 24,563	$ 22,029

Operating Leases, Reconciliatio

Operating Leases, Reconciliation of Undiscounted Cash Flows to Operating Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
Reconciliation of Undiscounted Cash Flows to Operating Lease Liabilities [Abstract]
2021 (remaining 3 months)	$ 8,081
2022	29,957
2023	26,722
2024	24,681
2025	23,191
Thereafter	115,451
Total future undiscounted minimum lease payments	228,083
Less: Imputed interest	54,087
Present Value of Minimum Lease Payments	173,996
Less: Current portion	20,965	$ 21,810
Noncurrent portion	$ 153,031	$ 159,782

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 5,600	$ 5,400	$ 14,744	$ 15,662
Restricted Stock [Member]
Restricted Stock [Abstract]
Awards granted (in shares)			691	738
Weighted average fair value of grant (in dollars per share)			$ 41.26	$ 44.85
Performance-based Stock Awards [Member]
Stock-based Compensation [Abstract]
Period for achievement of performance-based targets			3 years

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 1,020,213	$ 1,178,996	$ 933,624	$ 1,181,347
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	39,687	5,561	68,703	7,358
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	2,426	1,125	7,265	3,040
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	42,113	6,686	75,968	10,398
Balance	1,063,802	1,197,235	1,063,802	1,197,235
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(541,642)	(505,026)	(575,497)	(508,738)
Balance	(499,529)	(498,340)	(499,529)	(498,340)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(305,476)	(309,327)	(340,703)	(312,107)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	48,305	7,895	83,532	10,675
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	0	0	0	0
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	48,305	7,895	83,532	10,675
Balance	(257,171)	(301,432)	(257,171)	(301,432)
Unamortized Retirement Costs [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(230,182)	(194,465)	(227,920)	(196,057)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(8,237)	(2,063)	(13,527)	(2,893)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	1,463	1,247	4,491	3,669
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(6,774)	(816)	(9,036)	776
Balance	(236,956)	(195,281)	(236,956)	(195,281)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(5,984)	(1,234)	(6,874)	(574)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(381)	(271)	(1,302)	(424)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	963	(122)	2,774	(629)
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	582	(393)	1,472	(1,053)
Balance	$ (5,402)	$ (1,627)	$ (5,402)	$ (1,627)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Amortization from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Pension expense	$ (3,012)	$ (2,410)	$ (8,257)	$ (5,711)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
Amortization from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Pension expense	$ 1,900	$ 1,600	$ 5,800	$ 4,600

Reconciliation of Weighted Av_3

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	55,984	56,083	55,968	56,328
Less: Unvested restricted shares (in shares)	0	(10)	(1)	(16)
Shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	55,984	56,073	55,967	56,312
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock units and other stock awards (in shares)	348	430	263	386
Shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	56,332	56,503	56,230	56,698
Stock Options [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	100	200	200	200
Restricted Stock [Member]
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted EPS calculation (in shares)		0		100
Warrants [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	500	500	500	500
Performance-based Stock Awards [Member]
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding and Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	600	500	600	500

Restructuring and Related Cha_3

Restructuring and Related Charges, Pre-tax Restructuring Charges (Credits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		$ 20,675	$ 3,298	$ 24,813	$ 18,034
Business Optimization Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		20,661	3,793	24,952	17,817
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		57,765		57,765
Percentage reduction in real estate square footage occupancy	12.00%
Charges		18,300
Fair value of operating lease ROU assets and property and equipment immediately subsequent to impairment		7,500		7,500
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		825	2,313	3,618	13,600
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		30,482		30,482
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Impairment of Operating Lease ROU Assets and Property and Equipment [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		14,924	0	14,924	161
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		15,085		15,085
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Impairment of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Certain Leases [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		10,600
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Impairment of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Property and Equipment [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		4,300
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Acceleration of Expense Related to Operating Lease ROU Assets and Property and Equipment [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		3,378	0	3,378	0
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		3,378		3,378
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Acceleration of Expense of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Certain Leases [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		2,900
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Acceleration of Expense of Operating Lease ROU Assets Related to Property and Equipment [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		500
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Facility Related Charges [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		1,614	1,480	3,112	2,720
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		7,098		7,098
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Other Activities [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		(80)	0	(80)	1,336
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		1,722		1,722
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		14	(495)	(139)	217
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		169,283		169,283
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		14	(324)	(139)	173
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		115,870		115,870
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member] | Consulting and Contract Termination Costs [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		0	(171)	0	(171)
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		20,984		20,984
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member] | Other Activities [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		0	0	0	215
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		32,429		32,429
Research Publishing & Platforms [Member] | Business Optimization Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		83	66	(217)	2,731
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		3,329		3,329
Research Publishing & Platforms [Member] | Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		0	(26)	(135)	655
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		26,749		26,749
Academic & Professional Learning [Member] | Business Optimization Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		314	1,556	1,628	5,098
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		12,103		12,103
Academic & Professional Learning [Member] | Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		14	(15)	274	48
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		43,108		43,108
Education Services [Member] | Business Optimization Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		71	4	294	1,721
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		4,068		4,068
Education Services [Member] | Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		0	0	0	(103)
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		3,764		3,764
Corporate Expenses [Member] | Business Optimization Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		20,193	2,167	23,247	8,267
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		38,265		38,265
Corporate Expenses [Member] | Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]
Summary of pre-tax restructuring charges (credits) [Abstract]
Restructuring and related charges (credits)		0	$ (454)	(278)	$ (383)
Restructuring and related charges incurred to date		$ 95,662		$ 95,662

Restructuring and Related Cha_4

Restructuring and Related Charges, Activity for Business Optimization Program and Restructuring and Reinvestment Program Liability (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021USD ($)
Business Optimization Program [Member]
Activity for Restructuring and Related Charges Liability [Roll Forward]
Restructuring liability, beginning of period	$ 18,062
Charges (credits)	3,538
Payments	(17,087)
Foreign translation & other adjustments	501
Restructuring liability, end of period	5,014
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member]
Activity for Restructuring and Related Charges Liability [Roll Forward]
Restructuring liability, beginning of period	17,632
Charges (credits)	3,618
Payments	(16,825)
Foreign translation & other adjustments	589
Restructuring liability, end of period	5,014
Business Optimization Program [Member] | Other Activities [Member]
Activity for Restructuring and Related Charges Liability [Roll Forward]
Restructuring liability, beginning of period	430
Charges (credits)	(80)
Payments	(262)
Foreign translation & other adjustments	(88)
Restructuring liability, end of period	0
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]
Activity for Restructuring and Related Charges Liability [Roll Forward]
Restructuring liability, beginning of period	1,590
Charges (credits)	(139)
Payments	(1,033)
Foreign translation & other adjustments	414
Restructuring liability, end of period	832
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member] | Severance and Termination Benefits [Member]
Activity for Restructuring and Related Charges Liability [Roll Forward]
Restructuring liability, beginning of period	1,360
Charges (credits)	(139)
Payments	(888)
Foreign translation & other adjustments	69
Restructuring liability, end of period	402
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member] | Other Activities [Member]
Activity for Restructuring and Related Charges Liability [Roll Forward]
Restructuring liability, beginning of period	230
Charges (credits)	0
Payments	(145)
Foreign translation & other adjustments	345
Restructuring liability, end of period	430
Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member] | Other Activities [Member] | Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]
Activity for Restructuring and Related Charges Liability [Roll Forward]
Restructuring liability, end of period	$ 400

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Segment Information [Abstract]
Revenue		$ 482,912	$ 467,131	$ 1,405,249	$ 1,356,866
Corporate Expenses		(64,488)	(38,994)	(145,931)	(125,326)
Operating Income		34,327	48,494	134,271	116,444
Adjusted Operating Income	[1]	55,002	51,792	159,084	134,478
Depreciation and Amortization		49,316	43,681	147,253	128,538
Adjusted EBITDA	[2]	104,318	95,473	306,337	263,016
Research Publishing & Platforms [Member]
Segment Information [Abstract]
Revenue		239,850	233,556	731,994	697,640
Academic & Professional Learning [Member]
Segment Information [Abstract]
Revenue		174,115	178,278	471,618	500,861
Education Services [Member]
Segment Information [Abstract]
Revenue		68,947	55,297	201,637	158,365
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Information [Abstract]
Contribution to Profit		98,815	87,488	280,202	241,770
Adjusted Contribution to Profit	[1]	99,297	89,073	282,046	251,920
Depreciation and Amortization		45,723	40,849	136,202	119,932
Adjusted EBITDA	[2]	145,020	129,922	418,248	371,852
Operating Segments [Member] | Research Publishing & Platforms [Member]
Segment Information [Abstract]
Revenue		239,850	233,556	731,994	697,640
Contribution to Profit		60,782	63,861	204,688	182,798
Adjusted Contribution to Profit	[1]	60,865	63,901	204,336	186,184
Depreciation and Amortization		20,997	17,056	60,463	51,246
Adjusted EBITDA	[2]	81,862	80,957	264,799	237,430
Operating Segments [Member] | Academic & Professional Learning [Member]
Segment Information [Abstract]
Revenue		174,115	178,278	471,618	500,861
Contribution to Profit		32,606	28,793	62,104	68,754
Adjusted Contribution to Profit	[1]	32,934	30,334	64,006	73,900
Depreciation and Amortization		17,233	17,806	53,757	51,679
Adjusted EBITDA	[2]	50,167	48,140	117,763	125,579
Operating Segments [Member] | Education Services [Member]
Segment Information [Abstract]
Revenue		68,947	55,297	201,637	158,365
Contribution to Profit		5,427	(5,166)	13,410	(9,782)
Adjusted Contribution to Profit	[1]	5,498	(5,162)	13,704	(8,164)
Depreciation and Amortization		7,493	5,987	21,982	17,007
Adjusted EBITDA	[2]	12,991	825	35,686	8,843
Corporate [Member]
Segment Information [Abstract]
Adjusted Corporate Expenses	[1]	(44,295)	(37,281)	(122,962)	(117,442)
Depreciation and Amortization		3,593	2,832	11,051	8,606
Adjusted EBITDA	[2]	$ (40,702)	$ (34,449)	$ (111,911)	$ (108,836)
[1]	Adjusted Contribution to Profit is calculated as Contribution to Profit adjusted for restructuring and related charges. See Note 9, “Restructuring and Related Charges” for these charges by segment.
[2]	Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Adjusted Contribution to Profit with depreciation and amortization added back.

Segment Information, Reconcilia

Segment Information, Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA [Abstract]
Net Income		$ 22,161	$ 35,443	$ 106,927	$ 83,757
Interest expense		4,853	6,309	13,928	19,173
Provision for income taxes		5,231	9,229	18,712	21,355
Depreciation and amortization		49,316	43,681	147,253	128,538
Non-GAAP EBITDA		81,561	94,662	286,820	252,823
Restructuring and related charges		20,675	3,298	24,813	18,034
Foreign exchange transaction losses		5,694	1,745	6,473	1,761
Other income		(3,612)	(4,232)	(11,769)	(9,602)
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA	[1]	$ 104,318	$ 95,473	$ 306,337	$ 263,016
[1]	Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Adjusted Contribution to Profit with depreciation and amortization added back.

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
Inventories [Abstract]
Finished Goods	$ 29,996	$ 36,014
Work-in-Process	1,660	1,398
Paper and Other Materials	269	331
Total Inventories Before Estimated Sales Returns and LIFO Reserve	31,925	37,743
Inventory Value of Estimated Sales Returns	11,800	8,686
LIFO Reserve	(3,040)	(2,815)
Total Inventories	$ 40,685	$ 43,614

Goodwill and Intangible Assets,

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,116,790
Acquisitions	130,864	[1]
Foreign translation adjustment	49,405
Ending balance	1,297,059
Research Publishing & Platforms [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	448,130
Acquisitions	130,864	[1]
Foreign translation adjustment	30,090
Ending balance	609,084
Academic & Professional Learning [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	501,091
Acquisitions	0	[1]
Foreign translation adjustment	11,871
Ending balance	512,962
Education Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	167,569
Acquisitions	0	[1]
Foreign translation adjustment	7,444
Ending balance	$ 175,013
[1]	Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions,” for more information related to the acquisition that occurred in fiscal year 2021 and the revisions that were made to the allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the nine months ended January 31, 2021 related to the fiscal year 2020 acquisitions.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jan. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
Intangible Assets with Definite Lives, net [Abstract]
Total		$ 893,963	$ 686,069
Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives [Abstract]
Total		130,924	121,336
Intangible assets (excluding goodwill) [Abstract]
Total Intangible Assets, Net		1,024,887	807,405
Brands and Trademarks [Member]
Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives [Abstract]
Total		37,000	37,000
Content and Publishing Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives [Abstract]
Total		93,924	84,336
Content and Publishing Rights [Member]
Intangible Assets with Definite Lives, net [Abstract]
Total	[1]	561,888	362,106
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets with Definite Lives, net [Abstract]
Total	[1]	274,398	290,418
Developed Technology [Member]
Intangible Assets with Definite Lives, net [Abstract]
Total	[1]	37,248	13,111
Brands and Trademarks [Member]
Intangible Assets with Definite Lives, net [Abstract]
Total	[1]	20,331	20,188
Covenants Not to Compete [Member]
Intangible Assets with Definite Lives, net [Abstract]
Total		$ 98	$ 246
[1]	Refer to Note 3, “Acquisitions,” for more information related to the acquisition that occurred in fiscal year 2021 and the revisions that were made to the allocation of the consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the nine months ended January 31, 2021 related to the fiscal year 2020 acquisitions.

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jul. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2015
Effective income tax rate [Abstract]
Effective tax rate as reported	19.10%		20.70%	14.90%	20.30%
Corporate tax rate						35.00%
Tax benefit resulting from NOL carryback				$ 14
U.K. [Member]
Effective income tax rate [Abstract]
Non-cash deferred tax expense		$ 6.7
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Effective income tax rate [Abstract]
Refund in connection with NOL carryback	$ 20.7			$ 20.7
Minimum [Member] | U.K. [Member]
Effective income tax rate [Abstract]
Foreign statutory tax rate		17.00%
Maximum [Member] | U.K. [Member]
Effective income tax rate [Abstract]
Foreign statutory tax rate		19.00%

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Components of net pension income for defined benefit plans [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 356	$ 283	$ 1,036	$ 1,600
Interest cost	4,564	5,919	13,695	18,103
Expected return on plan assets	(9,853)	(10,217)	(28,880)	(30,162)
Amortization of prior service cost	(23)	(18)	(72)	(56)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,944	1,623	5,964	4,804
Net pension income	(3,012)	(2,410)	(8,257)	(5,711)
Employer defined benefit pension plan contributions	3,600	3,800	12,500	11,800
Defined Contribution Savings Plans [Abstract]
Expense for employer defined contribution savings plans	$ 5,600	$ 3,200	$ 17,400	$ 10,600

Debt and Available Credit Fac_3

Debt and Available Credit Facilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020	Jul. 31, 2019	May 30, 2019
Components of Total Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Short-term portion of long-term debt	[1]	$ 12,500		$ 12,500		$ 9,375
Total long-term debt, less current portion		948,241		948,241		765,650
Total Debt		960,741		960,741		775,025
Amended and Restated RCA [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Costs incurred							$ 4,000
Credit agreement issuance costs capitalized							5,200
Amortization expense of the lender and non-lender fees in interest expense		300	$ 300	800	$ 800
Term Loan A Facility [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member]
Components of Total Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Total long-term debt, less current portion	[2]	226,013		226,013		235,263
Unamortized issuance costs		600		$ 600		700
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Term of credit facility				5 years
Credit agreement face amount								$ 250,000
Credit agreement issuance costs capitalized							900
Term Loan amount related to lender fees as a reduction to debt							800
Term Loan amount related to non-lender fees in Other NC Assets							100
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member]
Components of Total Debt Outstanding [Abstract]
Total long-term debt, less current portion		722,228		$ 722,228		$ 530,387
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Term of credit facility				5 years
Amount of financing available under credit facilities								$ 1,250,000
Credit agreement issuance costs capitalized							$ 4,300
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Optional credit limit increase available on request		500,000		$ 500,000
Minimum increments in which optional credit limit increase may be requested		50,000		50,000
Unused borrowing capacity under our Amended and Restated RCA and other facilities		$ 528,800		$ 528,800
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Line of credit facility fee percentage				0.15%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Line of credit facility fee percentage				0.25%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Applicable margin				0.98%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Applicable margin				1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Applicable margin				0.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Applicable margin				0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member] | Federal Funds Effective Rate [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Margin rate over reference rate used in determining base rate				0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Syndicate Bank Group led by Bank of America [Member] | Amended and Restated RCA [Member] | Eurocurrency Rate [Member]
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Margin rate over reference rate used in determining base rate				1.00%
[1]	Relates to our term loan A under the Amended and Restated RCA.
[2]	Amounts are shown net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.6 million as of January 31, 2021 and $0.7 million as of April 30, 2020.

Derivative Instruments and He_2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2021USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2021EUR (€)	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Total debt outstanding	$ 960,741		$ 960,741			$ 775,025
Unamortized debt issuance costs	600		600
Variable rate loans outstanding	961,300		961,300
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Notional amount of derivative liability	300,000		300,000			300,000
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Net gain (losses) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	(1,000)	$ 100	(2,800)	$ 600
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Assets fair value of derivative instrument	6,500		6,500			$ 8,300
Forward Exchange Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Open derivative contract	$ 38,800		$ 38,800		€ 32

Capital Stock and Changes in _3

Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts, Share Repurchases (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Class A [Member]
Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Shares repurchased (in shares)	146	205	146	757
Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 48.09	$ 48.69	$ 48.09	$ 46.22
Class B [Member]
Share Repurchases [Abstract]
Shares repurchased (in shares)	1	0	1	0
Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 48.09	$ 48.69	$ 48.09	$ 46.22

Capital Stock and Changes in _4

Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts, Dividends (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 13, 2021	Oct. 21, 2020	Jul. 22, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Total Dividend						$ 57,802	$ 57,632
Class A [Member]
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Quarterly Cash Dividend (in dollars per share)				$ 0.3425	$ 0.34	$ 1.0275	$ 1.02
Class B [Member]
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Quarterly Cash Dividend (in dollars per share)				$ 0.3425	$ 0.34	$ 1.0275	$ 1.02
Dividend Declared in Q1 2021 [Member] | Class A [Member]
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Date of Declaration by Board of Directors						Jun. 25, 2020
Quarterly Cash Dividend (in dollars per share)						$ 0.3425
Total Dividend			$ 19,200
Dividend Paid Date						Jul. 22, 2020
Shareholders of Record as of Date						Jul. 7, 2020
Dividend Declared in Q1 2021 [Member] | Class B [Member]
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Date of Declaration by Board of Directors						Jun. 25, 2020
Quarterly Cash Dividend (in dollars per share)						$ 0.3425
Total Dividend			$ 19,200
Dividend Paid Date						Jul. 22, 2020
Shareholders of Record as of Date						Jul. 7, 2020
Dividend Declared in Q2 2021 [Member] | Class A [Member]
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Date of Declaration by Board of Directors						Sep. 23, 2020
Quarterly Cash Dividend (in dollars per share)						$ 0.3425
Total Dividend		$ 19,200
Dividend Paid Date						Oct. 21, 2020
Shareholders of Record as of Date						Oct. 6, 2020
Dividend Declared in Q2 2021 [Member] | Class B [Member]
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Date of Declaration by Board of Directors						Sep. 23, 2020
Quarterly Cash Dividend (in dollars per share)						$ 0.3425
Total Dividend		$ 19,200
Dividend Paid Date						Oct. 21, 2020
Shareholders of Record as of Date						Oct. 6, 2020
Dividend Declared in Q3 2021 [Member] | Class A [Member]
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Date of Declaration by Board of Directors						Dec. 16, 2020
Quarterly Cash Dividend (in dollars per share)						$ 0.3425
Total Dividend	$ 19,200
Dividend Paid Date						Jan. 13, 2021
Shareholders of Record as of Date						Dec. 30, 2020
Dividend Declared in Q3 2021 [Member] | Class B [Member]
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Date of Declaration by Board of Directors						Dec. 16, 2020
Quarterly Cash Dividend (in dollars per share)						$ 0.3425
Total Dividend	$ 19,200
Dividend Paid Date						Jan. 13, 2021
Shareholders of Record as of Date						Dec. 30, 2020

Capital Stock and Changes in _5

Capital Stock and Changes in Capital Accounts, Changes in Common Stock (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021	Jan. 31, 2020
Class A [Member]
Changes in Common Stock [Abstract]
Number of shares, beginning of year (in shares)	70,166	70,127
Common stock class conversions (in shares)	42	29
Number of shares issued, end of period (in shares)	70,208	70,156
Changes in Common Stock in Treasury [Abstract]
Number of shares held, beginning of year (in shares)	23,405	22,634
Purchase of treasury shares (in shares)	146	757
Shares issued under the Director Stock Plan to Directors (in shares)	(6)	0
Restricted shares, forfeited (in shares)	0	1
Restricted shares issued from exercise of stock options (in shares)	(33)	(34)
Shares withheld for taxes (in shares)	70	63
Number of shares held, end of period (in shares)	23,394	23,224
Number of Common Stock outstanding, end of period (in shares)	46,814	46,932
Class A [Member] | Non-PSU Awards [Member]
Changes in Common Stock in Treasury [Abstract]
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans (in shares)	(100)	(154)
Class A [Member] | PSU Awards [Member]
Changes in Common Stock in Treasury [Abstract]
Restricted shares issued under stock-based compensation plans (in shares)	(88)	(43)
Class B [Member]
Changes in Common Stock [Abstract]
Number of shares, beginning of year (in shares)	13,016	13,055
Common stock class conversions (in shares)	(42)	(29)
Number of shares issued, end of period (in shares)	12,974	13,026
Changes in Common Stock in Treasury [Abstract]
Number of shares held, beginning of year (in shares)	3,920	3,918
Purchase of treasury shares (in shares)	1	0
Number of shares held, end of period (in shares)	3,921	3,918
Number of Common Stock outstanding, end of period (in shares)	9,053	9,108